Aptera archaeological site is overlooked which means that is not that touristy. That is because it’s not as famous as Knossos or Malia, for example. And because only a history geek will search and read about it and then go visit it 😊.

It is located a few kms away from Chania, on the way to Rethymno. There are road signs pointing to it (look for the brown ones, as it’s a cultural site), but you will have to exit the VOAK to get there. The road is in good conditions and you will pass through villages where you feel like time stands still.

Aptera dates back to… you guessed, the Minoan period. And it was an important city from the Minoan to the Hellenistic period. In Greek mythology, it is said that this was the place where the sirens and the Muses had a competition (the sirens lost, btw). In the 3rd century BC it was at war with Kydonia (nowadays Chania) and the city was destroyed by an earthquake in the 7thcentury AD. 

Today its ruins still stand, the most important being the Amphitheater,

 the Roman Cistern (L shaped),

 the Roman baths, the small fortress (which can be seen on top of the hill), the old paved road, 

the monks’ cells and the church (which has been built in the 12th century AD).

Expect to spend some time here, around 50 mins to 1h. It’s in the middle of the nature, secluded and it offers breathtaking views over Souda Bay – to the north and of Lefka Ora (the White Mountains) to the South. It is beautiful in spring, when the mountains are still covered in snow and the place is full of wildflowers in full bloom. And the air is so clean, that you can actually feel the smell of green grass, flowers, wet soil, you name it 😊 ahhhh… paradise

Good to know before you go:

· It is located 18km east of Chania and 55km west of Rethymno

· Best way to get there is by car. There is a large parking spot near the entrance and it’s free

·  You can also take the bus from Chania (direction Rethymno or Heraklio) or from Rethymno/Heraklio (direction Chania) and descend at Cross Megala Chorafia Station. From there walk about 2.5km, approx. 40min BUT the road is hilly and it’s going to be a loooong walk. Elevation is around 150m

· As it is maintained by the Greek Ministry of Culture, Department of Antiquities, the following dates have free admission: 6th of March, 18th of April, last weekend in September, 28th of October and every 1stSunday of the month, from 1st of November until 31st of March. We were there on the 6th of March, Melina Mercouri day, and it was for free 😊 

· Wear comfy shoes, sunglasses, hat and sunscreen, if you go there in the summer

· High heels are not allowed, as in all archaeological sites

· Entrance fee is 4E, better to have some cash with you. There is very poor phone coverage there.