Discover Aggeliana

Two distinct points of interest are at the heart of trip planning in Aggeliana: the chamber tomb of Angelianá and Geropotamos Beach. The tomb is notable for its Late Minoan dating and the finds described here; the beach is about five kilometres from the village of Angelianá. This lets you first choose between places based on your interest in cultural history or a beach destination.

The chamber tomb: dates and finds

The chamber tomb of Angelianá was hewn into the rock during Late Minoan IIIA (1400–1300 BC) and used until Late Minoan IIIB (1300–1200 BC). The two periods mark distinct phases: IIIA represents the tomb’s creation, and IIIB its continued use. This makes it possible to distinguish the construction and use chronologically, rather than treating them as a single event. The dates should also be understood as ranges; they define the respective periods and do not give a precise year of construction or use. For a visit focused on cultural history, the dating provides a clear chronological framework. The two periods meet at 1300 BC.

The contents of the chamber tomb included four larnakes, a vessel containing the burial of a child, the remains of more than one deceased person, and several grave goods. The vessel with the child’s burial and the remains of multiple deceased people are distinct pieces of evidence in the assemblage. Together with the larnakes and grave goods, they give the chamber tomb a tangible dimension alongside its chronological context.

Location and beach

The chamber tomb is on Tsoukni Hill. The site of Plagaki or Karteri is located east of the present-day settlement. The name of the hill and its position relative to the village offer different points of reference for locating the site. If you are planning a visit to the chamber tomb, check its current accessibility in advance.

Geropotamos Beach is about five kilometres from the village of Angelianá. This approximate distance gives you a sense of scale for planning with the village as your point of reference. It does not indicate the location of any particular hotel. If Geropotamos is important to your stay, also consider the location of the specific hotel you choose.

Consider these places when searching for hotels

The stated distance to the beach is measured from the village; it cannot automatically be applied to a hotel. So check the location of the property you choose in relation to the places you plan to include in your trip. The chamber tomb and the beach offer different points of interest: Late Minoan history and finds on the one hand, and a beach destination about five kilometres from the village on the other.

Discover more destinations: Atsipades, Margarites, Sfakaki, Spili, Chromonastiri, Bali, Myxorrouma, Venio.

For the broader travel overview: Rethymno.