Gournia Minoan Town - Gournia Minoan Town

Interesting place to visit, but not really a big deal. You have to pay €3 per person to enter, which is acceptable. Nice to see that such a large structure is preserved over the years.

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 driving app.

A great old Minoan town on the side of the main road. Well worth spending an hour or so looking around. The town existed between 1900BC and 1200 BC.

The site has been extended since our last visit, also has toilets and a café. Some archeological restoration has made it more interesting.

Stunning views. Surprising how large the settlement was. There are toilets. Easy to park up. Café wasn't open when we went but guessing as season progresses might be open. Quiet when we visited.

Nice ruins of big ancient settlement of Gournia, as many historical sites in Crete there aren't many informations (few panels) but with some preparation you can easily enjoy the beauty of this place anyway. The place close at 15.30, 3 € entry, bring water and hat with you since it s all under the Cretan sun.

Important Minoan Settlement right off the National Road. Only €3 admission.

Nice Minoan settlement, small ancient city, have nice view to the sea. This period , April , is quiet , not many visitors. You can see what ancient civilisations could do. If you are by the area make a visit. Around 30-45 minutes you can see it.