Ancient Lato
Λατώ
A Dorian ancient city on the north ridge above Kritsa, with stone stairways and a central square overlooking Mirabello Bay.
Lato is a hill town founded by the Dorians in the 7th century BC. It sits on a saddle between two hills and preserves stone staircases, a marketplace, the Prytaneion (council hall), temples, and house foundations. It is one of the best-preserved classical-era cities in Crete. From the high points of the site, you can see Agios Nikolaos and Mirabello Bay. Admission is about €3. The site is closed on Tuesdays, and opening hours vary by season. It lies about 3 km from Kritsa, roughly a 10-minute drive, and there is no public bus, so it can be paired with Panagia Kera Church.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:30–15:30; closed Tue (may extend in summer)
Nearby sights
- Kritsa Gorge
- Kritsa & Panagia Kera
- Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos
- Agios Nikolaos
- Almyros Beach
- Voulisma Beach (Istron)
- Elounda
- Olous