Ancient Lyktos (or Lyttos)
Lyttos, once known as Lyktos, is an ancient city steeped in history, with possible roots in the Minoan civilization. Archaeological evidence suggests a vibrant past, with the city flourishing through the Mycenaean, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods. The city's strategic location and powerful alliances contributed to its prominence in Crete. Excavations have revealed significant structures, including fortifications, public buildings, and residential areas, offering a glimpse into Lyttos' rich cultural heritage.
Acropolis Smari
The Acropolis of Smari, located on the peak of Prophet Elias near Smari, Crete, is an archaeological site with ruins dating back to the Minoan period (1800 BC to 630 BC). The site features a sanctuary dedicated to Athena Ergani, with ceramic plaques depicting the goddess considered the oldest representations of Athena in Crete. The Acropolis is enclosed by a strong defensive wall and contains settlements, buildings, and terraces for cultivation. Excavations have revealed structures like Megaron A, Megaron B, and Megaron Δ, each with unique features. The walls surrounding the hilltop are the most significant structures, built with large limestone blocks and smaller rectangular stones.
Afrati, Viannos
Afrati is a traditional village in Viannos, Crete, situated 45 km southeast of Heraklion at an altitude of 480 meters. The village features traditional architecture, and residents are primarily involved in olive and grape cultivation. The origin of the village's name is uncertain, with possible links to the Greek word for "foam," the ancient city of Arcadia, or the Latin word for "monk."
The area around Afrati has been inhabited since ancient times. The nearby hill of Prophitis Ilias was home to the ancient city of Arcadia, which minted its own coins and later became a bishop's seat. Archaeological excavations have revealed ancient houses, a necropolis, and a 7th-century BC oinochoe (wine jug). Afrati first appears in historical records in the 1881 Turkish census as "Frati." The village features the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior and offers access to the ruins of Arcadia.
Aposelemis river dam
The Aposelemis Dam, located on Crete's Aposelemis River, is an earthfill embankment dam that serves as a vital water source for Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos. With a reservoir capacity of 27.3 million cubic meters, it captures water from the Lasithi Plateau and Aposelemis basin. Built from locally sourced phyllite and limestone, the 61-meter-high dam features a central impervious clay core and a 660-meter crest. The project included relocating the village of Sfendyli, and addressed environmental impacts through mitigation measures. Treated water is distributed via a 74-kilometer aqueduct, aiding agriculture, tourism, and flood control. The dam faces challenges from rainfall fluctuations and climate change, necessitating ongoing monitoring and sustainable water management strategies, including alternative water sources and conservation. It stands as a complex project with environmental, economic, and social implications, embodying both progress and the need for sustainable water practices in Crete.
Chersonissos, Chersonissos
Limenas Chersonissou, on Crete's northern coast, is a popular tourist destination with a long history. The ancient city of Chersonisos thrived during Minoan, Roman, and Byzantine eras, serving as a vital port and episcopal seat. The modern town, part of the Heraklion regional unit, features remnants of its past, including an aqueduct and theater ruins. Its economy relies on tourism, with numerous hotels and restaurants. While cosmopolitan, it retains aspects of traditional Cretan culture, evident in the inland village of Chersonissos and its church. Family and social connections remain important, and traditional hospitality is common.
Dikteon Antron cave
Now closed
Dikteon Antron, also known as Psychro Cave, is a site of significant mythological and archaeological importance located on Mount Dikti in Crete.
The cave's history spans from the Neolithic to the Roman period, primarily as a religious site. In Greek mythology, it is renowned as the birthplace of Zeus.
The cave's interior features a wealth of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a lake. Archaeological excavations have uncovered artifacts from various periods, attesting to its continuous use by humans. Open to the public, visitors can explore the cave's chambers and witness its geological formations.
Galatas Minoan Palace
Galatas Palace, located in the Pediada region of central Crete, offers unique insights into Neopalatial Minoan architecture and sociopolitical organization. The palace, dating back to the Middle Minoan IIIB/Late Minoan IA period, covers approximately 1 hectare. Excavations completed in 2005 revealed evidence of a thriving town existing on the hillside during the Old Palace period. The West Wing housed centrally controlled activities like large-scale grain grinding and ceremonial feasting, while the East Wing, particularly the Pillar Hall and Column Hall, appears designed for social gatherings. In the Late Minoan IA period, Galatas experienced a decline with sections of the palace abandoned, indicating a shift in the palace's functions and the region's sociopolitical landscape.
Galipe, Chersonissos
Galipe, a historic village in Heraklion, Crete, sits at 280 meters above sea level. First documented in 1299, Galipe's history reflects Venetian and Ottoman influences. The 16th-century Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, featuring a Venetian tomb monument, and the 15th-century Old Church of Agios Nikolaos are key landmarks. A central stone fountain adds to the village's charm. Galipe's economy centers on agriculture, particularly grapes and olives. The village's population has fluctuated over time, reflecting its dynamic history.
Geraki, Minoa - Pediada
Geraki, or Gerakion, is a village in the Municipality of Minoa Pediada, Heraklion, Crete. It sits on the western slopes of Mount Sarakeno in the Dikti mountain range. The name Geraki is thought to originate from the first settler, Gerakis, documented in the Ducal Archives of Chandax in 1394. The village's economy is based on agriculture, including olive oil, raisins, grapes, and cereals, along with livestock. Notable landmarks include the Church of the Synaxis of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, known for its frescoes, and the Geraki Gorge, a site of natural beauty with a history connected to the 1867 revolution. The neighboring village of Armacha belongs to the same Community. Geraki has appeared in censuses since 1583 and has a fluctuating population, currently around 254. It remains an active village with a primary school and a cultural association.
Karfi archaeological site
Karphi, a Late Minoan IIIC refuge village in Crete, perched high above the Lasithi Plateau, offers a glimpse into Minoan resilience during a time of upheaval. Excavated in the late 1930s, the site reveals a planned settlement with houses, streets, and evidence of diverse cult activities. Its strategic location provided a defensive advantage, offering panoramic views of the Lasithi plain and north-central Crete. The village likely served as a refuge for Minoans seeking safety and survival after the collapse of the Minoan palaces. Despite the harsh conditions, the village featured paved streets, yards, and single-story houses, suggesting a planned and organized community. Karphi stands out for its diverse and widespread cult activities, with shrines dedicated to goddesses and various ritual artifacts. The Temple served as the central focus for ritual activities, housing goddess figures, snake tubes, braziers, and fireboxes. Other areas, such as the Commercial Quarter and the Great House Shrine, also contained evidence of cult practices. Rooms containing offering stands, figurines, and libation vessels indicate that rituals were not confined to formal shrines, suggesting a more informal setting for community offerings. This decentralized approach to ritual practices distinguishes Karphi from other LM IIIC sites.
Kastelli, Minoa - Pediada
Kastelli, Crete, a town in the Minoa Pediada municipality, boasts a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. Located 37km southeast of Heraklion, it's known for its Venetian castle ruins, Byzantine churches like Afendi Christos, and a WWII-era airport. The town is an administrative center with services like a health center and schools. Cultural events, including the "Giorti tou Xenitemenou," highlight local traditions. Nearby villages include Diavaide and Lagos. Kastelli was mentioned in the 1583 census with 543 inhabitants and has a current population of around 1260.
Moni Kallergi
Moni Kallergi, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, is a historical monastery southeast of Smari, Crete, near Kastelli. Built during the Venetian era, it rests on Minoan-era ruins, evidenced by tombs and artifacts. Records link it to the Kallergis family. Though damaged during Ottoman rule and a 1931 fire, it was restored in the 20th and 21st centuries. Now an active monastery under the Metropolis of Arkalochori, it includes a restored central building, a two-aisled church dedicated to Saint George and Saint Spyridon, and a chapel for the New Martyrs of Crete. The site showcases a blend of Minoan and Venetian history, with ongoing services and visitor access.
Panagia, Minoa - Pediada
Panagia, a village in the Municipality of Minoa Pediada, Heraklion, Crete, is located 36 km southeast of Heraklion city at an altitude of 360 meters. The village has a rich history dating back to the Venetian period in the 13th century, with evidence of a Venetian castle and the Byzantine Monastery of Panagia Psomopoula. The village is mentioned in various historical records from 1577 onwards, including Venetian and Turkish censuses. Today, Panagia is an active village with a primarily agricultural economy focused on olive oil production. The village also features several landmarks, including the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, the Church of Agios Konstantinos, a Venetian fountain, the Church of Agia Triada, and a traditional olive mill.
Potamies, Chersonissos
Potamies (Ποταμιές) is a historic Cretan village in Chersonissos, near Heraklion. Mentioned in the 1583 Castrofylakas census, it features the abandoned Byzantine monastery of Panagia Gouverniotissa, with preserved frescoes, and the 15th-century church of the Transfiguration of the Savior. The village sits on the Aposelemis River, amid olive groves and lush vegetation. Its history includes Venetian influence, with a notable aqueduct supplying ancient Chersonissos. Potamies offers traditional Cretan cuisine and hospitality, with cultural events held at the monastery. The nearby Aposelemis Dam and the Dikti Natura 2000 area add to its appeal. The village's population has fluctuated over time, from 153 in 1583 to 348 in 2021.
Voni, Minoa - Pediada
Voni, a village in the Municipality of Minoa Pediada, Heraklion, Crete, sits at 330 meters above sea level. Known for its agricultural production, particularly grapes, cereals, and olive oil, Voni is also home to the Agia Marina Monastery, a significant pilgrimage site. The village's history dates back to the Late Minoan period, with evidence of settlement found in a bathtub-shaped sarcophagus. During the Ottoman period, Voni was known as "Dedeler Küyü" and was inhabited predominantly by Turkish families. After Crete's liberation from Ottoman rule in 1898, the village was repopulated by people from the Lasithi Plateau. Voni also includes the settlement of Galatas, which dates back to the late 16th century.
