Not far from the small picturesque village of Kritsa (around 3 km) and 15 km from Agios Nikolaos are the ruins of the ancient city of Lato. This Dorian city-state was one of the most important and powerful settlements of Crete and a major trading port. It is believed that the city received its name in honor of the goddess Leto (in Doric sounds like "Lato").

Ancient Lato located near the Gulf of Mirabello in a valley between two hills, on top of which were placed the city Acropolis. Probably, Lato was built in the 7th century BC (and possibly earlier), although the ruins found by archaeologists date back to 5-4 centuries BC This period is just the peak flowering of the ancient state. The city had its own coinage with the image of the goddess Eileithyia very revered in the region. The city was destroyed around 200 BC The truth is its harbor, located near modern-day Agios Nikolaos, also used during the Roman rule.

Some studies in this area were carried out in 1894-1896 scientists A.Evansom years. Systematic excavations in these same areas began in the years 1899-1901 under the leadership of the French archaeological school. Were found the main gates of the city, well enough preserved to our times, and the staircase of eighty steps leading to the Agora, the center of which was a small shrine. To the south of the Agora is a large city temple. There was also excavated a monumental complex, reminiscent of the ancient theater, which probably sat the members of the city assembly. Preserved remnants of the stone walls, the ruins of houses, shops and workshops.

The ruins of the ancient city of Lato is an important archaeological monument of Greece.