Ancient Aptera is situated at the plateau of Paliokastro, in a place that remains unique for its natural beauty with the beautiful Souda Bay to the north and the mountain range of the White Mountains in the south. The city’s favourable, naturally fortified location proved ideal and helped it to grow and become the most important commercial and shipping center of western Crete. With its two harbors, Minoa (present Marathi) and Kissamos (below Kalami village) , Aptera controlled all maritime activity in Souda bay and it was protected by large stone cyclopean walls. A small temple, a large private house with a yard, a theatre ( whose auditorium, orchestra and the first tier have been revealed) and a cemetery with carved tombs have been excavated.