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$185 per night from 16 Oct to 17 Oct
AU$185
16 Oct - 17 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! (415 reviews)
"Beautiful surroundings, friendly and professional staff, and delicious food. The local cats were a wonderful surprise and also super friendly. There were numerous activites at the resort and a convenient bus to the beach area. Beach Comber at Stallis beach was beautiful, relatively quiet, served ..."

Reviewed on 26 Sept 2025

Village Heights Resort
Galaxy Hotel Iraklio

Galaxy Hotel Iraklio

5 out of 5
75 Dimokratias Ave, Heraklion, Crete Island
The price is AU$234 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
AU$234
1 Nov - 2 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! (990 reviews)
"I would very much recommend this hotel. If you don't mind the 20min walk to the centre of town and the slightly challenging parking it is faultless. Comfortable, quiet and great facilities. The staff were efficient, attentive and friendly. Special mention to the breakfast - staff and food ..."

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2025

Galaxy Hotel Iraklio
Mitsis Rinela

Mitsis Rinela

5 out of 5
Palea EO Irakliou Agiou Nikolaou,, Heraclio, Hersonissos, Crete
The price is AU$412 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
AU$412
31 Oct - 1 Nov
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! (555 reviews)
"Amazing Hotel and staff! I will definitely be back !"

Reviewed on 23 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! (415 reviews)
"Beautiful surroundings, friendly and professional staff, and delicious food. The local cats were a wonderful surprise and also super friendly. There were numerous activites at the resort and a convenient bus to the beach area. Beach Comber at Stallis beach was beautiful, relatively quiet, served ..."

Reviewed on 26 Sept 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! (106 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
Thalia Bloom Villa Apartments

Thalia Bloom Villa Apartments

2 out of 5
Marikas Kapsi, Malevizi, Heraklion
Stay at this aparthotel in Malevizi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Psaromoura Beach and Agia Pelagia Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
"This place was absolutely divine, with a stunning ocean view that made waking up a true pleasure. The decor is modern and beautiful, and the place also has a lovely pool. The owner and the staff are incredibly nice and accommodating. We had the greatest experience!"

Reviewed on 29 Aug 2025

Thalia Bloom Villa 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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