The Minoan settlement of Petras was built on a low hill overlooking the present city of Sitia. It is believed by many researchers that this was the site of ancient Etea or Etida, from where the sage Myson came from. The town was excavated since 1985 by the archaeologist M. Tsipopoulou. Archaeologists founds parts of the Cyclopean wall with three square towers, two houses and a Minoan palace.
Petras flourished since the 20th century BC and quickly developed into an urban settlement with foremost commercial significance, as evidenced by the hieroglyph file found in excellent condition. After the destruction of the palace in 1450 BC, the hill remained inhabited and the defensive cyclopean wall was built. 40 large jars (pithi) were also found here, such as those found in all the Minoan palaces of Crete.
Nearby places of interest
Straight-line distances
0.4 km
Sitia beach
1.2 km
Fourkolia monumental olive tree
1.2 km
Archaeological Museum of Sitia
1.3 km
Piskokefalo Minoan Mansion
1.3 km
Ancient Trypitos at Sitia
1.5 km
Folklore and Historical Museum of Sitia
1.7 km
Kazarma Fort in Sitia
1.8 km
Soultanina beach in Sitia
2.8 km
Agia Fotia beaches
2.9 km
Church of the Holy Apostles in Kato Episkopi
3 km
Agia Fotia Necropolis
3 km
Vamvakia lighthouse at Sitia
3.1 km
Piskokefalo Peak Sanctuary
3.5 km
Vathis Potamos beach
4.4 km
Zhou Minoan Villa
4.7 km
Zou Tower
4.9 km
Platani beach
5 km
Agii Pantes Gorge
Additional Info
- Location: Lassithi Prefecture
- Type: Ancient Settlement
- Accessibility: Paved road
- Opening Hours: Closed (unless staff is hired in summers)
- Entrance Fee (€): 2€, Reduced 1€
- Website: odysseus.culture.gr
- e-mail: [email protected]
- Phone: +30 2843023917
- Fax: +30 2843023917
- Peak Period: Minoan Era (3000 BC-1200 BC)






Petras Minoan settlement 






































































