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The ancient Lato ruins can be found roughly 3km north of Kritsa, spread across two hills at an elevation of 380m. The site offers breathtaking views of Mirabello Bay. Lato’s name comes from the Dorian pronunciation of the goddess Leto, who was likely worshiped in this area. However, the city’s patron deity was Eileithyia, the goddess of childbirth, who is featured on Lato’s coins. Notably, Lato was the birthplace of Nearchus (360 to 312 BC), the admiral of Alexander the Great. Nearchus’ father, Androtimos, ruled Lato before moving to Macedonia and becoming an advisor to King Philip II. As a child, Nearchus followed his father and grew up with his friend Alexander, even having Aristotle as a tutor.
Although the town existed during the Minoan period, it truly thrived after the Dorian invasion. It remained inhabited until the Roman era, when it began to decline. Lato was one of the strongest cities in Crete, as evidenced by the surviving inscriptions of agreements with other towns. Lato’s port was situated at the site of present-day Agios Nikolaos and was called Kamara. In the 3rd-2nd century BC, Kamara surpassed its mother-town Lato in prominence, similar to many other seaside locations in Crete due to the growth of maritime trade.
Today, Lato is a popular archaeological site known for being the best-preserved town from the classical – Hellenistic period in Crete and one of the most complete in Greece. Visitors can explore the fortifications, market, prytaneum, small theater, temples, public buildings, cisterns, and more.
Get directions to Ancient Lato
Find below the list of hotels near Ancient Lato:
Situated in Kritsá, 10 km from Lake Voulismeni and 10 km from Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa), Casa Villaggio Kritsa features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. This apartment is 11 km from Agios Nikolaos Port and 38 km from Lixnostatis Folk Museum.
The 2-bedroom apartment features a living room with a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with oven and microwave, and 1 bathroom with a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
Aquaworld Aquarium is 40 km from the apartment, while Labyrinth Park is 44 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 61 km from Casa Villaggio Kritsa.
Situated in Kritsá, 10 km from Lake Voulismeni and 9.2 km from Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa), Philoxenia Luxury Apartment features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. The property has quiet street views and is 10 km from Agios Nikolaos Port and 38 km from Lixnostatis Folk Museum.
The holiday home has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
Aquaworld Aquarium is 41 km from the holiday home, while Labyrinth Park is 44 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 61 km from Philoxenia Luxury Apartment.
from
€111
/night
Situated in Agios Nikolaos and only 4.4 km from Lake Voulismeni, Villa Anatolli hill features accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. The property was built in 2015 and features air-conditioned accommodation with a patio.
The country house with a balcony and sea views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchenette with an oven and a fridge, and 1 bathroom with a bath. Towels and bed linen are available in the country house.
The country house offers a picnic area. Barbecue facilities are provided and guests can also relax in the garden or on the sun terrace.
Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 4 km from Villa Anatolli hill, while Agios Nikolaos Port is 5.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 60 km from the accommodation.
from
€135
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, pool view and a patio, Amina villa is set in Agios Nikolaos. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa is fitted with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
At the villa guests are welcome to take advantage of a fitness room. Guests at Amina villa can enjoy fishing and hiking nearby, or make the most of the garden.
Lake Voulismeni is 3.6 km from the accommodation, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 3.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 59 km from Amina villa.
from
€164
/night
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Olivia Suite is located in Agios Nikolaos. It features a garden, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The apartment offers a hot tub. A car rental service is available at Olivia Suite.
Almiros Beach is 2.6 km from the accommodation, while Ammos Beach is 2.9 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 59 km from Olivia Suite.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, La Casa di Pietra Villas is situated in Agios Nikolaos. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa has 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Almiros Beach is 2.3 km from the villa, while Ammos Beach is 2.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 59 km from La Casa di Pietra Villas.
from
€419
/night
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