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Ancient Lyktos, also known as Littos, can be found near the settlement of Xidas. This city was one of the most powerful in ancient Crete, a perpetual rival of Knossos, and it controlled the port of Hersonissos. Many ancient historians have written about Lyktos, mentioning that it was the oldest city in Crete, well-organized and constructed, and the place where Rhea’s parents advised her to give birth to Zeus.
Lyktos was a colony of the Lacedaemonians, and the deity Karnian Apollo was worshiped here. The city participated in the Trojan War, during which the leader of the Lyktaeans, Kiranos, sacrificed himself to save Idomeneus from Hector’s spear.
Lyktos held dominance over Eastern Crete and was in continuous conflict with its archenemy, Knossos. In 343 BC, Knossos occupied Lyktos, but the Spartans assisted the Lyktaeans in regaining their city. However, in 220 BC, while Lyktos was at war with Ierapytna, Knossos invaded the unguarded city, destroyed it completely, and captured the women. The returning Lyktaeans were too afraid to enter the city and instead sought refuge in Lappa (present-day Argiroupolis). This event led to the formation of an alliance against Knossos and the beginning of the First Cretan War.
With Sparta’s help, Lyktos was rebuilt and once again became one of Crete’s strongest cities. During the Roman period, the city fiercely resisted the Roman general Metellus, who eventually occupied it. Statues of Marcus Aurelius and Trajan from Lyktos can be found in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
To supply water to Lyktos, water from the Kournia spring, located between Kera and Krassi, was transported to the city via a massive aqueduct. A portion of this aqueduct still stands north of Kostamonitsa village, resembling a wall (tihos).
The emblem of Lyktos coins featured an eagle with open wings and the head of a wild boar, accompanied by the word ΛΥΤΤΙΩΝ (Lyktaeans). Numerous artifacts have been discovered, including sculptures and two inscriptions of the city’s laws written in boustrophedon (alternating text direction per line).
Get directions to Ancient Lyktos
Find below the list of hotels near Ancient Lyktos:
Located in Kastamonitsa Village of Heraklion, the stone-built Metohi Nature Living features an outdoor pool surrounded by a blossomed sun terrace overlooking the mountains and the countryside. It includes a snack bar, a common living room with fireplace, and offers free Wi-Fi throughout.
Fitted with stone walls, arches and traditional furnishings, the rooms of Metohi have a seating area. Each is equipped with a TV, a fridge and a private bathroom with hairdryer and free toiletries. All units enjoy views over the pool, the garden and the mountains, while some also feature a fireplace.
Breakfast and other meals can be requested and served on the communal terrace, in the units or in the common living room by the fireplace. Free BBQ facilities are available on site, while traditional local appetizers can be enjoyed at the on-site snack bar.
The 24-hour front desk can provide information on nature walks and other activities. Metohi Nature Living is situated 20 km from the lively Malia and 45 km from Heraklion city. Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport is 47 km away. Hersonissos is 15 km away. Free public parking is available nearby.
from
€175
/night
Featuring garden views, THE AA VILLA: Your Interactive Home Experience! offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 30 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos. It features an infinity pool, a garden, pool views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment comes with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The apartment offers a picnic area. A car rental service is available at THE AA VILLA: Your Interactive Home Experience!, while diving and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
The Palace of Knossos is 32 km from the accommodation, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 45 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 38 km from THE AA VILLA: Your Interactive Home Experience!.
from
€243
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Villa Zenovia is situated in Heraklio Town. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with garden views.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 21 km from the villa, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 36 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 29 km from Villa Zenovia.
from
€238
/night
Featuring pool views, Villa AnnaMaria features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 25 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos. This villa features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa is equipped with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views. The air-conditioned villa also provides a seating area, washing machine and 3 bathrooms with a bath and a shower.
The villa offers a picnic area. If you would like to discover the area, fishing and hiking are possible in the surroundings.
The Palace of Knossos is 27 km from Villa AnnaMaria, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 39 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 33 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€298
/night
Featuring garden views, Mylopetra Traditional House provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 34 km from The Palace of Knossos. The air-conditioned accommodation is 31 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos, and guests benefit from private parking available on site and free WiFi.
The villa is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The villa offers an outdoor fireplace. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Mylopetra Traditional House.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 45 km from the accommodation, while Venetian Walls is 46 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 39 km from Mylopetra Traditional House, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Located in Avdou, 24 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos and 39 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Kagiampakis Concept Residences I provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With quiet street views, this accommodation offers a patio.
The apartment comes with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Venetian Walls is 40 km from the apartment, while The Palace of Knossos is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 32 km from Kagiampakis Concept Residences I.
from
€151
/night
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