EASTERN CRETE

Psira and Mochlos
Turning back onto the main road towards
Ayios Nikolaon one meanders through the
mountains as far as a panoramic
promontory, after the village of Mirsini, from
which there can be seen two small islands,
Mochlos and Psira, and also a huge gypsum
quarry which over time has taken on the
appearance of a pyramid.
It was once possible
to reach the small
island of Mochlos
on foot, walking
along the isthmus
Mochlos emerges from the water for
only 45 metres, and once formed part of the
mainland, but during the Roman era the
waves began to climb and submerged the
isthmus. Mochlos is one of the most ancient
settlements on Crete, and in its rock tombs,
where the local rulers were buried, there
have been found rich grave-goods: gold
jewellery in filigree, silver cups, alabaster
vases and objects in faience.
Gold diadem from
Early Minoan
period, found at
Mochlos
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