The archaeological site is located north of the modern village of Pressos. The city of ancient Pressos was spread over three citadels, had access to the ports of Itia and Stiles and was the administrative centre of Sitia.

Pressos was the centre of the Eteocretans, a Doric tribe that settled in the area, preserving for centuries their linguistic and religious characteristics. Eteocretans are mentioned by ancient authors like Homer, Herodotus, Diodorus Siculus and Strabo.

The city bears traces of habitation from the Neolithic to the Hellenistic era. There are remains of the fortification at the top of the highest hill, and ruins of residences on the slopes. There are also remnants of an important public building of the Hellenistic period that functioned as a place for gatherings and decision-making for the citizens of the Pressos.