There is much to discover in the area around Kastelli, where Crete’s new main airport is being built: the Byzantine church of Agios Pandeleimon near Pigi, ancient Lyttos, the monastery of Saint Marina Vóni, the pottery workshop in Thrapsano, the Aposelemi dam with the submerged village of Sfendili, the construction of the new international airport and the Minoan circular structure on Papoura Hill.
The charming village of Kastelli in Heraklion, Crete, sits at the heart of one of the island’s most historically rich regions. Here, ancient civilizations, religious heritage, and modern developments seem to collide in ways that are, honestly, pretty fascinating.
Located about 36 kilometres southeast of Heraklion town, this inland settlement acts as a gateway to some of Crete’s most significant archaeological sites and cultural gems.
Kastelli and the surrounding area take visitors on a journey through time, from the ancient city of Lyctus to traditional pottery workshops, peaceful monasteries, and even Crete’s newest airport project.
It’s a region that tells the story of Crete’s evolution. You can wander among the ruins of one of ancient Crete’s most important cities, see age-old crafting traditions still alive, and discover how even new construction projects have unearthed Minoan remains.
From the serene Monastery of Saint Marina Vóni to the impressive Aposelemi Dam and the submerged village beneath it, this corner of Crete peels back layers of history—Minoan, Byzantine, modern. Each site has its own story to tell, and Kastelli makes a pretty solid base if you’re curious about Cretan heritage.
Exploring Kastelli: Overview and Location
Kastelli sits 36 kilometres southeast of Heraklion in Crete’s fertile Pediada region. Around 4,030 residents keep traditional island life going here, mostly through olive farming and winemaking.
The village gives you easy access to both mountain adventures and coastal beaches. It’s a handy base for exploring central Crete.
Where Kastelli is Situated
Kastelli, officially called Kastelli Pediadas, sits in the Heraklion regional unit of Crete. The village is about 350 metres above sea level, right in the heart of the Pediada plain.
It’s roughly 35-36 kilometres southeast of Heraklion city. The location puts you perfectly between mountains and the coast, so you get a bit of everything landscape-wise.
Key Geographic Features:
- Olive groves and vineyards all around
- Rolling hills, fertile plains
- Part of the Minoa Pediada municipality since 2011
- Municipal unit area: 123.3 square kilometres
The closest beaches are about 20 kilometres away, between Kato Gouves and Chersonissos. The Dikti Mountains rise up to the north and east, making for some pretty epic views.
Kastelli Airport sits on the edge of the village, just south of the main area. This spot will soon be Crete’s new international airport.
The Local Community and Culture
Kastelli’s community numbers 4,030 people in the municipal unit, with 1,285 living in the main village. The population density is low—just 32.7 people per square kilometre. Feels pretty spacious.
Traditional Occupations:
- Olive cultivation is the big one
- Wine production from local vineyards
- Small-scale farming—think veggies and herbs
The village keeps its authentic Cretan look, with narrow stone streets winding between old houses. Many buildings are centuries old, showing off Venetian and Ottoman touches.
Life here revolves around family-run tavernas and kafeneia (coffee houses). Folks speak Greek, but you’ll find plenty who know some English—tourism’s on the rise.
Cultural Highlights:
- Byzantine churches with ancient frescoes
- Traditional pottery workshops nearby
- Annual religious festivals and celebrations
How to Get to Kastelli
Getting to Kastelli is pretty straightforward. The village connects easily to major roads heading to Heraklion and elsewhere.
By Car:
- Drive southeast from Heraklion on the main regional road
- It takes about 45-50 minutes
- You’ll follow a well-signposted route through some scenic countryside
- Parking’s available in the village centre
By Public Transport:
- KTEL buses run regular services from Heraklion
- Connections go through nearby bigger towns
- Timetables change with the seasons—worth checking ahead
From the Airport:
- Current Heraklion Airport (Nikos Kazantzakis): 50 kilometres away
- Taxi costs about €40-50
- Car rentals are available at the airport
The new Kastelli Airport will make access even easier once it opens. Visitors will basically arrive right at the village’s doorstep.
Road conditions are generally good, but some rural routes are still narrow. The drive is worth it for the mountain and valley views alone.
Byzantine Church Aghios Pandeleimon
Aghios Pandeleimon church at Pigi (close to Kastelli).
The Byzantine church of Aghios Pandeleimon is below 2 miles (3.22 km) north of Kastelli, off the road to Hersonisos, signed to ‘Paradise Tavern’.
The main town of the region Pedhiadha is Kastelli – or since there are more than one on Crete Kastelli Pedhiadhos – was really an enjoyable location to stay for a short time – before the construction of the new airport was beginning. Mainly an agricultural heart whose wealth stems from the olive groves and vineyards scattered over the neighboring slopes, the village goes a unique way, generally untouched by the tourist places on the shoreline. Nevertheless, there is a solid taverna as well as quiet places to stay, faraway from the madding mass.
On the other hand the center of attention is the neighboring landscapes, where turning streets are traced by aged plane and oak trees.
The Byzantine church of Aghios Pandeleimon is below 2 miles (3.22 km) north of Kastelli, off the road to Hersonisos, signed to ‘Paradise Tavern. The church is not in the present location of Pigi (what means ‘source’), which is on the west side of the road.
From May until October the church is daily open from 9am – 3pm and entrance is free.
For those who choose to discover just one of many churches in this region, make sure it is Aghios Pandeleimon, a sizable building placed in a grove of planes and oaks around a spring which was almost certainly a sanctuary in olden days.
Inside the church are magnificent despite the fact weathered frescoes of the soldier saints (on the northern section) as well as an uncommon picture of Aghia Anna nursing the child Mary.
The framework of the church, most likely dating from the beginning 13th century, is fascinating for the way it contains elements of the very first 10th century basilica as well as incorporates as building materials several more aged pieces, possibly removed from Lyttos.
Above all, on the south outer wall elements of ancient and early Christian constructions are visible, including a marble slab with a Greek inscription and parts of gravestones from the Roman period.
The interior is – particularly striking – a pillar in the north aisle, which is assembled from four Corinthian capitals.
The aqueduct that once carried drinking water to the ancient town goes nearby, and you could notice pieces of it as you move around.
This pleasant place also housing the little and simple Paradise Taverna, operated by the traditional and friendly Nikolaides family (Catherine, surprising 80 years old, English skills – unfortunately now deceased and closed!).
Directions to Church Aghios Pandeleimon
Link to map with directions:
Click here: Directions church Aghios Pandeleimon.
Other churches with frescoes around Kastelli
Lots of the neighborhoods around Kastelli possess frescoes Middle Ages churches. Watch out for signs when you travel around; they are in most cases well worth trying to find just by the trip off the main roads, even though you may cannot visit it from inside. Besides the marvelous Aghios Pandeleimon, among the most prominent is the 15th century Isodhia Theotokon, having great Byzantine frescoes, close to the village of Sklaverohori just a few miles west of Kastelli. The key is made available from the building having a vine trellis approximately 50 yards (ca. 46 m) in front of the church, on the right side.
A few 4 miles (6.44 km) further more west, down a side route outside Apostoli, Moni Angarathou is one more lovely spot. Even though the monastery’s church dates from the 19th century, the nearby complexes date largely from the 16th century and incorporate an idyllic white-walled courtyard with cypresses, orange trees, and palms.
One more church is Aghios Yeoryios at Ksidhas (confusingly also called Lyttos), roughly 1.8 miles (ca. 3 km) east of Kastelli, which includes frescoes dated by an inscription to 1321.
Ancient Lyctus (Lyttos): History and Ruins
Ancient Lyctus was one of Crete’s most powerful cities and a fierce rival to Knossos. Its ruins sprawl across terraced hillsides near today’s Xidas village, revealing layers of history that go from the Bronze Age to Roman times.
The Origins of Ancient Lyctus
Lyctus probably started as a Minoan settlement at the end of the Bronze Age. Some say it began with people from the Minoan centre at Malia, which might’ve been called Lyktos way back when.
Around 1000 BC, Dorian settlers from Sparta joined local Minoans. Together, they created what became Crete’s oldest Dorian settlement. Archaeologists found evidence of blood sacrifice rituals, hinting the city existed before the Dorians arrived.
The city rose 650 metres up on Mount Dikti’s western foothills. With its natural hilltop spot, Lyctus didn’t really need defensive walls. This location let the city control eastern Crete, including regions like Pediada, Chersonissos, and Lassithi.
Key territories controlled:
- Milatos (main seaport near Malia)
- Hersonissos (second major port)
- Various eastern Crete regions
Lyctus and Knossos clashed constantly. In 220 BC, the Knossians destroyed Lyctus during the Lyttian War while most men were away fighting. Survivors fled to Lappa, and later, Sparta helped them rebuild.
Major Archaeological Sites
The archaeological site shows three main terraces where the ancient city stood. You can see retaining walls from the 7th century BC and ruins from all sorts of periods scattered across the hillside.
The Bouleuterion is the site’s standout discovery. Built under Emperor Hadrian, this council building had four rows of seats and marble floors. An earthquake in 365 AD wrecked it.
Roman-era structures show how prosperous the city became later on. Archaeologists unearthed statues of emperors Marcus Aurelius and Trajan here. You can find these in Heraklion’s Archaeological Museum now.
Notable structures visible today:
- Three terraced levels with old retaining walls
- Citadel walls from the 7th century BC
- Bouleuterion ruins with marble bits
- Sections of a Roman aqueduct
- Chapel of Stavros (Holy Cross)
- Chapel of Saint George
The Roman aqueduct is a real feat of engineering from the 2nd century AD. Some parts still stand around the site.
Highlights of Recent Excavations
The Lyktos Archaeological Project kicked off in 2021, led by Professor Angelos Chaniotis. This international team wants to piece together a full urban history, from Bronze Age roots to medieval times.
Recent digs focus on how the city changed over the centuries. The project looks at connections between different eras, especially the shift from Minoan to Dorian culture.
Excavations keep turning up new clues about daily life in ancient Lyctus. The team studies pottery, coins, and building foundations to reconstruct the city’s story.
Current research priorities:
- Timeline from Bronze Age to medieval
- Urban development patterns
- Cultural transitions between eras
- Reconstructing daily life
The 2020-2025 excavation seasons have already produced fresh evidence about the city’s layout. This ongoing work is changing what we know about Lyctus and its rise to power.
Monastery of Saint Marina Vóni: Faith and Heritage
The Monastery of Saint Marina in Vóni is one of Crete’s most important pilgrimage sites. Over 100,000 people visit every year, drawn by its sacred atmosphere and stories of miraculous healing—especially for children.
Built in 1901, the monastery blends old traditions with a reputation for Saint Marina’s healing powers.
History of the Monastery
The current monastery went up in 1901 on the site of a much older chapel from the Venetian era. Instead of tearing down the original church, they built the new complex around it.
Locals tell stories about a miraculous spring that once flowed near the chapel. This holy water gave the site its reputation for healing.
The land has a quirky ownership story. It once belonged to Chosref Aga during the Ottoman period, who sold it to John Kaparounakis from nearby Thrapsano.
The monastery runs as a nunnery under the Diocese of Arkalochori, Kastelli, and Viannos, within the Archdiocese of Crete’s jurisdiction.
They picked the spot carefully. The monastery sits 500 metres south of Vóni village in a broad valley full of vineyards and olive groves.
Religious Festivals and Events
Saint Marina’s feast day lands on July 17th every year. This three-day event is one of Greece’s biggest religious festivals.
The numbers get wild:
- 100,000+ pilgrims show up every year
- People arrive from all over Greece, not just Crete
- Car queues go on for kilometres during the festival
Plenty of pilgrims walk the whole way as a sign of devotion. Some trek all the way from Heraklion, covering 25 kilometres. Others hike from their villages, sometimes traveling for hours—day and night.
Saint Marina has a special place as a patron saint for sick children. Parents bring their kids, hoping for healing from illnesses or diseases.
The festival isn’t just about prayer. Local vendors line the road before you even reach the church. The village of Vóni gets lively with barbecues selling pork souvlaki and kapriko (roast pork) in the evenings.
Visiting the Monastery Today
The monastery stands about 25 kilometres southeast of Heraklion. You can drive there easily, but parking gets tricky during festivals.
The best times to visit:
- Morning hours for some quiet reflection
- Late evenings during festivals if you want to dodge the crowds
- Any time outside the July festival madness
The climate up here is honestly great. Summers stay cooler than down by the coast, which makes the whole experience feel more peaceful.
The landscape looks like classic rural Crete—rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves. It’s a perfect setting for prayer or just zoning out for a bit.
Outside the festival rush, you can wander the monastery grounds in peace. The old Venetian-era church is always worth a look.
When the festival hits, the quietness disappears. Suddenly, the place turns into a buzzing hub of faith, food, and community energy.
Pottery Workshop in Thrapsano: Tradition in Clay
Thrapsano is Crete’s biggest pottery hub, where old-school techniques from Minoan times still survive. You can check out real working workshops, watch potters spin traditional jars, and even try this ancient craft yourself.
Background of Thrapsano’s Pottery
Thrapsano sits about 30 kilometres from Heraklion. It’s famous for being the heart of pottery in Crete.
Pottery here goes back to the 16th century. There are still around twenty workshops in action. Craftsmen make storage jars using skills handed down through generations.
The local clay is top-notch, which made pottery the obvious choice for people here. Thrapsano sits at 340 metres, right in the middle of great clay deposits.
Back in Ottoman times, potters had to pay a tithe to Elhaj Ali for digging clay from his land. Pottery was a big deal for the village economy.
Traditional Products:
- Large storage jars just like the Minoans made
- Decorative ceramics
- Utility pottery
- Traditional “vraskia” vessels
The village hasn’t changed much since before the industrial revolution. Potter families keep running their workshops, sticking with the old ways.
Touring Local Pottery Workshops
You can visit a bunch of pottery shops all over Thrapsano. Each one gives you a peek at traditional Cretan craft.
There’s a family-run lab that’s been going for forty years. They make both decorative and practical ceramics, all with that local flair.
Most workshops are happy to let you watch the process. Craftsmen show off techniques that haven’t changed in centuries.
The EARTH WATER FIRE festival happens every July. It brings pottery workshops, demos, and guided tours. Kids get to try their hand at clay, too.
What to Expect When You Visit:
- Live pottery demos
- Old-school jar-making
- Family workshops with loads of experience
- Handmade ceramics you can buy
- Stories about the pottery tradition
Some workshops are close to the ancient palace of Knossos. It’s a cool connection between today’s pottery and the Minoan past.
A lot of people find out about Thrapsano from museum staff in Heraklion. The drive takes about an hour from the city.
Experiencing Hands-On Pottery Making
Plenty of workshops let you get your hands dirty with clay. You learn some basic techniques and have a go at the wheel.
Experienced potters guide you step by step. You’ll learn how to centre clay and shape a simple vessel—it’s trickier than it looks!
Sessions usually last an hour or two. You get to make a small piece to take home as a souvenir.
What You’ll Do:
- Prepare and wedge clay
- Try the potter’s wheel
- Hand-building basics
- See how glazing works
- Find out about kiln firing
Some places are especially good with families and kids. Youngsters learn easy techniques and get creative.
There are advanced classes, too, for anyone who wants to make traditional Cretan jars or fancier pieces.
Workshops usually provide everything you need. Finished pieces can be fired and picked up later, or they’ll ship them to you.
These hands-on sessions keep the pottery tradition alive. You come away with a deeper appreciation—and a handmade memento.
Aposelemi Dam and the Story of Sfendili
The Aposelemi Dam is Crete’s biggest water management project. It supplies water to more than 300,000 people along the island’s northern coast.
To build the dam, they had to sacrifice the village of Sfendili. That whole community now lies underwater, hidden by the reservoir.
Purpose and Impact of Aposelemi Dam
They built the Aposelemi Dam between 2008 and 2012 to tackle serious water shortages in eastern Crete. At 61 metres tall and holding 27 million cubic metres, it’s the island’s largest reservoir.
The dam provides water to Heraklion, Hersonissos, and Agios Nikolaos. It also serves six smaller municipalities and 19 communities along the busy northern coast.
Before the dam, this whole region struggled with water supply, especially in the summer when tourism peaks. The growing population just made things worse.
The project collects water from the Aposelemis River, the Lassithi Plateau, and the Lagada district basin. It keeps water flowing all year for both homes and local farms.
The Submerged Village of Sfendili
Sfendili was a small, tight-knit village that had stood for centuries. Several families called it home for generations.
The village sat low, surrounded by olive groves and farmland. People there lived in a traditional way, everyone knowing everyone.
When the dam filled up, Sfendili slowly vanished under the water. Residents had to evacuate and leave their homes behind.
Sometimes, when water drops in dry months, parts of the old village peek out—abandoned stone houses and little streets. It’s a strange sight, honestly.
Photographers and history buffs love the place. The half-sunken ruins give off a haunting vibe, like a memory that won’t quite fade.
Locals sometimes call it “Crete’s Atlantis” because the village appears and disappears as the water rises and falls.
Environmental and Social Changes
The dam changed the Aposelemis River’s natural flow quite a bit. Local ecosystems have had to adjust in all sorts of ways.
New wetlands have popped up around the reservoir. Now, migratory birds and other wildlife show up in the area.
The landscape adapted, too. Hills reflect off the calm water, and the views can be really something.
Hiking trails snake through the hills. Walkers get panoramic views of the reservoir and the countryside beyond.
The spot has turned into a peaceful place for reflection and photography. You can see how progress and history collide here.
Of course, the dam forced Sfendili’s families to move. People who’d lived there for ages had to start over somewhere else.
The New International Airport of Heraklion (Kastelli)
The new Kastelli airport is set to replace Heraklion International Airport. It’ll become the second-busiest airport in Greece. It’s about 39 kilometres southeast of Heraklion, and promises better services for anyone coming to Crete.
Airport Development and Facilities
Construction is moving fast—about 60% done already. The airport spreads across a massive 1,500-acre site in the heart of Crete.
The terminal will cover 93,000 square metres and will be LEED-certified for its eco-friendly design. That’s a big deal for Greek airports.
Key Features:
- Modern passenger terminal with the latest tech
- Bigger runways for larger planes
- Better parking options
- More shopping and dining areas
- LEED-certified green building
The airport will handle way more passengers than the current one. It’s right next to the existing military airport at Kastelli.
They’re aiming to open by 2027. Once it’s ready, all flights will move over from the old “N. Kazantzakis” airport in Heraklion.
Impact on Local Communities
The airport is shaking things up for villages around Kastelli. Local communities between Roussohoria and nearby areas are seeing more traffic and development.
Construction created jobs for a lot of locals. Plenty of people from the area now work on the project.
The airport should give tourism a serious boost in this part of Crete. Hotels and restaurants are already gearing up for more visitors.
Community Changes:
- New roads to nearby villages
- More jobs in tourism and services
- Better transport links to Heraklion
- Economic growth for local businesses
Farmers and residents have had to put up with construction noise and activity. Some folks worry about losing the quiet, rural feel of their home.
The government says they’ll improve infrastructure—better roads, more public transport, the works. We’ll see how it all plays out.
Travel Tips for the New Airport
The Kastelli airport sits 39 kilometres southeast of Heraklion city centre. If you’re flying in or out, plan for a longer drive than you might remember from the old airport.
Transport Options:
- Rental cars on-site
- Bus services to Heraklion
- Taxis to major destinations
- Tour operator transfers
The airport gives quick access to southern Crete. Heading to Matala or Phaistos? You’ll actually save time getting there.
Book your airport transfer ahead of time. The rural location means you won’t find as many transport choices as you would in central Heraklion.
The new terminal will use modern check-in systems. Digital services and self-service kiosks should make things faster.
Duty-free shops and dining spots will be more varied than before. You can even reserve items online for pickup.
Minoan Circular Structure on Papoura Hill
Archaeologists recently uncovered a massive 4,000-year-old circular structure on Papoura Hill during work for the new airport. It’s perched 494 metres above sea level, northwest of Kastelli town.
This one-of-a-kind Minoan building stretches about 48 metres in diameter and covers around 1,800 square metres. Nothing quite like it has turned up in Minoan archaeology before.
The complex features eight stone rings set in concentric circles. Each ring averages 1.4 metres thick and stands up to 1.7 metres tall.
Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
Diameter | 48 metres |
Total Area | 1,800 square metres |
Stone Rings | 8 concentric circles |
Ring Thickness | 1.4 metres average |
Maximum Height | 1.7 metres |
The structure splits into two main zones. Zone A is the central circular building, about 15 metres across, split into four sections.
Zone B wraps around it, with radial walls that carve out smaller spaces.
This circular structure dates from 2000-1700 BCE, during the Palaeopalatial period. Pottery evidence points to use until around 1450 BCE.
The building’s labyrinthine layout links rooms with narrow passages. Two main entrances open to the southwest and northwest.
Most experts think it played a ceremonial or community role instead of serving as a home. The structure’s complexity hints at a pretty organized society with real resources.
Officials decided to move airport radar equipment to protect this archaeological find.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Kastelli area sparks a lot of curiosity about its ancient ruins, religious sites, crafts, and all the new changes. Visitors usually want to know how to reach historic spots, understand local traditions, and plan around the region’s highlights.
What’s the history behind Ancient Lyctus, and can visitors check it out?
Ancient Lyctus was a major Minoan and then Greek city that flourished for centuries near what is now Kastelli. The archaeological site sits close to the village and still shows off well-preserved ruins from this once-busy centre.
You can explore remains that tell stories of ancient Greek life. The site gives a real sense of Crete’s past as the cradle of Minoan civilisation.
The ruins are open to visitors who care about archaeology and history. Most people say it feels like a genuine link to Crete’s ancient roots.
Where can I find the Monastery of Saint Marina Vóni, and what’s special about it?
The Monastery of Saint Marina Vóni sits in the hills near Kastelli village. The main church is dedicated to Agia Marina, reflecting the area’s deep religious ties.
This monastery really represents the region’s spiritual side. It’s surrounded by the kind of traditional Cretan architecture that makes the area feel so authentic.
Visitors usually find the monastery peaceful. The place offers a look into Orthodox Christian traditions that have shaped Crete for ages.
I’ve heard Thrapsano is famous for pottery; what should I expect at the local workshop there?
Thrapsano village keeps its pottery traditions alive through active workshops. Local artisans still make classic Cretan ceramics using old-school methods.
The pottery workshop lets visitors try their hand at clay work. You can watch skilled craftspeople shape and fire vessels and decorative pieces.
Most people find genuine, locally-made pottery to buy. The workshop shows off craftsmanship that’s been handed down for generations.
Is it possible to see the submerged village near Aposelemi Dam, and what should I know before visiting?
The old village of Sfendili sits beneath Aposelemi Dam’s waters. When the water drops enough, parts of the sunken settlement sometimes peek out.
It all depends on the season and drought—there’s no way to predict when ruins will be visible. You might get lucky, or maybe not.
The dam area has nice views even if you can’t see the village. The site shows how modern infrastructure has changed life in rural Crete.
When’s the best time to visit the New International Airport of Heraklion for airport-themed tours?
The New Heraklion International Airport at Kastelli is a working airport, and it doesn’t offer regular tours. Only passengers and staff can go inside.
If you’re into aviation, you can watch planes from public spots outside the fence. The airport is more of a travel hub than a sightseeing stop.
Construction here marks a new chapter for Crete. Most folks just use the airport to get where they’re going.
What activities are on offer for tourists in the Kastelli region of Heraklion, Crete?
The Kastelli area lets you dive into archaeological sites like Ancient Lyctus. You can also poke around old Minoan settlements if that’s your thing.
If you’re curious about local crafts, swing by the pottery workshops in Thrapsano village. Watching artisans shape clay the old-fashioned way is oddly soothing.
For a bit of spiritual history, check out the Byzantine churches scattered around, some still showing off their ancient frescoes. The Monastery of Saint Marina Vóni is worth a stop, too.
Wandering through the villages, you’ll spot classic Cretan architecture—think narrow lanes and stone houses that look like they’ve barely changed in centuries.
If you crave the outdoors, the Aposelemi Dam makes a nice nature break. The countryside around here feels pretty untouched, and you can just get lost exploring.
Hikers usually head straight for the Dikti Mountains. The trails there offer some wild views you won’t want to miss.
The nearest beaches sit about 20 kilometers away, somewhere between Kato Gouves and Chersonissos. So, Kastelli puts you in a quiet spot that’s still close enough to dip into the coast or head inland for more adventure.
