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Gortyna

Archaeological Site in Central Crete

Gortyna Γόρτυνα

Also known as Gortyn or Gortys.

This site is located 50 km from Heraklion town. Whereas many of the remains you will see on Crete are from the Minoan culture, this settlement was predominantly a Roman capital.

Gortyna

This was the richest city in Crete during the first to the fifth centuries AD, the period of Roman domination in the area.

Highlights of the archaeological finds here include the wall with inscription of the Law of Gortyn representing the earliest known Greek law, dating from first half of the 5th century BC.

The quiet peace of the site, its location away from civilisation and lack of the mad crowds of Knossos make this a lovely site for history buffs and nature lovers alike. There are plenty of opportunities to relax and take in the atmosphere and imagine life in this lush Messara valley in ancient and classical times.

Highlights include the Odeon from 1st Century AD, the display of the Gortyn Law Code from 5th Century BC, and the Church of St Titus, dating from the 6th Century AD.

If you pack a picnic, you could sit under the beautiful plane tree to muse about the story of Zeus and Europa who, it is told in Greek mythology, made love here.

Always check with your hotel reception or on the official website as to opening days and hours, on the day of your visit, before you leave, to avoid disappointment.

Γόρτυνα, roman ruins - green grass and daffodils all over the site (image by Salvatore Mugllett)

Getting Here

The Odeon of Gortyna

Arrive into Gortyna from Heraklion, the capital of Crete, via Athens by flights or ferries, with details below.

From Heraklion, take a hire car or local bus to the archaeological site, with details below. Heraklion - Timbaki and Heraklion - Phaistos services leave from Bus Station B in south Heraklion.

Driving south 48 km from Heraklion on the national road, visit Agioi Deka and then 1 km south you will see signs to Gortyna. Watch carefully as you drive along south, so as not to miss the signs for this site, which sits along the roadside, just south of Agioi Deka.

Consider hiring a private historical guide to show you through Gortyna, Phaistos and Agia Triada, as they can be comfortably combined in one day with a knowledgeable guide. This takes out the mundane details of driving and navigating and you get to focus on the heart of the matter, and absorb the ancient sites of central Crete.

Exploring Around

New shoot on grape vine (image Douloufakis Winery)

There is so much to explore in the Heraklion region.

As you drive south from Heraklion you may want to visit Knossos Palace, then the village of Archanes. Or taking the route south on the national road, you could visit wineries at Dafnes and see Kerasia village on your way to this historic site.

Many visitors combine their visit to Gortys with a visit to the ancient Minoan Palace of Phaistos, which is 15 km south of here. If you come on a Saturday, it is the day to visit the markets in Moires, located between the two, on the national road.

Also in comfortable driving distance are Kokkinos Pirgos Beach and Matala Beach, and the beautiful Zaros mountain village.

A full day trip can be made from Heraklion to Gortys and Phaistos, then lunch in the village of Zaros and an afternoon drive through the Amari Valley into Rethymnon, visiting the Monastery of Arkadi before heading to Rethymnon town for an afternoon stroll and dinner. This is a very adventurous and jam-packed day of sightseeing and would be best split into many days meandering and staying in local villages.

Arkadi Monastery, Rethymnon (image by Nikos)

Visit Arkadi Monastery en route to Rethymnon

Accommodation

Good accommodation can be found at Matala, Kokkinos Pirgos and Zaros, and in the mountains around the valley. We suggest some local rural accommodation below which is very handy to this site as well as Phaistos and Agia Triada.

Avli House - live like a local with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy relaxing on the terrace and the 'avli' or courtyard. In Vori, a traditional protected village of Vori just 8 km from Moires and 23 km from Gortyna.

"Excellent holiday in a lovely little village with shops, taverna and bakery within walking distance. The location was in a quiet cul-de-sac in a traditional village. Our host was very responsive to any request. The location was not touristy, but within easy reach of good beaches and places of interest."

Check Rates & Availability for Avli House

Traditional Cretan Houses - experience typical village life and live like a local in the hamlet of Pitsidia, just 27 km from Gortyna and only 4 km to Matala Beach.

These beautifully restored village houses will give you a real feel for what it is like to live in Crete. Located in Pitsidia, these lovely lane ways will become like home, and you will be in a good position to visit local beaches as well as both Phaistos and Gortys historic sites. 67 km from Heraklion.

“Excellent, well-built, traditional accommodation with very beautiful Cretan traditional decorations. Very good spot. Beautiful private courtyard with vines and bougainvilleas and outdoor shower. Very well equipped kitchen and bathroom.”

Check Rates & Availability for Cretan Houses