Visit the capital of the old Roman province of Crete and Cyrenaica, ancient Gortys, where the longest continuous legal text of Europe was found. See the ruins of the Doric, Roman and Byzantine times, including the amphitheater and the St. Titus Basilica. After your visit, head to the table mountain in the midst of Messara's second largest Minoan palace, 3Phaistos. Admire the panoramic view of the Ida Mountains and the Asteroussia mountains up to the Lassithi massif.
During the lunchtime, you will have the opportunity to swim in the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea in the former fishing village of Matala. Have lunch and take a walk to the world famous caves in the rocks of the cliff.
Completely customizable, so you can choose how long you wish to spend in each location as well as make extra stops if you like.
Your first stop - ancient 2Gortys, one of the most powerful cities of Crete during the antiquity and capital of the island during Roman and Proto-byzantine periods.
The significance of the great ancient city of Gortyn is recognized and recorded in its rich mythological and religious traditions. It is also associated with the major figures of Christianity - the Apostles Paul, Titus, and the Holy Ten Martyrs.
After Gortys, you will reach the archaeological site of 3Phaistos. Phaistos was the second largest Minoan city with Palace houses and cemeteries. Here, the famous disk of Phaistos was discovered, a ceramic object onto which 241 symbols were inscribed on both sides in a spiral shape. Archaeologists are yet unable to decipher this inscription. However, it has been the subject of various archaeological discussions.
After 4 km ride, you will reach the ruins of the Royal Villa, the Small Minoan Palace at Agia Triada. The site is named after the village of Agia Triada, located next to it and was inhabited until 1897 when the Turks destroyed it. The Minoan name of the site is unknown. At the site, you will see the Minoan town, the palace and the tombs, excavated by Halbherr with L. Banti in 1902 and onwards. La Rosa resumed the excavation after 1976.
Our route continues to the famous coastal village of 4Matala and its amazing beaches with the characteristic rock-cut caves. The caves were pre-historic houses but also continued to be used until the 70’s when many hippies from Europe and the world, lived there. After your expoloration, your friendly Welcome Driver will drive you safely back to your accommodation in Heraklion.
יעדים פופולריים ביותר
חקור את היעדים הפופולריים ביותר משדה התעופה הרקליון וחאניה! גלה מקומות מובילים ברחבי כרתים, המציעים חופים מהממים, אתרים היסטוריים ועיירות תוססות במרחק העברה בלבד. תכנן את המסע שלך ליעדים שחובה לבקר בהם והתחל את ההרפתקה שלך בקלות.