Archaeological sites · Heraklion
Knossos Palace
The largest Bronze Age site on Crete and the ceremonial and political heart of Minoan civilisation.
Archaeological sites
Knossos, Phaistos and more
Minoan palaces and ancient cities. Sites are mostly open-air with little shade: go early, wear a hat and consider a guide to bring the ruins to life.
Sandy beaches · Kissamos
Falasarna Beach
Long, wide sandy beach on the west coast and Crete’s favourite sunset spot.
Sandy beaches · Phaistos
Matala Beach & Caves
Sandy bay overlooked by cliffs honeycombed with ancient caves.
Archaeological sites · Phaistos
Phaistos Palace
Minoan palace on a ridge above the Messara plain, with sweeping views to Psiloritis.
Hidden gem
Secluded coves · Sitia
Itanos Beach
Three little coves next to the ruins of ancient Itanos, north of Vai.
Archaeological sites · Hersonissos
Minoan Palace of Malia
The third great Minoan palace, right by the sea.
Archaeological sites · Gortyna
Ancient Gortyn
Roman capital of Crete and the famous law code.
Archaeological sites · Apokoronas
Ancient Aptera
An ancient city with a theatre and Roman cisterns.
Caves · Anogeia
Ideon Cave
The cave where Zeus grew up.
Archaeological sites · Rethymno
Ancient Eleftherna
A Homeric city on a narrow ridge.
Archaeological sites · Sitia
Zakros Minoan Palace
The fourth Minoan palace, by the sea.
Archaeological sites · Agios Nikolaos
Ancient Lato
A Doric city between two hills.
Caves · Hersonissos
Skotino Cave
A huge cave and ancient Minoan sanctuary.
Archaeological sites · Phaistos
Agia Triada
An elegant Minoan villa near Phaistos.
Caves · Mylopotamos
Melidoni Cave
A cave with a tragic history.
Archaeological sites · Agios Nikolaos
Gournia
A Minoan town you can walk the streets of.
Archaeological sites · Malevizi
Minoan Villas of Tylissos
Three Minoan mansions in a village.
Archaeological sites · Kissamos
Ancient Falasarna
An ancient harbour, now on dry land.
Archaeological sites · Kantanos-Selino
Ancient Lissos
A sanctuary of Asklepios by the sea.
Archaeological sites · Rethymno
Late Minoan Cemetery of Armeni
Over 230 rock-cut tombs in an oak forest.
Archaeological sites · Agios Nikolaos
Ancient Olous
A sunken city at Elounda.
Mountains & peaks · Archanes-Asterousia
Mount Giouchtas
The mountain that looks like the face of Zeus.
Archaeological sites · Chania
Ancient Kydonia (Kastelli hill)
Minoan ruins under Chania's old town.
Archaeological sites · Sitia
Ancient Itanos
Ruins by the sea near Vai.