Aptera village (also known as Megala Chorafia) is located in North Western Crete, just five minutes from the quiet sandy beaches of Kalami, ten minutes from Kalives, with its beachside tavernas, shops, and cafes, 15 minutes from Almirida beach, and 20 minutes from Chania town with its beautiful Venetian Harbour.
Aptera is perfectly located for visiting the surrounding countryside, old archaeological sites, and western Crete’s lovely beaches. The village of Rethymnon, as well as the beautiful Samaria Gorge, are both within easy reach (40 minutes). The settlement is 1.5 hours away from the archaeological sites of Knossos and Phaestos.
On the eastern side, the ‘Metoche’ region is located on a ridge that leads to old Aptera’s ancient settlement. On the hills to the west, ‘Zacharias’ is a cluster of dwellings. Along the tiny pathways that shepherds use to transport their sheep between pastures, wildflowers blossom.
In the settlement, there are three tiny tavernas, two cafés, and a new mini-market. The settlement is within walking distance of the ancient Aptera archaeological relics, which date from the Minoan and Roman periods. A Turkish fortress, located advantageously on the promontory facing the sea, sits beyond them.
For a long time, Aptera was known as Megala Chorafia, which means ‘Big Field.’ Aptera is a jumble of houses and fields centered on an elegant orthodox church. The village name has lately been changed to Aptera by the local council, and several local signage reflect this change. The name Megala Chorafia appears on maps and on signage along the major route.
