The seaside village of Agia Pelagia
.
25km
south-west of Heraklion is the beautiful coastal village of Agia
Pelagia. This tiny village with a population of 430 inhabitants
takes its name from the local church that is located in the
Monastery of Sebbanthians, the ruins of which are located close
to the village.
Agia Pelagia is located in a pretty sheltered
bay with sandy beaches, many small bays and a calm sea.
Over the
last few years it has developed into a pleasant and well
organised tourist resort with many facilities for visitors.
Recent excavations in and around the village have discovered
Minoan and Hellenistic remains of a large rectangular building
dating from many centuries BC. It is believed that Agia Pelagia
may have been the site of the ancient Apollonia. In ancient
times the area was known as Panormus. Interesting places to
visit are the post-Minoan tombs and the University building (Pritanion)
of the 4th century BC. These findings give support to the theory
that here was the site of the ancient city of Apollonia. Close
by is also the cave, named Evresi where, allegedly, the icon
of Agia Pelagia was found.