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Perched atop the rocky hill of Prophet Elijah (Profitis Ilias) near Smari, at an elevation of 590 meters, lie the remnants of a fortress surrounded by a robust defensive wall. This location offers sweeping views over the fertile plains of Kasteli and Smari. Archaeologist Hadji-Vallianou believes this fortress to be the site of ancient Lyttos mentioned by Homer. The city was continuously inhabited from 1800 BC to 630 BC before being deserted by its residents.
Inside the city walls, three oblong structures can be found, and a sanctuary of Athena Ergani was identified on the northern side, confirmed by ceramic plates depicting the goddess Athena. These plates are considered the oldest representations of Athena in Crete. A settlement was constructed around the peak, enclosed within a secondary wall. A stone-paved street connects the village to the citadel. Large buildings, likely used as warehouses and workshops, were located outside the second wall.
The terraces outside the citadel are also fascinating, as they demonstrate how the city’s inhabitants managed to preserve the minimal soil in the area and cultivate wheat. Furthermore, the city’s development in such a rugged and rocky location would not have been possible without the presence of the water spring now found inside the Prophet Elijah church, situated just a few meters below the peak.
Get directions to Smari Citadel (Acropolis Smari)
Find below the list of hotels near Smari Citadel (Acropolis Smari):
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 air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Villa Magnolia – Smari Cozy Getaway is located in Smárion. This holiday home is 26 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum and 27 km from Venetian Walls.
With free WiFi, this holiday home provides a TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with a dishwasher and oven. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 16 km from the holiday home, while The Palace of Knossos is 19 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 20 km from Villa Magnolia – Smari Cozy Getaway.
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
Crete Golf Club Hotel is situated at The Crete Golf Club, an 18-hole Championship course in Hersonissos, 1.8 km from Aquaworld Aquarium and features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. 2 km from Labyrinth Park, the hotel features a fitness centre and a garden. The restaurant serves European cuisine.
All units in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV. Rooms have a private bathroom with a bath, private ultra high speed WiFi, free toiletries and a hairdryer. The rooms at Crete Golf Club Hotel come with a seating area.
A à la carte breakfast is available daily at the property.
Staff at the 24-hour front desk can provide guidance on what to do in the area.
Water City is 2.2 km from the accommodation. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport.
from
€281
/night
Village Heights Resort is situated in Hersonissos, just a step away from the Crete Golf club. It’s a relaxing getaway that features a spa centre with fitness area, sauna, hot tub, hammam, 2 outdoor pools, an indoor heated pool and 2 kids’ pools. Free WiFi access is available throughout the property.
In true traditional Cretan Village style, all studios, apartments and villas come with panoramic views of the stunning countryside and the sea. They also feature a satellite TV and DVD player, a fully equipped kitchen and coffee machine. Each unit features a private bathroom with a bath, a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Guests can enjoy Cretan and international dishes at the on-site restaurants and poolside snack bar, while a range of refreshments, coffee and alcoholic drinks can be enjoyed at the pool bar.
On-site sports facilities include a tennis court, a mini golf and a volleyball court. Kids facilities include a mini club with a playground, a games room and table tennis. For family fun, the Crete Aquarium and the Labyrinth are at close proximity. Other on-site facilities include a mini market and a library.
The property can make arrangements for car hire, while daily shuttle from/to Hersonissos is also provided. The nearest airport is Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, 17 km from Village Heights Resort.
from
€68
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, PENEMA VILLA is situated in Hersonissos. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa with a terrace and garden views has 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a kitchenware, and 1 bathroom with an a bath or shower.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 12 km from the villa, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 26 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 20 km from PENEMA VILLA.
from
€316
/night
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