Ancient Aptera
Άπτερα
Ruins of an ancient Greek and Roman city on the heights above Souda Bay, featuring a theatre, a massive Roman cistern and a Turkish fortress, with sweeping views of the bay.
Aptera was founded around the 8th century BC, flourished in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, and declined after an earthquake in the 7th century AD. The site includes a small ancient theatre, a three-aisled Roman underground cistern, bath complex and medieval monastery. On the edge stands the 19th-century Turkish Koules Fortress, which overlooks Souda Bay and the White Mountains. Few visitors come, and entry costs about €6. It is about 15 km from Chania and requires a car or taxi; go early in summer.
Opening hours
About 08:00-19:00 (winter 08:30-15:30; may close Tuesdays)
Nearby sights
- Marathi Beach
- Agia Triada Tzagarolon Monastery
- Seitan Limania
- Venizelos Graves
- Archaeological Museum of Chania
- Gouverneto Monastery & Katholiko
- Municipal Market of Chania
- Chania Old Venetian Harbour