Tylissos situated on the Northeastern mountainsides of Psiloritis, at a distance of 13 kilometres Southwestern to Heraklion, Tylissos is a big village, inland, but close enough to the sea, with more than 1.000 permanent residents. It still holds the name it had since the Minoan period, when it was a flourishing independed city, an ally of the powerful city of Knossos. Three Minoan villas are worth seeing within the village. The villas are dated to the New Palace Period, and collapsed in the 15th century b.C., along with the palace of Cnossos. The ruins of a Minoan palace of the mid 2nd millennium b.C., destroyed by fire, are worth seeing at Sklavokambos, 11 kilometres far from Tylisso at the West. Apart from the archaeological sites, it is worth visiting the near by villages of Arolithos, Gonies, Marathos and Damasta. Arolithos is a settlement at a distance of less than 10 kilometres far from Heraklion on the way to Tylissos and 3 kilometres far from Tylissos at the North; the buildings follow the traditional Cretan architecture. Once in the village, don't miss to take a coffe in the traditional cafe; the Museum of Agricltural History and Folk Art is also worth a visit. The village of Gonies, at a distance of 12 kilometres far from Tylissos at the West, is a scenic small village with marvellous view to all the area. Marathos and Damasta are 20 and 26 kilometres far from Heraklion. On the way to Marathos you will see the "Voulismeno Aloni" (meaning "the sunk drying floor"), a chasm of breathtaking beauty. Driving to th North, you may deviate for less than 3 kilometres and visit the Monastery of Aghios Panteleimonas. Don't forget to pass from the Stroumboulas plateau to enjoy the impressive natural environment and see the old tiny church of Aghios Georghios. And, if you are interested in caves don't miss to visit the cave at Doxa, some 2,5 kilometres eastern to Marathos. Accommodation facilities are available in a luxurious hotel and in rooms to let in the area around. Good food and drink it is offered in the taverns and traditional cafes of the village. Access from Heraklion is easy by public bus running frequently, by taxi and by rented or private cars and motorbikes.
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