Achlada village: An example that times change
Achlada is one of the villages closest to Heraklion. It gets its name from the wild pear tree known as Ahladia that grows in the area. Ahlada is situated on a fortified hill above the bay of Agia Pelagia, in a beautiful setting. Despite its proximity to Heraklion, Ahlada has practically become a ghost village after many years of continuous use. Almost the whole western portion of the town, as well as the core, is made up primarily of empty residences. While going through the village’s incredibly tiny alleyways, it is clear that the village was designed like a fort to defend against attacks, particularly by pirates.
