Aptera is perched above the southern side of Souda Bay. From here, views stretch across the bay and the Apokoronas plain; nearby, you can find ancient remains and traces of Venetian influence. Modern-day Aptera is a settlement of scattered houses, with a church at its center. In Aptera, the present-day settlement and the long history of its surroundings come together.

Location and name of modern-day Aptera

The elevated location offers views over both Souda Bay and the Apokoronas plain. The settlement itself has a different character: its houses are scattered, while a church marks its center. Aptera was formerly known as “Megala Chorafia,” meaning “large fields.” This former name may still appear on some street signs. By understanding the names, visitors encounter both the present-day name and an older history of the place.

Ancient remains nearby

The theatre of the ancient city was built near its southeastern gate from local fossil-bearing limestone. A large Roman townhouse is being excavated west of the theatre. It was built in the 1st century AD, probably after the devastating earthquake of AD 66. It was used as a residence until its destruction in the great earthquake of AD 365. Several alterations are visible in places in the masonry. The excavation thus adds a residential building with a long period of use to the picture of ancient architecture. As the excavation status may change, check the current situation before visiting.

Water and trade in ancient Aptera

The cisterns in the archaeological site supplied the Roman baths. Together with household cisterns, they helped meet the city’s increased water needs in Roman times. Thus, both individual bath complexes and the city’s water supply form part of the picture of ancient infrastructure. The citizens of ancient Aptera were mostly merchants and shipowners; much of the trade at the time was conducted by sea. Alongside housing and water supply, the city’s history can also be explored through trade and maritime transport.

A later building: the monastery

The surviving main building of the monastery stands in the center of the archaeological site. It was built during the Venetian period, either in the second half of the 16th century or in the early 17th century. The smaller annexes date from an even later period. The monastery therefore represents a much later phase of construction than the Roman townhouse: the area around Aptera contains remains from different periods, which can be distinguished by their dates.

More cultural attractions in the wider destination of Chania

The wider destination of Chania offers additional cultural attractions. Chania’s Old Town features Venetian mansions, old hammams, minarets, and churches in its historic lanes. The Venetian harbor was built in the 14th century for trade and protection from pirate attacks. The Archaeological Museum of Chania presents archaeological finds from the Chania regional unit spanning several centuries. Its permanent exhibition occupies three ground-floor rooms and one upstairs. These places and collections broaden the regional perspective with their own historical and archaeological highlights.

Discover more destinations: Sougia, Marediana, Drapanias, Chania, Keto Kefalia, Fournés, Kournas, Karave

Go to the main travel overview: Chania.