World by City

Heritage & monuments

Phourni

Open in Maps
Phourni

Phourni Ancient Cemetery

Phourni is an ancient Minoan cemetery located on a hill near the village of Archanes in Heraklion, Crete. Established around 2400 BC and used for several centuries, the site consists of numerous tombs. Visitors can explore the ruins and the layout of the burial grounds via a designated walking path.

Getting There

The site is located outside the Heraklion city centre. The most direct way to reach it is by rental car or taxi, typically taking about 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Travelers arriving via Heraklion International Airport (HER) can reach the area by following the road toward Archanes.

Visit Duration

Allow approximately 1 to 2 hours to walk the path and view the archaeological remains.

When to Visit

The site is an open-air archaeological area with limited shade. Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid the midday heat, particularly during the summer months. It does not typically experience the same level of crowding as the larger Minoan palaces.

Nearby Attractions

Due to its location, this site can be combined with other nearby historical and natural landmarks:

  • Archaeological Museum of Archanes: 1.2km
  • Mount Juktas: 1.5km
  • Anemospilia: 1.7km
  • Knossos: 5.8km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

GetYourGuide GetYourGuide 클룩 Klook Tiqets Tiqets KKday KKday WeGoTrip WeGoTrip

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Phourni

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Phourni Nearby stays

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Pick your dates — we'll search Heraklion hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

View on Compare sites 부킹닷컴 View on Booking.com 호텔스닷컴 View on Hotels.com

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Itineraries including this place

3 nights, 4 days

Heraklion 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Heraklion grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Archaeological Museum of Archanes

Museums & galleries

Archaeological Museum of Archanes

This museum in the village of Archanes, near Heraklion, opened in a converted former schoolhouse. It's worth stopping by to see Minoan-era artifacts from nearby sites up close.

1.2 km away
Mount Juktas

Nature

Mount Juktas

Mount Juktas rises south of Heraklion on Crete, not far from the ruins of Knossos. Known as the site of a sacred altar of the ancient Minoan civilization, it offers a blend of myth and history.

1.5 km away
Anemospilia

Temples & religious sites

Anemospilia

This archaeological site on Crete preserves the remains of an ancient Minoan temple. It offers a glimpse into the religious life of the Minoan civilization.

1.7 km away
Knossos

Heritage & monuments

Knossos

Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete, known as the center of Minoan civilization. Regarded as one of Europe's oldest urban settlements, it appeals to travelers interested in ancient history.

5.8 km away
Throne Room, Knossos

Heritage & monuments

Throne Room, Knossos

This chamber lies at the heart of the Palace of Knossos, the foremost site of Crete's Bronze Age civilization, and was built for ceremonial use around the 15th century BC. Known as Europe's oldest throne room, it offers a close-up look at traces of Minoan civilization.

5.8 km away
Eileithyia Cave

Nature

Eileithyia Cave

This cave near the village of Amnisos on Crete was a sacred site where the goddess of childbirth was worshipped from the Neolithic through the Roman period. It flourished as a center of worship especially in the late Minoan era.

9.7 km away