Kommos


The Minoan site of Kommos, 3km north of Matala above a fantastic wide and sandy beach, is believed to have been the port of the mighty palace-city Phaestos, some 6km northwest of here. Although it's fenced off, it’s still possible to discern the ancient town’s streets and courtyards as well as the remains of workshops, dwellings and temples. Find the limestone-paved road leading towards Phaestos; look closely for the ruts from Minoan carts and a sewer running from the northern side.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Kommos Beach

0.21 MILES

Located 2km north of Matala near Pitsidia and reached by a steep and winding road, the sun-kissed sands of Kommos hug Messara Bay in one of the region's…

2. Matala Caves

1.39 MILES

Matala’s sightseeing credentials are limited to these famous caves where hippies camped out in the 1960s and 1970s (Joni Mitchell immortalised the scene…

3. Church of Our Lady

1.6 MILES

Easily overlooked, this pint-sized chapel was carved straight out of a cliff, apparently during Venetian times. It contains some lovely icons and a carved…

4. Red Beach

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Matala’s main beach below the caves is a lovely crescent but often gets uncomfortably crammed. To escape the crowds, follow signs to Red Beach, reached in…

5. Minoan Tomb

2.66 MILES

Amid fields just outside Kamilari stands a fenced-in, extraordinarily well-preserved circular Minoan tomb with 2m-high stone walls. Side rooms were used…

6. Agia Marina Donkey Sanctuary

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This place is for animal lovers. The passionate folk at Kiwi-run Agia Marina Donkey Sanctuary feed and care for abandoned donkeys. At research time, 22…

7. Moni Odigitrias

3.53 MILES

About 6km south of Sivas, Moni Odigitrias is a historic monastery with a tower from which the monks fought off the Turks, the Germans and the odd pirate…

8. Agia Triada

3.65 MILES

In an enchanting spot 3km west of Phaestos, Agia Triada encompasses vestiges of an L-shaped royal villa, a ramp once leading out to sea, and a village…