The Acropolis of Smari, located on the peak of Prophet Elias near Smari, Crete, is an archaeological site with ruins dating back to the Minoan period (1800 BC to 630 BC). The site features a sanctuary dedicated to Athena Ergani, with ceramic plaques depicting the goddess considered the oldest representations of Athena in Crete. The Acropolis is enclosed by a strong defensive wall and contains settlements, buildings, and terraces for cultivation. Excavations have revealed structures like Megaron A, Megaron B, and Megaron Δ, each with unique features. The walls surrounding the hilltop are the most significant structures, built with large limestone blocks and smaller rectangular stones.

The Sanctuary of Zeus Thenatas at Amnisos, located on the north-central coast of Crete near Heraklion, is an archaeological site with a rich history spanning from the Bronze Age to the Early Iron Age. The sanctuary is dedicated to Zeus Thenatas, a deity associated with both Minoan and Mycenaean traditions. Amnisos, mentioned in Homer's Odyssey, was a significant center for maritime activities and trade during the Bronze Age. Excavations have revealed a 44-meter-long ashlar wall, smaller podia, and a thick layer of ash and burnt animal bones, suggesting animal sacrifice and ritual feasting. Votive offerings include bronze tripods, figurines, miniature weapons, and terracotta figurines of bulls and horses. The sanctuary exemplifies the continuity and change in Cretan religious practices, with the site's dedication to Zeus Thenatas reflecting Minoan traditions, while the adoption of new votive practices and the presence of faience objects highlight the evolving nature of religious expression. The sanctuary was operational from the Protogeometric period (c. 900 BC) to the end of the Early Iron Age (c. 600 BC), with two main phases of use marked by the construction of two temples: Temple A (Late Subminoan period to around 800 BC) and Temple B (around 800 BC to c. 600 BC).

Ancient Arkadia (Arcades) was a significant polis on Crete, located near modern Afrati. It contested Mount Ida's claim as Zeus's birthplace. Active from at least the 4th century BCE (noted by Theophrastus for environmental issues), it participated in the Lyttian War (c. 220 BCE) and minted silver/bronze coins inscribed "ARKADON" (c. 330-280/70 BCE). Numerous inscriptions reveal treaties with Gortyn, Miletos, Teo, and Eumenes II (183 BCE), plus Roman-era bathhouse regulations. Excavations uncovered houses, a cemetery with Minoan-influenced vaulted tombs, Geometric/Orientalizing period artifacts, local pottery, and a unique 7th-century BC Phoenician capital. Epigraphic evidence suggests an Asclepius temple.

Oaxos, also known as Axos, was an ancient Cretan city in the Mylopotamos region, inhabited from the Neolithic to the Venetian period. It was known for its strategic location, association with the Idaean Cave, and connections with cities like Knossos and Eleutherna. Archaeological findings reveal remnants from various periods, including cyclopean walls, terracotta idols, and bronze molds. Oaxos participated in interstate contracts and had its own coinage, featuring Apollo, Artemis, and Zeus, reflecting religious beliefs. The city was a member of the Cretan "Koinon." Oaxos was eventually destroyed by the Venetians. Today, only a few ruins remain, with some artifacts housed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Ancient Elyros, situated on Crete's 'Kefala' hill near Rodovani, originated in the Early Iron Age and thrived until Late Antiquity. Named after the mythical son of Apollo, it became a major urban center in southwestern Crete during the Classical period, known for trade and weapon manufacturing. As a leading city in the Oreioi League (formed in the 3rd century BC for security and economic reasons, including Hyrtakina, Lissos, Poikilasio, Syia, and Tarra), Elyros maintained external connections before the league's likely dissolution before 183 BC, a period when it was at war with Kydonia. The Roman era marked a time of flourishing for Elyros, evidenced by the "Philosopher of Elyros" statue. The city featured fortification walls, an aqueduct, cisterns, and a theater. Elyros minted its own coins, indicating autonomy, with emblems similar to Hyrtakina's. Its territory included the port of Lissos, a key economic contributor and religious center with an Asklepieion, as well as the coastal cities of Syia and Poikilasio. Archaeological findings suggest communication with mainland Greece, North Africa, and Southern Italy. Notably, Elyros had a local workshop producing unique glass pyxides. A rural sanctuary dedicated to Poseidon was also found in the 'Tsiskiana' area, likely under Elyros's jurisdiction.

Lato, an ancient city in Crete, reached its peak after the Dorian arrival. Named after the goddess Leto, Lato was strategically located on a hilltop overlooking the Mirabello Gulf. The city was heavily fortified, with strong walls, gates, and towers. Lato was one of the most powerful city-states in ancient Crete, with a well-organized political structure and a thriving economy. The city's port, Lato pros Kamara, facilitated trade and contributed to its growth. The archaeological site of Lato features well-preserved remains, including the agora, prytaneion, theater, temples, and private houses. Lato was eventually abandoned in the Roman era but was rediscovered in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the life of an ancient Cretan city. Lato was the birthplace of Nearchus, a famous admiral who served under Alexander the Great.

Priansos was a significant autonomous ancient city located on a flat mountaintop near modern-day Kasteliana in the Monofatsi province of Crete, offering commanding views. Existing from the Archaic period, it reached prominence during the Hellenistic era, evidenced by coins featuring Hygeia and Poseidon, indicating a focus on health and maritime trade. Inscriptions show political ties with Gortyn and Ierapytna, and its oath invoked deities like Hestia and Apollo. Priansos allied with Eumenes II of Pergamon in 170 BCE. In the early 13th century CE, Venetians built the Belvedere castle on the same site, likely reusing materials from the ancient ruins. Today, archaeological remains, including structures and tombs, are visible at the partially excavated site.

Rhizenia, also known as Prinias, was a city in central Crete during the Late Minoan IIIC period (around 1200 BC). Located on the Patela plateau, it held a strategic position overlooking key communication routes. Rhizenia likely played a crucial role in the region's political and economic landscape. The necropolis of Siderospilia has revealed much about burial practices and social structures of the time. The city's political system was unique, possibly incorporating both aristocratic and democratic elements. Archaeological investigations have revealed insights into urban layout, religious practices, and daily life. Imported artifacts from Cyprus and Egypt underscore Rhizenia's integration into a wider network of exchange during the Early Iron Age.

Ancient Syvritos, located on Thronos Kefala hill, dates from the Late Minoan III period to the early Venetian era. It was a significant Cretan city-state, known in Linear B tablets as "su-ki-ri-ta," with its own currency and territory spanning the Amari valley to Soulia port (Agia Galini). The city, a bishopric by 451 AD, features ruins of an acropolis, houses with mosaics, and water infrastructure. Artifacts, including coins depicting Dionysus and Zeus, are housed in the Rethymno Archaeological Museum, reflecting Syvritos's role in Minoan, Geometric, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The city declined by the late 8th century, leaving ruins that offer insight into Crete's history.

Azoria, located on Crete, is an archaeological site revealing urban development from the Bronze Age to the Archaic period. Notably, it grew into a regional center during the Early Iron Age and reached its peak in the 6th century BC. Excavations show organized city planning, monumental buildings, and a shift from dispersed villages to a centralized settlement. The site experienced destruction by fire in the 5th century BC, followed by limited Hellenistic reoccupation. Azoria's stratification and botanical/faunal studies provide insights into socioeconomic changes and landscape transformations. Research highlights its role in Crete's urbanization, revealing changes in settlement patterns and social structures. The site's strategic location and architectural renovations underscore its importance in understanding the development of the Cretan polis.

Chersonissos is an ancient Greek city located on the northern coast of Crete. It was inhabited as early as the Minoan period and continued to flourish under the Romans and Byzantine eras. The city served as the port of Lyttos, an inland city, and was an important center for trade and commerce. Archaeological excavations have revealed a number of significant structures, including a theater, early Christian basilicas, and harbor remains. The city's history is reflected in its coins, which feature various deities and symbols. Chersonissos is now a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and lively nightlife.

Dreros, also known as Driros, is an archaeological site near Neapoli in Crete, significant for its post-Minoan remains from the early Archaic Period. Flourishing from the 8th to 6th centuries BC, Dreros was an important center of trade and culture, known for its harbor, temples, bronze working, and pottery. The city, built on two hills, features a sanctuary dedicated to Apollo Delphinios, where 8th century BC bronze statuettes of Apollo, Artemis, and Leto were discovered. A large, open cistern, possibly used for ritual purposes, was found in the agora, the city's public gathering space. Inscriptions reveal a board of officials called the 'Twenty of the Polis' and the division of the people into 'phylai' or tribes. The site includes one of the earliest known examples of a Greek temple, dedicated to Apollo Delphinios. Dreros declined in importance after the 6th century BC and was eventually abandoned.

Phaistos, a significant Minoan city in Crete, second in importance to Knossos, located in the Messara Plain. It dates back to 4000 BCE with a palace built in 1900-1700 BCE. The city was destroyed by an earthquake around 1700 BCE and rebuilt with a larger palace. Phaistos had connections with Knossos, Hagia Triada, and Gortyn. Important findings include the Phaistos Disk, Kamares Ware, and architectural remains. After a decline, Phaistos was reoccupied in the Hellenistic period (c. 323-67 BCE) until conquered by Gortyn.

Hyrtakina, an ancient Cretan city, thrived in the Oreia region near the White Mountains. As a member of the League of the Oreioi, it played a role in regional security and economic development. The city's strategic location on 'Kastri' hill was fortified by double walls. Hyrtakina's autonomy is evident from its unique coinage, featuring a wild goat and a bee. Trade connections extended to mainland Greece, North Africa, and Southern Italy, as shown by archaeological finds. The city's peak was in the 4th century BC, coinciding with its coin minting. Hyrtakina's agreement with Cyrene for grain supply highlights its interaction with other Mediterranean cities. The city was abandoned in Roman times.

The Palace of Knossos, located on the Kephala hill south of Heraklion, Crete, is an important site of the ancient Minoan civilization. Occupied since around 7000 BCE during the Aceramic Neolithic period. The First Palace, built during the Middle Minoan IB-IIA period, represents a significant shift in Minoan society from a clan-based structure to a hierarchical one. This monumental building, covering nearly 10,000 square meters on the ground floor alone, served as a hub for administrative, storage, and cult activities. The First Palace also introduced innovative features like storage magazines, showcasing the society's wealth and resources. The New Palace emerged after a massive earthquake that occurred at the end of the Middle Minoan IIIA period, the palace underwent major reconstruction in the Middle Minoan IIIB period. Around 1450 BCE, widespread destruction occurred across Crete, affecting palaces and settlements. While Knossos suffered damage, it wasn't destroyed like other palaces. This period saw the introduction of Linear B, an early form of Greek script used by the Mycenaeans, suggesting their presence at Knossos. The final destruction of the palace, possibly in Late Minoan IIIA2 (1325-1300 BCE), left it deserted, but the town continued to exist. Knossos continued to be inhabited during the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods. Two basilicas from the First Byzantine period indicate that the city was still active during this time. Knossos appears to have followed the fate of other urban centers in Crete and declined early.

Lasaia, an ancient coastal town in Crete, was a vital port with a rich history spanning from the Minoan to Roman periods. Its well-preserved harbor complex played a crucial role in maritime trade and cultural exchange.

Lebena, an ancient city on Crete's southern coast, is renowned for its Sanctuary of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine. The city's strategic location near a good harbor and its association with the healing cult of Asclepius made it an important center for both trade and religious pilgrimage. Lebena was also a significant port for trade and commerce with the East during the Prepalatial period. The site of Lebena has a long history of occupation, with evidence of inhabitation dating back to the Neolithic and Early Minoan periods (ca. 3rd millennium BC). The presence of a variety of Eastern imports in secure Prepalatial contexts at Lebena, including faience, gold, ivory, and Egyptian scarabs, suggests that Lebena was a significant port for trade and commerce with the East during this time. In the Late Classical period (ca. 4th century BC), the Gortynians established the sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius at the harbor. The city was destroyed by a powerful earthquake in 46 BC but was subsequently rebuilt. The sanctuary continued to flourish throughout the Roman period, as evidenced by the numerous inscriptions and archaeological finds from the site. The strategic location of Lebena on the south coast of Crete made it an ideal location for a port. The sheltered bay would have provided a safe harbor for ships, and the proximity to the Asterousia Mountains would have offered protection from storms. Additionally, Lebena's location on the south coast would have made it a convenient stopping point for ships traveling between the Aegean and the Near East. The presence of Eastern imports at Lebena suggests that the site was an important point of contact between Crete and the East during the Prepalatial period.

Livari, located on Crete's southeastern coast, is a significant archaeological site with evidence of human occupation from the Mesolithic to Venetian periods. The area, characterized by a coastal plain and low hills, includes sites like Cheromylia, Kastrokephalaki, and Chlios, revealing Minoan settlements and early hunter-gatherer activities. Archaeological campaigns have documented lithic assemblages from the Mesolithic, Bronze Age remains, and structures from the Classical/Hellenistic and Venetian eras, including a possible watchtower. Despite poor preservation, erosion, and vegetation cover, Livari provides crucial insights into early human activity, Minoan civilization, and cultural transitions in the Aegean. Studies document topography, structures, and landmarks, correcting misconceptions and emphasizing the site's importance for understanding Crete's broader archaeological context.

Mochlos, a small islet off Crete, was a significant Minoan port city with a long history. Settled from the Early Minoan period, it flourished in trade, particularly during EM III, evidenced by sophisticated crafts like pottery and metalwork. The site shows social stratification through its tombs. A decline occurred in the Middle Minoan period, but Mochlos revived in the Neopalatial period with a smaller town and ceremonial buildings. The town was destroyed in LM IB, though the site was reoccupied by Mycenaeans. Mochlos later became a major center for amphora production in the Roman era, exporting wine across the Mediterranean. Excavations continue to reveal insights into Minoan life and trade.

Olous, an ancient Cretan harbor city, now largely submerged off the coast of Elounda, was inhabited from the Early Minoan period through the Hellenistic period. Its strategic location in the Mirabello Gulf made it a significant maritime hub, connecting the Eastern and Western Mediterranean. Archaeological investigations, including underwater surveys, have revealed remnants of Minoan cemeteries, fortifications, and possible public buildings. The city's history is intertwined with that of other Cretan powers like Knossos and Lato. Olous was known for its temple to Britomartis and its connections with Ptolemaic Egypt. Today, the site offers a glimpse into Crete's rich maritime past.

Located in eastern Crete's Siteia peninsula, this significant archaeological site occupies two hills near the Siteia river. It was a major settlement from the Late Minoan through Hellenistic periods, notably associated with the Eteocretans, considered the original Cretans. Evidence dates back to the Neolithic. Key periods include Late Minoan (tombs, refuge settlements), Archaic (city-state formation, Eteocretan inscriptions), Classical (flourishing inland city-state controlling territory), and Hellenistic (destruction by Hierapytna around 140 BCE). The site saw reoccupation in the Middle Byzantine and Venetian periods. Archaeological finds include Eteocretan inscriptions, LM III tombs, Archaic sanctuaries (Altar Hill), architectural remains (houses, possible Andreion), pottery, and pithoi. The distinct Eteocretan language and identity are crucial aspects. The city lacked walls but had a nearby fort. Agriculture and textile production were likely economic activities.

Lissos, an ancient Cretan port city, was a vital healing center and trade hub. It served the inland cities of Elyros, Hyrtakina, and Tarra. The sanctuary of Asklepios attracted pilgrims seeking cures.

Onithe, an archaeological site near Goulediana in Rethymno, Crete, offers a glimpse into the island's history from the Neolithic period to the Venetian and Ottoman eras. Its strategic location on a plateau provided control over key passages and natural defenses. The site features ruins like the Acropolis with its pseudo-isodomic walls and tower, House A with its abundance of pottery and pithoi, an ancient spring and possible sanctuary, and a Paleochristian Basilica with well-preserved mosaics. The ancient name of the city remains uncertain, with scholarly attempts to identify it as Osmida or Phalanna remaining inconclusive. It may have been an early settlement center for ancient Rhithymna. The site has yielded artifacts like pottery shards, a bronze zodiac, exquisite metalwork, and sculptures, providing evidence of its prosperity and cultural vibrancy throughout the Minoan, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

The Vakiotes Acropolis, located east of Sokaras village near Velouli and Apoini in Crete, is an archaeological site with dwellings and tombs carved into the rock. This unique construction, along with finds like wine presses and a Roman-era tomb, suggests a long period of occupation from the Geometric period to the Turkish era. The site's name and evidence of wine production may link it to the god Bacchus. Archaeological investigations have uncovered a tomb with silver denarii from the reigns of Roman emperors Vespasian, Trajan, and Domitian. The surrounding landscape also features remnants of a church and an old windmill. Declared a protected archaeological site in 2001, Vakiotes Acropolis offers a glimpse into ancient construction techniques and daily life.