Archaeological Site of Gournia

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The archaeological site of Gournia can be found on a hill to the west of Pachia Ammos, near the road that connects Agios Nikolaos to Ierapetra, approximately 19km east of Agios Nikolaos. This city, which thrived during the Minoan period, is regarded as the most comprehensively excavated Minoan town on Crete. Due to its excellent preservation, it has been dubbed the “Pompeii of Crete“. The excavation of Gournia was carried out by an American Archaeology Group, led by Harriet Boyd, between 1901 and 1904.

The city seems to have prospered between 1550-1450BC, before being destroyed by an earthquake in 1450BC and ultimately abandoned around 1200BC. Its true name remains unknown, with the name Gournia being derived from the stone and wooden bowls – basins (urns) that were discovered at the archaeological site prior to the excavations.

Visitors can enjoy strolling along the paved streets of the archaeological site and getting a sense of what a small Minoan town was like. Excavations have uncovered houses, walls, stairs leading to second floors, storage rooms, and workshops. The discovery of various tools (such as chisels, hooks, hammers, and pots) helps us to envision the daily life of the Minoans. Notably, there was also a sewerage system in place.

At the summit of the hill, a small palace has been discovered, along with a large courtyard (believed to be the market), a primitive theater, and a temple dedicated to the goddess of snakes. The cemetery of Gournia was found in the Sfougaras area, quite close to the beaches of Kamini.

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    • 10 / 10
    • Beste Hanglage an der Ortschaft Pachia Ammos in Ostkreta

    Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, mountain view and a patio, Außergewönliche Private Villa Meer, Berge, Pool Ostkreta is set in Pachia Ammos. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.

    The villa with a terrace and sea views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.

    The villa offers an outdoor fireplace. Guests at Außergewönliche Private Villa Meer, Berge, Pool Ostkreta can enjoy fishing nearby, or make the most of the garden.

    Lake Voulismeni is 20 km from the accommodation, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 20 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 45 km from Außergewönliche Private Villa Meer, Berge, Pool Ostkreta.

      • 1.0 km
      • 9 / 10
      • Ethniki Odos Agiou Nikolaou Sitias

      Situated in Pachia Ammos and only 20 km from Lake Voulismeni, Thronos Aqua Appartment 1 features accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. The property has mountain and pool views, and is 20 km from Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa).

      Boasting a Nintendo Wii, the apartment has a kitchen with an oven, a toaster and a fridge, a living room, a dining area, 2 bedrooms, and 1 bathroom with a shower. A flat-screen TV is available.

      The apartment offers a terrace. Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool at Thronos Aqua Appartment 1.

      Agios Nikolaos Port is 21 km from the accommodation. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 44 km from Thronos Aqua Appartment 1.

      from

      €113

      /night

        • 1.4 km
        • 9.4 / 10
        • Main Street

        Situated on a hillside with views over the beautiful Istron Bay or located at the entrance of Istron village, Istron Luxury Villas offers stylish accommodation with private swimming pool, free WiFi access and private parking. The beach lies within a short walk from the main property.

        The fully equipped villas are elegantly furnished and decorated, creating a homely atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in the private swimming pool, or soak up the sun on the terrace overlooking the sea. Some units are split level and some include a spa bath, while all villas include a microwave, a dishwasher and a flat screen satellite TV with DVD player.

        Homemade Greek flavours can be enjoyed at the elegant setting of the on-site restaurant for lunch or dinner. Access to the facilities of the nearby Istron Bay Hotel, including a flood-lit court, a kid’s club and a number of bars and restaurants, is also provided to guests.

        The centre of Istron Village lies within 700 metres from the property, while Agios Nikolaos Town is at a distance of 13 km. Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport is 72 km away.

        from

        €266

        /night

          • 3.7 km
          • 8.9 / 10
          • Istron

          Just 80 metres from the beach, Istron Collection Villas offers modern Mediterranean villas with unobstructed sea views. The private seawater swimming pools are complete with sun chairs and loungers.

          Istron Collection Villas come with an open-plan kitchen with dining area, and large windows with mosquito nets. The two-bedroom and three-bedroom villas feature an elegant living room with fireplace. Amenities include Wi-Fi Internet, satellite TV, home cinema and hi-fi equipment.

          Guests can relax in their private terrace with a direct view to the bay. Table and chairs for open-air dining are featured.

          Wine, water and fresh fruits will welcome you on arrival. Laundry and ironing service are available upon request. Personalised services include massage appointments and shopping service.

          from

          €216

          /night

            • 3.8 km
            • 9 / 10
            • Ethniki Odos Agiou Nikolaou Sitias

            Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Spacious villa with private pool and sea view, just 150 meters from the sea is situated in Istron. It has a garden, pool views and free WiFithroughout the property.

            The villa features 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a TV with satellite channels, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.

            A car rental service is available at the villa.

            Popular points of interest near Spacious villa with private pool and sea view, just 150 meters from the sea include Pylos Beach, Istro Beach and Chartalami Kolibou Beach. The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 51 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

              • 4.0 km
              • 9.2 / 10
              • Istron

              With an outdoor pool overlooking the Cretan Sea, Kounenos Apartments offers self-catered accommodation with a wonderful view over the bay. It is situated on the hill of Istron-Kalo Chorio, 300 metres from the beach.

              Surrounded by a large garden and olive groves, each guest accommodation has a fully equipped kitchenette. Furnished in typical Cretan style, all units feature round wooden tables, stone floors and stone-built beds. Wi-Fi is free in the entire property.

              Kounenos Apartments is approximately 900 metres from the village centre. Agios Nikolaos is some 11 km away. Free private parking is available, and guests can hire a car on site.

              Other free services include: at Voulisma beach our guests can relax at our privately owned beachfront space, equipped with comfortable deck chairs and umbrellas, and also park their cars in the adjacent privately owned area

              from

              €82

              /night

                • 4.0 km

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