phaistos

It is a no-brainer that one cannot leave Crete without visiting Phaistos, Knossos & the Archeological Museum of Heraklion (maybe not all in a single day, the latter two are in close proximity). For Phaistos stay at Eleonas for a couple of nights, you won't regret it.

Another scale model of Knossos palace, but bigger than Malia. As per the other minoan sites, it is fascinating to walk along the ruins of one of oldest mediterranean civilization. Despite being littler than Knossos, it offers a more enjoyable experience due to a limited number of tourists.

We visited Phaistos on our way back from Matala and after having visited Knossos a few days earlier. What we appreciated on this a sunny and clear day is the magnificent location that this Minoan palace complex (largest in southern Crete) is set on a hilltop overlooking a large fertile valley.What we also really enjoyed is the fact that the place was not overcrowded, there were ample English sign posts and the nice little boutique on site where we bought some souvenirs. It is well worth paying the entrance fee of just a few Euros to take in this spectacular site.

Phaistos/Festos, due to its location is not crawling with tourists as is Knossos, yet it has so much more to interest folk of an historical bent. This is a better representation of how the rulers and workers interacted day to day, the trade routes with the nearby summer palace and also the port trading. There are no 'historians' either haggling to take you on a 'journey' for xxx Euros, when the site placard displays tell you as it was anyway!Make sure you take a hat and an ice cool bag, the heat can be searing = water is essential if you really want to spend 2 hours+ exploring, which you really should, else why make the effort to get to Festos?....

Although it lacks the questionable reconstructions of the more famous Knossos, Phaistos is another large Minoan palace complex in a much more spectacular setting on a hilltop overlooking lush valleys. Is is very well signposted in English. A minimum level of fitness is required as there are stairs and uneven surfaces throughout.

We were lucky enough to be here on a beautiful sunny day in mid-November. There were very few other people here, which also added to our enjoyment. The hill-top site was extensive but manageable. Although the site has been the subject of considerable restoration, this has been done much more sympathetically and less intrusively than at Knossos. The site is complicated and was built in several stages. However, the information boards, together with the guide book, made the site relatively easy to understand. I found it easier to imagine how the place must have looked in Minoan times than was possible at Knossos.The view of the olive groves and the vineyards below the site is spectacular. The gift shop and cafe were welcome after an unexpectedly warm tour.

This ancient Minoan site is actually better, (in my opinion) than Knossos. For one thing there are a lot few people so you do not have to rush, crowd and not one person was taking a selfie. I was there on a rainy fall day and you need to be careful as the rocks will be slick. But the site offers a great view of the valley floor and the ruins are spectacular. It is ancient and yet they had water and sewer systems and high on the hill they had a commanding view if any enemy wanted to sneak up on them. Stairs and ramps, be careful if it is wet. If you do not have a guide get a handout at the counter going in. If you are in Crete this is a great place to get away from the tour boat crowds.

Beautiful place to visit, you feel the mystery of history behind every stone.Beautiful view on the vineyards and hills too.And the sense of humour and archeological knowledge of the gardian of the place make it an unforgettable experience !

This is a nice alternative to the partially reconstructed palace at Knossos & less crowded. It's located at the top of a hill, surrounded by beautiful landscaping & views but do bare in mind that it's all open with hardly any shade so take a hat & sun cream!There is a little shop & cafe there with toilets as well.It's a definite must see, only 4 € for adults & while you're in the area take a trip down to Malata.

Looking at this place might not touch you at once but if you consider that they had even a sewage system nearly 4000 years ago...wow

This site does not disappoint if you are interested in ancient places. It still has some amazing urns in situ. It might be a bit exposed in really hot weather.It has also had a very good shop selling gifts etc at very reasonable prices.

To some this may be just a pile of stones; but if you are intrigued by past civilisations this place must be seen. The explanatory notes around the site are most helpful, and there are staff on hand to give guidance as well. If you come here you should try and visit Knossos as well.

One of the must-see places in Crete. However, there are only few trees in one part that can provide some shadow. so wear a hat and take it easy, no need to climb every stair. Toilets available inside the café. 4 € fo adults, children free.

What a place this must have been all those years ago!The water channels running under the palace are just like a labyrinth

The Italian School of Archaeology in Greece is responsible for this site ...and therefore, as you would expect, it is a place of considerable beauty and fascination, enhanced by it's setting which is about an hours walk from the sea. Other reviewers have said it all, but your visit will be of greater enjoyment if you read about Phaistos before you visit the site. The cafe' and gift shop are very pleasurable and we spotted a huge selection of inexpensive and attractive postcards on sale for 40 cents here and 70 cents elsewhere! So that, coupled with reduced price tickets for Pensioners made it an inexpensive afternoon!