Location: Heraklion Prefecture
Top Things to do in Heraklion Prefecture
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The 10 Best Ancient Ruins in Heraklion Prefecture, Crete
Heraklion (Greek: Περιφερειακή ενότητα Ηρακλείου) is one of the four regional units of Crete. The capital is the city of Heraklion.
Restaurants in Heraklion Prefecture
1. The Throne Room
2. The Palace of Knossos
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 12,742 reviews
These labyrinthine ruins are said to have been home to the monstrous Minotaur, a half-man half-bull creature that devoured young virgins.
Reviewed By lilianamateiu - Bucharest, Romania
The legend has it that king Minos of Crete wanted to hide the fruit of his wife Pasifae's cheating on him.This fruit was none other than the famous Minotaur.In order to conceal his presence from others, the king ordered the Athenian engineer Daedalus to build a labyrinth like construction. The palace of Cnossos with its terraces, columns and many rooms, courtyards and staircases looks like a labyrinth of incomparable beauty if you take into account its digital restoration to its former glory.The wonderful wall paintings and its many artefacts exhibited in the Archaeological museum of Heraklion bear witness to an amazing civilization flourishing here, in Crete at the dawn of human history. Visiting Cnossos is therefore a real treat and its astoundingly beautiful items to be found in the museum will only add to one's feelings of wonder and reverence.
3. Malia Palace Archaeological Site
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,133 reviews
The site of an ancient Minoan civilization, these majestic ruins are surrounded by the beautiful Greek countryside.
Reviewed By 388keenar
Myself and my 2 sons (10 and 13) spent a lovely couple of hours here. Great place to visit if you like history
4. Palace of Faistos
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 997 reviews
The ruins of an ancient Minoan palace, popular among tourists.
Reviewed By ivas934 - Prague, Czech Republic
5. 9. 2020 We are looking for these places, so we really liked the archeological site. Beautiful, interesting place, quite extensive. Of course, some parts are inaccessible for covid. I recommend it to everyone who is interested in these monuments. More youtube travel video PSIS-visit. Iva + Petr CZ Prague.
5. Knossos Archaeological Site
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,824 reviews
Knosos Archaeological site 12km south of Heraklion
Reviewed By Cynthia-Homayoun
Buy the book in the museum shop and do the tour yourself. The book is 7.50 euros and excellent. It is hot and sunny. Bring water and sunscreen
6. Roman Archaeological Remains
7. Gortyna
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 283 reviews
Reviewed By 777SarahB777 - Guildford, United Kingdom
Good walking shoes are required to make the most of this site as it’s extensive finds can only be seen by walking through a number of olive groves on the opposite side of the road from the Odeon and Agia Titus complex A good guide book would also help to explain the fascinating history
8. Mionoan Manor Nirou Khani
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 16 reviews
9. Kommos Archaeological Site
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By philbo45 - Heraklion, Greece
The archaeological site of Kommos is not yet open for visitors but you can get an idea of the wonders of the ancient Minoan Civilization when you visit the ancient port. Once the shipbuilding and port area of ancient Phaistos, Kommos is more than 4,000 years of history behing it. The beach at the archaeological site is fabulous and largely unknown to tourists. Experts believe the city was destroyed by an earthquake sometime around 1700 BC. The area around this magic place is stunningly beautiful, and there are many great inns, apartments, and villas to stay at while you explore the Gulf of Mesara. Out in the gulf you can visit the uninhabited Paxamadia Islets where legend says the god Apollo and the goddess Artemis were born. When you visit, you'll begin to understand why there are so many legends and myths surrounding Crete Island.
