Archaeological Site of Gournia — Attraction in Municipality of Ierapetra

We were very impressed with this site - if anything, I enjoyed it more than Knossos despite the pouring rain. It is far less busy, appears more authentic as it has not suffered from "improvements" Arthur Evans's style like Knossos, more intimate and although much smaller, just as impressive. The entrance fee of 2 euros is not indicative of the pleasure of exploring this site. There is a little hut where you pay the fee and then continue a few yards to the site proper. Don't be misled by the sign proclaiming presence of toilets and a coffee shop on site - although there is a new building at the far end housing those, it appears that it has never been used. Maybe it will open next season? Would be nice as the views onto the sheltered bay from the terrace would be gorgeous. The site itself is on a gentle little hill covered with waist-high remains of walls of ancient Minoan town and a palace. It is fascinating to wander among them and to imagine what they would have housed so long ago. There are useful information boards at locations of the most important finds, with plans of the houses where the objects where discovered. It is especially good after you have visited the Heraklion Archaeological Museum so you can put together the wonderful finds displayed there with the places they were found. There were people with small children there who all appeared to enjoy the place. It was a genuine delight to visit - and once the coffee shop finally opens will be more so and more visitor friendly. I would advise wearing trainers as the paths of old stones are uneven and can be slippery when wet. As said earlier there is no food, drink or toilet facilities currently on site so bring your own food and use bathrooms in any of the petrol stations on route. It is very easy to find using Google Maps or the...

After visiting places like Pheistos, Gortyn and also Zarkos (Knossos still to come), I almost missed this places as I thought, I already have seen enough of the big Minean places. But gladly I stopped. It's very worthy! Compared to the other Archaeological sites I mentioned, Gourniá has a lot of impressive ruins left, you can easily see the grounding of this settlement and most of the walls still exist, some of a height of 2meters! Also the roads / paths are visible and you are allowed to crosswalk them and explore the place as you like.

Logistics: easy to find, directly exit from the main road, there is a solid parking space directly in front of the entrance.

Costs: 2 Euro (Winter season / November), toilet on site, too

Bonus: the view is very lovely, one side to the ocean, the other ones to the hills/mountain surroundings.

One improvement: explorations signs could deliver some more...

This place is exceptional and far better than Knossos. Whilst the remains are all basement/ground floor level the layout is incredible. Streets, houses, workshops, shrines and the palace are all evident. The information boards, whilst not many, were good. You get to wander around the site; no barriers and you can get to know it well. It's €3 per person. Parking on the side of the gravel entrance track, just off the main road, is free. There is a WC but no cafe when we visited. Definitely...