Knossos Palace
The largest Bronze Age site on Crete and the ceremonial and political heart of Minoan civilisation.
Archaeological sites · Heraklion
Minoan palaces & villas
Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, Zakros and more
The Minoans built Europe’s first palaces more than 3,500 years ago. Knossos is the famous one, but Phaistos, Malia, Zakros and the small villas and towns are often quieter and just as moving.
Phaistos Palace
Minoan palace on a ridge above the Messara plain, with sweeping views to Psiloritis.
Archaeological sites · Phaistos
Minoan Palace of Malia
The third great Minoan palace, right by the sea.
Archaeological sites · Hersonissos
Agia Triada
An elegant Minoan villa near Phaistos.
Archaeological sites · Phaistos
Minoan Villas of Tylissos
Three Minoan mansions in a village.
Archaeological sites · Malevizi
Minoan palace of Galatas
Minoan palace found in 1992 in the Pediada area.
Archaeological sites · Minoa Pediadas
Anemospilia
Minoan temple on the north slope of Mount Giouchtas.
Archaeological sites · Archanes-Asterousia
Phourni Minoan cemetery
One of the largest Minoan cemeteries, just outside Archanes.
Archaeological sites · Archanes-Asterousia
Arkalochori cave
Minoan sacred cave where bronze and gold double axes were found.
Caves · Minoa Pediadas
Vathypetro Minoan Villa
A Minoan country estate with the oldest wine press in Europe.
Archaeological sites · Archanes-Asterousia
Hidden gem
Kommos Archaeological Site
A Minoan harbour on Kommos beach.
Archaeological sites · Phaistos
Hidden gem
Kamilari Tholos Tomb
A round Minoan tomb near Kamilari.
Archaeological sites · Phaistos
Hidden gem
Minoan Villa of Nirou Chani
A Minoan villa full of ceremonial axes.
Archaeological sites · Heraklion