Just outside town, 3 km east, you will find the archaeological site (tel. 28970-3 1597), The Minoan city that used to exist there was very important, as its palace was comparable in size to those of Knossos and Phestos. It also had the same architectural style as them, and the same fortune as regards prosperity and decline. Last century, a shepherd found some gold leaves at Elliniko Livadi. The rest of the villagers started digging the area in search for more gold. What they found remains unknown, but the area has since been named Chryssolakkos (Gold Pit), and it was later discovered that it had been the city's cemetery.
Because of these events, the Antiquities Curator I. Chatzidakis expropriated the area in 19 15 and began excavations there. A small square protrusion called Zourokefali by the locals attracted his attention. He assumed that the most important Minoan structure must be there and started digging; it turned out to be part of the palace. The French Archaeological School continued the excavation, and so far, they have brought to light a large section of the palace and many important findings, exhibited today in Heraklion museum.
The best known and most famous of these findings is the gold jewel representing two insects, wasps or bees, one opposite the other so that their heads and the ends of their bodies touch, forming a closed circle. A large wing spreads to the left and nght of each, giving width and symmetry to the jewel, which is an excellent piece of work. Much care is required when driving through Malia and Chersonissos at night, because of the crowds of people having fun at the bars on either side of the road, making passage dangerous, as the bars and the road eventually become one.
You can return to Heraklion on the same road, or opt for the new and more comfortable highway, which does not pass through any towns or villages.