The ancient settlement is in Erimoupoli, close to the date palm tree forest of Vai.

It was founded in prehistoric times and mentioned by Homer in his epic poems. Itanos flourished due to the export of Tyrian purple (a reddish-purple natural dye), sponges, glassware, and fish to the Middle East.

An important historical testimony is the built-in inscription at the Monastery of Toplou, that dates in 146 BC. It is a request of the city of Itanos towards the king of Egypt Ptolemy Philometor to help Itanos against the attacking nearby city of Pressos. This event demonstrates the strength of the city of Itanos and its competition with other important centres of Sitia. The site continued being inhabited during the Byzantine period and was abandoned in the 15th century.
The archaeological site preserves a fortification tower, the Hellenistic quarters, a necropolis and three temples of the early Christian period.