15 Kilometers east of Chania are the remains of the old town of Aptera. This town has been inhabited since the bronze age. The antique town was destroyed by the Arabs in the 9th century. Archaeologists found graves, temples and the remains of houses and fortifications from Hellenic, Roman and Byzantine times. From the town there is a spectacular view over the Bay of Souda end the Turkish fortress of Izzedine. The wide city walls of Aptera are quite impressive. Aptera is the largest Roman site on the island of Crete and the city was extremely important for both the Minoans and the Romans due to its geographical location above the largest natural harbour in the Mediterranean Sea. At Kalives and at Marathi, at the entrance of the bay, the city had its harbours. Aptera dominated a large, mostly flat and fertile area. In the 3rd and 4th century BC Aptera was at its absolute peak and also had his own coins. In 700 AD Aptera was devastated by an earthquake in 823 AD the city was destroyed by pirates.

Part of the ruins of Aptera just lie along the side of the road and you can go and take a look at them. A large part has simply not yet been excavated. The area where you find most buildings that have been excavated, is behind a fence and can only be viewed on the opening times. The site of Aptera is open daily from 8.30 am to 15.00, except on a Monday, when it is closed all day. The entrance on the day that we were there was free, but I do not know if it always like that. The head entrance leads to the main buildings such as the great cisterns and the Roman Baths. The recently in 2008 excavated theatre is behind another fence. At the main entrance stands a small church and there is an exhibition where you can gain information. There are also leaflets with a small map of the site and a brief explanation of the city of Aptera.

Pictures do not do this villa justice: you have to see it and experience it. One of my favourites ever. It is an absolute gem and also the perfect get away from it all. The people that own it have turned it into something very special. We visited this beautiful villa in the Apokoronas in October 2008. It is deceptively large: I estimate it is about 175 m2. Downstairs there are three bedrooms (2 doubles and one twin). The double rooms each have their own balcony and the twin room has a door leading to the patio in front of the pool. The last room has a private bathroom with a shower and toilet and there is also a small study incorporated. All the bedrooms have a tv and there is airconditioning. On the ground floor is also one of the most tasteful bathrooms that you have ever seen, with a big bath, double wash basins, a toilet and a washing machine.

Tel.: +302821072040, +306936703473 Fax: +302821079045 - Send an e-mail to Villa Renata
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This beautiful large villa with private pool of 50 m2 is situated on a hill next to the village of Megala Chorafia (near Chania - which is 13 kilometers away - and Kalives, in the north of the island of Crete). It is one of the nicest places we ever stayed. The villa is easy to reach. If you come from the direction of Chania and drive towards the east you will pass the village Megala Chorafia. Just after the exit to the village you can clearly see the sign that says "Villa Amalia next exit 100 m" and here you drive over a narrow but good road into the hills. You can not miss it and you will automatically end up at the villa. Here is a separate parking area where you can put the car.

Phone no. +30 28250 31005 / +30 6978 777299 - Send an e-mail to Villa Amalia
More information and pictures of Villa Amalia you can find on - this page

Areti aparthotel is established in the picturesque village of Megala Chorafia, east of Chania, on Crete Island. It views the White Mountains to the south and the sea of Souda Bay to the north. Areti Aparthotel has a beautiful and quiet environment full of flowers, vineyards, olive trees and Cretan herbs. The family Aparthotel has been built from stone in traditional style, and offers authentic traditional furniture and decoration, also. All apartments have balcony/verandas to the sea. There is a large fresh water swimming pool with a bar, where guests may relax and refresh. Local taverns with traditional cuisine and a large variety of local wines can be found near by. From here guests may explore the whole island. The closest beach is Kyani Akti of Kalyves (4 km away) and only 10 minutes drive. Just 2 km away there is the ancient town of Aptera.

Check availabilities and prices & book the Areti Aparthotel in Megala Chorafia - click here.