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Gortyn

Agioi Deka, Greece

History

A large archaeological site that was the Roman capital of Crete and Cyrenaica, with the 6th-century basilica of Agios Titos, the Praetorium and the Odeon. The Gortyn Code, called the oldest and most complete known ancient Greek law code, is partly housed on site.

Nearest town
Agioi Deka, Greece
Category
History & culture
GPS
35.0631, 24.9469

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually March–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June–August and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Getting there

  • Greece: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.

Featured in these trip guides

Crete
Villages, wine & culture

Southern and central Crete: Gortyn, Phaistos, Matala, Preveli and Rethymno

137 km6 stops4 days

Nearby

History

Phaistos

Agios Ioannis, Greece
Oddities

Matala Caves

Matala, Greece
Knossos – a painting on the side of a buildingPhoto by Qingqing Cai on Unsplash
Editor's pick
History

Knossos

Heraklion, Greece
Arkadi Monastery – Kreta (GR), Amnatos, Kloster Arkadi -- 2023 -- 8636© Dietmar Rabich · CC BY-SA 4.0
Editor's pick
History

Arkadi Monastery

Rethymno, Greece

Campsites nearby

All campsites in Greece · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Gortyn?

Gortyn is in Agioi Deka, Greece, at GPS 35.0631, 24.9469. It is about 35 km from Heraklion.

Can you camp near Gortyn?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Flat, gravel, about 13 km away; within 25 km there are 7 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass Gortyn?

Gortyn is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Southern and central Crete: Gortyn, Phaistos, Matala, Preveli and Rethymno.

What is there to see near Gortyn?

Places worth a stop nearby: Phaistos (12 km), Matala Caves (19 km), Knossos (33 km) and Arkadi Monastery (40 km).

When is the best time to visit Gortyn?

The most pleasant months are usually March–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June–August and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)