Archaeological Site of Ancient Aptera
Archaeological Site of Ancient Aptera
4.5
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
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19 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
705 reviews
Excellent
379
Very good
257
Average
57
Poor
7
Terrible
5
thetravellingtailor
14 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
I have been to Crete many times, especially the Chania region and until now I have not heard of this archaeologyic site.
The entrance fee is worth every penny of the 4€ it costs to visit.
The excavations are really impressive especially the amphitheatre.
The guide book which is included in the price of entry is very informative and the map of where each excavation is easy to follow.
We spent two and half hours walking round the site reading all the information boards that are in Greek and English and watched a short video on the history of the city.
There are WC's but no other facilities so make sure to take plenty of liquid and a hat,especially on a hot day.
There is no direct transport to the site so a hire car or taxi is the only way there .
There are a couple of tavernas in the nearby village on the road to the site for some local cuisine if required.
The entrance fee is worth every penny of the 4€ it costs to visit.
The excavations are really impressive especially the amphitheatre.
The guide book which is included in the price of entry is very informative and the map of where each excavation is easy to follow.
We spent two and half hours walking round the site reading all the information boards that are in Greek and English and watched a short video on the history of the city.
There are WC's but no other facilities so make sure to take plenty of liquid and a hat,especially on a hot day.
There is no direct transport to the site so a hire car or taxi is the only way there .
There are a couple of tavernas in the nearby village on the road to the site for some local cuisine if required.
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sylviane M
Bury St. Edmunds, UK45 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
I have visited Crete many times but never realised that there was such an amazing Roman site near Chania. The lady at the kiosk was welcoming and friendly, she made sure we remembered to talk in the theatre, it was a stunning site, entry ticket is €4, not many people around, meaning you can take your time and walk around at your pace, beautiful light at the end of the day and there is an ottoman fortress with a wonderful view on the bay of Souda not fad away. People who spent time bringing the site to life deserve our thanks.
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Darren R
7 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
An excellent place to visit, and I would say much more interesting and authentic than Knossos, which we visited just the day before. Well worth the 4 euro entry fee (which includes a good guide leaflet) with ample free parking and a helpful ticket booth attendant, who was very knowledgeable (and suggested visiting Chania Archeology museum to see some of the sites finds). The site is rambling, can be a little uneven, and is very exposed situated on the top of the hill, so we were glad to be in trainers and hats on avery hot and sunny day. There is a wc on site but none of the other tourist trappings (cafe, shop etc) so bring water/refreshments with you. Great place to explore, we had the place almost to ourselves and spent a good 90 minutes wandering the various well preserved ruins. One of the highlights of our trip to Crete.
Written August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Philippa66
Letchworth Garden City, UK24 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
As we were staying about a 40 minute drive away, we decided to visit here rather then Knossos ( over 2 hours away for us).
We are glad we did- it gave us the historical ruins we wanted without the crowds, with easy parking, a relaxed vibe and low cost.
Be warned there is no shop of cafe so bring your own drinks etc- it didn’t matter to us and made it feel more ‘authentic’ as a site.
We also drove out to the fortress before leaving the area to soak in the brilliant view.
We are glad we did- it gave us the historical ruins we wanted without the crowds, with easy parking, a relaxed vibe and low cost.
Be warned there is no shop of cafe so bring your own drinks etc- it didn’t matter to us and made it feel more ‘authentic’ as a site.
We also drove out to the fortress before leaving the area to soak in the brilliant view.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Craig_from_Hampshire
Fleet, UK83 contributions
Aug 2020
The Aptera Archaeological Site is a clear window in the history of the island helping to showcase not only what Crete was once like, but also how it changed over time. The site, although small, contains a small museum with lots of information on the history of the island and how it relates to the site, and a number of buildings, including a pair of mostly undamaged roman cisterns visible to the public. The entire site helps to show what the entire area would have looked like in it’s prime through effective renderings of the different parts of the village, including showing the once magnificent structure of the amphitheatre, the seating of which is still visible and open to viewing.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
j0welch
Southampton, UK46 contributions
Oct 2022
This is a real hidden gem that should be shouted about more. Spread over a massive area, this site, which costs only €4 entry, is absolutely fascinating.
There is a rolling film show explaining the history of the site and notice boards around explaining what you are looking at.
Unlike Knosis (which has been rebuilt in a "best guess" sort of way) you can see everything here is as it was discovered. The man at the kiosk was really knowledgeable and happy to answer our questions.
We only had an hour to spend here rushing around, but you could have easily spent hours exploring. The amphitheatre was worth €4 alone!
Also drive to the nearby fortress afterwards for a fabulous view over Souda.
There is a rolling film show explaining the history of the site and notice boards around explaining what you are looking at.
Unlike Knosis (which has been rebuilt in a "best guess" sort of way) you can see everything here is as it was discovered. The man at the kiosk was really knowledgeable and happy to answer our questions.
We only had an hour to spend here rushing around, but you could have easily spent hours exploring. The amphitheatre was worth €4 alone!
Also drive to the nearby fortress afterwards for a fabulous view over Souda.
Written November 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
edm1887
Birmingham, UK462 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Sadly the fortress was not open when we visited, but the ruins were. There’s a lot to see, including some Second World War German machine gun posts! The theatre and cisterns were the best preserved, and you do get a real
Impression of the size of the town that was here. The views over Souda Bay are spectacular.
Impression of the size of the town that was here. The views over Souda Bay are spectacular.
Written October 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Isaac Schofield
Bristol, UK63 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Incredible, so worth the effort to get there. We didn’t have a car and buses don’t run to the ruins so we had to get a taxi, from chania it is about 25€ but entry is free for under 24s so we didn’t have to pay anything once there. The ruins themselves are spectacular and the location really adds to the experience, the views are breathtaking. The ruins themselves are pretty well preserved and there is lots of helpful information available. We went outside of peak season around 6 in the evening and we practically had the place to ourselves which made it all the more enjoyable!
Written September 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sue T
Castleford, UK167 contributions
Sep 2021
This is a stunning and extensive site with a very good explanatory display and lots of interesting archaeology to explore. The Amphitheatre is particularly stunning with the most extensive 'backstage' area I've ever seen. There is an amazingly long paved road as well as a bath house complex. Water was stored in a series of cisterns which are massive and a testament to Roman engineering and building skills - they really will make you gasp. And all this cost us 2 euros each, over 65 rate.
Written October 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helen J
Lifton, UK38 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Very interesting and well presented archaeological site. Well preserved Roman and Ancient Greek ruins including a theatre, Roman bath houses, cisterns, villa and temples. The site has good information and is a bargain for entry prices, only 4€ for an adult and under 25s get in free. We found this a better experience than Knossos and the views from the hill top over Souda Bay were stunning. If you are visiting, make sure to visit one of the Tavernas nearby, they all do wonderful local food.
Written July 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dominique C
Bruz, France
Bonjour, est il possible d'utiliser un petit drone sur le site ?
M V
Germany210 contributions
no, not possible.
HeleneB1778
Versailles, France242 contributions
Is it possible to visit Ancient Aptera with a dog ?
Albia-Newton
Evanton, UK3,863 contributions
Yes - I think a lead is required
Margaret T
Edinburgh, UK185 contributions
Are there now opening times for Aptera. Last time we went 2 years ago the site was supposed to be closed on Mondays. Looking forward to seeing the amphitheatre site again.
AmRogHor
Macclesfield, UK94 contributions
Yes there are opening times. 10 til 4 I think. The amphitheatre is now really good. However as the previous person says..... not too reliable. Not sure about the Monday thing.
Maria SCM
Moscow, Russia46 contributions
How can I get to Aptera if I don't drive and can't use a car? May be there's a bus? Or I can buy a tour to this place? Any advice? Thank you!
Alex the Marrch
Moscow, Russia101 contributions
Of course you can get a tour there from Chania, though it'd be quite expensive and not that comfortable. On the other hand, you'll have a guide and no risk of getting there when the sight is closed...
TripAdvisor doesn't allow links in answers, but you may google for "platanias-taxivan ancient aptera tour" and find one of the appropriate websites yourself.
Abbs1968
Cheltenham, UK9 contributions
Hello does anyone know if ancient aptera is open Easter Sunday? I know it's closed Mondays.
Thanks
Nectarios
Aptera, Greece
Hi Abbs,
I know my answer to your question is well overdue but it might help some other visitors to the ancient city of Aptera.
Greek Orthodox Easter is a very important celebration for the Greek people and all the archaeological areas and museums in Greece are closed on the Easter Sunday.
Wendy S
Stavanger, Norway90 contributions
Hi. How far is Aptera from Chania and is there transportation to get there and back?
Judy M
Houston, TX317 contributions
Sorry it took me so long to answer. These ruins are so so easy a drive from chania. So close and easy. YES rent a car. We used Rental Center Crete for our rental car.
We loved it. NO hassle. And we arrived at the airport to find them in the lobby with our name on a placard/paper waiting for us. The car was right outside. No waiting in the line for Hertz, budget etc. That was a very long line.
Ian M
Glasgow, UK4 contributions
How do we get there from Chania Venetian harbour by public transport ?
Judy M
Houston, TX317 contributions
From the harbor to the Ruins, probably a 30 minute drive. We rented a car the whole time we were in Chania. We have traveled over lots of Europe over the years. Some places are simply public transport is the way to go. And other places, not so much. Chania and Crete is one of those places. We did not really look into public transportation because all of our friends who have went before us, rented a car. And that we found was paramount in getting around this island. We used Rental Center Crete and it was a very good experience.
Yolanda Wilson
San Antonio, TX165 contributions
Is there public transportation from town?
Judy M
Houston, TX317 contributions
From the center of Chania to the Ruins, probably a 30 minute drive, and it is an easy drive. We rented a car the whole time we were in Chania. We have traveled over lots of Europe over the years. Some places are simply public transport is the way to go. And other places, not so much. Chania and Crete is one of those latter places. We did not really look into public transportation because all of our friends who have went before us, rented a car. And that we found was paramount in getting around this island. We used Rental Center Crete and it was a very good experience.
Archaeological Site of Ancient Aptera, Souda
Frequently Asked Questions about Archaeological Site of Ancient Aptera
- Archaeological Site of Ancient Aptera is open:
- Wed - Mon 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
- We recommend booking Archaeological Site of Ancient Aptera tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 Archaeological Site of Ancient Aptera tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Archaeological Site of Ancient Aptera:
- (0.06 mi) Althea Maisonettes
- (0.81 mi) Kiani Beach Resort Family All Inclusive
- (0.35 mi) Aptera Apartments
- (1.42 mi) Porto Kalyves Hotel Seaside Apartments
- (1.53 mi) Dimitra Studios
- Restaurants near Archaeological Site of Ancient Aptera:
- (1.00 mi) Aptera Restaurant
- (0.99 mi) The Cretan Corner
- (0.36 mi) Kalami Parking
- (1.86 mi) Simon's
- (0.53 mi) Taverna Smaragdi