We were very impressed with this site - if anythin...

We were very impressed with this site - if anything, I enjoyed it more than Knossos despite the pouring rain. It is far less busy, appears more authentic as it has not suffered from "improvements" Arthur Evans's style like Knossos, more intimate and although much smaller, just as impressive. The entrance fee of 2 euros is not indicative of the pleasure of exploring this site. There is a little hut where you pay the fee and then continue a few yards to the site proper. Don't be misled by the sign proclaiming presence of toilets and a coffee shop on site - although there is a new building at the far end housing those, it appears that it has never been used. Maybe it will open next season? Would be nice as the views onto the sheltered bay from the terrace would be gorgeous. The site itself is on a gentle little hill covered with waist-high remains of walls of ancient Minoan town and a palace. It is fascinating to wander among them and to imagine what they would have housed so long ago. There are useful information boards at locations of the most important finds, with plans of the houses where the objects where discovered. It is especially good after you have visited the Heraklion Archaeological Museum so you can put together the wonderful finds displayed there with the places they were found. There were people with small children there who all appeared to enjoy the place. It was a genuine delight to visit - and once the coffee shop finally opens will be more so and more visitor friendly. I would advise wearing trainers as the paths of old stones are uneven and can be slippery when wet. As said earlier there is no food, drink or toilet facilities currently on site so bring your own food and use bathrooms in any of the petrol stations on route. It is very easy to find using Google Maps or the driving app.