Gortyna or Gortys was an ancient city of Crete and was the capital during the Roman era. Nowadays is a beautiful archaeological site.
According to the myth, Zeus took refuge there after he transformed into a bull and abducted Europe. Their three children were born in Gortyna and later became kings of the three Minoan palaces of Crete.

The beach of Matala has been occupied since ancient times. The settlers back then carved a set of caves in the soft rock of the mountain. During a period these same caves were inhabited by hippies who made them famous worldwide. The beach provides umbrellas and sunbeds. In the village there are tourist shops, restaurants, cafes and bars.

The Minoan palace of Phaistos was an economic, administrative and religious centre and supervised the fertile plain of Messara. The ancient ports of Matala and Kommos where under the control of Phaistos. Nowadays it is an important archeological site.

Agiofarago Canyon is located in south of Odigitria Monastery is very scenic and accessed only on foot. Its name indicates that it was used by many hermits who stayed here because of the isolation of the area.

A magnificent beach next to the homonym Venetian castle. A visitor can enjoy the beach when it’s not windy. Around the castle there are some restaurants. The route here is relatively difficult, but very scenic.

This Minoan city was one of the two ports of Phaistos. This small in size but also important archaeological site is located next to the beautiful beach of Kommos.