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Απτέρα 730 03, Ελλάδα 
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Places near Agios Nektarios
Aptera is located about 15 km. away from the city of Chania and above Souda Bay, and during the Minoan period was one of the most important city-states of Crete. It is located on en extended plateau with altitude 200m and astonishing view of Souda Bay.
Its history begins from the Minoan Period (3500- 1070 BC), however, the most visible archaeological traces in the ruins belong to the Geometric Period (1000- 685 BC), the Hellenistic Period (323- 67 BC) and the Roman Empire (67 BC - 324 AD).
Fortification, aqueducts, public baths, and graves are some of the findings the visitor can see. The most impressive of the preserved ancient buildings are the groups of Roman reservoirs that together with many wells and tanks served the needs of the city and supplied the facilities of the public and private baths. The city had a theater, which is not completely revealed yet.
There was a wall for the protection of the city, while today has survived a length of about 4 kilometers. During the period 1866-69 the Turks built the castle in order to suppress the Cretan Revolution. Two castles of unique historical interest are located in a small distance from antiquities. The first is Palaikastro that was built by the Turks for the Revolution of 1866 and the second one is Itzedin castle that is located in Kalami. Itzedin was built in 1872, allocated barracks, hospital and other facilities, while it was used up to recently as a prison for political prisoners. During the past few years, the 25th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities carries out extended excavations in the archaeological site of Aptera and the surrounding area.
Megala Chorafia village is located 2 km away from the town of Aptera in Chania Prefecture. You can also find in the area many traditional tavernas as well as a mini-market. Megala Chorafia is a picturesque hilltop village surrounded by green countryside with panoramic views of the magnificent White Mountains and the Cretan Sea, and it is located 9 km away from Chania, West Crete.
Megala Chorafia depends on the tourists that come to visit the old town of Aptera, which is very nearby, and the Turkish castle of Izzedine. When you enter the village after you have taken the exit that says "Megala Chorafia" the first sign you will see will say that you are in Aptera. This is confusing because you are not yet in Aptera. Aptera is yet a few kilometers away from where you are. You now find yourself in the village of Megala Chorafia.
Megala Chorafia is developed in two cores, the first core is around the junction that leads to some of the traditional villages of Apokoronas (Samonas, Stilos, Provarma, Macheri) and the second core is developed next to some of the ruins of the ancient city of Aptera (the ruins are spread out over two hills). While if staying in Megala Chorafia you can go for swimming or entertainment in the excellent sandy beaches and the lovely waterfronts of Kalives (3 km) and Almirida (8 km). If you want to eat something you can try the traditional tavernas located in the first core (there is a mini-market here, too).The village is well-located to make excursions in the nearby, traditional, (in the countryside) villages of the Apokoronas district, in Stilos you can have a drink in the shady cafes, in the Samonas village you can walk in the beautiful traditional streets. From here you can also explore a big part of west Crete since the distances are small; Megala Chorafia is next to the National Road leading you everywhere in Crete.Regarding to Aptera it was one of the most important city-states of Crete. The first epigraphic occurence of its name is found in the Linear B tablets (14th - 13th century B.C.). The history of the city continued through the centuries until the 7th century A.D., when an earthquake destroyed it. Its ideal location was determinative for its development in an important commercial and political center. By harbors, Kissamos and Minoa, located on both sides of Suda Bay, Aptera was able to control the naval activity. The era of the city greatest peak was the early Hellenistic period (late 4th - 3th century B.C.).
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