12 Historical Ruins In Crete- Archaeological Sites You Have To Visit

Crete is the cradle of Europe’s earliest civilization and a place that breathes history in addition to its luring landscpaes. Today, you’ll find many historical ruins in Crete and Crete archaeological sites that offer a window into the ancient Minoan civilization, revered for its architectural prowess and sophisticated art. From the legendary Palace of Knossos, linked to the myth of the Minotaur and the labyrinth, to the less frequented but equally fascinating ruins, Crete has a long list of archaeological sites that every history buff should put on their bucket list.

A Few Words About Discovering Historical Ruins In Crete

If you like your destination with a little bit of education, Crete provides plenty of options. Phaistos, less than an hour outside of Heraklion offers a wide range of Cretan history. You can marvel at the diversity of the Minoan sites, or you can head to the statuary gallery to witness depictions of Hades and Cerberus. If you like castles, there are plenty on the mainland of Crete, with Rethymno Castle being the largest and most famous one. But there are also plenty of churches and monasteries, and if you want to see more historic places around the island, you can always rent a car and drive around the island.

If you like history, I’m pretty sure you’ll like this article about the cradle of European civilization and one of the oldest cities in the world.

Knossos: The Stronghold Of Minoan Civilization

We’re starting this list of historical ruins in Cretre with Knossos. Knossos symbolizes the monumental spirit of the Minoan civilization and is the most significant Bronze-age size archaeological site on the island of Crete. One of the most famous aspects of Knossos is the link of its legend with the Minotaur and the labyrinth, providing a fascinating insight into one of the first settlements in Europe. 

The palace is a monument of the advanced culture that thrived around 2000 BC to 1400 BC. The colorful frescoes on the walls, the terrace of the palace, and the labyrinthine layout fuel the link to Theseus and the Minotaur’s Labyrinth. The partially excavated Knossos, which was discovered, and partly restored by Sir Arthur Evans in the early 20th century, now welcomes visitors and gives them a chance to go back in time and admire the heyday of Minoan culture and civilization​​​​.

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Phaistos: A Glimpse Into Minoan Majesty

Located near the South Coast of Crete, Phaistos can be combined with day trips to Knossos as they both have a major historical significance, although the latter is recently reconstructed which gives the first option a more authentic atmosphere. It was an important Minoan city, second only to the great city of Knossos, and it reached its zenith in the 20th – 15th century BC.

Phaistos is best known for the discovery of the Phaistos disc, a clay tablet bearing inscriptions in undecipherable symbols. There are big staircases, storerooms and a canter yard on the site with beautiful views of the Mesara Plain and Mt. Ida.

Malia: The Provincial Powerhouse

While the Palace of Malia may not be as well-known as Knossos and Phaistos, it furnishes a great deal of knowledge about the administrative and cultural life of Minoan Crete. Sited to the north of the island, Malia was a seat of political power from the end of the 2nd millennium BC until its destruction in the 15th century BC. The site consists of a complex of rooms, courtyards, and depositories, its ruins presenting an image of a prosperous provincial hub. 

While Malia’s remains are less renowned than those of other palaces, the ramparts revealed during the excavation have a clearer structure, and the layout is more understandable for visitors who wish to see the palace in its past glory. The fact that it is close to the sea can be interpreted as a sign of the role that sea-related activities played in those times for the economy of the settlement.

Gortyna: From Neolithic Settlement to Roman Metropolis

Gortyna is a major archaeological point of the Cretan civilization that displays uninterrupted continuous development from the Neolithic times to the Roman era. It was the capital of the Roman Empire in Crete and Cyrenaica, and of course, it was known for the Gortyn Code, which was inscribed on a huge stone wall and is probably best-preserved document of ancient Greek law. 

Gortyna ruins are situated in the Messara Plain, which is fertile, and their construction spans several epochs, illustrating the political and religious importance of the city. The site features a Roman amphitheater, the Odeon, and the ruins of the early Christian churches, showcasing the rich and complex history of this part of Crete.

The Hidden Gem of Zakros

Located at the east end of Crete, Zakros offers an excellent opportunity to explore Minoan culture in a more secluded and quiet atmosphere. Located near the fourth largest Minoan palace, Zakros is simply one of the places that give us a different and interesting view of the trade and religious practices of the civilization. The palace is situated in close proximity to the sea, which historically made it a regional trading hub that connected Crete with Egypt and the Middle East. 

Visitors can explore the ruins of the central court, several workshops, and the royal apartments with nearby “Gorge of the Dead” adding a mystical element to the site (it used to be an ancient burial site). Zakros is a place that is a combination of both archaeological appeal and natural beauty, making it a trip worth taking for those who prefer the road less traveled.

Eleutherna: The City by Mount Ida

Next on our list of historical ruins in Crete, we have Eleutherna, an ancient city built on the slopes of Mount Ida which was known as the birthplace of Zeus in mythology. Eleutherna was one of the most important places in Crete during the Dark Age and Byzantine times. However, a lot of excavations have been carried out and a number of relics dating back to 4000 years ago have been unearthed, showing that Eleutherna was an important hub in different eras throughout history, including the Hellenistic, Roman, and early Byzantine eras. 

Visitors can explore the the acropolis, polis, and necropolis, and admire the gorgeous views of the surroundings. The Museum of Ancient Eleutherna placed adjacent to the place is home to thousands of artifacts that tell the complete story of Eleutherna throughout the ages.

Aptera: Overlooking Souda Bay

From its lofty position above Souda Bay, the ancient city of Aptera is a historic gem with a gorgeous view. Founded in the 7th century BC, Aptera was a thriving city-state, deriving its power from its strategic location and two neighboring harbors. The area contains sizeable Roman-era cisterns, a Greek temple, and a breathtaking amphitheater, showcasing the city’s improtance during the Hellenistic and Roman historical periods. 

The excavated ruins that include public baths and Roman villas allow visitors to imagine segments of everyday life in Aptera back in the days. Aptera was a military stronghold due to its location which also helped turning it into a major trade and cultural hub. Today, visitors can stroll among the historical ruins and admire captivating views of the bay and Athenian Acropolis left behind.

Phalasarna: The Ancient Maritime Power

Situated on the west coast of the Crete mainland, Phalasarna was the one of the most important city-states of its time, flourishing as a major naval power and a regional trading hub. Known for its harbor, now silted and lying inland, Phalasarna used to connect Crete with the broader Mediterranean. The ruins of the ancient city feature imposing fortifications, ancient baths, and a singular acropolis that allows one to study the city’s past prosperity and its connection to powerful city-states such as Sparta and Phoenicia. 

The decline of Phalasarna is attributed to the joint effect of constant Roman invasion and natural calamities. Today, visitors can walk through the remnants of an ancient city which are nested in the beauty of the rugged coastline of Crete and catch a glimpse of the island’s maritime history.

Lissos: The Healing Sanctuary

Next on our list of Crete archaeological sites, we have the site of Lissos which can only be reached either by foot or by sea. Lissos was once a prosperous ancient town revered for its healing sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine. Lissos was located in a valley, so the place was quiet and peaceful, two very important properties for a town aiming to become an ancient healing center.

The ruins consist of a marbled theater, early Christian basilicas, and Bergian baths, showing the importance of the town throughout the centuries. Irrespective of its ultimate fading and being left behind, Lissos still amazes visitors with its quiet beauty, archaeological sites, and the remarkable surrounding natural beauty​.

Visiting Lesser-Known Historical Ruins In Crete

So far, we’ve covered some of the most important historic ruins in Crete. However, Crete is also home to lesser-known historical sites located off-the-beaten-path that actually welcome the explorers who want to learn about the multifaceted history in peace and quiet.

The modern excavations in Polyrrenia are showing a city of great historical significance that once competed with mighty cities-states of like Knossos. The ruins of the castle rise at Kissamos near the hill, featuring impressive fortifications and cisterns of ancient time.

If you’re into Dorian architecture, Ancient Lato near the present-day Agios Nikolaos town is one place you really shouldn’t miss. Their accurately preserved agora, prytaneion, and temples allow a look at the social and political life of Cretan Antiquity.

Tylissos, only a few minutes from the city center of Heraklion, was a major Minoan city. The very buildings as those from the Minoan era are preserved in its archaeological area, allowing visitors to get an accurate glipse of early Minoan residential architecture and daily local life.

Roussolakkos, near Palekastro, is another lesser-known archaeological site that used to be a major Minoan harbor. Archaeologic discoveries have revealed a sophisticated urban system with buildings, roads, and water systems which showcase the surprisingly impressive Minoan urban planning.

Helpful Tips For Visiting Crete Archaeological Sites

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Did you like our list of historical ruins in Crete? Have you ever visited any of these Crete archaeological sites? Which one would you visit first if you had the chance? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

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