The ancient city of Kytaion is belived to have been in the area and its acropolis was on top of this rock. Over the years the name of the place has become Palaiokastro, meaning Old Castle.
The Venetians rebuilt a fortress up on the rock in 1573-1595 trying to protect the west side of Heraklion from the Ottoman Turks. Its position was very important, as it overlooked the whole bay of Heraklion and the southern coast of Dia Island. What is more, the small bay at the foot of the rock was protected from the northern winds. 100 years later, after Heraklion had been conquered by the Turks, Palaiokastro Fortress was abandoned and it still is up until present.
How to get there
You can get to Palaiokastro Fortress driving only from Heraklion heading westwards. Unfortunately there is no access from the opposite coming lane. Likewise, there is no way to turn and go back to Heraklion at the spot, you have to continue for 500 meters till the next exit to Palaiokastro.
You can park at N 35 21.789 E 025 02.311. It’s a spacious parking place serving a tavern there. Then follow your GPS. There is a small path leading up to the castle. Good shoes are recommended, as it is very near the edge of the cliff at some points.
The cache
The cache is a small plastic container, wrapped in a plastic bag. It contains a pen, a logbook, the geocaching note and some goodies to trade.
Please hide well again.
