The Palace of Festos
The Palace of Festos is located in the south of Crete, about 82 km from Knossos Palace. He was the second largest palace in Minoan Crete and played a central role in Minoan civilization.
Phaistos impresses above all with its spectacular location: from here there is a breathtaking panoramic view over the Messara plain to Mount Ida. The structure of the palace is similar to that of Knossos, with rooms arranged around a central courtyard. In contrast to Knossos, however, hardly any frescoes were found in Phaistos; The walls were mostly covered with white plaster. No reconstructions were made here, so visitors can experience the ruins in their original state of excavation.
A special highlight: the famous Disco by Phaistos was found in a building north of the palace. The original is now in the Archaeological Museum of Iraklion.
Iraklion (Heraklion) & Rental Car Service The Palace of Festos
The city of Iraklio Located in the center of the island and houses some of the most important sights of Greece. The airport of Iraklion City is only 4 km from the city center and surrounded by numerous holiday resorts.
Athenscars-Crete Offers you a car rental right in the Iraklio area, as well as at many other locations such as Hersonissos, Malia, Stalis, Gouves, Ammoudara and of course directly at the airport.. a rental car Is essential to flexibly discover the beauty of Crete. Benefit from our special offers and exclusive deals for your trip.
The Palace of Knossos- Crete vacation
Only 7 km from the city center is the Knossos Palace, the heart of Minoan culture. The complex was excavated from 1900 by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans. The remains suggest a way of life that dates back 3,500 to 4,500 years.
The main palace once comprised over 1,300 rooms, including:
- Places of worship: Cleaning baths for sacred ceremonies.
- Economic areas: Storage rooms for agricultural products and workshops for metal and stone carvings.
- Legends: Due to its complex floor plan, the palace is closely linked to the myth of the maze and the Minotaur.
Other highlights in the area-The Palace of Festos
Gorty's: About 40 km from Iraklio you will find the impressive remains of the ancient city of Gortys.
Archaeological Museum Iraklio: Located in the city center (at Freiheitsplatz), it exhibits the most important finds from Knossos and all of Crete.
Venetian Port & Koules Fortress: Built in the 13th century, the fortress protects the port and is one of the most attractive monuments in the Mediterranean.
Chania: The Pearl of the West-The Palace of Festos
Chania, the capital of Crete until 1971, is located in the northwest of the island. It is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The jewel of the city is the Venetian port with the Hassan Pasha Mosque and the Firkas Fortress. A walk through the old town offers a unique blend of Venetian and Ottoman architecture.
Summary for Visitors-The Palace of Festos
If you want to experience the history of Crete - from the Minoan flowering period to the Venetian rule - up close, Iraklio is the perfect starting point.
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Here is an overview of the best places, divided by your interests:
1. For Connoisseurs & First Visitors: Chania (West) - The Palace of Festos
Chania is often considered the most beautiful city on the island. The Venetian old town with its historic port is extremely romantic.
- vibe: Historical, charming, culinary high quality.
- Highlights: The Venetian Harbor, the market hall and the proximity to the top beaches like Balos and Elafonisi (The famous pink beach).
- Perfect for: couples and foodies.
2. For Families & Explorers: Rethymno (Central Crete) - The Palace of Festos
Rethymno is strategically perfect in the middle of the island. The city has a long sandy beach right outside the door and a beautiful old town.
- vibe: Cozy, family friendly, central.
- Highlights: The Fortezza (fortress), the Rimondi Fountain and day trips to the Arkadi Monastery Or to the south.
- Perfect for: Families and travelers who want to explore both the West and the East with the rental car.
3. For Luxury & Lifestyle: Elounda & Agios Nikolaos (East)
If you are looking for exclusive resorts, infinity pools and a 'Saint Tropez feeling', the Northeast is your corner.
- vibe: Classy, chic, picturesque.
- Highlights: the island Spinalonga, the Mirabello Bay and the Voulismeni Lake in Agios Nikolaos.
- Perfect for: honeymoon or luxury vacation.
4. For Adventurers & Individualists: Plakias & Paleochora (South)
The south is wild, windy and less touristy than the north coast.
- vibe: Authentic, relaxed, close to nature.
- Highlights: The Samaria Gorge, the palm beach of Preveli and the hippie caves of Matala.
- Perfect for: Hikers, individual travelers and anyone who wants to avoid mass tourism.
5. For Party & Action: Malia & Hersonissos
East of Heraklion you will find the epicenter of nightlife.
- vibe: Lively, young, loud.
- Highlights: Countless bars, clubs and water parks.
- Perfect for: Party vacation and young groups.
A little tip for planning
| Destination | Airport | Special feature |
| West | Chania (CHQ) | Best Beaches (Caribbean Feeling) |
| East | Heraklion (her) | Culture (Knossos) & Luxury |
Iraklio City Airports is 60 km from Festos Palace, The Palace of Festos (also Phaistos called) is located in the south of the island and is a nice piece further away than the well-known Knossos Palace.
Distance & Duration
- distance: About 55 to 60 kilometers.
- By car: you drive about 50 to 60 minutes. The route leads across the island through the mountains south (Messara Plain).
- Taxi cost: Depending on the provider, a journey costs between €60 and €85.
Arrival Options
- Car Rental (recommended): This is the most flexible option. The road is well developed, but partly leads through winding terrain. You can make the visit perfect with the famous beach of Matala Connect, which is only about 15 minutes from Festos.
- Bus (KTEL): There is no direct connection from the airport. You have to go first Central bus station in Irakleio (Bus station A at the port). From there, buses go towards 'Phaistos' or 'Matala'. The trip takes a total of about 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Guided Tours: Many providers in Irakleio offer day trips that often combine Festos with Gortyn and Matala.
Why is the path worthwhile
Unlike Knossos, Festos is not reconstructed. You see the real ruins in their original form. In addition, the view from the hill over the Messara plain and the Psiloritis Mountains is absolutely spectacular and usually much less crowded than Knossos.
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