The Minoan site of Phaistos is 63 kilometers south of Heraklion city. This was the second most important palatial city in all of Minoan Crete. The layout of the palace is similar to Knossos, with rooms arranged around a central court. Pottery deposits indicate that the site was inhabited in the Neolithic era around 4000 BC and then destroyed by the earthquake that leveled many Minoan places. Ancient texts refer to the palace’s importance and note that it minted its own coins.
Phaistos is a natural addition to a road trip through southern Crete. With a Heraklion car rental, you can visit the palace together with Matala and other destinations in the Messara region.
