Minoan Palace of Phaistos: Crete's Southern Jewel
Discover the Minoan Palace of Phaistos: A window into Crete's ancient civilization with stunning views and rich history.
Explore the Minoan Palace of Phaistos, the second-largest Minoan palace on Crete, offering a less crowded and more authentic experience than Knossos. Perched on a hill, it boasts stunning views of the Messara Plain and Mount Psiloritis. Discover the remains of this once-powerful center of Minoan civilization and marvel at its architecture and historical significance.
A brief summary to Minoan Palace of Phaistos
- Άγιος Ιωάννης, Kamilari, 702 00, GR
- +302892042315
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain is uneven and can be challenging to navigate.
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, as there is limited shade.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby archaeological sites of Gortyna and Agia Triada.
- Consider visiting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum before your visit to see the Phaistos Disc and other artifacts from the site.
Getting There
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Bus
From Heraklion, take a KTEL bus towards Moires or Agia Galini. Check the KTEL Heraklion-Lasithi website for the most up-to-date bus routes and timetables, as not all buses stop directly at Phaistos. The bus journey from Heraklion to Moires typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Moires, you may need to take a local bus or taxi to reach the archaeological site, which is approximately 9 km away. Bus ticket from Heraklion to Moires costs approximately €5-€7.
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Car
From Heraklion, take the Ethniki Odos E75 highway south towards Moires. Follow the signs to Phaistos, which will lead you to the archaeological site. The drive from Heraklion to Phaistos is approximately 51 minutes, covering a distance of 56 km. Parking is available near the site. Expect to pay around €10-€15 for fuel.
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