Gortyna Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by Michael S
Photo by amylie paquin
Photo by amylie paquin
Photo by Julie Hanham

Visit this ancient Greek city where over 5,000 years of history have been discovered by archaeologists.

Stand in front of the ancient wall of Gortyna to see engravings of the city’s laws. Visit the ruins of the acropolis and marvel at the statues, columns and monuments that have been discovered here after thousands of years. Learn about the city’s role in Greek mythology and visit the famous plane tree under which Zeus is said to have had one of his many affairs. Don’t miss the church of St. Titus, a testament to the Christian era of Gortyna.

At 1.5 square miles (4 square kilometres), Gortyna is the largest archaeological site in Crete and one of the most important in all of Greece. Historians have estimated the earliest occupation of the area at about 3000 B.C. Evidence shows that by 1600 B.C. this was a thriving Minoan community. With the first major archaeological discoveries made here in 1884, Gortyna has been an important site for archaeologists for over 100 years.

Make a visit to the wall inscribed with the Gortyna code a priority. This is one of the oldest known examples of a written Greek law code. Examine the characters carved into the stone thousands of years ago. You can still make out the letters in most places. More than 600 total lines of code are written over the 12 columns.

Once you’ve seen the wall, move to the ruins of the acropolis, where several fragments of statues and columns have been uncovered. Gortyna has over 1,500 relics such as this, making it one of the most densely decorated archaeological sites in Greece.

Don’t miss the plane tree under which the Greek god Zeus and princess Europa had their mythological affair. Be sure to visit the Byzantine church of St. Titus. Gortyna was one of the first Greek cities to convert to Christianity and it remained Christian until the 9th century. 

Gortyna is located 27 miles (45 kilometres) south of Heraklion in the Messara Plain. The site is open to tourists year-round, except for holidays, and contains a modern visitor centre with a café and gift shop. There is a small charge for entry.

Aquila Atlantis Hotel

Aquila Atlantis Hotel

5 out of 5
2 Ygias Street, Heraklion, Crete Island
The price is ₹16,736 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹16,736
₹20,576 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Heraklion. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (997 reviews)
"Fantastic property and friendly staff. We had paid the half board with breakfasts and dinners. The food was beyond expectations. It was fresh and delicious. Thank you!"

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Aquila Atlantis Hotel
Hotel Tsagarakis Beach

Hotel Tsagarakis Beach

3 out of 5
37, Andrea Papandreou str., Ammoudara, Malevizi, Crete Island
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Malevizi. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Heraklion Port and Natural History Museum ...
9/10 Wonderful! (68 reviews)
"The pool was immaculate and situated perfectly . The hotel was right on the beach which was clean and dandy and the sea was beautiful The hotelierspoke very good English and was extremely helpful . This hotel is peaceful , a short taxi ride to Heraklion and a supermarket on hand .we very much enjoyed ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Hotel Tsagarakis Beach
Village Heights Resort

Village Heights Resort

5 out of 5
Hersonissos, Hersonissos, Crete Island
The price is ₹14,048 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹14,048
₹17,516 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Hersonissos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (378 reviews)
"For me this was a near perfect set up if you want to relax and unwind, having a collection of villa's rather than a single building means it doesn't feel cramped, likewise being spread out over a big site meant you rarely felt you had to worry about getting a space by the pool like you can at other ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Village Heights Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Village Heights Resort

Village Heights Resort

5 out of 5
Hersonissos, Hersonissos, Crete Island
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Hersonissos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (378 reviews)
"For me this was a near perfect set up if you want to relax and unwind, having a collection of villa's rather than a single building means it doesn't feel cramped, likewise being spread out over a big site meant you rarely felt you had to worry about getting a space by the pool like you can at other ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Village Heights Resort
Pela Mare Hotel

Pela Mare Hotel

2 out of 5
Agia Pelagia, Malevizi, Crete Island
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Malevizi. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (209 reviews)
"We had a balcony room over looking the shores of Agia Pelagia and Ligaria beaches. The resort pool was a great place for a quiet afternoon. The poolside eatery was excellent, serving a great breakfast. I would not hesitate to book again."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Pela Mare Hotel
LAVRIS City Suites

LAVRIS City Suites

38 IKAROU AV & T. GEORGIADI, Heraklion, CRETE
Stay at this eco-certified apartment in Heraklion. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (154 reviews)
"Excellent clean modern room, walkable from the port, opposite the bus station and a 10 minute walk from town."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

LAVRIS City Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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