Psira is a small, uninhabited island, one mile across the water from Tholos beach, situated on the Northeast coast of the Mirabello Bay. It has been discovered that Psira houses the remains of an ancient Minoan Settlement, 15-20 thousand square meters in size, one of the most important in the whole of Crete.
The most significant fact about Psira, as mentioned above, is that the ruins of a small Minoan town dated at 1700BC-1450BC are located on a small Penninsula on the South side of the island. The town, despite being small, appears to have been inhabited by the families of traders, craftsmen, fishermen and sailors all of whom were wealthy and had links with the whole of The Mediterranean. It is most likely that they were involved in the trade of the natural pigment porfira (colour purple) just as those on the island of Lefki.
Also, in the vicinity of the island there are ancient shipwrecks, a fact which has attracted divers in the past illicitly searching for antiquities.
The island has some beautiful, small beaches, the largest of which is sandy and is located North of the Archaeological site. There is also a lovely pebbly beach directly below the settlement (to the south).
Duration of Trip: 10:00 – 17.00
Excursion Price: up to 2 persons 200€, up to 4 persons 340€
Includes: Pick up from Hotel, Experienced driver, Petrol and insurance;
Transportation by boat to the island, Traditional Cretan meal with unlimited wine.
Places visited: Agios Nilolaos, Kalo Horio, Istron, Kavousi, Psira Island.
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