Mochlos is one of the few truly tranquil places on the northern coast of Crete. An outstanding feature of Mochlos is the island of the identical call, positioned just a hundred and fifty meters from the shore. It is feasible that in the Minoan generation, it became still related to the "mainland" and served as an important port. In reality, this location continues to be present process of excavation. The environment in Mochlos is extraordinarily private and comfortable, although there are a few restaurants and cafés.
Mochlos is about 35 kilometers from Agios Nikolaos and is a coastal settlement in Lasithi, definitely a secluded retreat. This small village stands quietly and serenely at the threshold of the bay, making it a perfect choice for individuals who desire to enjoy the summertime winds of Crete whilst final tremendously isolated and away from different popular tourist locations on this beloved island.
Map of Mochlos Island
| Name | Mochlos Island (Greek: Μόχλος) |
| Country | Greece |
| Region | Crete |
| Coordinates | 35°11′15″N 25°54′27″E |
| Area | 1.5 hectares (or 15,000 square meters) |
| Time zone | UTC +2 |
| Population | 250 |
| Airport | N/A |
History of Mochlos Island
Mochlos is the name of a small island positioned within Mirabello Bay, 27 kilometers from Sitia. Opposite the island is the present-day village of the identical call. Originally a peninsula in historical times, the island is depicted on Venetian maps as Scoglio de Muflo, and the locals nevertheless talk to it as Agios Nikolaos, named after the small chapel there. On this island, a great and vast Minoan settlement became advanced, whole with a port. The first inhabitants settled on Mochlos Island for the duration of the Early Minoan I period. The settlement flourished at some point in the Early Minoan III period, turning into one of the most essential centers of the Minoan way of life.
Around 3650/3500 - 3000/2900 BC, all through the Early Minoan II duration (3000/2900 - 2300/2150 BC), the arrival of the latest settlers, possibly from important Crete, reinforced and improved the settlement of Mochlos, which grew extensively during this time. In the Early Minoan III period (2300/2150 - 2160/2025 BC), Mochlos experienced fast improvement. The plains at the mainland provided abundant agricultural manufacturing, while the narrow strait, which in historic instances linked the island to the mainland, created two safe herbal harbors.
As a transshipment center, it transported obsidian from Melos and uncooked materials from the East to different elements of Crete. The discovery of 18th-century seal stones attests to the importance of this port. During the so-referred to as "Artisan Quarter," extraordinary craftsmanship in gold earrings, seals, and stonework became distinguished. The Early Minoan cemetery continued for use until the Middle Minoan length (around 1600 BC), with the most important tombs being huge, constructed like homes, and adorned with gold rings, seal stones, and stoneware. Some vase shapes imitated Egyptian designs, similarly demonstrating the relationship between Crete and Egypt during the Early Minoan duration.
During the Late Minoan duration (1600/1580 - 1480 BC), the agreement turned into destroyed with the aid of the eruption of the Thera volcano and became right away, as evidenced by a layer of volcanic ash, 0.07-0.10 meters thick, determined underneath the residence partitions. The urban-making plans device of the new metropolis became similar to the ones of Pseira and Gournia, with a vital avenue intersecting with smaller streets and defined regions. Houses had been constructed on distinct levels to house the slope of the floor, with two or three tales. The sandstone blocks used for creation came from the quarries of Vagia. The citizens of Gournia also acquired building materials from an identical quarry to assemble the palace of their metropolis.
During the Late Minoan III length (1390 - 1070 BC), sizeable adjustments seem to have happened. The city's size changed rather than decreased, and antique homes were repaired and reinhabited. Even burial customs changed.
The last most important phase of habitation on Mochlos Island is marked by way of fortifications courting back to the first century AD. The northern and eastern components of the island may additionally represent Hierapytna's attempt to stabilize its presence on the northern coast of Crete.
The first excavations at Mochlos had been conducted by American archaeologist R. Seager in 1908, who explored the enormous Early and Middle Minoan cemeteries, in addition to parts of the Minoan agreement. About 50 years later, N. Platon continued the observation of the island (in the 1950s), excavating a Minoan vaulted tomb and an important Mycenaean cemetery with chamber tombs. In 1995, J. Leatham and S. Hood performed an underwater survey at Mochlos, Crete, coming across Roman stays. In 1971, 1972, and 1976, K. Davaras and Soles, in collaboration with the American School of Classical Studies, similarly explored the cemetery to start with the excavation by way of R. Seager, supplying new statistics. In the following years, studies persevered, revealing new statistics about the agreement and its cemetery. In 1986, N. Papadakis excavated a chain of seven Mycenaean tombs. The archaeological website online is nicely preserved, and every 12 months, the American School of Classical Studies collaborates with the KD Center for Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities to reinforce and clean the site.
How to Get to Mochlos
- We recommend renting a car: Other transportation options are confined and rare (public shipping no longer reaches Mochlos).
- By plane: From May to mid-October, there are constitutional flights directly to Chania, and regularly to the capital, Heraklion.
- By ferry: The adventure itself is the highlight. An amazing way to journey to Crete is to fly to Athens after which take a ferry from Piraeus (the port serving Athens). Another romantic alternative is to take an overnight ferry from Piraeus to the port of Souda in Chania or the port of Heraklion.
- By car: If you wish to discover the region, we advocate renting a vehicle, as different transportation options are limited and/or infrequent. We offer aggressive fees, and you can choose the car at any airport.
- By taxi: Book a taxi switch online from the airport or port to any vacation spot, ensuring a secure and smooth adventure, even though it’s not the cheapest choice.
Mochlos: A Coastal Haven of Peace in Lasithi
Crete is certainly a magical place. Every 12 months, foreign and Greek tourists flock to its top-notch sites, but sure spots on some distant ends of the island continue to be unexplored—as a minimum by the general public. One of these captivating, loved locations on the lovely island of Crete is located within the county of Lasithi.
This is a hidden gem, and once a person discovers it, they locate themselves returning over and over. The secluded haven of Lasithi is situated 48 kilometers east of Agios Nikolaos and 35 kilometers west of Sitia, known as Mochlos.
This traditional village, built contrary to the island of Agios Nikolaos, with a church of the identical call, becomes as soon as a wonderful Minoan port. It possesses all the traits one expects to discover in a small Cretan village, infused with the essential and generous factors of Cretan hospitality.
In Mochlos, there is no excess of luxury, as authenticity is the key phrase here. Thus, in this tranquil village of Lasithi, you’ll find a few tavernas serving fresh fish and seafood, as well as a few cafés in which you could revel in a comfortable evening drink.
Activities in Mochlos
In front of the small village lies the tiny seaside of Mochlos, with its crystal-clear waters. If you stroll east, you’ll discover a second bay, smaller and rockier than the first. Continuing eastward for about 350 meters, you may encounter numerous secluded little coves, every with round pebbles. When swimming in Mochlos, be cautious of sea urchins—they thrive in easy and murky waters (protecting plastic shoes are sold in the mini-marketplace). In the mornings, you might see divers collecting them to deliver to coastal restaurants, where their roe is served as "sea urchin salad"—a treasured delicacy. The location is likewise ideal for snorkeling and fishing, as the rocky seabed is home to a plethora of fish.
Taking a boat to the island lets you view the ancient Minoan settlement, in which tombs, homes, and houses have been uncovered over the last few long time. The archaeological site of Mochlos became determined with the aid of American archaeologist R.B. Seager in 1907, following directions from neighborhood fishermen. The following year, excavations started on the island, revealing 20 tombs and around 12 houses. The Mochlos simple has been inhabited for over 5,000 years, with remnants of the Minoan settlement on Mochlos Island, or Agios Nikolaos Island, dating back to around 3000 BC.
Psira Island appears within swimming distance, in particular in calm weather, but if you wish to go, it’s less difficult to set up a journey with a local fisherman. Psira, a small island northwest of Mochlos, is now uninhabited and barren. The call, which has another spelling, likely derives from the island’s shape, akin to a louse (Psira: louse). Hidden in a corner of Mirabello Bay, southwest of the island, is some other small island named Konida—"the chook’s nest." On Psira, a Minoan settlement covering 15-20 acres has been discovered, one of the maximum essential websites on Crete. Regular boat tours to the island are to be had, and site visitors can inquire with one of the tavernas to arrange a trip with a captain.
Visit the nearby village of Tourloti (7.5 km away), a true paradise with small cafés and beautiful views. For extra astonishing vistas, you ought to climb to the village’s imperative church, from where you can see the complete Mirabello Bay, the Bay of Agios Nikolaos, and the Ierapetra Bay. If you like the agricultural lifestyles of Greece, a go to this cosmopolitan village inside the province of Sitia is an ought to, imparting breathtaking views of eastern Crete.
Perhaps at some point, in your manner to Sitia, just past the village of Skopia, you’ll notice a small route at the left marked as main to the Faneromenis Monastery. After about 5 km of part paved avenue, you’ll attain this monastery church, overlooking a seashore gorge—a metaphor for Crete’s modern records, weathered and worn, but still status. Unfortunately, most of the frescoes had been destroyed.
During the summertime, locals prepare many social sports, which include fishing competitions (in particular in August), and in case you’re fortunate, you may encounter and participate in some of these occasions.
