The ruins of the palace of Phaistos tell the story of the power of the Minoan civilization and overlook the fertile Mesara plain. Among courtyards, stairways, and ceremonial rooms, you can also enjoy splendid views of the Cretan mountains.
Europe / Greece · TRAVEL GUIDE
FaistosCrete (Heraklion) · Greece
DISCOVER · PLAN · GO
Pitichinaccio · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
One destination.
A thousand ways to live it.
In southern Crete, Faistos preserves one of the most important palaces of the Minoan civilization, surrounded by hills and olive groves. Among ancient ruins, archaeological sites, and bright beaches, it is an ideal destination for a trip that weaves together archaeology and Mediterranean landscapes.
6 places to see1 / 3 / 7-day itinerariesInteractive map
THE PLACES THAT TELL FAISTOS
Worth seeing, worth remembering.
A short distance from Phaistos lies this refined Minoan residence, famous for its frescoes and for the painted sarcophagus found in the area. The site offers a more intimate glimpse into the life and rituals of ancient Crete.
This ancient Minoan harbor stands beside a long sandy beach and preserves remains of buildings and sanctuaries overlooking the sea. It is a evocative stop that combines an archaeological visit with a stroll along the coast.
Matala is famous for the caves carved into the cliff, once used as tombs and later frequented by the hippie community of the 1960s. The bay, with its clear waters and lively village, is one of the most beloved destinations in the area.
An ancient Roman city and later the capital of the province of Crete and Cyrenaica, Gortyna brings together monumental ruins set among olive trees. Among the most remarkable finds are the Odeon and the famous inscriptions of the Gortyn Code.
This circular Bronze Age tomb bears witness to the funerary practices of Minoan Crete. Its hillside location near Kamilari offers beautiful views over the Mesara plain.
CHOOSE YOUR PACE
How much time
do you have to get lost?
From a first stroll to a week of discoveries. A starting point to make your own.
A quick dive between the ruins of the second most important Minoan palace and the hippie allure of the southern coast.
- 1Phaistos Palace
- 2Archaeological Site of Agia Triada
- 3Matala Beach
- 4Matala Caves
Three days to discover the archaeological roots of the Messara plain and relax on the area’s most iconic beaches.
- 1Phaistos Palace
- 2Agia Triada
- 3Gortyna (Gortys)
- 4Matala Beach
- 5Kalamaki Beach
- 6Kamilari Village
- 7Odigitria Monastery
- 8Agiofarago Gorge
A full week to experience the authentic soul of southern Crete, from ancient sites to wild gorges and mountain lakes.
- 1Phaistos Palace
- 2Agia Triada Archaeological Site
- 3Gortyna
- 4Messara Archaeological Museum
- 5Matala Beach
- 6Matala Caves
- 7Kommos Beach
- 8Village of Kamilari
- 9Odigitria Monastery
- 10Agiofarago Gorge
- 11Red Beach (Kokkini Ammos) Beach
- 12Zaros Village
- 13Votomos Lake
- 14Kaliviani Monastery
- 15Agia Galini Beach
GET YOUR BEARINGS, THEN EXPLORE
The city takes shape.
Stop after stop.
BEFORE YOU GO
A well-planned trip.
Getting around
The archaeological site of Faistos is located in the Messara plain in southern Crete, and it is most easily reached by car. The roads cross the inland area and are generally paved, but it is wise to drive carefully on narrow and winding stretches. Buses connect Heraklion and other places to nearby hubs such as Mires or Tympaki; from there, a taxi may be needed, so check schedules and connections before you set off. On site, parking is available, and the visit continues on foot over uneven ground.
When to go
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit Faistos, thanks to milder temperatures and less intense sun. In summer the site is very exposed and the heat can make the visit tiring: it is better to arrive in the morning or late in the afternoon, checking updated opening hours. In winter conditions are cooler and more changeable, so it is useful to check the forecast.
Where to eat
In the surrounding area you’ll find tavernas in the villages of Messara; Mires is a practical choice for finding more services, while Matala offers places overlooking the sea and can easily be combined with a visit to the coast. Cretan cuisine often features seasonal dishes, vegetables, local cheeses and grilled meats. For hours, availability and off-season opening, it is advisable to ask locally.
Quick tips
- 01Bring water, a hat and sunscreen: much of the route is exposed to the sun.
- 02Wear comfortable shoes with sturdy soles, because the ground can be uneven.
- 03Check the updated hours and admission prices on the official website before your visit.
- 04If you are traveling by bus, also check the return connection in advance: services to inland sites can be limited.
YOUR STARTING POINT
Wake up in the right place.
Where to stay · Faistos
1 night · max 14 nights
Observed average price · EUR/night
1 night · 1 room · 2 adults · no children
Data still limited · Sample: up to 2 distinct hotels, 8 real searches in the last 48 hours, for this query. Not the official average of the destination and not guaranteed to be representative.
Arrival date
Lowest price among the hotels found
among 2 hotels with a LiteAPI price for this search, not the absolute lowest of the destination
Sofia rooms
undefined road ., Pitsidia
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$48
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Prices are real for the searched dates and may change. Click a point on the chart to change arrival keeping the length of stay.
Real prices for your dates
Sofia rooms
undefined road ., Pitsidia
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$48
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Kedros Katikies
Νέο Καλαμάκι, Kalamaki Heraklion
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$197
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Matala Bay Hotel
Main Street, Matala
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
Hotel Orama-Matala
Matala-Crete 0, Matala
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
Dimitris Villa Hotel
Main Street, Matala
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
Die Zwei Brüder Art & Suites
Matala 1, Matala
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
Hotel Sofia
Matala, Matala
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
Nikos Hotel
Matala, Matala
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
Hotel Coral Matala
Main Street, Matala
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
Tsaner Apartment and Rooms
matala MATALA, Matala
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
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