Phaistos

Phaistos: the second great palace of Minoan Crete

On the southern side of the prefecture of Heraklion, on a hill with a panoramic view of the plain of Messara and Psiloritis, stands Phaistos. It was the second most important palace of Minoan Crete after Knossos, and the archaeological site impresses with its large courtyards, staircases and sense of space. The famous Phaistos Disc, one of the greatest mysteries of archaeology, was found here.

Unlike busy Knossos, Phaistos is quieter and leaves room for the imagination, with the view of the plain stealing the show.

How to get there from Heraklion

Phaistos is about sixty kilometers from Heraklion, a journey of about an hour via the Moirai. The road passes through the fertile plain of Messara, with olive trees and vineyards, and is pleasant throughout.

With your own car, you can easily combine Phaistos with nearby Agia Triada and Matala, which is a few kilometers down by the sea, for a complete day of history and beach.

What to see and do

Walk through the courtyards and staircases of the palace and enjoy the view of Messara. Next door, the smaller but charming Agia Triada is also worth a stop. Continue to Matala for a swim and sunset, closing a day that connects Minoan history with the southern coast.

Good to know

Ο χώρος έχει εισιτήριο και ελάχιστη σκιά, οπότε προτιμήστε πρωινές ώρες και πάρτε μαζί νερό και καπέλο. Φορέστε άνετα παπούτσια για το ανώμαλο έδαφος. Συνδυάστε την με την Αγία Τριάδα και τα Ματάλα και γεμίζετε μια ολόκληρη μέρα στη νότια Κρήτη.