Phaistos, or more correctly the Minoan Palace of Phaistos, is located in south-central Crete, on the Mesara plain, 55 kilometers south of Heraklion and a short distance from the archaeological site at Agia Triada, the archaeological site at Gortyna and Matala .

The Minoan palace of Phaistos corresponds to a prosperous city that, not by chance, developed in the Ephorian plain of Messara during prehistoric times, i.e. from 6,000 BC. approximately until the 1st BC century, as confirmed by archaeological findings.

The archaeological site of Phaistos is open every day from 8 am to 8 pm from April 1st to October 31st.

Following the cobbled street immediately next to the parking lot, one reaches the platform where the ticket counter is originally located. You can buy a ticket either only for Phaistos, or a single ticket that includes a visit to the archaeological site of Ag. Triada, a few kilometers to the west.

Passing the ticket counter you will first come across the archaeological book and travel guide shop and next to it the refreshment stand.

Visitors with mobility difficulties should be aware that touring the archaeological site will be difficult for them because there are many steps in various parts of it. Also, if you can’t stand the high summer temperatures, prefer to visit Phaistos either early in the morning or late in the afternoon.