On the northern coast of Crete, 7 km south of Heraklion is a Bronze Age settlement Amnisos. Mention of the ancient city are found in the earliest Greek literature and mythology, but there was a city much earlier, back in prehistoric times. It got its name from the river Amnisos (later it became known Kairatos), the mouth of which is near.

Ancient Amnisos flourished in the era of the Minoan civilization and was one of the two harbors the legendary Knossos. Today, the sea level up to 3 m, than it was in the Minoan era, and part of the ancient settlement is under water, where it is now possible to see the sunken structures.

The first archaeological excavations of the ancient Amnisos were launched in 1932, one of the leading archaeologists of the XX century the Greek Spiridon Marinatos. Then, and it was discovered by the famous "House of lilies" - a two-storey building with 10 rooms decorated with excellent frescoes with floral motifs in the so-called "naturalistic style." The yard was paved with stone slabs. One of the well-preserved frescoes depicting red and white lilies (hence the name of the house), as well as mint, iris and papyrus, now kept in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. "House of lilies" was destroyed by fire in the first pozdneminoyskuyu era.

The excavations Amnisos were also found traces of volcanic ash and pumice - the consequences of powerful explosion of Santorini volcano that occurred in the mid-16th century BC, which is considered the largest in the history of the earth.

Today it is a small resort village with an excellent sandy beach. This place is not very popular among tourists, but, nevertheless, is perfect for those who like a quiet and secluded relaxation.