The ancient Aptera, one of the most important city-states of Crete, is located at a distance of about 15 km. from the city of Chania in the direction of Rethymnon, on an extensive plateau with an altitude of 200m. with an amazing view towards the bay of Souda. With its two ports, Minoa (today’s Marathi) and Kissamos (near today’s Kalyves), it ensured the control of all maritime activity that made it one of the most important commercial centers of Crete. The Apterai were skilled archers and fought as mercenaries in various regions outside of Crete, bringing wealth to their land.Your visit to the archaeological site of Aptera will give you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the successive historical periods of Crete. The archaeological site continues to bring to light new important findings through the ongoing excavation activity.The archaeological site attracts more and more visitors who are fascinated by its scattered monuments, their mythological functions, the view it offers towards the mountains of Crete, the gulf of Souda and the hinterland of Apokoronas.