We were very excited to be visiting the Aptera Archaeological site in Crete during our 2025 trip to Greece. This was not our first visit to Aptera. We visited here in 2023 but it was on a Tuesday and unfortunately the site was closed. As a matter of fact, we have found many archaeological sites in Crete and Greece to be closed on Tuesdays and the Aptera site was no different. We toured Aptera on our own, but if you prefer a tour, Viator offers a tour of Aptera from Chania, and other combination tours which include Old Town Chania. Although we did not take these tours, we have had good success with Viator tours in the past.
Location
The Archaeological site of Aptera is located in northwestern Crete about 14 km (8.7 miles) east of Chania overlooking the Souda Bay.
History of Aptera
Aptera most likely dates back to most the Minoan area of Crete when it was first inhabitanted. (3500-1070 BC). It might not be as well-known as Knossos, but it was a major player during this time. Due to its location, it was a strategic site, plus, it was a prominent trading hub and linked up with the Knossos network trading bronze, iron, olive oil and wine. Moreover, it is mentioned in the Knossos Linear B writings.
Hellenistic Aptera
Aptera thrived during the 4th-3rd century BC and became a wealthy and successful city-state with its own independent government. It was a powerful stronghold ruling this area of Crete. Overlooking the Souda Bay, Aptera, known for its maritime trade, made a name for itself. Equally important, they had a strong military presence with famed, talented archers. During this time, Aptera built a strong walled fortifications which secured their city-state. The community of 20,000 people flourished, not just in trade, but in culture also.
Hellenistic Aptera had its own coins made out of silver and bronze, which is pretty cool! On one side, the goddess Artemis was depicted, and on the other side, there were symbols of the times like a warrior, bows and arrows, or even a racing torch. A few of these coins even had a phrase on the back that means “of the Apteraeans.” Plus, some coins featured the engraver Pythodoros’s signature, which gives him a spot in history.
Roman Era
During the Roman Era of Aptera, from 67 BC to 324 AD, it wasn’t the stronghold it had been, but Aptera was still doing well and still building there city. They built two large cisterns, added two public baths, and built at least one elaborate villa. At this time the theatre was renovated. Also during this period, Aptera shifted from being all about maritime trade to also focusing on farming and agriculture.
Back in 365 AD, a large earthquake hit Aptera, and it did a lot of damage and never truly recovered. People continued to live there into the early Byzantine Era, but it was no longer a stronghold. Then, in the 7th century, another massive earthquake destroyed Aptera even more. Aptera was finally abandoned after some harsh raids by the Saracen Pirates in 823-824 AD.
Touring the Archaeological Site of Aptera
As I mentioned early, during our 2023 trip to Crete, we totally missed out on most of the Aptera Archaeological site since it’s closed on Tuesdays. I think this made exploring the parts of Aptera we hadn’t checked out before even more exciting! We couldn’t help but marvel at all the amazing sites and muse about what an amazing place this must’ve been.
Once entering the site, we strolled towards the theatre, as we knew this was a must see. The way there is quite pretty with olive trees in rows, just walking through the countryside. Part of what I loved about Aptera is how peaceful this area is. It truly was lovely just wandering around.
Stone-Paved Road
We were not expecting to see an ancient stone paved road to the theater, but there it was! If you approach the theater from the east you will find this road leading around the theater. The road dates back to the Hellenistic Period (323-31 BC). This road currently is 55 meters (180 ft) and in very good shape. The road leads to the side entrance of the theater and to the main staircase entrance, which is also intact. This road also led to other important buildings at the Aptera site, as evidenced by archaeological discoveries.
Ancient Theater of Aptera
Aptera’s ancient theater is really a spectacular theater to see. We did not know much about it so were thrilled when we discovered how well preserved it is. We were also excited that we could freely wander all around and we also got to test the acoustics, which were amazing. I spoke normally on the floor of the theater and amazingly, Steve could me clearly as he stood on the top row! It was as if I was standing next to him. We had a lot of fun with this!
The theater is in a natural depression so you walk down into it. Facing south, it gazes upon the White Mountains in the distance. The theater included an auditorium, orchestra, stage area and in addition it could hold 3700 people. The theater was built in the early 3rd century B.C. and modified around the 1st century A.D. during the Roman rule.
Two Room Temple
As we continued along, we came across the Two Room Temple. This small rectangular building is made up of two equal size rooms. Although this building dates to the 5th century B.C. there is evidence it is built on top of an earlier temple from the 8th century B.C. This most likely was a shared temple with Apollo on one side and Artemis on the other side. It is believed the entrance was at the east as there is a paved road on the east side which leads to the Ancient Theater.
Monastery of St John the Theologian
We checked out the Monastery of St. John the Theologian, which is in the middle of the Aptera Archaeological site and also one of many monasteries in Crete. It dates back to the 12th century A.D. What’s I find interesting is they used materials from the ruins in Aptera to build it. The monastery has a lovely central courtyard, a church, and a two story section of monk quarters. The place monastery was active until 1964, but now it’s a visitor information center for the Aptera Site.
Roman Public Building
The most prominent remain of the Roman Public Building is the western wall with three niches. The niches were on the inside of this important building which is believed to be the city’s government headquarters dating from the 1st-2nd century AD.
Triple Aisle Rectangular Roman Cistern
The Roman Cisterns were the next stop on our adventure, and we were very excited to check out this part of the Aptera complex. This place, along with the theater, was exactly why we came here. These well-preserved cisterns are built with huge vaulted arches. It is incredible to think they used to hold water for the city! Water was collected through stone gutters from the rain and runoff from roofs and nearby areas. This particular cistern measures 17 x 25 meters (55.77 to 82 feet) and could hold 2900 cubic meters of water (766,099 gallons). That’s a whole lot of water! Once we were inside, I was awed by this beautiful cistern and couldn’t help but think about the massive effort it took to build this back in the 1st-2nd century A.D.
Bath I
Just after the Cistern we came across Roman Bath #1, it is on the east side of the site. Built in the 1st-2nd century AD, this bath had two distinct sections, an east side and a west side. The building also had vaulted ceilings and a corridor. Water was supplied from the vaulted Roman Cistern.
The east side was used for heating the water. There were three rooms with hypocausts. Hypocausts were a system of underfloor heating tiles used during Roman times. You can read more about this innovative system here.
The west side of the building is where the bathtubs were. There were at least two rooms that had bathtubs.
Bath II
We followed the path around to Roman Bath II which is on the western side of Aptera. It is larger and better preserved. It has eight vaulted rooms with tubs, a furnace and also a hypocaust system. In addition, and fun to find are remains of a pebbled floor on which the bathtubs would have sat. This was another fun area to roam around and let our imaginations take us back to Ancient times.
L-Shaped Roman Cistern
The L-Shaped Cistern can be seen at the entrance running parallel along the walk way and making a 90 degree angle to the Roman Baths II. It is not as well-preserved as the Triple Aisle Cistern, but much of it is still intact so you do get a good idea. Unlike the other cistern, you cannot enter this one. Holding 3050 cubic meters (805, 725 gallons) this, along with the Triple Aisle Cistern provided the water for Aptera. Quite innovative!
Villa With Courtyard
You can also see remains of a large Roman villa at this site. Built in the 1st century BC. Located on the southwest poriton of the Aptera site, this villa included bedrooms, a dining room, and a central courtyard surrounded by columns. The villa sat along a paved public street with the entrance facing the street.
On To Chora Sfakia
After Aptera, we stopped briefly in Chania and than headed south to Chora Sfakia where we were spending the next couple of nights. We have been to this area before and absolutely love the rugged beauty of this part of Crete.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Samaria By the Sea and we couldn’t have been happier. As a matter of fact, we are planning on staying here next time we are in Crete! This hotel was the perfect spot to unwind at the end of the day. The room was clean, comfortable and nicely decorated. In addition, it has a great view! The staff were very helpful and also informative. We were lucky enough to have a top floor room and the view from our balcony, especially the sunset, over the Libyan Sea was breathtaking. Not the fanciest place we have stayed but nonetheless one of our favorites!
Where We Ate
We ate at Kitchen Stories by the Sea both evenings and also for breakfast both mornings The food was exceptional, service was great and we once again enjoyed a beautiful view of the sea. Overall, what else could we want!
Conclusion
All in all, Aptera Archaeological Site in Crete is one of the sites I would recommend visiting. It isn’t the largest site, but it has some spectacular ruins. In addition, the views are lovely and it is a peaceful area to wander. Check out my link Aptera Closed on Tuesdays to see a bit of the surrounding area such as a couple of Venetian fortresses.
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In addition to this post, you can also check out my other posts from our 2025 trip to Greece, our other Crete adventures, and also previous years Itineraries by following these links!
Chyrsoskalitissa Monastery, Crete-Sept 2025
Falasarna Archaeological Site in Crete-Sept 2025
Beaches on Milos Island -Sept 2025
The Villages of Milos, Greece -Sept 2025
Sulfur Mines at Milos Island – Sept 2025
Kleftiko Boat Tour on Milos Island – Sept 2025
Discover the Quiet Beauty of Folegandros, Sept 2025
Hike to Livadaki Beach at Folegandros, Sept 2025
Hike to Agios Nikolaos Beach at Folegandros Sept 2025
Delos Island; A comprehensive Self Guided Tour September 2025
Mykonos One Day Itinerary Sept 2025
Great Places to Eat in Plaka, Athens and Nearby. Updated Sept 2025
Self Guided Tour to Acropolis Sept 2025
Tower of the Wind, Athens Sept 2025
The Roman Forum in Athens, Sept 2025
National Archaeology Museum Athens, Sept 2025
Crete Past Adventures
2023 Crete
Sunken City of Olous-September 2023
Elounda Peninsula Hotel-Revised 2023
Hike to Agiofarago Beach-Sept 2023
Preveli Beach, the Easy Way-Sept 2023
Swim at Kourtaliotiko Falls-Sept 2023
Boating on the South Central Sea in Crete-Sept 2023
A Challenging hike Loutro to Marmara Beach, Crete-Sept 2023
Anopolis, Arradena Bridge and Lykos Beach in Southen Crete-Sept 2023
Aptera Crete, Closed on Tuesdays Sept 2023
Return to Chania, Crete September 2023
Crete 2021
Ancient City of Lato, Sept 2021
Aforesmenos Lighthouse, Crete, Sept 2021
Avli Lounge Hotel, Rethymno, Sept 2021
Matala Beach Caves, Crete, Sept 2021
Hike to Martsalos Beach, Sept 2021
The Chapel at Georgioupoli, Sept 2021
Koutalas Beach and Sea Cave, Sept 2021
A Walk Through Chania, Sept 2021
Crete 2019
Elounda Peninsula Hotel, Sept 2019
Knossos Palace, Crete Sept 2019
Seitan Limania Beach, Sept 2019
Katholiko Monastery, Sept 2019
Greece Itineraries
8 Days in Greece, Athens, Milos,Santorini. Oct 2018
10 Days in Greece Athens ,Crete, Santorini Sept 2019
14 Days in Greece Crete, Naxos, Santorini, Athens Sept 2021
2 Weeks in Greece, Delphi, Meteora, Corfu, Santorini Sept 2022
10 Day Peloponnese Itinerary August/September 2024
The Gen-X Travels recommendations for hotels, restaurants, activities or tour companies are based on our own experiences unless noted. We are not sponsored by any business or company and all trips are at our expense. All photos are by myself or my husband unless otherwise noted. We are affiliates of some companies such as Amazon,Viator, and others which we do receive a small commission from, at no cost to you if you buy or book through one of our links.
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An archaeological site well worth exploring Lori. There was so much to see here. Your hotel and food shots really seal the deal. Have a wonderful Tuesday. Allan
Thanks, Allan. I just love these archaeological sites. The hotel was great and I can’t wait to return both there and the taverna! Enjoy the rest of your week! Lori