Gournia
Γουρνιά
A well-preserved Minoan town site where the streets, houses and small palace layout are clearly visible.
Gournia was a Minoan town dating from about 1600–1450 BCE, set on a hill beside the Bay of Mirabello. Its stone-paved streets, house foundations, workshops and a small palace on the hilltop are well preserved. Because it shows the layout of everyday Minoan life more clearly than the grand palaces, it is often called the Minoan Pompeii. Visitors are usually few, so you can stroll in peace. Entrance costs about €3, and the site is closed on Tuesdays. It lies about 19 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos, beside the road to Sitia and Ierapetra.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:30–15:30; closed Tue
Nearby sights
- Voulisma Beach (Istron)
- Almyros Beach
- Agios Nikolaos
- Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos
- Kritsa & Panagia Kera
- Mochlos
- Ancient Lato
- Kritsa Gorge