Archeaological Sites
History woven into the landscape
Phaistos Palace
Phaistos was the second largest Minoan City in South-Central Crete. Mythological the construction of Phaistos is connected with Mino’s brother, Rhadamanthus. His dynasty reigned in Phaistos. Another version said that Phaistos was founded by the son of Hercules. The first palaces were built around 1900 BC and destroyed around 1700 BC. Immediately after their destruction they ware build new even more imposing and more luxurious then before. In the 15th century BC a new disaster flattened all the Minoan Neopalatial centers across Crete, included Phaistos. The view from an altitude of 100 meters will enchant you with the panoramic image and the imposing mountains of Psiloritis, Asterousia and Lasithi. Especially in the evening hours, the view is breathtaking.
http://www.incrediblecrete.gr/26/index.en.html
Open-air • uneven terrain • parking • limited shade
Gortys
Gortys, also known as Gortyn or Gortyna is one of the most important cities in Crete with an unbroken history of 6,000 years and one of the most extensive archaeological sites in Greece. Usually a visit to Gortys is limited to the archaeological site open to the public: the church of St Titus, the Odeon and the famous Plane Tree. But how representative is the picture the visitor gains of the grandeur of this city, once the capital of Crete? The city of Gortys extended across a wide area, but unfortunately only a small part of it has been excavated. Stand at the entrance to the archaeological site and look across the road. You will see some blue signs which are usually ignored, but those curious enough to follow them will be amazed at what they see.
Check for more info on http://www.explorecrete.com/archaeology/gortys.html
Open-air • easy access • parking
Agia Triada
Agia Triada is an important Minoan archaeological site in south Crete, set in the fertile Messara Plain near Phaistos. Dating back to the 2nd millennium BC, it is believed to have functioned as a royal villa or administrative center connected to the nearby palace. The site offers a quieter, more intimate look into Minoan daily life, with remains of buildings, courtyards, and storerooms. Many significant finds from Agia Triada, including Linear A tablets and the famous sarcophagus, are displayed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
More information here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hagia_Triada
Open -air • uneven terrain
Kommos
Kommos is a remarkable Minoan coastal site in south Crete, located near Matala and overlooking the Libyan Sea. It was an important port settlement from the Bronze Age, closely connected to the palace of Phaistos. The ruins stretch from the hills down to the beach, revealing warehouses, workshops, and evidence of international trade. Today, Kommos combines archaeology with a wild, unspoiled shoreline, making it a unique place where history meets nature.
More information here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kommos
Open-air • limited shade
Good to know
- Best time to explore : early morning and late afternoon
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the paths are uneven and partly sandy
- An entrance fee is required to visit most sites.
- Access may be restricted during heatwaves, as the area is very exposed
- Facilities vary by site; some locations offer basic amenities such as toilets or kiosks, while others have none.