The Greek island of Crete has a long and rich history, especially with the Minoan Civilization.
And there is no shortage of fascinating ancient ruins in Crete as wells as historical sites and museums.
Below is my list of what I think are the 12 best archaeological sites in Crete: Phaistos, Malia, Spinalonga… with tips, Map and photos.
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Crete:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Crete: DiscoverCars
The unmissable boat tour: Gramvousa island + Balos Lagoon
Fun activity: Quad excursion off the beaten path
My favorite places to stay:
- Chania: see best rated hotels – e.g. Casa Delfino
- Palaiochora: see best rated hotels – e.g. Blue Horizon Hotel
- Rethymno: see best rated hotels – e.g. Leo Hotel
Content
About the Archaeological sites in Crete – Map + Intro
Top 5 archaeological sites in Crete
If you don’t want to read the full article, below are the 5 more famous archaeological sites you should consider when road tripping around Crete:
- The Minoan Palace of Knossos, very close to Heraklion and famous for its legend with the Minotaure
- The Minoan Palace of Phaistos with it beautiful views – this is where the Phaistos disk was found
- The Minoan Palace of Malia with the living sections and higher walls to better imagine the site
- The Roman city of Gortyna – with the impressive Law code carved in rocks
- The island of Spinalonga – a small fortified islet turned into a leper colony
These 5 famous sites are very extensive and cover different period of the history of Crete. I am introducing those first in this article with practical tips.
However there are actually many more sites to visit. Some of them I enjoyed a lot, such as Zakros, so I am listing them further in the article. Some are even on my list of the best places to see in Crete.
Map of the best archaeological sites and ancient ruins in Crete
Below is a map to help you better understand where those sites are located compared to the major touristic towns:
These ancient sites are (with GPS coordinates and practical tips) included in my Travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your road trip around Crete:
Plan your dream trip in Crete thanks to my guide
- 5 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 60+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 150+ original photos to help you choose
Crete – an archaeological treasure… but what to visit?
Seriously there are historical sites and ruins to see everywhere, almost in every town… So it can be difficult to narrow your selection down when planning your trip to Crete.
This is why I am sharing my personal opinion. I think you should focus on Minoan sites. They are really about Crete.
You can see better Greek, Roman an Venetian historical sites in other places. But the uniqueness of Crete is with the Minoans, Europe’s most ancient civilization.
How to visit those sites
You can find days trips from the main towns in Crete to the main sites – check the tours in Crete
However, if you want to avoid the crowds and have more freedom, I recommend renting a car. There is much to see around the island!
My tips to rent a car:
- Option 1 – Compare offers on my favorite platform Discovercars.com – one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
- Option 2 – Check out the local company Rental Center Crete – excellent ratings and a zero-excess insurance policy included
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Need to rent a car in Crete?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a compact car for the narrow streets in villages
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
1 – The most famous historical site in Crete – Knossos
Let’s start with the most famous:
- Period –
Minoan Civilization
First occupied during the neolithic (7000BC), Knossos has a long history with palaces during the various periods of the Minoan Civilization.
Excavation started in the beginning of the 20th century - Special Things to see –
The particularity of Knossos is that you can see a bit more than just the basis of walls.
The English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans took some liberties and decided to rebuild some sections as he imagined them.
This is where frescoes about the sport of Bull jumping were found. They provided a basis for the legends of the Minotaure.
And the structure of the palace was associated with the labyrinth part of the legend.
- How to get there –
Knossos is the easiest site to reach in Crete. It is just South of Heraklion.
You can drive there with a free carpark.
Or you can take a cab or the hop on hop off bus in Heraklion.
If you are staying in another city or are looking for a guided tour, check out the tour options on Getyourguide - Opening Hours –
8am to 6pm daily – latest info on official website - Entrance fee –
15 euros
But you can purchase a combined ticket with the Archaeological museum in Heraklion - Facilities –
Toilets for a small fee near the entrance
Taverns outside of the site
- Available information –
This site has a lot of signs with drawings and explanation. It is not always easy to get oriented and visually find what they are writing about, but it give you some context to all that you are seeing.
This is a very very touristic site in Crete, so you might have to wait to have space to approach those signs and read - Difficulty visit –
Generally the visit is not difficult.
There are some stairs to get to the central higher part of the site. - Tips to visit –
My main tip is to come at 8am. The first coaches arrive around 8:40 and major groups will start entering just before 9am.
So if you come at 8am, you can enjoy the site almost to yourself (it is quite large place) - My personal opinion –
I am torn by the work of Sir Arthur Evans. On one side, this is not the original structure and it is based a little on his imagination.
But on the other hand, it makes the site more accessible. When you only have the basis of walls, it is difficult to imagine what it might have looked like. The small rebuilt area, give you some ideas for that. - More photos and info on my article about Knossos
2 – My favorite Ancient Ruins in Crete – Malia
- Period –
This is a Minoan site
Inhabited since the Neolithic times (6000BC), it peaked during the Palatial periods (around 1900 BC to 1675 BC) - Special Things to see –
What I love the most about Malia is that the walls are higher. Plus some of the dig sites are below where you walk.
Therefore it is much easier to imagine what it looked like and to understand how the rooms were
- How to get there –
Malia is located on the North Coast of Crete, between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos
It is very easy to access, just off the main road E75. There is a large free carpark.
Excavation by the French Archaeological school - Opening Hours –
8am to 6pm – latest info on official website - Entrance fee –
6 euros - Facilities –
Toilets by the entrance
Tavern further down the road by the sea
- Available information –
Malia does not have a lot of explanation signs on the site, but there is a small building at the beginning where you can read upon the history, the excavations and the different sections you will see.
I recommend you start your visit with that building. - Difficulty visit –
Malia is very easy to visit.
It is mostly wide dirt paths, no staircase, no uneven rocky paths. - Tips to visit –
As I said I recommend visiting the building with the explanation first.
And don’t miss the section M on the side, with was a different type of area and where you can see what remains of houses - My personal opinion –
I really enjoyed Malia, it was one of my favorites. The walls are a lot higher than in other Minoan archaeological sites in Crete, so it was much easier to understand the rooms, their size and how they connected. - More photos and info on my article about Malia
3 – The South Coast Minoan Palace in Crete – Phaistos
- Period –
This is a Minoan site
Inhabited since the Final Neolithic times (3000BC), it peaked during the Palatial periods (around 20th century 00 BC to 15th century BC)
It was conquered by Gortyn in the 7th century BC
Excavation by the Italian Archaeological school - Special Things to see –
When visiting the site, you can clearly appreciate the strategic position with beautiful views of the valleys.
The magazines are some of the best rooms to see, with potteries inside
You can also see in which section the Phaistos disk was found (a clay disk with symbols thought to be Minoan – but which remains an enigma). It is now displayed at the Heraklion museum.
- How to get there –
Phaistos is on the South Coast of Crete, near the famous Matala Beach
It is easily access from the main road 97. The carpark is not large. - Opening Hours –
8am to 6pm – latest info on official website - Entrance fee –
8 euros - Facilities –
Toilets at the back of the café/souvenir shop, up the stairs
- Available information –
There are a lot of boards with information and nice drawings. In terms of explanation, it is one of the historical sites in Crete I appreciated the most - Difficulty visit –
A little bit more stairs and slopes than at other sites. Wear comfortable shoes because of the uneven ground. - Tips to visit –
It can be combined with the nearby Greek/roman city of Gortyna, as well as the Hippy beach of Matala and its caves - My personal opinion –
I enjoyed the large staircase and the theater area.
Plus this site offers beautiful views of the region
One of the rare major site on the South Coast - More photos and info on my article about Phaistos
4 – Main Roman Ruins in Crete – Gortyna
- Period –
From the Minoan period to the Hellenistic period (3rd and 2nd centuries BC) and to the Roman periods during which the city peaked (1st to 5th centuries AD) - Special Things to see –
The main thing not to be missed is behind the theater: the walls covered with writing. It is the Code of Law of Gortyn (5th century BC).
You can also enjoy the theater, the ruins of Saint Titus church, a legendary tree, sculptures…
- How to get there –
Gortyna is on the South Coast of Crete, not far from the Phaistos Minoan palace
It is easily access from the main road 97. Large carpark. - Opening Hours –
8am to 8pm daily – latest info on official website - Entrance fee –
6 euros - Facilities –
Toilets inside behind the ticket counter
- Available information –
There is a big lack of information. Luckily I had noted a page on the Internet that explained all the different things to look at (this one) - Difficulty visit –
Easy to walk around. Short visit - Tips to visit –
Make sure you have the Internet or have printed information on what there is to see.
Don’t miss the Law code (you can see through wire mesh) - My personal opinion –
Very disappointed by the lack of explanation and the status of the ruins.
But the law code was impressive
Where to stay in Crete?
My favorites:
- Chania, a charming town: See best rated accommodations
- Rethymno, history, beach and central location: See best rated options
- Heraklion, main city: See best rated options
- Palaiochora, for stunning scenery, away from crowds – See best rated options
- Mochlos, for a very quiet area: see best rated options
- For a sandy beach and some nightlife: Malia or Bali
5 – Best Venetian Fortress in Crete – Spinalonga island
- Period –
Probably fortified by the Venetian in the 16th century (it seems they also cut part of the land to make it an island)
The fortress was taken over by the Turks in 1715
In the 20th century it became a leper colony - Special Things to see –
You can tour the whole island along the fortification walls with a stop at the church along the way
You can climb to the top of the fortifications for great views of the bay
The old town buildings include cistern, storage, houses… and a small museum with displays about each historical phases of the island
- How to get there –
Located on the North Coast, just North of Agios Nikolaos
The islet is accessible by boat from Plaka (shortest), Elounda and Agios Nikolaos.
There are also day tours organized from various touristic cities – Check out some options
I will publish a detailed article to explain the different options - Opening Hours –
Fortress opening hours: 9am to 5:45pm – Latest info on official website - Entrance fee –
8 euros + Cost of return boat trip - Facilities –
Café and toilets outside the fortress near the wharf
- Available information –
The are small signs with a map of the fortification and the name of the section you look at.
In the section with the colorful doors in the old town is a museum with rooms for each period of the island (Venetian, Ottoman, leper colony…) – This is where you find the explanations - Difficulty visit –
Easy to walk around.
Steep and uneven slope if you want to climb to the top - Tips to visit –
Most guided tours visit anticlockwise. If you don’t mind having the explanations at the end, you can do the tour of the fortifications clockwise and read at the end.
In the morning, take the first boat from Plaka to avoid the crowds - My personal opinion –
I do enjoy beautiful fortifications with the deep blue water around. But beware that it is extremely touristic and not that big. - Learn more on my article about Spinalonga island
I don’t drink coffee 
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…
6 to 8 – Other extensive Minoan ruins to visit in Crete
6 – Zakros
- Period –
Minoan period – Old palace form 1900BC and newer one from 1600 BC - Special Things to see & My personal opinion –
4th palace in terms of size
One of the most interesting feature to look for is the East Wing with the Queen’s lustral basin
What I loved the most about the the site were the isolation and the stunning bare landscapes surrounding it.
And a lot of people enjoy the site because of the turtles swimming in some of the ruins filled with water - How to get there –
Zakros is on the East coast of Crete. It is one of the most isolated large site at the end of the Valley of the Dead (where they buried their dead)
A beautiful mountain road will take you to this isolated beach and site - Opening Hours –
8am to 6pm (to 3pm in Winter) – Latest info on official website - Entrance fee –
6 euros - Facilities –
Toilets near the entrance / Taverns at the beach - Available information –
Some interesting boards with drawings - Difficulty visit –
Easy to walk around / a little uphill for part of it - Tips to visit –
Not crowded so take your time and enjoy the scenery
Make sure you cover yourself, there is no shade and the area is really dry - Learn more about Zakros here
7 – Gournia
- Period –
Minoan ruins – The city peaked between 1550 and 1450BC - Special Things to see & My personal opinion
The main interest of this site, is that you really understand the roads between houses compared to other ancient ruins in Crete.
And it is not a palace but rather a small settlement, giving you another perspective of the Minoan civilization.
It is a fun site to visit, especially if you have kids because it feels like exploring the place rather than following a visit. - How to get there –
Located on the East side of the North Coast
Easy access right along the main road 90 from Agions Nikolaos to Sitia - Opening Hours –
8am to 3pm - Entrance fee –
2 euros - Facilities –
Bathroom near the entrance / No snackbar - Available information –
Some boards explain the various area of the site with a few simple drawings. - Difficulty visit –
Not so easy to get around. You are walking on uneven grounds with large rock.
Make sure you wear proper shoes - Tips to visit –
Don’t miss the area where you can stop along the main road towards Sitia where you can see the whole ruins (photo above)
8 – Tylissos
- Period –
Minoan site – 16th to 15th century BC
Excavated at the beginning of the 20th century - Special Things to see & My personal opinion –
Only a small portion of the ancient ruins of the Tylissos town have been excavated, since the rest is supposed to be under the modern town.
Here you can’t see a palace, but what remains of 3 large houses.
However you can really enjoy the visit as it is not full of tourists. It is one of the off the beaten path destinations in Crete - How to get there –
A little out of the way, but easy access
25min West of Heraklion, slightly up in the mountains - Opening Hours –
At least 8am to 3pm - Entrance fee –
2 euros - Facilities –
Toilets mid-way through the visit - Available information –
Nice boards explaining each of the 3 houses but as with other site, it is really difficult to understand where is what - Difficulty visit –
Easy short walk around
And keep track of your own trip!
9 to 13 – Venetian Fortresses in Crete
In 1209, Crete was conquered by Venetian who stayed for four and a half centuries.
They places a lot of importance on fortifications to protect the island and some of them proved to be really well thought out (pushing back the enemy for 22 years!).
Luckily when the Turks took over, they saw the value of the fortification and kept using them so they are still in excellent conditions
We already saw the impressive fortifications on Spinalonga, here are a few more examples:
9 – Heraklion Venetian Fortress – Koules
- About –
Under the Venetians, this fortress was known as Ricca a mare or Castello a mare. This is due to its position surrounded by water. The original building was destroyed by an earthquake.
The fort is square with strong thick walls, a well protected entrance gate and vaulted ceiling on the ground floor - How to get there –
In Heraklion.
It protects the fishing port, at the bottom of the pedestrian roads - Opening Hours –
Summer 8:30am to 7pm (closed Mondays) – Winter: 8:30am to 3pm - Entrance fee –
2 euros
10 – Rethymno Venetian Fortress – Fortezza
- About –
Overlooking Rethymno from Palekastro hill, this is a very large fortress that was built to be able to protect the entire population of the city.
It will take you quite some time to walk around all the walls.
You can also see the theater, the mosque of Sultan Ibrahim and the modern church of St Catherine - How to get there –
It is located on top a hill protecting the town along the waterfront, you cannot miss it! - Opening Hours –
At least 8:30am to 3pm - Entrance fee –
3 euros
11 – Chania Venetian Harbour
- About –
In Chania the whole harbour is protected by Venetian fortifications.
You can easily walk around, even to the middle of the seawall and all the way to the lighthouse
At the West end is the Firka Fortress which can ben visited with its lion emblem, the cistern and the arched spaces where cannons where set up. - How to get there –
Stroll around the harbour - Opening Hours –
Free access to harbour
Firka: 9am to 7pm in Summer, 9am to 2pm in Winter - Entrance fee –
Free access to all
12 – Gramvousa Island
- About –
This is one stunning fortress.
It was built at the top of Gramvousa island. You can see the fortification walls surrounding the rocky head.
It later became a pirate island because of its isolated location - How to get there –
The Boat tour from Kissamos to Balos lagoon (see my guide) stops at Gramvousa island where you can climb around 400 steps to visit the fortification walls and appreciate the view - Opening Hours –
Via the boat tour - Entrance fee –
Free access
13 – Palaiochora Venetian Ruins – Castelo Selino
- About –
These fortification are not well preserved but they offer a magnificent vantage point over the coast
Castelo Selino was located at the end of the small peninsula of Palaiochora, on top the hill. It was square with two towers. - How to get there –
A short slope with steps from the old town center to the ruins of the fortification - Opening Hours –
Free access - Entrance fee –
Free access
Archaeological Museums in Crete
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
- About –
Fantastic museum not to be missed.
I am not much of a museum person, but this was one of the best I have ever visited (I even preferred it to the world-renowned Athens archaeological museum)
The collection of Minoan artefacts is exceptional: mosaics from Knossos, Enigmatic Disk from Phaistos, Minotaur sculptures… - How to get there –
Easy access within Heraklion. Well indicated. - Opening Hours –
8am to 8pm in Summer most days (to at least 4pm off season) – latest info on the official website - Entrance fee –
12 euros
But you can also get a combined ticket with Knossos
Rethymno Archeological Museum
- About –
Small museum with some interesting pieces.
Sadly when I visited, there were rules that only part of the displays could be photographed, so they watch you all the time to make sure you don’t photograph the other ones. It would be easier to just prevent photography all together because it is not enjoyable to be watched like that all the time when you are reading the signs and looking at the artefacts… - How to get there –
In the heart of the old town - Opening Hours –
10am to 6pm – Closed on Mondays – latest info on official website - Entrance fee –
2 euros
Chania Archeological Museum
- About –
A small collection with nice pieces.
Sadly it was closed for strikes when I was there… - How to get there –
In the heart of Chania’s old town - Opening Hours –
8am to 8pm (only from 1pm on Mondays) – latest info on official website - Entrance fee –
4 euros
and in other towns: Kissamos, Palaiochora
Most larger towns have also a small museum with objects found in the region…
And many more Crete Archaeological sites…
This is only a snapshot with some of the main sites to visit but there are many more ruins being excavated or already accessible:
- Ancient Minoan town of Phalasarna, near Falassarna beach
- Roman theater and Ottoman Fortress of Aptera
- Roman town of Lato, near Kritsa
- Minoan ruins in Sitia
- Small Minoan town on the islet across from Mochlos
- Ancient Itanos Greek ruins
- …
A brief History of Crete – Basic timeline
Below you will get all the details and photos to help you decide which Cretan historical site to visit. But first, let me share with you a very high level overview of the history of the island, to give you context:
- PREHISTORIC – Tools believed to be 130,000 years old have been found on the island so Homo Sapiens may have crossed from Africa
- MINOAN – Between 2600BC and 14000 BC (dates vary depending on sources…), the Minoan Civilization flourished. They built palaces with hydraulic engineering, they wrote with Linear A. They were wiped out by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis.
- CLASSICAL – During the Iron age and then into the Hellenistic period, there were city-states such as Lato and Gortyn on the island on Crete
- ROMAN – Crete was conquered by Rome in 69BC after 3 years of battles – Gortyn is where you can find the ruins of the largest Christian Basilica in Crete: Saint Titus
- ARAB – In the 820s, it became an Emirate, part of the Arab Empire – Candra (now Heraklion) became the capital-city of Crete
- VENETIAN – in 1204, Crete was acquired by Venice – it held until 1669
- OTTOMAN – At the end of the Cretan war (1645-1669), the Ottoman Empire starting ruling Crete – the locals started many rebellions during that period
- INDEPENDANCE – The Greek war of independence started in 1821. In 1898, Crete became an autonomous state of Greece and was detached from the Ottoman Empire
- GREEK MODERN TIMES – During the most recent history, Battles occurred in Crete during WWII and resistance had forme, starting in the mountains. It was fully liberated in 1945
Want to see more of the best Crete has to offer?
- 40 best landscapes in Crete (in pictures) – read article
- 20 best things to do in Crete – read article
- The 27 best beaches in Crete – read article
- The most beautiful churches and monasteries in Crete – read article
- The best destinations in Crete, where to stay – read article
- Advice for planning your road trip in Crete and your itinerary – read article
- The most beautiful boat trips around Crete – read article
- Which side of Crete is best? – read article
Planning a trip to Crete?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Crete thanks to my guide
- 5 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 60+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 150+ original photos to help you choose
And keep track of your own trip!
Want to see more of CRETE?
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