Heading south on the main road axis, you will find Pressos 17km after Sitia. Nea (New) Pressos village is built on the site of the very important ancient city. Until 1955, the village was called Veveli, and then an official order changed the name to Nea Presses.
Archaeologist Federico Halbherr, initially discovered traces of the ancient city thanks to an inscription and a multitude of figurines found in the area. Intensive excavations began in 1901, by a team of British archaeologists. Research showed that the area was inhabited in Neolithic times, as Neolithic and Camaraic vessels were found in the cave at Skales.
The city-state of ancient Presses covered a huge area that reached as far as the Sitia peninsula. It was built on a plateau surrounded by three peaks, where the acropolises probably were. The first acropolis was in the centre of the city. An altar and ritual objects have been found in the third acropolis, implying the,existence of a Sanctuary, and this is believed to have been where worshipers made their travel s. Presses was hostile to Itanos, but lerapytna caused its destruction in 145 BC, after many years of war.
At Agios Konstantinos, SE of the first acropolis, there was a spring providing Presses with water, and next to it a temple. Excavations near the temple - dedicated to an unknown deity - brought to light vaulted tombs containing important findings, such as vessels from the Geometric period, a ring and other jewels worn by the - not exist anymore - . If you turn left, you can explore the arid Ziros plateau, and Ziros village, which used to be famous for the bells made there. Continuing your acquaintance with the Lassithi coast to the south, we suggest you go as far as Kapsa Monastery, built in a precipitous cave. To the west of the Monastery, you will see Pervolakia ravine. The Monastery was probably established in the I 5th century, and its name is attributed to its founder. It is dedicated to Agios (Saint) loannis Prodromos. It dates from the beginning of the I 5th century. The ecclesiastical painter Arteries Alexandridis decorated it in 1870. The monastery's templon is quite impressive. Today the monastery is a dependency of Toplou Monastery. If you happen to be in the area on August 29th, you can attend the religious festival there.
The beach after the monastery is wonderful, and you can rest under the shady marram trees, on the fine sand, and swim in the deep blue clean sea. Ammoudi beach is also nearby, and is only accessible on foot. Above the beach you will find "Spilia tou Drakou" (Dragon's Cave) taverna, with bread and meat cooked in the wood oven.