The city of ancient Apollonia is located 20 km northwest of Heraklion, at the seaside village of Agia Pelagia and as it is believed it was inhabited for the first time in 2000 BC and ruined at 171 BC after an attack by the city of ancient Kidonia.

Most findings of the area have been excavated at the cape of Souda. The most significant of them is the Prytaneum, a large group of buildings that housed the important meetings of the local rulers.

Definitely, ancient Apollonia was one of the most important ports during the Minoan times, the Hellenistic times and possibly the Roman. Also, it seemed to be useful during the Venetian period and the Greek Revolution.