On the North coast of Crete, 7 km South of Heraklion lies the bronze age settlement Amnisos. Mention of the ancient city are found in the earliest Greek literature and mythology, but the city was founded much earlier, even in prehistoric times. Its name comes from the river Amnisos (later it became known as Kiratas), the mouth of which is near.

Ancient Amnisos flourished in the era of the Minoan civilization and was one of the two harbours of the legendary Knossos. Today, the sea level is higher at 3 m than it was in the Minoan era, and part of the ancient settlement is under water, and where now you can see the sunken structures.

First archaeological excavations of the ancient Amnis were started in 1932, one of the leading Greek archaeologists of the twentieth century Spyridon marinatos. Then it was discovered the famous "House with lilies" - a two-storey building with 10 rooms, decorated with superb frescoes with floral motifs in the so-called "naturalistic" style. The courtyard was paved with stone tiles. One of the well preserved frescoes depicting red and white lilies (hence the name), as well as mint, iris and papyrus, today kept in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. "The house of the lilies" was destroyed by fire in the first late Minoan age.

During the excavation of Annisa also had traces of volcanic ash and pumice – the consequences of the massive explosion of the Santorini volcano, which occurred in the mid-16th century BC, which is considered the largest in the history of the earth.

Today it is a small resort village with an excellent sandy beach. This place is not too popular among tourists, but nonetheless, perfect for lovers of a quiet and secluded relaxation.