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.

Village Heights Resort

Village Heights Resort

5 out of 5
Hersonissos, Hersonissos, Crete Island
The price is AU$186 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
AU$186
21 Oct - 22 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. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (418 reviews)
"Great place, quiet area, with lots of things to do in the resort and around, they offer many activities, wellness classes, and variety of restaurants"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Village Heights Resort
Galaxy Hotel Iraklio

Galaxy Hotel Iraklio

5 out of 5
75 Dimokratias Ave, Heraklion, Crete Island
The price is AU$223 per night from 14 Nov to 15 Nov
AU$223
14 Nov - 15 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Heraklion. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (986 reviews)
Always a great stay
"We have been staying at the Galaxy for over 10 years and it never disappoints us. Friendly staff, clean rooms and great breakfast."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Galaxy Hotel Iraklio
Mitsis Rinela

Mitsis Rinela

5 out of 5
Palea EO Irakliou Agiou Nikolaou,, Heraclio, Hersonissos, Crete
The price is AU$419 per night from 24 Oct to 25 Oct
AU$419
24 Oct - 25 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hersonissos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (567 reviews)
"Room was beautiful, clean and well stocked with drinks. Staff were friendly and attentive. Lovely resort."

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

Mitsis Rinela
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. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (418 reviews)
"Great place, quiet area, with lots of things to do in the resort and around, they offer many activities, wellness classes, and variety of restaurants"

Reviewed on 12 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
City Center Studios by Cretan Houses

City Center Studios by Cretan Houses

Heraklion
Stay at this aparthotel in Heraklion. Popular attractions Heraklion Port and Heraklion Archaeological Museum are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (13 reviews)
"You can't beat this property's location. Great night life and resturants right oustide. Our host was great. And there is a washing machine for laundry which is very convenient. My only complaint would be the shower head. It should be replaced because it seemed to shooting water all overvthe bathroom ..."

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

City Center Studios by Cretan Houses
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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