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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).
Get directions to Psira Islet Archaeological site
Find below the list of hotels near Psira Islet Archaeological site:
Amongst olive trees, 70 metres from the beach of Mochlos, Limenaria offers air-conditioned apartments with free Wi-Fi. Each has a furnished veranda with panoramic views of the Cretan Sea. The village centre is at 500 metres.
A kitchenette with cooking hobs, oven and fridge is included in all units at the Limenaria Apartments. Each comes with a seating and dining area and a satellite TV. A private bathroom with shower and hairdryer is provided.
Guests can relax in the garden that features swings. Outdoor showers are also available.
Shops and taverns serving Cretan specialities are within 500 metres of the property. Ierapetra Town is at 30 km and Siteia is 35 km away. The multilingual staff can arrange car rental and free private parking is possible on site.
Boasting mountain views, East Crete Villa Mirabello features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 1.2 km from Tholos Beach. This villa features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 3 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.
Lake Voulismeni is 30 km from the villa, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 30 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 39 km from East Crete Villa Mirabello.
from
€94
/night
Featuring mountain views, Villa Maistro provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 700 metres from Mochlos Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
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 bath. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Lake Voulismeni is 37 km from the villa, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 36 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 29 km from Villa Maistro.
Boasting mountain views, Villa Achilleas Crete provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 1.2 km from Tholos Beach. This villa features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 3 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. The air-conditioned villa also offers a seating area, washing machine and 3 bathrooms with a hair dryer.
Staff at the villa are always available to provide information at the reception.
Villa Achilleas Crete offers a hot tub. If you would like to discover the area, cycling, canoeing and hiking are possible in the surroundings.
Lake Voulismeni is 30 km from the accommodation, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 30 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 39 km from Villa Achilleas Crete.
from
€374
/night
Nuez Villas has pool views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Mochlos, 600 metres from Mochlos Beach.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and bathrobes. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Nuez Villas offers a picnic area.
Guests can swim in the infinity pool, go cycling or pub crawls or relax in the garden.
Lake Voulismeni is 37 km from the accommodation, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 36 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 29 km from Nuez Villas.
from
€62
/night
Boasting mountain views, Filia Studio offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 100 metres from Mochlos Beach. It has a terrace, sea views and free WiFithroughout the property.
This air-conditioned apartment is fitted with 1 bedroom, a TV, a dining area, and a kitchen with a microwave and a fridge. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
Lake Voulismeni is 36 km from the apartment, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 36 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 28 km from Filia Studio.
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