Paleokastro is a small village located on the east coast of Crete. It is a village of important historical precedent. Back in the Minoan times the region was a commercial centre. The port of neighbouring Itanos (today located several meters underwater) serves as proof of its importance. Nearby there is also the ancient Minoan settlement Roussolakkos, close to the beach of Chiona. Excavations that took place in the general area indicate that an important commercial centre had flourished, which was back then among the discerned Minoan settlements of the eastern side of the island of Crete.