Gortyna Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Lose yourself in ancient history as you explore the ruins and relics of this millennia-old city, home to one of the first written legal codes in Greece.

With a ruined acropolis, a legendary Christian church and a tree where Zeus is said to have had an affair, the ancient city of Gortyna is enviably rich in historical monuments. Visit for yourself and marvel at the depth and breadth of history on display at this invaluable archaeological site.

According to historians’ best estimates, the Gortyna region was first settled around 3000 B.C. By 1600 B.C., this area was home to a flourishing Minoan community, and the city of Gortyna went on to be the capital of Crete under Roman rule. Archaeological discoveries were made in Gortyna as early as 1884, so the site has been home to important excavations for over a century.

The first point of historical interest discovered in Gortyna was the Great Inscription, an ancient wall upon which the city’s laws were engraved. Make sure to see this fascinating site, one of the earliest known examples of a written code of law in Greece, and investigate the letters that were carved into the stone millennia ago. Seek out the famous plane tree under which Zeus and the princess Europa allegedly had their affair in Greek myth.

Head to the ruins of the city’s acropolis and admire the fragments of statues and buildings that have been uncovered there. Gortyna is home to more than 1,500 such relics over its size of some 4 square kilometres (1.5 square miles). As such, it is one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites, not to mention the largest in all of Crete.

Gortyna’s rich heritage is not only classical but also Christian. It was in fact one of the first cities in Greece to convert to Christianity. Visit the Byzantine Church of St. Titus, dedicated to the first Bishop of Crete, for an insight into this particular tradition.

Gortyna is open to tourists all throughout the year, but it is closed for holidays. Entry will cost a small fee. The site is roughly 45 kilometres (27 miles) from central Heraklion, and is best accessed by guided tour, taxi, or rental car. The on-site visitor centre has a café and a gift shop.

Aquila Atlantis Hotel

Aquila Atlantis Hotel

5 out of 5
2 Ygias Street, Heraklion, Crete Island
The price is AU$205 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
AU$205
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Heraklion. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Stayed there in June 2025. Staff were fantastic. Hotel really good. Only thing I would have slightly criticised was the lack of water heating in the swimming pools. Still able to enjoy a swim, though. Otherwise, I couldn’t fault it at all."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Aquila Atlantis Hotel
GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel

GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel

5 out of 5
9, D. Beaufort Street, Heraklion, Crete Island
The price is AU$214 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
AU$214
17 Nov - 18 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Heraklion. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,006 reviews)
"Parking was good. Room was comfortable and clean. Lots of welcome amenities. Decent view. Honestly a little loud from the airport."

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel
Village Heights Resort

Village Heights Resort

5 out of 5
Hersonissos, Hersonissos, Crete Island
Fully refundable
The price is AU$186 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
AU$186
30 Oct - 31 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Hersonissos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (421 reviews)
"We found Rodies restaurant on our last night. Wish we had went there more as the food was excellent. A must for people who like to BBQ."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 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 WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (421 reviews)
"We found Rodies restaurant on our last night. Wish we had went there more as the food was excellent. A must for people who like to BBQ."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Village Heights Resort
Petousis Hotel & Suites

Petousis Hotel & Suites

4 out of 5
Andrea Papandreou,140, Malevizi, Crete Island
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Malevizi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (108 reviews)
"Great hotel. Modern, clean and great facilities. Buffet breakfast was delicious with a large variety of dishes."

Reviewed on 31 July 2025

Petousis Hotel & Suites
Heraklion Old Port Apartments

Heraklion Old Port Apartments

Gianni Chronaki 3, Heraklion Town, Heraklion
Stay at this apartment in Heraklion. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Heraklion Port and Heraklion Archaeological Museum ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (87 reviews)
"Very good location with many nice restaurants nearby. The apartment is well equipped although it is a little but dated looking. There was quite a bit of road noise that made it difficult to sleep but at least it stopped in the middle of the night."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Heraklion Old Port Apartments
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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