Lissos and Syia were the harbours of the city of Elyros, the most important ancient city of the area, located near the village Rodovani. It was established in the Classical period and flourished until the Late Antiquity. The early history of the city is unknown. Based on inscriptions and coins of the 3rd century BC, we know the city allied with King Magas of Cyrene, and joined the League of Oreians. Lissos had powerful trading and fishing navy.

There were discovered ruins of theatre, aqueduct, cemetery, and baths of the ancient times, and Palaiochristian basilicas. In the area, there were also found many votive objects, which are now exhibited at the Archaeological Museums of Heraklion and Chania. In no other city of Crete, apart from Gortys, there were found so many pieces of sculpture. This fact testifies the prosperity and the power of the Asclepieion of Lissos. Lissos has its own coins with the images of Artemis and dolphin and the word LISION (of the Lisians).

Beside the Asklepieion and the Roman necropolis there are also two Greek Orthodox churches: Agios Kyrikos has some nice frescoes, and the chapel of Panagia is built with ancient marble blocks.

The small beach is a coarse pebble beach. Nobody lives in Lissos nowadays. You can reach it from Sougia by boat or by foot (90 minutes walk).

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Founded: 400 BC
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Greece

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Melanie Carlson (2 years ago)
Perfect spot metres from water, quiet, large balcony. Kitchenette. Everything brand new and tastefully finished. Book in advance only one night left which we loved would have loved to stay longer and enjoy Lazy hazy days in sweet Sougia.
G. L (2 years ago)
Lovely hosts,amazing location just a couple of steps from the beach,mountain and sea view….we stayed in one of the renewd rooms…Ours had a little kitchen,a great shower,big confortable bed and lovely quiet balcony… All well maintained and clean
Cornelia Beranek (2 years ago)
Very nice, cozy apartment hotel in a beautiful garden with sea view. Very friendly hosts. Very peaceful surroundings
We're the smartest monkeys (3 years ago)
Beautiful guesthouse in best location run by a very friendly and helpful local family. Covered in flowers and just a few steps from the beach. The rooms are quiet, light and airy with excellent views from the balconies. Very clean and well-maintained throughout. Highly recommended!!!
G und S ST (3 years ago)
Sehr freundliches und engagiertes Team. Einfache aber sehr, sehr saubere Zimmer. Perfekte Lage am Ortsrand teilweise mit Meerblick und die von uns ersehnte Ruhe gab es hier reichlich. Ein toller Ort zum wiederkommen. Feeling Home !!!
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