Psira Islet Archaeological site

Psira is a tiny uninhabited islet situated 1 mile north of Tholos beach, at the northeastern edge of the Gulf of Mirabello. A Minoan settlement spanning 15-20 acres has been discovered on Psira, making it one of the most significant sites in Crete. The name Psira translates to louse in Greek, inspired by the island’s shape, which resembles the insect. Interestingly, there is a small island nearby called Konida (meaning nits – lice eggs) and another islet in Mochlos named Psilos (meaning flea)!

The primary attraction of Psira is the ruins of the small Minoan town of Tholaria, which thrived between 1700BC-1450BC on a small peninsula on the south coast. Despite its modest size, the town was home to wealthy merchant, craftsman, fisherman, and sailor families who maintained connections with the Mediterranean. It is likely they were involved in trading purple dye, similar to the Isle of Lefki.

The initial excavations at Psira were conducted by a team led by American archaeologist Richard Seager in 1908. The archaeological site included houses, a square, a temple, a cemetery, but no palace was discovered. The valuable findings uncovered suggest that the inhabitants of Psira were affluent. Notable discoveries include a jar adorned with cattle heads and olive branches, and a mural depicting two Minoan women in conversation, wearing impressive dresses. Additionally, several ancient shipwrecks surround Psira, attracting many divers searching for antiquities (albeit illegally).