Crete is renowned all over the world not only for its gorgeous beaches, the traditional villages and towns as well as the delicious cuisine combined with the exquisite Cretan hospitality. It is also famous for its significant historical sites because on the island flourished the Minoan civilisation, one of the oldest Neolithic civilisations in Europe. The archaeological sites and museums are located all over Crete, so we recommend you to rent a car and start your exploration in this glorious past…
Knossos
Knossos is located very close to the town of Heraklion. In Knossos, you will explore the magnificent Palace of Knossos, one of the most brilliant center of Minoan Times. The excursion to Knossos is a perfect opportunity to learn the history of Crete from the beginning and discover the traces of the Neolithic settlement that dates back to 5,000 B.C.
Phaistos
In Phaistos, which is also located near Heraklion, there are also ruins of a Minoan Palace. The central courtyard, the royal apartments and the location where the famous Phaistos Disc was uncovered in 1903 are the top spots in Phaistos. Phaistos was the second cultural and commercial centre after Knossos during the Minoan Times, and it was of great importance for this civilisation, so don’t miss it! Plus, Phaistos does not get as crowded as Knossos.In order to understand better the treasures of Phaistos, visit also the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion, where is exhibited the Phaistos Disc, a clay tablet with letters of the Linear A, the Minoan writing system, which has not been deciphered yet.
Ancient Eleftherna
Ancient Eleftherna was built where the current village of Eleftherna is located today, which is in the prefecture of Rethymnon. It was one of the most prominent ancient city-states in Greece with a fortified hill that protected it from the enemies. The city reached its peak during the 7th century B.C., being one of the few ancient cities, which flourished in the Minoan as well as the classical times.
Archaeological site of Agia Triada
The historical site of Agia Triada is a must due to its stunning natural beauty, on the edge of Geropotamos River. The archaeological site is named after the village of Agia Triada, because its Minoan name is unknown. The site was inhabited since the third millennium B.C., and its most important monuments are the Royal Villa, the Minoan Palace, the cemetery, the settlement and the Agora (=marketplace).
Ancient Gortys
The ancient town of Gortyn was one of the oldest and most powerful cities in Crete during the prehistorical and historical times. It is situated in a short distance to the villages of Agioi Deka and Mitropoli. It is the largest archaeological site in Crete, so you need several hours on foot to explore the place. In the main section of the site, you can see the Roman Odeum, an Early Byzantine church and roman sculptures as well as other findings.
