Palaiokastro, Heraklion Travel Guide

Discover Palaiokastro, a historic Venetian fortress offering stunning views and a glimpse into Crete's rich past near Gazi.

Explore the ruins of Palaiokastro, a Venetian fortress near Gazi, Crete, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the island's strategic past. Built in the 16th century on the site of an earlier Genoese fort, it played a key role in defending the bay of Heraklion.

A brief summary to Palaiokastro

Palaiokastro, GR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Palaiokastro.

Wear sturdy shoes to explore the ruins of the fortress, as the terrain can be uneven.
Bring your swimsuit and snorkeling gear to enjoy the clear waters of Palaiokastro beach.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Combine your visit with a stop at nearby Helidoni Beach for a more secluded swimming experience.

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Explore Palaiokastro on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Palaiokastro, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Heraklion, take the Iraklio Urban Buses line 10 towards Gazi. Get off at Gazi and then take a local bus towards Palaiokastro. The bus trip from Gazi to Palaiokastro takes approximately 27 minutes. The cost is approximately €1-€2.
Taxi

From Heraklion, a taxi to Palaiokastro costs approximately €10-€12 and takes around 8 minutes. Taxi services are readily available in Heraklion.
Walking

From Palaiokastro beach, the fortress is a short walk up a rocky path. The path is uneven, so wear appropriate footwear.

Discover more about Palaiokastro

Palaiokastro, meaning 'Old Castle', is a historic fortress located near Gazi, Crete, approximately 9 km west of Heraklion. This strategic site offers visitors a unique blend of history and stunning natural beauty. The fortress, built by the Venetians between 1573 and 1595, stands on a high rock overlooking the coast, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area and the sea.Originally, a Genoese fort built by Enrico Pescatore occupied the site in the early 13th century. The Venetians later constructed Palaiokastro as part of their fortifications to protect the bay of Heraklion. The fort's triangular shape was dictated by the natural topography of the rock, with walls parallel to the sea. The arched entrance, partially carved into the rock, is located on the south side and remains well-preserved.Palaiokastro played a crucial role during the 20-year siege of Candia (modern Heraklion) by the Ottomans (1645-1669), the longest siege in world military history. Together with the Koules fortress in Heraklion's port, Palaiokastro protected the bay of Ammoudara, with cannon fire said to have intersected at the Almyros River, preventing enemy ships from approaching. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of the fortress walls and imagine its former strategic importance.Below the fortress lies Palaiokastro beach, a pebbled shore in a small bay. Sheltered by cliffs, the beach offers clear waters ideal for snorkeling and a tranquil atmosphere. The beach is organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, and showers, and visitors can find cafes and taverns nearby.