Aptera, one of the most important cities of ancient western Crete,
was built during the 7th century B.C..
Located on a site 15km from Chania,
south of Souda Bay and near the village of Megala Chorafia, has a panoramic
view of the whole plain of Chania.
The city walls, still standing, are reminiscent of the Cyclopean walls
of Tiryns and Mycenae. One can also see the remains of a small temple of
Demeter (built at the 1st century B.C.), a Roman theater, and the enormous
vaulted cisterns of the Roman period-excellent condition.