Ancient Lissos

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Place description

Ancient Lissos (Lisos) served as the seaport for Elyros and was situated in a small valley between ancient Syia (present-day Sougia) and Paleochora. The town thrived from the Hellenistic period until the 9th century when it was destroyed by the Saracens. Numerous statues and coins from Lissos have been discovered, indicating its status as one of the most powerful towns in Crete.

Lissos was renowned for its Asclepion, where patients from across the island came to be healed by the thermal baths. The mosaic floors of the temple of Asclepius, adorned with animal and geometric shapes, can still be seen despite being destroyed by an earthquake. Inscriptions of laws and resolutions are also visible on the walls. The most significant statues, including those of the Goddess of Health (Hygeia), Asclepius, and Pluto, can be found at the Archaeological Museum of Chania. Numerous marble statues of children were also discovered.

Exploring the valley of Lissos is an impressive experience, as the area is scattered with ancient ruins such as pillars, building bases, and marble fragments. The Roman necropolis with vaulted tombs, the ruins of the Roman theater (odeon), and the baths near the spring used in Asklepion therapies can be seen. Additionally, the ancient pier, raised after the 365 AD earthquake, and a building called Customs above the beach are also present.

Close to the ancient port and the pebble beach of Lissos, the church of Panagia is located, built on the site of an early Christian church (4th-5th century AD) with architectural parts embedded in its walls. Near the odeon is the church of Saint Kirikos, which celebrates on July 15. Dozens of pilgrims arrive at Lissos and stay overnight to participate in the feast. A few meters to the north is another church of Panagia. Lissos can be accessed via the E4 path from Paleochora, through the gorge of Lissos which starts from Sougia, by boat from Sougia or Paleochora that drops you off at the beautiful beach of Agios Kirkos, or through a dirt road from Prodromi.

Place Category

  • Archaeological Sites

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    Stays near Ancient Lissos

    Find below the list of hotels near Ancient Lissos:

    • 9 / 10
    • Sougia

    Located within 300 metres from Sougia Beach, Galini offers accommodation with furnished balconies overlooking the Lefka Ori mountain range. Rooms are equipped with fridge and a TV.

    Studios and Apartments Galini feature air-conditioned units with coffee-making facilities. Most accommodation types include kitchenettes. Room cleaning is provided daily.

    Family-run Galini Studios & Apartments offer free Wi-Fi access in all studios and apartments. There are barbecue facilities in the garden as well as a common kitchen. Free private parking is possible on site.

    The scenic Sougia village is located by the Libyan sea, about 70 km from the city of Chania. There are many tavernas and shops for everyday necessities. Samaria Gorge and Agia Irini Gorge are easily accessible by boat.

      • 2.3 km
      • 9.2 / 10
      • Sougia

      Situated just 200 metres from the beach of Sougia, 3-star Syia Hotel offers self-catering rooms with private balcony. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the hotel.

      Syia open-plan studios and two-room apartments are bright and very spacious. They include a well-equipped kitchenette with coffee maker, toaster and fridge. Climate control, a satellite TV and a hairdryer are included.

      Guests can start their day with the breakfast served at the property’s dining area. They can also enjoy a drink from the bar either at the lounge area or at the furnished terrace overlooking the Libyan Sea.

      Syia serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the beaches of South Crete, such as Palaiochora located a 30-minute drive away. Free on-site parking is possible.

      from

      €97

      /night

        • 2.3 km
        • 9.9 / 10
        • Prodromi

        Featuring a sun terrace, Archon Villa is a detached holiday home situated in Palaiochóra. The air-conditioned unit is 36 km from Chania Town.

        A dishwasher and an oven can be found in the kitchen and there is a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hair dryer. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels and DVD player is offered. Other facilities at Archon Villa include a swimming pool.

        Chania International Airport is 46 km away.

          • 3.5 km
          • 9.4 / 10
          • Eparchiaki Odos Chanion - Sougias

          Located in Sougia, 33 km from Samaria Gorge, Monastery Estate Retreat provides accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, room service and a concierge service, along with free WiFi. The property is allergy-free and is set 46 km from Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete.

          The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a shower. All rooms come with a kettle, while some rooms are equipped with a patio and others also offer pool views. At Monastery Estate Retreat each room is equipped with bed linen and towels.

          A continental breakfast is available daily at the accommodation.

          Monastery Estate Retreat offers 3-star accommodation with a sauna and spa centre.

          The nearest airport is Chania International, 68 km from the hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

            • 5.3 km
            • 9.4 / 10
            • Moni Selinou

            Built of stone and wood, Monastery Estate is located in the traditional Moni Village of Chania, within 4.5 km from Sougia Beach. It offers self-catering accommodation with fireplace, free Wi-Fi and a patio overlooking the mountain range of Lefka Ori.

            Fitted with wooden floors and beamed ceilings, the apartments of Monastery combine modern and traditional elements. Each air-conditioned unit features a seating and a dining area and a well-equipped kitchen. The stone-built bathroom comes with shower and a hairdryer.

            Restaurants and mini markets can be found at Sougia Village, within 4.5 km from Monastery Estate. The famous Agia Eirini Gorge is at 13 km, while the seaside Paleochora is 28 km away. Free private parking is possible on site.

              • 5.3 km
              • 9.5 / 10
              • Anidri-Plaka

              Located in the mountainous Anidri Village, Christos Place-Anidri offers luxury self catering cottages with panoramic views over the Libyan Sea, the mountain and the surrounding area. It provides free WiFi throughout and lies within 5 km of the beach.

              Opening to spacious terraces with sun loungers, the cottages of Christos are fitted with beamed ceilings, wooden or tiled floors. underfloor heating and well-chosen furnishings. Each unit has a seating area and a well-equipped kitchenette with 2 hobs, dining area, fridge and microwave. Facilities also include air conditioning and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. A welcome package is provided containing family-produced olive oil, raki, vinegar, filter coffee, mountain tea, sugar, salt and pepper.

              Private boat tours can be organized at extra charge, upon request. Free on-site parking is possible.

              Guests will find a traditional tavern within 400 metres from the property. Paleochora Town and Paleochora Port, connecting to Gavdos, Elafonissi and Hora Sfakion, are located 5.5 km away. Chania Town is at a distance of 72 km.

              from

              €88

              /night

                • 5.9 km

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