Crete Ancient Ruins

Ancient Ruins in Crete, Greece

Crete Ancient Ruins

Types of Attractions
Sights & Landmarks
Sights & Landmarks
Awards
Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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45 results sorted by traveler favorites
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Showing results 1-30 of 45

What travelers are saying

  • chrised14
    South Staffs, GB.19 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visit in the afternoon if you can when crowds are less. The internet link is very good as a guide.
    Mr Evan’s restoration may have hindered more than helped, but excellent exhibits in the museum at Heraklion help to build the image.
    Written October 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Hans
    Kwadendamme, The Netherlands4,270 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited this site back in 1992 and were curious what had changed. First of all, now there are a lot of visitors, crowded in comparison with back then. The grand staircase is not accessible anymore, the queen megaron is behind ropes. All in all nice to be back again. Needles to say, we will not return in 32 years time. Entrance fee 15 euro for an adult.
    Written October 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • S R
    19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Arrived early, amazing views and so few people around. A fantastic site with a variety of remnants from different eras. Make sure you stand on the block in the middle of the amphitheater and talk, feel the vibrations of your voice in your chest. Amazing acoustics.
    A great value visit.
    Written October 29, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Steph T
    Lincoln, UK4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Extensive archeological site with small explanation area - totally worth it for those who find Knossos too contrived.
    Written September 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Goolia2772
    Milton Keynes, UK220 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    When we went to temp was mid 30's, it was just too hot to stay there long. There is lots to walk around and see and information boards located around the site. Nice cafe and shop on site.
    Written July 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JaneMLondon
    London144 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We drove to Sougia and walked from there. You can park easily at Sougia harbour. An amazing drive through the mountains but not for the fainthearted. The walk is very well sign posted from the harbour in Sougia and only about 3 miles each way. However, it is very exposed to the sun in places, particularly when you climb out of the gorge and onto the plateau before the walk down into Lissos itself. We took suncreen, hats, 2 litres of water each and snacks and we started at 7am. It was still pretty hot and we definitely needed all of the water, as we returned at about noon. That said, it is a great walk (worth it even without the site!) and Lissos at the end is very interesting to explore. You can cool off in the water at Lissos if you want to. Free to enter. I would say wear good walking shoes, not sandals. Didn't need walking poles but there is some up and down out of the gorge/valley at each end, so avoid if you like flat surfaces and maybe find a boat operator to take you there instead. Plenty of taverna options in Sougia for when you return
    Written August 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Scotland71
    Cork, Ireland471 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Heard about it from an archeologica buff and is interesting. However, it’s quite basic and not well set up for tourists. Gets hot. No toilets the day we were theee
    Written July 9, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Craig W
    Bristol, UK9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Went here on a whim looking for some ruins on a drive and found this gem. The steps to the government building were quite a sight. A lot to take in around and a few good maps dotted about the place to explain what’s around you. Cost €3 to get in and be aware it closes at 1500/1530hrs at the end on the day.
    Written September 19, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Iva S
    Prague, Czech Republic700 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    16. 9. 2020 Here we parked and began by inspecting the covered excavations. We were surprised you're not allowed to take pictures inside. After that we walked about 3 km through unmarked paths to the ancient Eleutherna and all the way back to the car. Covered section, where you can't take pictures or videos, takes for about 20 minutes. I recommend this place to everyone who enjoys these sights and wandering the goat paths to their destination as much as we do. More youtube travel video PSIS-visit. Iva +Petr CZ Prague.
    Written March 4, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JaneMLondon
    London144 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very interesting site, and it is free. We parked at the taverna but you could also park at the church of the holy fathers, which is a bit nearer the site. Well worth climbing to the top of the Acropolis. It looks steep from the bottom, but actually if you walk along the track along the right hand side of the church and just keep going, the track bends round the hill and takes you up to the top quite gradually. Great 360 view from the top
    Written August 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AlanKit
    York, UK152 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a review of the archaeological site of the Gortyna ancient settlement. Other Trip Advisor reviews refer to a couple of cafes with a similar name near the archaeological site. This is also not about the Gortyna Akropolis up on the hillside (which you really need an off road vehicle to get to).
    We did find it difficult to get to the right place which is on the left 1km down the main road east of the Archaeological Museum of Mesara, where you can get combined tickets for the museum and the site.
    There is a large car park opposite the site entrance and a small cafe inside the entrance. It is not a very large site but there is a wall filled with carved text around the back of a small open auditorium. This is not a palace but part of what was a very large settlement of around 100,000 people when it was the capital of Roman Crete around 67 BC. Worth a visit and entry is cheap.
    Written September 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AlanKit
    York, UK152 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Perched on a hilltop ridge with stunning views all around make this a must see. The car park is fairly small but seems to cope with the number of visitors. There is a very nice cafe/gift shop at the entrance. There are only small areas of shelter from a few trees with most of the site in the open.
    Minoan archaeology at its best.
    Written September 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • nsander219
    Chelmsford, UK654 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Quite a trek to get here but worth it for the siting of the Palace. Certainly it is completely different from the organisation and pazzazz surrounding Knossos. It is very peaceful - when we visited there were perhaps 5 or 6 other people wandering the site. As others have said the presentation is somewhat lacking and really it wouldn't take much time, effort and cost to lift this failure up to far better standards.
    However, if you are visiting Minoan Palaces it is worth the journey. Do it so you can have lunch by the beach!
    Written January 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PSM99
    Northampton, UK35 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mochlos is a tiny, quaint village with a small beach. The best reason for us to visit was it was VERY quiet (perfect) when we went in mid-May and we had the beach to ourselves apart from the occasional visitor.
    The beach is a mix of stones, small and medium. I wore rock shoes and it was fine. The large rocks on the side were a little slippery, so best to go in the sea from the beach.
    The water was crystal clear and warm enough to swim, the view out from the beach was beautiful, and we stayed in for as long as possible.
    We brought our own packed lunch but there are a small number of restaurants that looked very nice, serving traditional Cretan and alternative food.
    Written May 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • smrgeog
    Vancouver, Canada2,533 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    There is not alot to the Itanos archaelogical site but rather a few stones strewn around a nearby beach. By following the signs you come across an almost idyllic beach.

    Unlike Vai, there are no facilities; some rocks and a rough parking area. The beaches are fairly sandy but small with the odd tree and some rocky outcrops providing shade. If you hike about five minutes over the hill you'll come across another beach. It's much quieter than Vai and if you want that swim in the sea away from the crowds then I suggest here.
    Written May 18, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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