Historic wine presses and archaeological evidence give Kounavi two distinct directions to explore. If you are looking for accommodation in Kounavi, you can start planning your trip by weighing up whether you are more interested in the history of viticulture or finds from much earlier periods. Local highlights range from preserved presses to excavated tombs and ancient artifacts.
The History of Viticulture and Preserved Presses
Viticulture in the Kounavi area can be traced back to the 13th century. Masonry wine presses dating from the 15th and 16th centuries have been preserved, bearing witness to the area's winemaking history. A long winemaking tradition and tangible architectural evidence therefore stand side by side. Wine presses are located near Agios Nikolaos, where the church of Agios Konstantinos also stands. Vaulted wine presses have also been preserved at Skepasta Patitiria, Korakia, and Simianou Lakkos.
Along the road toward Kounavi, vineyards sit alongside olive trees. The landscape along the route and the historic presses thus complement each other as different aspects of the area's viticulture. The Titakis Wines winery in Kounavi has a tasting room for five people. Visits are possible during the specified period from April to November, Monday to Friday, from 12:00 to 16:00; confirm your visit with the winery in advance. Arrange your visit with the winery beforehand, as visitor information may change.
Archaeological Evidence from Different Periods
A tholos tomb is located at the prehistoric-geometric cemetery in Kounavi and is considered unique in north-central Crete. Part of a geometric cemetery dating from the 11th to the 8th century BC was excavated at Vathyiades; Roman tombs dating from the 2nd century AD were also excavated at the same site. The different dates give the finds their own distinct historical context.
The ancient city of Eltynia, also known as Eltyna or Eltynaia, is part of the wider regional context. Its territory extended across the present-day villages of Kounavi, Katalagari, and Peza, as well as the settlements of Zagourianoi and Komes. At Ellinika, finds associated with the location of Eltynia include inscriptions, a funerary stele depicting a young woman, and architectural remains from the Archaic period. The architectural remains date from the 7th and 6th centuries BC. Hellenistic votive reliefs dating from the 4th to the 1st century BC were found at Skenteri. The Archaic architecture at Ellinika and the Hellenistic votive reliefs at Skenteri thus represent different historical periods.
Church, Bridge, and Festival
The church of Agios Panteleimon lies about 300 metres from the main village of Kounavi, surrounded by vineyards. Its location brings a religious building and the wine-growing landscape together. Kounavi is also home to the Venetian-Ottoman bridge “του Σουλάχη η Καμάρα”. Together with the churches and archaeological evidence, it adds to the range of architectural sites to explore during a stay focused on cultural history. A festival in honor of Agios Panteleimon is celebrated with a large celebration on July 27. If the date is important to your travel plans, check the latest festival dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Kiparissos, Mochos, Choudetsi, Agioi Deka, Vori, Ano Viannos, Heraklion, Kato Symi.
Return to the main travel guide: Heraklion.
