These images are powered by
The ancient city of Itanos was a powerful city in Crete, particularly during the Hellenistic and Greco-Roman periods. The name Itanos comes from its founder, who originated from Phoenicia. At its peak, the city’s territory extended from Cape Samonio (now known as Cape Sidero) to Cape Erythrae (present-day Cape Goudouras). The city prospered due to the trade of glass, fishing, and Tyrian purple, a red dye derived from shell extracts. Koufonissi Island, owned by Itanos, was renowned for its purple production. Additionally, Palekastro was home to the temple of Diktaean Zeus, which brought significant profits to the region. The city was situated near the famous palm grove of Vai in East Crete.
Itanos’ power was evident in its impressive marble buildings, temples dedicated to Asclepius, Zeus, Tyche, Athena, and its own currency featuring the face of its protector, Athena. The city was a major rival of Praesus (near today’s Nea Presos) and Ierapytna (now Ierapetra). The primary point of contention was the majestic Temple of Diktaean Zeus and Koufonissi. Praesus managed to incorporate the Temple of Zeus into its territory, but Itanos regained it in 150 BC with the assistance of its Egyptian allies. A relevant inscription can still be seen on the wall of the Toplou Monastery, located a few miles to the west. After four years, the impoverished Praesus was destroyed by Ierapytna, leaving only Itanos and Ierapytna as the main players. As a result, disputes over the temple of Zeus and Koufonissi quickly escalated. Itanos began to decline in 795 AC due to an earthquake causing land subsidence, and it was further damaged by an Arab attack in the 9th century. However, even during this period, Itanos survived, as evidenced by its grand Christian churches. The city was not abandoned until the 15th century when repeated Arab raids forced its inhabitants to leave the coastal areas. It is believed that the residents founded the present-day village of Sitanos, near Nea Presos and Karydi, in the Zakros mountains.
Today, visitors can explore the archaeological site and admire various ruins such as the large tower on the western acropolis built with black stones, the grand Christian church in the eastern citadel of the Hellenistic settlement, the two Early Christian churches at the base of the hill leading to Vai, and the cemetery outside the town.
Get directions to Ancient Naxos at Oxa
Find below the list of hotels near Ancient Naxos at Oxa:
Enjoying a privileged location on the slopes of Elounda Bay, Villa Maria is located less than a 5 minutes drive and a 20 minutes walk to the cosmopolitan Elounda Village and its sandy beaches. Free WiFi is available throughout.
Featuring views of the mountains or the sea, the property is surrounded by olive trees and lush gardens. Villa Maria consists of a living room with sofas, a seating area, a fireplace and a kitchen equipped with a fridge. There are 3 bedrooms, 2 bedrooms are with double beds and the other one has 2 single beds. 4 air-conditioning units are available at the property. Free toiletries and a hairdryer are available in the bathroom.
The property features BBQ facilities and a traditional wood oven.
Heraklion International Airport is 50 km away.
Featuring garden views, Casa Kaneli Luxury Villa Elounda provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 2.7 km from Skisma Beach. The air-conditioned accommodation is 2.5 km from Elounda Beach, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.
The villa with a terrace and sea views features 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the villa.
Lake Voulismeni is 8.7 km from Casa Kaneli Luxury Villa Elounda, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 10 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 63 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€118
/night
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, sea view and a terrace, Villa Panorama is set in Elliniká. The accommodation is 2.6 km from the Elounda Beach and features free WiFithroughout the property.
There is a dining area and a kitchen complete with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave.
Skisma Beach is 2.7 km from the villa, while Lake Voulismeni is 8.4 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 62 km from Villa Panorama.
from
€335
/night
Located in Elounda in the Lasithi region and Elounda Beach reachable within 2.7 km, Anemos Elounda Villas provides accommodation with free WiFi, a children’s playground, an infinity pool and free private parking.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with bath and a hair dryer. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Anemos Elounda Villas offers a picnic area.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the accommodation.
Skisma Beach is 2.8 km from Anemos Elounda Villas, while Lake Voulismeni is 8.5 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 62 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Set in Elounda and only 10 km from Lake Voulismeni, Elounda Buena Vista offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This holiday home provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The holiday home comes with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The holiday home offers a picnic area. Guests can also relax in the garden.
Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 11 km from Elounda Buena Vista, while Agios Nikolaos Port is 13 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 64 km from the accommodation.
Located in Elounda and only 10 km from Lake Voulismeni, Elounda Blue Waves Residence provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This holiday home features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The holiday home with a terrace and sea views features 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a bath. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.
Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 11 km from the holiday home, while Agios Nikolaos Port is 12 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 64 km from Elounda Blue Waves Residence, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€179
/night
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
