The palace was very important for the control of southern Crete and the trade with Egypt. It’s not as impressive as the one at Knossos because there are minor reconstructions but it is really worth the visit. Many of the most important artifacts from the Minoan era have been found here.

This is a great archeological site to visit. Unlike Knossos, which has been reconstructed in places, Phaistos is in the natural untouched state as it was discovered. There is still enough of the remains to get a good idea of how the palace was in its day. The scenery around the site is stunning.

Yet another archeological site in Greece that is nothing to write home about. On the plus side - it is a site of a former Minoan palace and you only have to share it with a few other visitors! Sadly, the site is only very small compared to other ancient sites, and even worse, some parts are fenced off. Even if you look behind every stone, you have seen everything in 45 minutes max. And I don’t even want to mention the ridiculous entry fee of 15 Euros!

Interesting site. Much less busy to the Palace of Knossos. It is further away for most tourists and it has much less to view. The entrance fee was 15 euros the day I was there and considering the balance between the "Ooo, Aaah!" factors for both places, this is Interesting if you drive by. There is controversial restorations at Knossos and here it is basically just a stone platform so there is less to see and marvel at but it is interesting, historically. 4 star rating if you are interested in history but if not....maybe 3 star.

I understand this is a very important piece of history and civilization, and I was happy to come here, but it felt underwhelming. Because it's so old and not much of the palace has survived, it's difficult to imagine how it actually looked like. There are quite a few informative boards on the site in greek and English and some pictures - maybe more illustrations would make it more accessible for a regular person. It's still a nice walk, with beautiful views - but 15 euro for entrance seemed pricey for me. It's ok but I don't think I would recommend it to any of my friends. Technicalities - the site is sunny so it can get very hot - remember to bring water and cover your head. Some benches in the shadow will help you cool down. There are lots of cute cats near the palace. There is also a toilet, a souvenir shop and cafe - I was sad to see that the souvenir shop offers really the cheapest kind of bullshit from china :( there is also a 'museum shop' with some books and postcards but also not a great selection.

I will make the same comment as to other archeological sites in Crete: for the entry fee, the site should be more visitor-centered, including additional notes, maps or labels tourists could read and enjoy along the way. Phaistos remains one of the must-see sites to understand and explore the Minoan era in Crete. The site is immense and extremely well preserved, placed atop of a hill that shows the wonderful plains of Mesara and the multiple olive trees. The site is divided in well identified part but still felt that most of it was not accessible to visit. A must-see for ruin lovers in Crete, but beware of the shoes or bringing small children with you.

Beautifull archeological site, not as reconstructed as a Knossos palace, but beautifull either way. If you have a great imagination, you can pretty much reconstruct it in your head and feel like a part of the ancient Minoan community walking the same streets and corridors as them some 3500 years ago... If you stay in Crete I believe Knossos and Phaistos are a must visit.