Phaistos Φαιστός

The Fascinating History of Crete

This site is significant in European history as records indicate it was inhabited since the Neolithic age, that being roughly since 4000BC. The lush valley of the Messara provided plenty of sustenance to early communities and succeeding societies.

In prehistoric times, types of dwarf elephant and dwarf hippopotamus lived here, although these species are now extinct, and the area is now known for its market gardens producing vegetables and thousands of acres of olive groves.

The site now contains Minoan ruins from the Palace of Phaistós, considered the second-most important Minoan palace on the island. The ruins are extensive and worthy of a day’s visit. The views across the valley and over to the Psiloritis mountains are an added pleasure whilst exploring the site.

The Phaistós Disk is now displayed at the Archeological Museum of Heraklion.



Other structures were built on this same site during the Hellenistic period, including the Temple of Rhea. During Roman occupation the nearby city of Gortys prevailed, leaving these settlements in ruin.

The site lies just off the national road 9 kms south of the town of Mires.

There is a comprehensive bookstore, café and souvenir store at the site, and plenty of parking.

Be careful to check opening hours during the off-season as the hours may vary.




Many travellers combine their visit to Phaistos with a visit to the ruins of Gortys, where, as legend has it, Zeus made love to Europa under the plane tree. Gortys is 17 kms from Phaistos.

A day trip to Phaistós can easily be combined with a visit to the beach at Matala, where there are also ruins of roman caves and a very interesting history.

Another nearby beachside village is Kokkinos Pirgos, a sleepy fishing village on the south coast where visitors combine sea, sand and history.

Getting around in Crete; buses, ferries, transfers

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