Phaistos Minoan Palace: How To Visit The Archaeological Site
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Phaistos is the second-largest Minoan Palace in Crete and this is why visiting Phaistos Minoan Palace should be high on the list of any Ancient Greek history buff.
With fewer crowds of visitors than the renowned Knossos Palace but equally impressive monuments to admire, Phaistos Minoan Palace also boasts a prime location of rare natural beauty, offering panoramic views of Crete’s tall mountains and fertile plains.
Whether you’re already planning to visit the Minoan Palace of Phaistos or still contemplating if Phaistos is worth visiting, this thorough guide on how to visit Phaistos Palace has all the answers and is here to help you on your quest to discover the magic of this unique archaeological site.
Where Is The Minoan Palace of Phaistos?
Phaistos Minoan Palace is located near the southern coast of Crete. It’s built atop a hill with stunning views of Psiloritis Mountain and the Libyan Sea. It’s a one-hour drive from Heraklion or 15 minutes by car from Matala.
Timeline of Phaistos Minoan Palace
Ancient Phaistos was inhabited long before the First Phaistos Palace was built in 1900 BC. Similar to all Minoan Palaces in Crete, it was destroyed around 1750 BC because of a devastating earthquake.
The New Palace was built on the Old Palace’s ruins but at a higher level. In 1450 BC, it was destroyed again, following the fate of all other Minoan centers that led to the final destruction of the Minoan Civilization.
However, Ancient Phaistos continued to be inhabited throughout the next centuries, controlling the surrounding areas and the ancient ports of Matala and Kommos.
The first to identify the location of Ancient Phaistos was the British Captain Spratt in 1865. After Crete’s liberation from Ottoman occupation in 1898, the first excavations by the Italian Archaeological School took place in Phaistos.
The excavations and archaeological research are still in progress.
Why Is Phaistos Minoan Palace Important?
With references to its wealthy status even from the early years of Homer, the ancient city of Phaistos was the most important Minoan city in Southern Crete.
The way the First Palace and the New Palace were structured on the ruins of previous periods provided important feedback about the two main phases of the Minoan Civilization.
What’s more, one of the most significant archaeological finds in Phaistos was the enigmatic Phaistos Disc. Bearing 45 different signs on both sides, the small disc’s content remains a mystery until today.
Although experts aren’t sure whether the signs are related to known written scripts of the time, it’s said that maybe the disc’s content is about a poem or a hymn. For a chance to decode the Phaistos Disc, you must visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum where it’s kept.
Is The Minoan Palace of Phaistos Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Phaistos Palace is one of our favorite archaeological sites in Crete as its size makes it easy to explore, just like the Minoan Palace of Zakros.
Moreover, its location on the hill offers outstanding views of olive groves and the Libyan Sea. The views of the imposing Psiloritis Mountain and the peaceful Messara Plain render the scenery all the more idyllic.
Unlike Knossos Palace, restorations at the Minoan Palace of Phaistos are restricted to particular areas. Furthermore, there aren’t any extended interventions. We like this when visiting an archaeological site in Greece as it leaves room for our imagination to run wild.
The Myth Behind Phaistos Palace
According to Greek Mythology, Phaistos was one of the three cities that Minos, the son of Zeus and Europa, founded in Crete. Minos had two brothers, Sarpedon, who became the King of Malia Palace, and Rhadamanthus, who became the King of Phaistos.
The brother of King Minos, Rhadamanthus was renowned for his wisdom and righteousness. Thanks to those traits, he also became one of the judges of the Underworld.
FAQs About Visiting The Minoan Palace of Phaistos
How long does it take to visit the Archaeological Site of Phaistos?
It takes at least one hour to explore the entire archaeological site.
Is the Phaistos Archaeological Site accessible?
The archaeological site of Phaistos is relatively easy to walk without steep inclines. There are a few steps, dirt footpaths, and paths paved with uneven slabs making the site unfriendly for wheelchair users.
Is there a parking space at the Phaistos Archaeological Site?
Yes, there is ample parking space near the entrance of the archaeological site of Phaistos.
Are there toilets or other facilities at Phaistos Minoan Palace?
Yes, there are toilets, a mini market, and a café with fantastic outdoor seating. It’s worth spending some time at the café, enjoying a refreshment with splendid mountain views.
Are there any restaurants near the Phaistos Archaeological Site?
There are a couple of restaurants in the nearby village of Agios Ioannis, in the south of Phaistos. However, Matala, which is only a 15-minute drive from Phaistos, offers more dining options.
What is the best time to visit the Phaistos Archaeological Site?
Phaistos Palace is a year-round archaeological site. It doesn’t even get packed in the high season. If you plan to visit in summer, keep in mind there are only a few trees around the Palace. To avoid the scorching summer heat, visit in the early morning or late afternoon, before closing time.
What To See in Phaistos Minoan Palace – Walking Route
We love archaeological sites in Greece but, sadly, not all of them are easy to navigate. First of all, there isn’t always a clear route to follow. Moreover, not all areas have informative signs and, when they do, sometimes these signs use difficult terminology.
Also, on-site maps often include monuments or points of interest that are no longer visible – because they’re either destroyed or covered by the modern city.
This section is meant to help you navigate any ancient site in Greece by providing a tested-by-us walking route of the most important monuments that you can actually see – rather than just imagine.
Furthermore, we replace the original scientific terms (here in brackets) with simple translations in English when necessary and provide context in cases where informative signs are scarce or non-existent.
Phaistos Palace Map
Upper Court
Upon entering the Phaistos archaeological site, the first thing you see is the Upper Court. From here, you have great views of Phaistos Palace and the West Court, which is right below the Upper Court to the south.
On the west side of the Upper Court, there used to be a colonnade. You can still see the spots on the ground where the columns used to be.
The causeway intersecting the Court was used for processions. The ruins on the south side date back to the 3rd century BC (Hellenistic Times), long after Phaistos Palace was destroyed.
West Porch (West Propylaea)
The grand staircase on the west facade was the main entrance to the New Palace. At the impressive main Palace entrance, you can see the base of a gigantic column.
The West Porch grants access to the Peristyle Hall and the Royal Quarters in the North Wing. From the lightwell at the back of the West Porch, a wide corridor leads to the West Storerooms and the Central Court.
West Court & Theater (Theatral Area)
The West Court was where religious ceremonies took place in the Old Palace. A processional causeway started from the Theater and led to the Old Palace’s entrance.
Like later-period theaters, the eight wide steps below the support wall of the Upper Court were the standing area for the audience.
During the New Palace period, only four of the Theater’s eight steps were visible. That’s because the rest had been filled in to allow for the new majestic Palace to be constructed at a higher level.
Three-Part Shrine (Tripartite Shrine)
Situated next to the Theater steps, the Three-Part Shrine followed a typical Minoan layout. According to that, shrines had three rooms on the facade, among which the middle was higher. The cult items found there attest to the sacred use of the rooms.
Grain Silos (Kouloures)
The four big circular structures at the West Court were part of the Old Palace. They were probably used for grain storage or ritual deposits. You’ll see similar ring-shaped structures when visiting Knossos Palace or while exploring Malia Palace, as they were a staple of Minoan architecture.
Storeroom of Giant Jars (Pithoi)
An extensive part of the West Wing was occupied by a storeroom with large storage jars and workshops. The Storeroom of Giant Jars was in use during the Old Palace period (1900 BC to 1700 BC). Most of these storerooms are now filled in.
Shrines – West Wing
Explore the West Wing of the New Palace starting from its southern part. Several sacred rooms were found there, among which a Lustral Basin, a bench shrine, and a pillar crypt.
Storerooms (Magazines) – West Wing
The northern part of the West Wing is occupied by eleven storerooms with large jars. These jars were used to store oil, wine, and solid foods.
Over 6000 clay sealings of products were found there, indicating the storage use of this space and the trade character of the Palace. Flanked by the storerooms, the corridor leads to an antechamber and, then, to the Central Court.
Central Court
Situated in the heart of Phaistos Palace, the Central Court is a typical element of a Minoan Palace’s layout. The Central Court had been around since the Old Palace period and remained almost the same during the New Palace period.
Here, every religious, social, and economic activity took place. Noble people, guests, and spectators attended the festivities from the covered colonnades at the court’s longest edges and the upper floors’ balconies.
On the two long sides, west and east, you can see holes in the ground where pillars and columns once stood. On the west side, there were rooms with stone benches for the spectators, while on the east side, benches next to a cistern were used for rest.
On the north side, you can see the partially restored main entrance to the Royal Quarters. The main entrance is flanked by two niches where guards probably stood. From the entrance, a wide corridor with a drainage canal leads to an inner court and the Royal Quarters.
Peristyle Court
Surrounded by colonnades on each side and open in the middle, the Peristyle Court was one of the spaces connecting the West Porch and the Royal Quarters in the New Palace.
From the Peristyle Court, people could also access the Central Court. The ruins in the middle of the Court date before the Old Palace period.
Queen’s Quarters (Queen’s Megaron)
Coming from the Central Court, the first royal room you’ll see is the Queen’s. From the column bases on the floor, you can imagine there was a lightwell in the room.
The floor, the benches, and the lower part of the walls were covered by gypsum slabs, adding a touch of luxury. The staircase on your right-hand side led to the upper floor and the Peristyle Court.
King’s Quarters (King’s Megaron)
Similar to the Palace of Knossos, the King’s Quarters are right next to the Queen’s. The impressive main room featured two facades with many doors.
To the north, the room opened to a colonnade with gorgeous views of Psiloritis Mountain. To the east, the room communicated with a smaller one. The latter had two columns and opened to a lightwell.
Nowadays, we can only imagine the splendor of the King’s Room by looking at the pillar and column bases on the floor, which is also paved with gypsum slabs.
At the back of the room, there was an impressive Lustral Basin. You can see part of it from the back of the King’s Room on your way to the Peristyle Court.
Workshops – North Wing
The eastern part of the North Wing was the workshop area of the New Palace. Six small workshops line the East Court’s west side, while the ruins of a horseshoe-shaped furnace dominate the center of the court.
Phaistos Archaeological Site Opening Hours
During the winter period:
November 1st to March 31st: 8.30 AM to 3.30 PM (on January 6th: 8 AM to 5 PM)
During the summer period:
April 1st to August 31st: 8 AM to 8 PM (on August 15th: 8 AM to 5 PM)
September 1st to September 15th: 8 AM to 7.30 PM
September 16th to September 30th: 8 AM to 7 PM
October 1st to October 15th: 8 AM to 6.30 PM
October 16th to October 31st: 8 AM to 6 PM (on October 28th: 8 AM to 5 PM)
During Greek Easter:
Good Friday: Noon to 5 PM
Holy Saturday: 8.30 AM to 4 PM
On January 1st, March 25th, May 1st, Greek Easter Sunday, December 25th, and December 26th the archaeological site of Phaistos Palace is closed.
Phaistos Archaeological Site Entrance Fees
The full ticket price is 8 EUR. From November 1st to March 31st, the ticket costs 4 EUR instead.
Entrance is free on the following days: March 6th, April 18th, May 18th, the last weekend of September, October 28th, and the first Sunday of each month from November to March.
How To Get To Phaistos Minoan Palace
By Car
The easiest way to get to Phaistos is by your rental car. If you’re based in Heraklion, the Phaistos archaeological site is only a one-hour drive.
If you’re staying in Matala, you will arrive at Phaistos Palace within 15 minutes by car. Phaistos is a 25-minute drive from Agia Galini, a lovely seaside village in the south of Crete.
By KTEL Bus
You can get to the Phaistos archaeological site by KTEL Bus from Heraklion or Matala. KTEL is the name of the company that offers intercity public bus services in Greece.
Keep in mind that not every KTEL bus connecting Heraklion and Matala stops at Phaistos, so check out bus routes and timetables on the KTEL Bus Heraklion Lasithi website.
On a Guided Tour
A great way to explore the Minoan Palace of Phaistos alongside other historic sites and natural beauties of southern Crete is by joining a guided tour.
This organized tour starts from Heraklion and takes you to the Roman City of Gortyna, Phaistos Minoan Palace, Matala, and Zaros Village for a memorable day trip across the treasures of Southern Crete.
Where To Stay Near Phaistos
Matala and Agia Galini are both excellent locations if you plan to explore the gems of Southern Crete. In both villages, there are many options for your accommodation. Alternatively, you can book your accommodation in Heraklion, which is only a one-hour drive from Phaistos.
Things To Do Near Phaistos
Aside from the Phaistos archaeological site, there are other important ancient sites near Phaistos to explore, such as the Gortyna archaeological site and the Agia Triada archaeological site.
On the nearby Komos Beach, you can spend a couple of hours relaxing next to the seaside ruins of the ancient port of Kommos.
The coastal village of Matala is one of the most popular places to visit in Crete. Matala was the ancient port of Phaistos, while its neolithic caves were inhabited by hippies in the 1960s.
Matala isn’t the ideal place for swimming as the seabed is rocky. However, it’s perfect for a visit to the caves, a seaside stroll, and lunch or dinner at one of its quaint restaurants.
We hope this guide to Phaistos Minoan Palace convinced you to add Phaistos to your Crete itinerary. The Minoan Palace of Phaistos is worth your time for its historical significance and gorgeous natural surroundings.
If you’d like to ask anything about your upcoming visit to Phaistos Minoan Palace or if you’ve already been to Phaistos and would like to inspire fellow history lovers to be immersed in the magic of Minoan times, join our Facebook group here.
