Following the north road to Rethymno and at a distance of 15km from Chania you can visit the site on which Ancient Aptera was built. Ancient Aptera was one of the most important ancient city-states in western Crete. It was established in the 7th century BC and destroyed in 823 AD by Saracen pirates. Its name comes from Aptera or Pteras, its founder and ruler. According to another theory, it was named Aptera by the Sirens who became "wingless (apterae) and white" after their defeat by the Muses. In fact, it is believed that they fell into the sea and thus created the Lefke islands in Souda Bay. Findings show that it was inhabited since archaic years while during the Byzantine era it developed important commercial activity. Archaeological excavations revealed a small temple probably dedicated to the goddess Dimitra. Furthermore, statues, inscriptions, tomb columns and ceramics were discovered that are now exhibited in the Crania Archaeological Museum, You will also see the ruins of a small theatre, the foundations of houses, sculpted tombs - from Roman years - and large vaulted reservoirs one of which is well preserved and divided into three sections. Furthermore, coins were discovered that prove the town's autonomy.