Agios Nikolaos, a coastal town in Crete, sits on the ancient site of Lato pros Kamara, once the seaport of the Dorian city Lato Etera. In the 13th century, the Venetians built the Mirabello fortress there, which was later destroyed and rebuilt several times. Today, Agios Nikolaos is the capital of the Lasithi region and a popular tourist spot. Visitors can explore the ruins of the Venetian fortress, relax by Lake Voulismeni, and visit nearby attractions like Spinalonga, a fortified island with a fascinating history as a leper colony. The town also features beautiful parks, interesting sculptures, and charming squares.
Lato, an ancient city in Crete, reached its peak after the Dorian arrival. Named after the goddess Leto, Lato was strategically located on a hilltop overlooking the Mirabello Gulf. The city was heavily fortified, with strong walls, gates, and towers. Lato was one of the most powerful city-states in ancient Crete, with a well-organized political structure and a thriving economy. The city's port, Lato pros Kamara, facilitated trade and contributed to its growth. The archaeological site of Lato features well-preserved remains, including the agora, prytaneion, theater, temples, and private houses. Lato was eventually abandoned in the Roman era but was rediscovered in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the life of an ancient Cretan city. Lato was the birthplace of Nearchus, a famous admiral who served under Alexander the Great.
Dreros, also known as Driros, is an archaeological site near Neapoli in Crete, significant for its post-Minoan remains from the early Archaic Period. Flourishing from the 8th to 6th centuries BC, Dreros was an important center of trade and culture, known for its harbor, temples, bronze working, and pottery. The city, built on two hills, features a sanctuary dedicated to Apollo Delphinios, where 8th century BC bronze statuettes of Apollo, Artemis, and Leto were discovered. A large, open cistern, possibly used for ritual purposes, was found in the agora, the city's public gathering space. Inscriptions reveal a board of officials called the 'Twenty of the Polis' and the division of the people into 'phylai' or tribes. The site includes one of the earliest known examples of a Greek temple, dedicated to Apollo Delphinios. Dreros declined in importance after the 6th century BC and was eventually abandoned.
Gaidourophas, a Minoan archaeological site in Crete, features a two-story building with evidence of large-scale storage and administration. It's a significant node in the network of Minoan mountain sites.
Olous, an ancient Cretan harbor city, now largely submerged off the coast of Elounda, was inhabited from the Early Minoan period through the Hellenistic period. Its strategic location in the Mirabello Gulf made it a significant maritime hub, connecting the Eastern and Western Mediterranean. Archaeological investigations, including underwater surveys, have revealed remnants of Minoan cemeteries, fortifications, and possible public buildings. The city's history is intertwined with that of other Cretan powers like Knossos and Lato. Olous was known for its temple to Britomartis and its connections with Ptolemaic Egypt. Today, the site offers a glimpse into Crete's rich maritime past.
The Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos, Crete, houses a remarkable collection of artifacts spanning from the Neolithic period to the end of the Greco-Roman era. Established in 1970, the museum showcases the evolution of art and culture in Eastern Crete. The collection includes finds from the Early Minoan cemetery of Agia Fotia and the Minoan palace of Malia. One of the most renowned objects is the "Goddess of Myrtos," a unique libation vessel from the Pre-palatial period. The museum's rectangular building features eight exhibition halls arranged around a central atrium, facilitating a clear and intuitive flow for visitors. The museum actively engages with the public through temporary exhibitions and educational programs. It is open from 08:30 to 15:30, closed on Tuesdays. Ticket prices vary depending on the season, with combined tickets available for multiple archaeological sites and museums in the region.