Discover the town of Heraklion

The famous beach of Matala

Heraklion Greece: The old town of Heraklion

The spectacular Minoan Palace of Knossos

Matala sandy beach

TRENDING IN HERAKLION

Best beaches

Book your ferry from Santorini

Best things to Do

Selection of Restaurants

heraklion city tourist guide

TRAVEL GUIDE TO HERAKLION

Situated near the two major archeological sites of Crete, Knossos Palace and Phaistos Palace, Heraklion is the perfect base for your exploration! The region itself is lovely, with stunning beaches to discover and a lively town, full of hidden gems from the Venetian period.

Find out everything about your holidays in Heraklion on our guide! Discover the best things to do, fantastic beaches , top hotels , and restaurants , as well as a wide selection of breathtaking photos !

You can reach Heraklion easily by plane from Athens airport & abroad, or by ferry from Athens.

How to Get there?

How to Get there?

Best Hotels & Accommodations

Best Hotels & Accommodations

Best Things to Do (10)

Best Things to Do

Where to Swim?

Where to Swim?

Sights & Attractions

Sights & Attractions

Where to Eat & Drink?

Where to Eat & Drink?

OUR TRAVEL SERVICES IN HERAKLION

We help thousands of people every year to plan beautiful and trouble-free holidays in Greece. From hotels and from car rentals to ferry tickets, we provide all the essential travel services, to make your trip to Greece the most epic and smooth one. Our services are rated . Our guide and services won the Silver Award (2020) of the annual Tourism Awards in Greece . Read reviews about our services.

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MORE ABOUT HERAKLION GREECE

Heraklion is the most popular region of Crete and is located on the eastern side of the island, between Rethymno and Lassithi. Its beautiful capital, Heraklion Town, is one of the busiest cities in Crete. In the Heraklion region, you will find two of the most important Crete monuments: Knossos Palace & Phaistos Palace . Being over 20,000 square meters big, the Minoan Palace of Knossos is the largest of all Minoan palatial structures. The remains of colorful murals, imposing red columns and the glorious throne room will make you feel transported into the Minoan Era. The Minoan Palace of Phaistos is the second most important Minoan site, after Knossos. It is located on the east side of Kastri hill, boasting a beautiful natural setting and attracts history enthusiasts from all over the world!

Even though it has an often crowded city center, the main Town keeps its fairytale vibe. Strolling around the town, you will come across Koules fortress, at the Venetian port, Turkish and Venetian fountains, Venetian buildings, the Venetian Loggia and museums, such as the Archaeological Museum, the Historical Museum and the Museum of Natural History.

If you are not a big fan of sightseeing, though, you should head to the beautiful beaches! The northern and southern coasts of the region are fringed with some amazing beaches, such as the former hippies paradise, Matala beach, Agia Pelagia and Malia. For those who want to spend their holidays in Crete by the beach, there are many hotels close to these beaches!

PHOTOS OF HERAKLION / SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

Explore Heraklion Greece through the lens of the talented members on Greeka community . Share your experience with us or tag us #greekacom on your favorite social media.

HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

Both luxurious and budget hotels are available for your accommodation in the region of Heraklion. In areas located near the sea, such as Analipsi, Agia Pelagia and Malia you will mostly discover big resorts with swimming pools that offer suites, bungalows, villas and other modern and stylish units. Smaller but also excellent hotels can be found in Heraklion Town and Hersonissos. Some of the most popular hotels are Cretan Malia Park , Agapi Beach & High Beach .

HOW TO GET TO HERAKLION?

A popular way to reach Heraklion is by ferry from the port of Piraeus, in Athens. Heraklion can also be reached by plane (International airport). Book your ferry tickets with us !

Discover the different ways to get to Heraklion:

HIGHLIGHTS: BEST OF HERAKLION

Discover the highlights of Heraklion! From sightseeing to activities and from tours to restaurants, we give you the best recommendations for the ultimate holiday experience! You can also view the best things to do .

Knossos Palace

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Heraklion Travel Guide: Top 33 Things to Do in Heraklion, Greece

Nestled along the northern coast of Crete, the largest of Greece’s islands, lies Heraklion: a city that effortlessly marries ancient history with modern vibrancy. It’s a destination where Minoan palaces coexist with bustling cafes, labyrinthine streets whisper stories of legendary kings and heroes, and the azure waters of the Aegean beckon with timeless allure. For travelers, Heraklion offers not just a journey through picturesque landscapes, but also a deep dive into a culture that has shaped Western civilization. In this comprehensive guide, we will embark on a journey through the beating heart of Crete, exploring the hidden gems and iconic landmarks of Heraklion.

Historical Significance:

Heraklion, originally known as ‘Kastro’, has played a pivotal role in the Mediterranean’s intricate tapestry of history. From the Minoans, one of Europe’s earliest civilizations, to the subsequent Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Venetian, and Ottoman empires, all have left an indelible mark on the city. The traces of these ancient cultures are evident in every cobblestone and every weathered façade, making the city a living museum.

Cultural Epicenter:

As you wander through Heraklion, you’ll discover its dynamic cultural scene that seamlessly integrates the old with the new. While the legendary Knossos Palace stands as a testament to its Minoan past, the contemporary art galleries, theaters, and music venues showcase the city’s ever-evolving arts scene. Local festivals, often rooted in age-old traditions, offer visitors an intimate glimpse into the soul of Cretan culture.

Gastronomic Delights:

The culinary landscape of Heraklion is a tantalizing blend of flavors, shaped by its rich history and the island’s fertile land. Here, you can savor traditional dishes like moussaka, dakos, and kalitsounia, paired perfectly with locally-produced wines and raki, a potent spirit loved by locals. The city’s bustling markets and seafront tavernas promise an epicurean journey like no other.

Natural Beauty:

Beyond its urban confines, Heraklion is enveloped by a dramatic landscape. Majestic mountains, verdant vineyards, olive groves stretching to the horizon, and pristine beaches offer varied experiences for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re hiking through the rugged terrains of the Psiloritis Mountain or lounging on the sun-kissed shores of Matala, Heraklion’s natural beauty never ceases to amaze.

Practical Information:

Given its strategic location in the Aegean, Heraklion is well-connected by air and sea, making it a convenient destination for travelers. The city boasts an array of accommodation options ranging from luxury resorts to quaint bed and breakfasts. Moreover, its modern infrastructure, combined with traditional Greek hospitality, ensures a comfortable and memorable stay for all.

Heraklion, with its rich tapestry of history, culture, cuisine, and natural splendor, promises a travel experience like no other. As we delve deeper into this guide, we will uncover the myriad treasures that await in this Cretan jewel, guiding you through its enchanting alleys, legendary sites, and hidden corners. Prepare to be captivated by Heraklion – a city where the past and present dance in harmonious rhythm.

Heraklion Travel Guide: Things to do in Heraklion, Greece

Heraklion City Guide: A Brief History Of Heraklion, Greece For Visitors

The story of Heraklion, a city perched on the edge of the Aegean Sea, is one that weaves myth with reality, ancient empires with modern struggles, and global influences with local traditions. With a timeline that stretches back millennia, Heraklion has been a cradle of civilizations, a witness to wars, and a nexus of trade. Here’s an in-depth look into the history of this fascinating Cretan city.

Prehistoric and Minoan Era:

The earliest traces of human settlement in the area date back to the Neolithic period, around 7000 BCE. However, it was the Minoans, from 2000 BCE to 1450 BCE, who truly transformed the region. They established their most significant palace in Knossos, a mere 5 kilometers south of present-day Heraklion. It’s here that the myth of the Minotaur in the labyrinth was born, and the complex architectural marvel of Knossos offers glimpses into this ancient society’s sophistication.

Dorian and Roman Rule:

After the decline of the Minoans, Heraklion experienced the influence of the Dorians and later the Romans. Under Roman rule (67 BCE – 330 CE), the city, then known as Heracleum, thrived as an economic and trading hub.

Byzantine Period:

Following the division of the Roman Empire, Crete fell under the Byzantine Empire. Between 330 CE and 824 CE, Christianity spread throughout the island . However, this era was not without its troubles, as Crete was often targeted by Arab invaders.

In 824, the Arabs successfully captured the city, renaming it Rabdh El Khandaq (Castle of the Moat). Their rule brought about significant urban and cultural changes, including the establishment of the city’s fortifications, which gave rise to the modern name, ‘Kastro’ (Castle). The Arabs ruled until 961, when Byzantine general Nicephorus Phocas recaptured the city.

Venetian Rule:

In 1204, after the Fourth Crusade’s fallout, Crete was sold to the Venetians. They renamed the city Candia and fortified it with impressive walls, many of which still stand today. The Venetians ruled for over four centuries, during which Heraklion became a center of art, culture, and commerce. However, this era was also marred by internal revolts and external threats, most notably from the expanding Ottoman Empire.

Ottoman Era:

In 1669, after a 21-year siege (one of the longest in history), the Ottomans finally conquered Heraklion. Under Ottoman rule, which lasted until the late 19th century, many churches were converted into mosques, and the city experienced a cultural and demographic shift.

Modern Era and Union with Greece:

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the desire for enosis (union) with Greece grew stronger. After the Balkan Wars and a brief period of autonomy, Crete finally united with Greece in 1913. In the 20th century, Heraklion, like the rest of Crete, witnessed the horrors of World War II. The island was of strategic importance, leading to the famous Battle of Crete in 1941.

Post-war, Heraklion underwent rapid modernization and urbanization. Today, while it’s a bustling modern city, the layers of its storied past are evident in every corner.

Heraklion’s history is not just a chronicle of rulers and empires but also a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its inhabitants. The city has been shaped by global currents, yet it has always retained its unique Cretan spirit. For visitors, understanding Heraklion’s past provides a richer appreciation of its vibrant present, making every ancient stone and every bustling market come alive with stories waiting to be discovered.

Heraklion fortress on a sunny day in Greece

Heraklion Top Attractions and Best Places to Visit in Greece

Heraklion is one of Crete’s top resort areas . It is also home of its most culturally rich centres. While most know the place for its hedonistic delights, you can explore world-class ruins and museums here, too.

From the Minoan city of Knossos to countless churches, Heraklion has it all.

Come check out our Heraklion travel guide as we cover the best things to do on Heraklion, Greece .

Many people come to Heraklion to soak up rays on the beach. However, this city is also rich in history and culture . When you aren’t working on your tan, take an entire day to explore the ruins of Knossos . This ancient city was once the centre of the Minoan civilization. More than 3,000 years ago, though, a series of cataclysmic natural disasters brought their time to an end.

According to carbon dating, though, humans settled here as far back as 9,000 years ago. It wasn’t until 2,000 BC (4,000 years ago) that the area blossomed into a Bronze Age civilization. Despite being worn after more than 3,000 years of abandonment, the ruins of Knossos have held up well.

Throughout, you’ll see more than just foundations. Pillars, excavated pottery, and even some wall paintings are visible as you walk through the ruins.

While some uncovered artifacts are on display in Knossos, archaeologists moved most items indoors. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is the place where you’ll find most of these treasures. Nowhere in the world will you see as much Minoan art and artifacts as you will here.

Here, displays preserve frescoes, bronze statues, jewellery, and other items from this civilization. However, you’ll also get to see artifacts from the Neolithic period, as well as items from Roman times. This facility is a joy to visit, as curators have arranged it in chronological order. It is also well air-conditioned, making it a great escape from humid summer days.

Next, check out Castello del Molo , which is an impressive fortification in Heraklion. Historians put its age between the 9th and 10th centuries, a time when Arabs controlled Crete. After inheriting it from the Byzantines, the Venetians expanded its defences. The castle’s final occupants were the Ottoman Turks, who captured this fort in the 17th century.

Today, authorities have kept the castle in top shape. From the ramparts, you’ll have commanding views over the harbour and the city . Within, pieces of Greek pottery and cannonballs give this place added character. At only 2 Euro per entry ticket, the admission fee for this attraction is well worth the cost.

Finally, learn about the geology and geography of the Heraklion area at The Natural History Museum of Crete . While it covers all the bases, this institution is known locally for two exhibits: Its dinosaur and earthquake gallery.

In the former, you’ll find animated mock-ups of the prehistoric lizards that used to roam this isle. In the latter, a simulator allows you to experience the surreal horror of an earthquake. If you are travelling as a family and the weather is bad, this place is a holiday saver.

Heraklion Old Port in Greece

Other Cultural Attractions: Trip to Heraklion, Greece

Still, haven’t gotten your fill of history? If you have extra time to kill in Heraklion, drop by the Historical Museum of Crete . This beautiful neoclassical building contains art and historical artifacts stretching from the 4th century AD to WWII.

In general, you’ll find a ton of coins, jewellery, ceramics, sculptures, and manuscripts. But, its best-known gallery contains a pair of paintings by El Greco. Both are paintings depicting religious themes, a topic he delved into throughout much of his career.

Next, pay a visit to the Church of Agios Titos . This Christian landmark dates to the 9th century AD, after the Byzantines took back Crete from the Caliphate. When control passed to the Venetians, it became Roman Catholic, and then it was a mosque under the Ottomans.

In 1925, it assumed its present form – a Greek Orthodox church. Within, you’ll find a holy relic, which is the skull of St. Titus. Initially in the church before the Ottomans took over, it was smuggled to Venice , where it was kept safe.

The Cathedral of St. Minas is yet another church you should visit while in Heraklion. Its creators named it after St. Minas, a martyr who once served in the Roman Legion. When the Emperor suddenly made Christians enemies of the Republic, he refused to capture and kill his brethren.

After living as a mountain hermit for decades, God called him to be a martyr. He openly proclaimed his faith, which earned him days of torture before the Romans executed him. The faithful believe St. Minas protected his church during WWII. A bomb fell in the church but failed to detonate. That (disarmed) munition is still on display to this day.

Top 33 Things To Do in Heraklion, Greece For Visitors

Heraklion, the bustling capital of Crete, is a destination teeming with historical sites, a lively culinary scene, and a tapestry of cultural experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or just looking to soak up some Cretan sun, here’s a comprehensive list of the top 33 things to do in Heraklion:

1. Explore the Palace of Knossos

Visit the legendary Minoan palace, a labyrinthine complex that was once the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization and is linked to thrilling tales like that of the Minotaur. The ruins are a window into ancient Crete, with beautifully restored frescoes and the oldest throne room in Europe.

2. Heraklion Archaeological Museum

This museum is one of the most significant in Greece, with artifacts spanning over 5,500 years of history. It’s especially famous for its extensive Minoan collection, including the Phaistos Disc, which remains a mystery to linguists and historians.

3. Walk the Venetian Walls

Surrounding the old city, these well-preserved walls offer a unique stroll with views of the city and sea. The walls culminate in the Martinengo Bastion, where the famous Cretan writer Nikos Kazantzakis is buried.

4. Visit the Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis

Pay your respects to one of Greece’s most renowned literary figures, whose grave bears the inscription “I hope for nothing, I fear nothing, I am free.”

5. Morosini Fountain (Lion’s Fountain)

Located in Eleftheriou Venizelou Square, this Venetian fountain is a beloved landmark where locals and tourists alike gather to admire its four lion-headed statues.

6. Historical Museum of Crete

Get a glimpse of Cretan history from early Christian times to the modern era, including a detailed exhibit on the island’s struggle for independence and the Cretan resistance during World War II.

7. Agios Minas Cathedral

This impressive cathedral is a cornerstone of religious life in Heraklion and can hold up to 8,000 people. The nearby smaller church is actually older and rich in history.

8. Heraklion Market

Stroll through the bustling streets of the central market. It’s a sensory overload with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to Cretan cheese, olives, and local handicrafts.

9. Koules Fortress

Dominating the harbor, this Venetian fortress offers panoramic views and a peek into the maritime strength of Crete’s past.

10. Natural History Museum of Crete

Ideal for families, this museum provides interactive exhibits on the island’s flora, fauna, and geological history.

11. Enjoy Cretan Cuisine

Heraklion’s tavernas offer traditional dishes like moussaka, dakos, and freshly caught seafood. Pair your meal with a glass of raki or local wine.

12. Cretaquarium

Delve into the Mediterranean’s marine life at one of the largest aquariums in Europe, home to everything from reef sharks to octopuses.

13. The Loggia

A fine example of Venetian architecture in the city, it served as a meeting place for nobles and is now the town hall.

14. Saint Titus Church

Originally a Byzantine church that was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman era, it’s now an Orthodox church housing the skull of Saint Titus.

15. Venetian Harbor

Stroll along the harbor at dusk for beautiful sunset views and a romantic atmosphere, complete with the sounds of the sea and the sight of the ancient fortress.

16. Take a Cretan Cooking Class

Learn to prepare Cretan specialties under the guidance of local chefs, a delicious way to understand the island’s culture.

17. Hike the Samaria Gorge

While a bit of a journey from Heraklion, this is a must-do for nature lovers. It’s a challenging trek but rewarding with its stunning scenery .

18. Lychnostatis Open Air Museum

Experience Cretan life through this museum’s collection of folk art and replicas of traditional Cretan dwellings.

19. Discover the Beaches

While Heraklion itself isn’t known for beaches, a short drive can lead you to stunning spots like Amoudara, Agia Pelagia, or the famous Matala beach.

20. Paliani Monastery

One of the oldest monasteries in Crete, Paliani is enveloped in lush gardens and has a sacred myrtle tree that’s a natural monument.

21. Wine Tasting Tours

Join a guided tour or visit wineries independently to taste some of Crete’s unique varietals like Vidiano or Kotsifali.

22. Nikos Kazantzakis Museum

Located in the village of Myrtia, the museum dedicated to the Cretan writer offers insights into his life and works.

23. Amoudara Beach

This long sandy beach is just a short bus ride from the city center and offers all the facilities for a relaxing day by the sea.

24. Thrapsano

Visit the village known for its pottery tradition and try your hand at the wheel in one of the local workshops.

25. Festivals and Events

Depending on when you visit, immerse yourself in cultural events like the Heraklion Summer Arts Festival or the Renaissance Festival.

26. Agia Ekaterini Church and Museum

The church and museum house an important collection of religious icons and artifacts.

27. Biking Tours

Explore the city and its surroundings on a bike, a perfect way to enjoy the landscape and get a bit of exercise.

28. Take a Day Trip to Anogeia

A mountainous village with a strong cultural identity, known for its music, handicrafts, and resistance during wartime.

29. Visit Archanes

A picturesque village just south of Heraklion that has won awards for its restoration and revitalization efforts.

30. Snorkeling and Diving

The clear Mediterranean waters are ideal for underwater exploration. Look for dive shops that offer equipment rental and guided excursions.

31. Heraklion Municipal Art Gallery

Hosts a collection of artworks from Cretan, Greek, and international artists in a variety of media.

32. Attend a Workshop or Seminar

Participate in a cultural workshop such as Cretan music, dance, or language to get a deeper understanding of the local traditions.

33. Escape to Chrissi Island

Take a boat trip to this uninhabited island with exotic beaches , cedar forests, and an atmosphere of unspoiled beauty.

Heraklion is a city that offers a rich tapestry of experiences , from the remnants of ancient civilizations to the vibrancy of modern Cretan life. Each visitor can find their own rhythm in the city’s streets, whether it’s in the buzz of its markets or the tranquility of its historic sites.

What To Eat and Drink in Heraklion, Greece

Heraklion is not only a treasure trove of ancient Greek history but also a gastronomic haven. The Cretan diet is celebrated as one of the healthiest and most delicious in the world, with its emphasis on fresh produce, olive oil, cheeses, herbs, and lean meats. Here is a detailed guide to what to eat and drink while visiting Heraklion:

Traditional Cretan Dishes

1. dakos (ντάκος).

Also known as “koukouvayia,” Dakos is a traditional Cretan meze made with a slice of dried bread or barley rusk topped with chopped tomatoes, crumbled feta or mizithra cheese, olives, capers, and a drizzle of Cretan extra virgin olive oil.

2. Moussaka (Μουσακάς)

Perhaps one of the most internationally recognized Greek dishes, Moussaka in Crete has layers of sautéed eggplant, potatoes, and minced lamb or beef, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked to golden perfection.

3. Lamb with Stamnagathi

Roast or grilled lamb served with wild Cretan greens known as “stamnagathi,” which are slightly bitter and typically blanched and dressed with lemon and olive oil.

4. Chochlioi Boubouristi (Χοχλιοί Μπουμπουριστοί)

Snails are a delicacy in Crete, and this dish sees them fried with flour and hot olive oil, then doused with wine or vinegar and rosemary.

5. Kalitsounia (Καλιτσούνια)

These resemble small cheese pies and can be sweet or savory. The savory versions are filled with cheese and herbs, while the sweet ones are filled with myzithra cheese and drizzled with honey.

6. Sfakiani Pita (Σφακιανή Πίτα)

A unique pie from the Sfakia region, this is a thin pancake-like dough filled with mizithra cheese and served with honey.

Smoked and cured pork that is a Cretan specialty. It’s often served in thin slices and can be enjoyed with a variety of mezedes.

8. Gamopilafo (Γαμοπίλαφο)

Traditionally served at weddings, this rich risotto-like dish is cooked in meat broth and enriched with stakovoutyro (a creamy butter) and lemon.

Given Heraklion’s coastal location, seafood is abundant and fresh.

9. Grilled Octopus (Χταπόδι σχάρας)

Often served as an appetizer, the octopus is marinated and then grilled to tenderness, usually accompanied by a splash of vinegar or lemon.

10. Seafood Saganaki

Various seafood (like shrimp or mussels) cooked in a tomato-based sauce with feta cheese and herbs, served hot in a small frying pan.

11. Fried Calamari

Squid that’s lightly battered and fried until crisp, usually served with lemon and a side of tzatziki.

Salads and Vegetables

12. greek salad (χωριάτικη).

The quintessential Greek dish, the Cretan version of the Greek salad might include rusks, local olives, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and a slab of mizithra or feta cheese on top.

13. Marathopites

Cretan fennel pies that are small and usually folded into triangles, filled with fennel greens and sometimes cheese.

14. Cretan Cheeses

Look for local cheeses such as Graviera (a sweet and nutty cheese), Kefalograviera (hard and salty), Anthotyros (fresh and mild), and Myzithra (soft and creamy or aged and crumbly).

15. Loukoumades

These are small, round, sweet honey puffs (Greek doughnuts), which are deep-fried and soaked in honey syrup, often sprinkled with cinnamon and sometimes sesame seeds.

16. Baklava

Layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.

17. Raki or Tsikoudia

A strong distilled spirit made from the remnants of grapes after the wine has been pressed. It’s similar to Italian grappa and is often served as a digestif.

18. Cretan Wine

The island has a long winemaking history, with indigenous grape varieties like Vidiano and Mantilari. Visit local wineries or order a glass with your meal to experience the variety of Cretan wines.

19. Greek Coffee

Served strong and sweet, it’s a must-try experience in Crete. It is traditionally brewed over a flame in a small pot called a ‘briki’.

20. Mountain Tea

Made from the dried flowers and leaves of the Sideritis plant (ironwort), Greek mountain tea is herbal and full of health benefits .

21. Fresh Juices

Crete’s fertile land means that the fruit grown here is exceptionally tasty. Enjoy fresh-squeezed orange juice or other seasonal fruit juices.

The Greek frappe is a foam-covered iced coffee drink made from instant coffee, water, sugar, and evaporated milk. A popular refreshment especially in the summer months.

Culinary Experiences

23. eat at a taverna.

Experience authentic Cretan hospitality and cuisine at a traditional taverna, where dishes are often prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

24. Visit an Olive Oil Farm

Olive oil is the essence of Cretan cuisine. Touring an olive oil farm can give you insights into the production process and the opportunity to taste oil of the highest quality.

25. Cooking Classes

Participate in a Cretan cooking class where you can learn the secrets of the local cuisine and take recipes home with you.

Heraklion’s culinary scene is as rich and varied as its history. Every meal is an opportunity to explore the local culture, from the bustling tavernas in the city to the peaceful wineries dotting the surrounding countryside . The city’s mix of traditional eateries and innovative restaurants ensures that every visitor can find a dish to fall in love with.

Top Restaurants In Heraklion, Greece

Heraklion’s restaurant scene is a reflection of its history—a blend of time-honored tradition and contemporary flair. Whether you’re after a family-run taverna or a sophisticated eatery, this city can cater to every palate. Here’s a guide to some of the top restaurants in Heraklion, Greece, where you can savor the best of Cretan cuisine and beyond:

Cuisine: Traditional Cretan Highlight: Authentic Cretan dishes with a modern twist, made with ingredients sourced from the restaurant’s own farm. Atmosphere: A warm and rustic setting that embodies the spirit of Crete. The ambiance is enhanced by the stone walls and the beautifully restored Venetian building.

2. Ippokambos

Cuisine: Seafood Highlight: An array of fresh seafood dishes, including calamari, octopus, and a variety of fish, all sourced locally. Atmosphere: Casual and relaxed, with a friendly service, located right on the seafront, offering beautiful views over the harbor.

3. Parasties

Cuisine: Cretan / Mediterranean Highlight: They are known for their charcoal-grilled meats and creative use of local ingredients. Atmosphere: Modern and stylish, Parasties provides a laid-back dining experience with a touch of elegance.

4. The Alchemist

Cuisine: Mediterranean Fusion Highlight: The menu is a fusion of Greek and international dishes, and the restaurant offers a selection of fine wines. Atmosphere: The decor is chic and contemporary, with a cozy outdoor seating area perfect for Heraklion’s many sunny days.

Cuisine: Cretan / Greek Highlight: This eatery specializes in meze-style dishes, perfect for sharing and sampling a variety of flavors. Atmosphere: Set in a quaint and charming part of the city, Hagiati has a traditional Cretan feel with a lovely outdoor patio.

6. Kastella

Cuisine: Creative Mediterranean Highlight: This place offers imaginative cuisine that combines local ingredients with unexpected flavors. Atmosphere: The restaurant boasts a modern interior and an elevated view of the Venetian harbor, especially stunning during sunset.

7. Herb’s Garden

Cuisine: Mediterranean / Cretan Highlight: Located on a rooftop, it offers a farm-to-table experience with many herbs and vegetables grown in their own garden. Atmosphere: Sophisticated with panoramic views of the city and the sea, this restaurant provides a perfect backdrop for a romantic dinner.

8. Ligo Krasi Ligo Thalassa

Cuisine: Greek / Seafood Highlight: As the name suggests (‘A little wine, a little sea’), it pairs a wine bistro experience with seafood delights. Atmosphere: Intimate and relaxed, it’s adorned with nautical decor, capturing the essence of the Mediterranean.

9. Veneto Restaurant

Cuisine: Greek / Italian Highlight: This is a place where Greek tradition meets Italian cuisine, set in a 14th-century Venetian mansion. Atmosphere: Romantic and historic, the courtyard dining area feels like a journey through time.

10. Erganos

Cuisine: Traditional Cretan Highlight: Known for its authentic Cretan pies and grilled meats. The “ofto” (roasted lamb) is a house specialty. Atmosphere: It’s cozy and rustic, giving diners a taste of traditional Cretan village life.

11. Brillant Restaurant

Cuisine: Contemporary Cretan Highlight: Part of the Lato Boutique Hotel, Brillant serves modern dishes made with high-quality local products. Atmosphere: Elegant and modern with a professional level of service, suitable for business dinners or special occasions.

12. Fournos Artopoiias

Cuisine: Bakery / Café Highlight: This is the place to go for fresh bread, pastries, and sweet Cretan treats like bougatsa. Atmosphere: Casual and bustling, it’s a slice of daily Cretan life, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely coffee.

Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean Highlight: Specializes in fresh fish and seafood dishes, served in a seaside setting. Atmosphere: With an open-air terrace by the sea, En Plo offers a tranquil dining experience with the sound of waves in the background.

14. Arismari & Varsamo

Cuisine: Cretan Highlight: Offers a menu of Cretan tapas-style dishes, ideal for sampling a little bit of everything. Atmosphere: Chic and contemporary, with a vibrant energy that’s infectious.

Tours For Visitors To Heraklion, Greece

Heraklion acts as the gateway to a myriad of experiences that capture the essence of both ancient civilization and contemporary Cretan life. For visitors looking to explore the region, there are numerous tours available that cater to a wide range of interests, from history and archaeology to gastronomy and nature. Here are some detailed recommendations:

1. Palace of Knossos Tour

Description: The Palace of Knossos is one of the most significant and well-known archaeological sites in Greece. A tour here takes visitors back to the Minoan civilization with a detailed look at the sophisticated architecture and vibrant frescoes that date back over 3,500 years. Length: Half-day to full-day Highlights: The Throne Room, the Grand Staircase, and the iconic frescoes. What to Expect: An expert guide can bring the mythology of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth to life, providing insights into the archaeological finds and theories about the rise and fall of the Minoan society.

Description: This museum is one of the most important in Greece, offering a comprehensive overview of Crete’s history from the Neolithic period to Roman times. Length: 2-3 hours Highlights: The Phaistos Disc, Minoan frescoes, and masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture. What to Expect: A guided tour here often involves in-depth explanations of the Minoan culture, highlighting the artistry and advancements of the ancient Cretans.

3. Heraklion City Walking Tour

Description: Discover the rich history that lies within Heraklion’s city walls, from Venetian fortifications to Ottoman fountains, and the bustling modern markets. Length: Half-day Highlights: Koules Fortress, Morosini Fountain, Agios Titos Church, and the lively streets of the Market. What to Expect: An exploration of the city’s past and present , stories behind historic buildings, and a taste of local life.

4. Cretan Wine and Olive Oil Tour

Description: Crete’s fertile lands produce some of the finest olive oil and wine in the Mediterranean. This tour usually includes visits to olive groves, traditional oil presses, and family-owned wineries. Length: Half-day to full-day Highlights: Olive oil tasting, wine tasting, and vineyard tours . What to Expect: Learn about the production processes, the importance of these products in Cretan culture, and enjoy samples of exquisite Cretan olive oils and wines.

5. Cretan Cooking Class

Description: Immerse yourself in Cretan culture by learning how to prepare traditional Cretan dishes with fresh local ingredients. Length: Half-day Highlights: Hands-on cooking experience, dining on the dishes you prepare, usually accompanied by local wine. What to Expect: Expert cooks will teach traditional cooking methods and the use of endemic herbs and spices.

6. Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island Tour

Description: Venture outside Heraklion to the charming town of Agios Nikolaos and the historical island of Spinalonga, once a leper colony and a Venetian fortress. Length: Full-day Highlights: Lake Voulismeni, the town of Elounda, and the Spinalonga fortress. What to Expect: Breathtaking landscapes , a journey through modern and ancient history, and boat rides offering panoramic coastal views.

7. Samaria Gorge Hiking Tour

Description: For the more adventurous, a hike through the Samaria Gorge, one of the longest in Europe, is a must. It’s a journey through Cretan wilderness, with stunning natural scenery . Length: Full-day Highlights: The Iron Gates, ancient cypress and pine forests, and the abandoned village of Samaria. What to Expect: A challenging but rewarding trek, with a chance to spot endemic flora and fauna.

8. Lasithi Plateau and Dikteon Cave

Description: Explore the picturesque Lasithi Plateau, dotted with traditional windmills, and visit the Dikteon Cave, which according to mythology, was the birthplace of Zeus. Length: Full-day Highlights: The cave where Zeus was born, panoramic views of the plateau, and traditional villages. What to Expect: A blend of myth and nature, with a chance to experience the rural Cretan lifestyle.

9. Matala and South Coast Tour

Description: Discover the south coast of Crete with its beautiful beaches and the famous Matala caves, which were used as Roman tombs and later as a hippie retreat. Length: Full-day Highlights: Matala beach and caves, Roman cemetery, and the Red Beach. What to Expect: Relaxed beach vibes, historical cave exploration, and the bohemian atmosphere of Matala.

10. Traditional Villages and Countryside Tour

Description: Get off the beaten path and explore the Cretan countryside with its traditional villages, Byzantine churches, and breathtaking landscapes . Length: Full-day Highlights: Authentic Cretan villages, local handicrafts, and traditional Cretan lunch in a village taverna. What to Expect: An intimate look at rural life in Crete, including culinary traditions and local crafts.

11. CretAquarium and Beach Tour

Description: Perfect for families, this tour combines a visit to one of the largest aquariums in Europe with time to relax on some of Heraklion’s beautiful beaches. Length: Half-day to full-day Highlights: Mediterranean sea life exhibits and pristine Cretan beaches. What to Expect: Educational fun at the aquarium and leisure at the beach.

When selecting a tour in Heraklion, consider the time of year, as some tours might be seasonal. Always check for the latest information regarding openings, especially in light of possible restrictions or changes in operating hours. Whether interested in food, culture, history, or nature, Heraklion offers a tour for every visitor to deeply engage with the wonders of Crete.

Heraklion countryside road along the coast in Crete, Greece

Heraklion Accommodations Guide: Hotels, Guesthouses and Hostels

Heraklion, as the capital city of Crete, offers a wide range of accommodations catering to different budgets and preferences. From luxury hotels to quaint guesthouses and budget-friendly hostels, there is something for every type of traveler. Below, I will take you through the various options, highlighting what you can expect from each, including the amenities, ambiance, and location.

Luxury Hotels

1. galaxy hotel iraklio.

Ambiance: Sleek, modern, and upscale, Galaxy Hotel boasts five-star amenities and service. Amenities: With rooms offering marble bathrooms, and some with balconies, the hotel also features a freshwater pool, a wellness center, a gourmet restaurant, and conference facilities. Location: Conveniently located within walking distance from the city center, it’s ideal for both leisure and business travelers.

2. GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel

Ambiance: Historic and luxurious, the hotel is set in a 1920s building with contemporary touches. Amenities: It offers a rooftop terrace with a pool and views of the harbor, a well-regarded restaurant, fitness center, and elegant rooms with high ceilings. Location: Positioned in the heart of the city, it is close to major attractions and the port.

Mid-Range Hotels

3. atrion hotel.

Ambiance: Comfortable and friendly with a modern aesthetic. Amenities: Guests enjoy a central courtyard, a café-bar, meeting facilities, and rooms with balconies. Location: It’s in the city center, making it easy for guests to explore Heraklion on foot.

4. Olive Green Hotel

Ambiance: Eco-friendly and innovative, with a smart room control system and sustainable practices. Amenities: The hotel features an urban-style café-bar, locally sourced food in its restaurant, and stylish, tech-friendly rooms. Location: Centrally situated, it’s convenient for shopping, dining, and nightlife.

Budget Hotels

5. iraklion hotel.

Ambiance: Modest and straightforward with a homely feel. Amenities: The hotel provides basic comfort with a breakfast area, a bar, and rooms with necessary amenities. Location: Located in the city center, close to attractions and transport links.

6. Kronos Hotel

Ambiance: Family-run with a personal touch, offering a simple and clean environment. Amenities: It features some rooms with sea views, a breakfast buffet, and a relaxed café. Location: Positioned near the waterfront, it’s a short walk to the Fortress of Koules and other sights.

Guesthouses and B&Bs

7. villa kynthia.

Ambiance: Traditional and quaint, this restored townhouse offers a slice of Cretan history. Amenities: A charming courtyard, a lounge area, and individually decorated rooms with antique furniture. Location: Located in the nearby village of Panormo, it’s a peaceful retreat from the city.

8. Pasiphae Art Country House

Ambiance: Artsy and eclectic, every room is uniquely decorated with artistic flair. Amenities: Guests can enjoy a garden, a communal kitchen, and a gallery space. Location: Situated in the countryside, a short drive from Heraklion, it offers tranquility and a local experience.

9. Heraklion Youth Hostel

Ambiance: Social and vibrant, the hostel is a hub for backpackers and budget travelers . Amenities: Basic with shared dorms, a communal kitchen, and a lounge area. Location: It’s centrally located in Heraklion, close to nightlife and the main sights.

10. Intra Muros Hostel

Ambiance: Cozy and rustic, with a mix of dorms and private rooms. Amenities: It includes a communal lounge, a kitchen, and a friendly vibe where guests can exchange travel stories. Location: Nestled within the old city walls, it’s perfect for exploring the historic areas on foot.

Specialized Accommodations

11. creta beach hotel & bungalows.

Ambiance: Resort-like with direct beach access and a family-friendly atmosphere. Amenities: Offers bungalows and rooms, large pools, sports facilities, and entertainment programs. Location: Situated on the coast, a short distance from central Heraklion.

12. Lato Boutique Hotel

Ambiance: Stylish and contemporary with a nod to maritime themes. Amenities: This boutique hotel has a rooftop restaurant, wellness amenities, and conference facilities. Location: Overlooking the old port, it provides easy access to both the city and the sea.

When booking accommodation in Heraklion, consider what kind of experience you are looking for. If you prefer being in the thick of things, staying in the city center or near the port would be ideal. For those seeking relaxation and a slower pace, the outskirts of Heraklion or nearby villages can offer a more tranquil environment. Be mindful of the season as well; the summer months can be quite busy, and booking in advance is recommended. Most accommodations offer modern comforts such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and en-suite facilities, but it’s always best to check if these are included, especially in budget and mid-range options. The Cretan hospitality is renowned, and wherever you stay, you’re likely to be greeted with warmth and generosity.

Heraklion Old Port viewing the city in Crete, Greece

Heraklion 3-4 Days Travel Itinerary

Creating a comprehensive travel itinerary for 3-4 days in Heraklion will allow you to experience a mix of ancient history, vibrant local culture, stunning landscapes , and culinary delights. Here’s a detailed plan to make the most out of your visit to this fascinating Cretan city:

Day 1: Discovering the Heart of Heraklion

  • Breakfast at a Local Café : Start your day with a traditional Greek coffee and a hearty breakfast at one of Heraklion’s cozy cafés.
  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum : Spend the morning immersing yourself in Cretan history. The museum is home to the world’s largest collection of Minoan artifacts.
  • Lunch at a Taverna : Enjoy local dishes like moussaka, dakos, and fresh seafood at a taverna in the city center.
  • Walking Tour of Heraklion : Post-lunch, explore the historic city center on foot. Key sights include the Morosini Fountain, the Church of Saint Mark, and the Venetian Loggia.
  • Heraklion Market : Visit the vibrant market to shop for souvenirs, such as Cretan honey, olive oil, and herbs.
  • Dinner at a Rooftop Restaurant : Dine with views over the city – try some Cretan wine with your meal.
  • Nightlife : Experience the local nightlife with a visit to a bar or club, or take a leisurely walk along the harbor.

Day 2: Palace of Knossos and Cretan Winery

  • Palace of Knossos : Arrive early to avoid the crowds at this iconic archaeological site. Join a guided tour to learn about the Minoan civilization and the legend of the Minotaur in the labyrinth.
  • Lunch near Knossos : Sample traditional dishes at a nearby taverna or restaurant.
  • Winery Visit : Spend the afternoon at a local winery on the outskirts of Heraklion. Enjoy a tour of the vineyards and a wine-tasting session.
  • Relax at the Hotel : After a busy day, take the opportunity to rest and freshen up.
  • Casual Dinner : Have a light dinner at a café or bistro in the city.

Day 3: Exploring Ancient and Modern Culture

  • Historical Museum of Crete : Gain a deeper understanding of Crete’s history from the Byzantine period to modern times.
  • Agios Titos Church : Visit this significant Orthodox church and admire its architecture.
  • Lunch with a Sea View : Choose a seaside restaurant and enjoy the Mediterranean breeze.
  • Natural History Museum of Crete : If you’re interested in geology and local fauna, this museum offers an informative and interactive experience.
  • Cultural Event or Concert : Check local listings for any cultural events, concerts, or shows.
  • Fine Dining Experience : Treat yourself to a gourmet dinner at one of Heraklion’s top restaurants.

Day 4 (Optional/Extended Stay): Nature and Villages

  • CretAquarium : Start your day with a visit to one of Europe’s largest aquariums, showcasing local marine life.
  • Lunch in a Coastal Village : Drive out to a coastal village like Fodele or Agia Pelagia and have lunch with a view of the Cretan Sea.
  • Explore Traditional Villages : Spend the afternoon visiting traditional villages like Archanes or Mirtia. Taste local produce, visit workshops, and enjoy the slower pace of life.
  • Dinner Back in Heraklion : Return to the city for your final dinner.
  • Evening Stroll at the Venetian Harbor : Cap off your trip with a leisurely walk at the harbor, maybe with some last-minute shopping or a scoop of gelato.

Remember to factor in travel time, potential queues, and a little extra time to wander and discover hidden gems along the way. It’s also recommended to check the opening times and days for each attraction, as they may vary seasonally or during holidays. Additionally, booking tickets in advance for popular sites like the Palace of Knossos can save time.

Flexibility is key, so feel free to swap activities based on your interests or the weather. With this itinerary, you’ll have a well-rounded experience of Heraklion’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Where To Visit After Your Trip To Heraklion?

After exploring the vibrant city of Heraklion with its rich history and culture, you may be wondering where to head next. Crete is an island with diverse landscapes and a plethora of experiences to offer, from idyllic beaches to historic sites and mountain retreats. Here’s a guide on where to visit after your trip to Heraklion:

  • Distance from Heraklion: Approximately 140 km to the west.
  • Old Venetian Harbor: A picturesque harbor with a beautiful lighthouse.
  • Old Town Chania: Wander through narrow alleys and discover local shops and restaurants.
  • Samaria Gorge: For the adventurous, this is one of the longest gorges in Europe and offers a challenging hike with stunning natural scenery .
  • Stay for: 2-3 days to explore the town and its surroundings.

2. Rethymno

  • Distance from Heraklion: Roughly 80 km to the west.
  • Rethymno Old Town: An enchanting mix of Venetian and Ottoman architecture.
  • Fortezza Castle: Offers panoramic views of the city and the Aegean Sea.
  • Beaches: Like the long sandy stretch of Rethymno Beach.
  • Stay for: 1-2 days for a mix of beach relaxation and cultural exploration.

3. Agios Nikolaos

  • Distance from Heraklion: About 60 km to the east.
  • Lake Voulismeni: A small lake linked to the sea, surrounded by cafes and restaurants.
  • Spinalonga Island: Take a boat trip to this former leper colony, which is now an open museum.
  • Stay for: 1-2 days for leisurely coastal walks and nearby day trips.

4. Elounda and Spinalonga Island

  • Distance from Heraklion: Around 70 km northeast.
  • Luxury Resorts: Elounda is famous for its high-end resorts and spas.
  • Spinalonga: As mentioned, the island is a historical site with a poignant history.
  • Stay for: 2-3 days for a luxury relaxation and historical tours.

5. Ierapetra and Chrissi Island

  • Distance from Heraklion: Approximately 100 km to the southeast.
  • Chrissi Island: Known for its exotic beaches with turquoise waters and golden sand .
  • Old Quarter of Kato Mera: Charming with narrow streets and historic buildings.
  • Stay for: 1-2 days to enjoy the beaches and the laid-back atmosphere.

6. The Lasithi Plateau

  • Distance from Heraklion: Roughly 50 km to the east.
  • Windmills: The iconic windmills of Lasithi, once used for irrigation.
  • Dikteon Cave: According to legend, the birthplace of Zeus.
  • Rural Life: Experience the Cretan countryside and traditional lifestyles.
  • Stay for: A day trip or overnight for nature lovers and those interested in mythology.

7. The South Coast Beaches

  • Matala: Famous for its caves and Roman tombs, once a hangout for hippies in the 1960s.
  • Preveli Beach: Known for its palm forest and river.
  • Frangokastello: A beautiful beach with a Venetian fortress.
  • Stay for: A few days if you’re undertaking a beach-hopping adventure.

8. The Mountains and Gorges

  • White Mountains (Lefka Ori): Ideal for hiking and exploring the traditional mountain villages.
  • Imbros Gorge: Less crowded than Samaria but equally stunning.
  • Stay for: 1-2 days for those who want to immerse themselves in Crete’s mountainous terrain.

9. The Islands Off Crete

  • Gavdos: The southernmost point of Europe, known for its pristine nature.
  • Koufonisia: Small islands famous for their beaches and the sea caves.
  • Stay for: Overnight stays or day trips for a unique island experience.
  • Distance from Heraklion: Approximately 55 km to the northwest.
  • Cultural Heritage: Anogia is known for maintaining Cretan tradition and folk music.
  • Nida Plateau: Close to the Ideon Cave, another contender for Zeus’s birthplace, and offering stunning highland scenery.
  • Weaving Workshops: The village is famous for its woven textiles.
  • Stay for: A day trip or overnight to experience authentic Cretan culture.
  • Distance from Heraklion: Around 140 km to the west.
  • Imposing Landscapes: Sfakia is known for its rugged mountains and dramatic coastlines.
  • Loutro: A car-free seaside village accessible only by boat or on foot.
  • Sweet Cheese Pies (Sfakianopites): Don’t miss trying the local specialty.
  • Stay for: 1-2 days to explore the remote beaches and the Samaria Gorge’s southern entrance.
  • Distance from Heraklion: Roughly 130 km to the east.
  • Venetian Fortress: Overlooks the harbor and offers panoramic views.
  • Palm Beach of Vai: One of the few places in Europe where palm trees are native.
  • Moni Toplou: A historic monastery with a fascinating museum.
  • Stay for: 2 days for a relaxed pace to visit the palm forest and surrounding areas.

13. Falassarna

  • Distance from Heraklion: Approximately 190 km to the west.
  • Beaches: Some of the best in Crete, with crystal-clear waters and gorgeous sunsets.
  • Ancient Falassarna: Explore the ruins of the ancient Greco-Roman city.
  • Stay for: A day to soak up the sun and surf or combine with other western Crete attractions for a longer stay.

14. Plakias

  • Distance from Heraklion: About 100 km to the southwest.
  • Beaches: Plakias Beach and surrounding coves offer great swimming and snorkeling.
  • Kourtaliotiko Gorge: A beautiful gorge with springs and a waterfall.
  • Stay for: 1-2 days if you’re seeking a more laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty.

15. Gortyna

  • Distance from Heraklion: Just over 45 km to the south.
  • Archaeological Site: Once the Roman capital of Crete, featuring ancient ruins and the Gortyn Code, the oldest and most complete known example of a code of ancient Greek law.
  • Stay for: A half-day trip is often sufficient to explore the ruins.

16. Mount Ida (Psiloritis)

  • Distance from Heraklion: The range spreads across central Crete, with access points varying by chosen trail.
  • Idaean Cave: Another site linked to the birth of Zeus.
  • Hiking and Mountaineering: Numerous trails, including the E4 European long-distance path.
  • Stay for: Day trips for hiking or several days if engaging in serious mountaineering.

17. Milatos

  • Distance from Heraklion: About 40 km to the northeast.
  • Milatos Cave: With historic and mythological significance, the cave offers an interesting visit.
  • Quiet Beaches: The area provides a more tranquil alternative to the busy tourist spots.
  • Stay for: A day trip is typically sufficient to enjoy the cave and relax on the beach.
  • Distance from Heraklion: Roughly 45 km to the southwest.
  • Zaros Lake: A small but scenic lake where you can enjoy fresh trout.
  • Rouvas Gorge: Offers a beautiful hike through the Zaros woods.
  • Local Products: Taste the famous Zaros water and local olive oil.
  • Stay for: A day trip to hike and enjoy the natural surroundings.
  • Distance from Heraklion: Around 70 km east.
  • Byzantine Churches: Kritsa is famous for the Panagia Kera church with exquisite frescoes.
  • Kritsa Gorge: Ideal for hiking enthusiasts.
  • Traditional Crafts: The village is well-known for its hand-woven textiles and artisanal products.
  • Stay for: A day trip is generally enough to explore Kritsa and its environs.
  • Distance from Heraklion: Approximately 40 km to the northeast.
  • Mountain Village Atmosphere: Mochos is a picturesque mountain village that maintains a traditional Cretan lifestyle.
  • Local Tavernas: Experience authentic Cretan cuisine in a rustic setting.
  • Cultural Events: Especially during summer with festivals and open-air concerts.
  • Stay for: A few hours to a day, especially if you’re there for a specific event or festival.

21. Archanes

  • Distance from Heraklion: Just 15 km to the south.
  • Wine Country: Archanes is located in one of Crete’s prime wine-producing regions.
  • Archaeological Sites: Nearby is the Minoan palace of Phourni and the archaeological site of Vathypetro.
  • Village Square: Lined with cafes and eateries, it’s a perfect place to mingle with locals.
  • Stay for: A day trip to sample wines and explore local history.

22. Paleochora

  • Distance from Heraklion: Roughly 200 km to the southwest.
  • Beaches: Paleochora has both sandy and pebble beaches with crystal-clear waters.
  • Laid-Back Atmosphere: Known for its relaxed vibe and friendly locals.
  • Coastal Trails: Hiking paths that offer scenic views of the Libyan Sea.
  • Stay for: 2-3 days if you’re looking to unwind by the sea.

23. Agia Galini

  • Distance from Heraklion: About 80 km to the south.
  • Fishing Village Charm: Once a quiet fishing village, it’s now a peaceful tourist destination.
  • Proximity to Attractions: Close to the Faistos Minoan Palace and the beach of Matala.
  • Boat Trips: Excursions to nearby uninhabited islands for secluded swims.
  • Stay for: 1-2 days, particularly if you’re interested in exploring southern Crete’s archeological sites.

24. Kolymbari

  • Distance from Heraklion: Approximately 160 km to the west.
  • Monastery of Gonia: A historic monastery with a stunning view.
  • Local Produce: The region is known for its olive oil and wine.
  • Quiet Beaches: For those seeking a more tranquil beach experience.
  • Stay for: A day or two, with a focus on relaxation and local culture.
  • Distance from Heraklion: Around 50 km to the west.
  • Wooden Sculptures: Axos is home to a unique museum of wooden sculptures by a local artist.
  • Ancient Ruins: Explore the remains of the ancient city of Oaxos.
  • Mount Idi: Ideal for those who enjoy mountainous landscapes and trekking.
  • Stay for: A day trip, perfect for art enthusiasts and hikers.

26. Hersonissos

  • Distance from Heraklion: About 28 km to the east.
  • Beach Resorts: Offers a lively scene with numerous beachfront hotels and entertainment options.
  • Aquaworld Aquarium: Houses local marine life and reptiles.
  • Lychnostatis Open Air Museum: Provides insights into traditional Cretan life.
  • Stay for: 2-3 days if you’re looking for a more bustling atmosphere with plenty of tourist amenities.

27. Anissaras

  • Distance from Heraklion: Roughly 25 km to the east.
  • Beach Retreat: Less crowded than neighboring Hersonissos, with beautiful beaches.
  • Proximity to Attractions: Close to the Crete Golf Club and various water parks.
  • Nature Walks: There are lovely trails along the coast and inland.
  • Stay for: A few days, ideal for families and travelers seeking a quieter base.

After leaving Heraklion, you can head in virtually any direction to find something new and exciting. Whether you’re interested in further historical exploration, seeking relaxation on some of Greece’s finest beaches, or looking to hike through rugged mountains and gorges, the island of Crete offers a continuation of your adventure with a change of scenery and pace. Remember, the island’s public transport system is quite extensive, but renting a car will give you the freedom to explore these destinations at your own pace and venture off the beaten path.

Heraklion on a map of Crete, Greece

Heraklion Travel Guide: Final Thoughts

As we wrap up this comprehensive exploration of Heraklion and its surrounding marvels, it’s evident that this city isn’t just a stopover but a deeply historic hub with layers of culture, cuisine, and adventure. Here’s a concluding synthesis to guide your final thoughts on planning a trip to Heraklion, Crete.

Historical Significance

Heraklion stands as a testament to Crete’s ancient world prominence, housing artifacts and ruins that span millennia. The close proximity of the Minoan Palace of Knossos is a particular highlight, providing insight into one of history’s most fascinating civilizations. Heraklion Archaeological Museum further complements this historical journey with treasures that bring the past to vivid life.

Cultural Vibrancy

Cretan culture is richly displayed through Heraklion’s festivals, music, and art. The city’s streets, markets, and galleries are brimming with local traditions and contemporary expressions. Be it during the summer festivals or the quieter off-season, the spirit of Crete is palpable in every cobblestone and corner café of Heraklion.

Gastronomic Delights

The food in Heraklion is a reflection of Crete’s bountiful produce and the Mediterranean’s rich culinary heritage. From street-side vendors selling traditional souvlaki to gourmet restaurants offering modern Cretan cuisine, there’s a flavor for every palate. Don’t forget to indulge in local wines, olive oils, and cheeses that are as integral to the diet as they are to the economy.

Diverse Landscapes

Heraklion is a gateway to Crete’s stunning natural beauty. Urban exploration transitions seamlessly into the discovery of breathtaking landscapes—from the North’s sandy beaches to the rugged mountains in the South. The variety of ecosystems within a short drive is staggering, offering everything from serene beach getaways to challenging hikes in gorges like Samaria and Agiofarago.

Adventure and Leisure

Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping activities or tranquil relaxation, Heraklion delivers. Water sports, mountain climbing, and trekking are readily available for the adventurous. Those seeking leisure can find solace in luxury resorts, private beach coves, and spa retreats.

Accessibility and Connectivity

Heraklion’s modern infrastructure provides convenience for travelers. The Nikos Kazantzakis Airport and the port connect Heraklion with mainland Greece and international destinations, making it an accessible start or end point for any Cretan journey.

Hospitality and Accommodation

From boutique hotels in the city center to rustic villas in the countryside , Heraklion offers a range of accommodation to suit various budgets and preferences. Cretan hospitality is legendary, and wherever you choose to stay, you’re likely to be greeted with warmth and generosity.

Final Planning Tips

When visiting Heraklion, here are a few tips to ensure a smooth trip:

  • Timing: To avoid the crowds and experience mild weather, consider traveling in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall).
  • Local Insight: Engage with locals and seek out their recommendations for the best-hidden gems .
  • Sustainability: Respect the environment and support local businesses to help maintain Crete’s beauty and heritage.
  • Exploration: Rent a car for greater flexibility or become familiar with the bus system to access more remote areas.
  • Relaxation: Don’t over-schedule. One of Crete’s pleasures is its relaxed pace of life, so allow time for spontaneous discovery.

Heraklion, the beating heart of Crete, offers more than just a glimpse into the island’s soul; it invites a deep dive into a lifestyle that has balanced tradition and modernity for centuries. The city, with its environs, stands not only as a historical landmark but also as a bastion of living culture that continues to evolve while honoring its storied past. A trip here is not just a vacation; it’s an immersive experience into a rich, vibrant world that’s as ancient as it is timeless.

PlanetWare.com

19 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Heraklion

Written by Lana Law Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Many travelers arrive on Crete in Heraklion and continue on to other parts of the island without allowing much time, if any, to see the sites. But this city, the island's capital and chief port, is full of history and attractions in and around the Old City. It has a beautiful waterfront area with seaside restaurants, several important museums, and lovely squares where you can easily spend an afternoon in a street-side cafe. The vibrant Old City is of most interest to visitors, and it's worth taking some time to see.

View of Heraklion from the fortress

In ancient times, Heraklion was the port of Knossos, where the Minoans, Europe's oldest known civilization (they lived on Crete between 2700 BC and 1450 BC) traded gold, ceramics, and saffron. Today, visiting the Minoan Palace of Knossos is one of the top things to do in Heraklion.

Enjoy your visit to this city and plan your sightseeing with our list of the top attractions in Heraklion.

See also: Where to Stay in Heraklion

1. The Palace of Knossos

2. old town, 3. koules fortress, 4. heraklion archaeological museum, 5. natural history museum of crete, 6. cathedral of st. minas, 7. historical museum of crete, 8. agios titos church, 9. morosini fountain in lion square, 10. loggia (town hall), 11. walking along the waterfront, 12. shopping in the old town, 13. walk the ancient venetian walls, 14. ammoudara beach, 15. el greco museum, fodele, 16. cathedral of st. minas, 17. cretaquarium thalassocosmos, 18. day trip to matala, 19. day trip to the palace of phaestos, where to stay in heraklion for sightseeing, heraklion, greece - climate chart.

The Palace of Knossos

Crete's biggest and best-preserved Minoan site lies just five kilometers southeast of Heraklion. It is one of the most important tourist attractions on Crete.

A vast monumental palace, with four wings built around a spacious central courtyard, Knossos is believed to have been the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos . Remarkably sophisticated, it included ceremonial spaces, living areas, storage rooms, elaborate decoration, and a complex drainage system.

Although excavations show that there was a palace here as early as 2000 BC, what you see today dates mainly from 1450 BC. Take into consideration when touring the site that some slightly over-imaginative reconstruction from the early 20th century has taken place. The frescoes you see are replicas; the originals are in Heraklion Archaeological Museum .

Buses from the Old Town leave every 15 minutes for Knossos during the summer season, making it extremely easy to visit. If you have your own car, parking is free.

Makritíkhos - Palace of Knossós Map - Tourist Attractions

You can easily spend a morning or afternoon strolling around the Old Town, seeing the sites and soaking up the atmosphere. Heraklion grew up around the sea, and still today, the old town focuses on the harbor.

The most notable monument along the harbor is the 16th-century Venetian Fort of Koules . Fishing boats line the shore, where a walkway runs along the waterfront.

Across the road but fronting the harbor are the Venetian Arsenals , easily recognizable by the stone facade and huge archways. This is where the Venetians repaired their ships. To the west of the harbor, the scenic promenade stretches along the sea and is lined with seafood restaurants.

The Old Town is protected by a circuit of massive defensive walls, which have been demolished in parts. Inside, its pedestrian-only streets are lined by aristocratic buildings, churches, and boutiques, and open onto leafy squares with fountains and busy cafés.

Koules Fortres

Occupying a prominent position on the waterfront of Heraklion, the Koules Fortress is an impressive Venetian fortress dating from the early 16 th century. An easy and scenic walk from the shoreline along a breakwater takes you to the main entrance located on the right-hand side.

Although it's an imposing sight from afar, the recently renovated interior is equally, if not more, impressive. Grand wooden doors open into rooms where period pieces are on display, and plaques offer insight into the history. With walls as thick as 8.7 meters, it's quiet and cool, making it easy to spend time exploring the 26 rooms and vaults. Inside these quiet chambers are historical artifacts like old cannons, amphora (pots), and stone carvings.

Incredible views out to sea and over the harbor towards town can be had by climbing the stairs to the roof. If it's windy, be sure to watch out for sea spray from the waves crashing against the rocks.

Phaistos Disk

Magnificent 3,500-year-old frescoes from Knossos, including Prince of the Lilies and Bull-Leaping, are on display at this museum. Be sure to check out the Snake Goddess, a glazed ceramic figurine of a lady holding two snakes, dated 1600 BC, and the Phaistos Disk, a clay disc bearing a curious spiral of symbols from around 100 BC.

The museum's treasures are spread out over 27 different galleries and cover more than 5,500 years of history. The courtyard area has the preserved remains of the Venetian Monastery of St. Francis, destroyed in an earthquake in 1856.

This world-class museum is Heraklion's principal tourist attraction, apart from the actual site of Knossos, and lies in the eastern part of the old town.

Address: Xanthoudidou 1, Heraklion, Crete

Natural History Museum of Crete

A visit to the Natural History Museum of Crete is an ideal thing to do for families. Situated right on the waterfront and just down from the Historical Museum, this is an impressive modern museum that showcases the best of Crete.

Fun activities for children and adults include an earthquake and tsunami simulator. In addition, an entire floor is devoted to stuffed animals that live or once lived around the Mediterranean Sea. Make sure you try out the illusion exhibit for a mind-bending experience.

Also on display are artifacts from the Palace of Knossos. Displays have information in multiple languages. The building is bright and air conditioned, and makes for a good escape from the mid-day heat in Heraklion.

Official site: https://www.nhmc.uoc.gr/en

Cathedral of St. Minas

Dedicated to the patron saint of Heraklion, the Cathedral of St. Minas is an impressive building located in the Old Town. Dating from the late 19 th -century, this is the largest church in Crete, and it's renowned for its extensive religious iconography.

The church interior has beautifully painted walls lit up by a stunning chandelier. One of the must-see frescoes is located in the dome, showing Christ Pantocrator. In front of the church is a lovely square.

This is an active church with regular services and is also the seat of the Archbishop of Crete.

Historical Museum of Crete

With a succession of foreign occupiers, Crete's history is complicated but fascinating. This museum traces 1,700 years of history on the island, from early Christian times to the modern era.

You'll see religious icons, stone carvings, ceramics, textiles, and folk costumes from the Byzantine, Venetian, and Turkish periods, as well as somber space dedicated to the Cretan Resistance Movement and those who lost their lives during WWII.

Particular highlights include two paintings from the 16th century: The Baptism of Christ and the View of Mt. Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catharine.

Everything is well presented and clearly labeled, and there's a peaceful garden café. You'll find it in a restored neoclassical mansion, a 10-minute walk west of the old harbor.

Address: 7 Lyssimachou Kalokairinou Street, 71202 Heraklion, Crete

Official site: http://www.historical-museum.gr/eng/

Agios Titos Church

You'll most likely come across this historic church as you walk the pedestrian zone of Heraklion. It is unmistakable, with two massive palm trees in front.

The original Agios Titos Church was built here late in the 10th century. Over the years through a series of earthquakes and disasters, the original buildings tumbled to ruins. The solid looking building that stands here today dates from the mid 19th century and was once a mosque.

If it's open, take a look inside the church and be sure to look up to see the chandeliers. The square in front of the church is leafy and green with several small cafés featuring patio seating.

Morosini Fountain

The Morosini Fountain is at the center of Heraklion's Old Town, not far from the Loggia. It's an ideal place to orient yourself as you explore the warren of streets in the surrounding area.

Dating from 1628, this fountain, surrounded by mature trees and cafés, is the center of action in the old city. When the weather is warm, you'll almost always find a lively scene of locals and tourists enjoying the surrounding cafés and ice-cream shops. In the evening, the square around the fountain hums with people enjoying the nearby nightlife.

The Morosini Fountain played an important role in providing drinking water to the citizens of Heraklion. It was originally connected to a 14-kilometer aqueduct and brought water to the city from the slopes of Mt. Juktas.

Restored to its original condition after years of neglect, today the fountain consists of four lions with water pouring out of their mouths into a pool below.

Loggia interior

Located in the heart of the Old Town is the Loggia, which today operates as Heraklion's town hall. Considered by many to be Crete's best-preserved Venetian building, this impressive structure is free to enter and worth a quick look. The large shady arcade under the arches is a great place to escape the intense summer sun.

Built by Morosini, the building dates from 1628 and is a reproduction of the famous Basilica in Vincenza, albeit on a much smaller scale.

Nearby is a wonderful area of narrow streets lined with restaurants with patios, as well as interesting shops.

Heraklion waterfront walkway

If you've arrived after a long flight or ferry ride and would like to stretch your legs, a stroll along the waterfront is a great idea. Some of Heraklion's best seafood restaurants, an ancient fortress, museums, and amazing views are what you'll find here.

The walks consist of two sections: the main waterfront stroll, running along the sea from east to west; and the breakwater walk, which extends out past the historical fort.

The waterfront stroll starts at the breakwater and runs east to the traffic roundabout past the ancient Venetian arches and west to the Natural History Museum. This is the option you'll want to choose if you want to stop for a bite to eat or learn a bit about the island.

To take the breakwater walk , head towards the ancient Koules Fortress and keep going. This 4.6-kilometer return walk takes you out into the sea and provides great views back towards the city and mountains in the distance. At about the halfway point, some interesting tile work adorns the breakwater.

This can be a hot walk in the middle of the day. The high breakwater stops the prevailing winds, so it can be still and humid and there is no respite from the sun.

1866 Street in Heraklion

The Old Town of Heraklion has close to 1,000 shops, many of which are found in the extensive maze of pedestrian-only streets. Located in among the narrow streets and alleys, you'll find lovely restaurants, hidden patios, and retail shops selling pretty much anything you can imagine.

If you are on the hunt for the perfect souvenir from Crete, head to the pedestrian-only 1866 Street , known as the Central Market . This narrow street is full of vendors, with wares piled high and spilling out onto tables. You can find shirts, fridge magnets, jewelry, linens, and all manner of kitsch for sale. If you have no room in your bags, don't worry, even luggage to transport all your new purchases is available.

The shops, restaurants, and cafés are literally everywhere in the Old Town. Just pick a street and start walking, take random turns, and you'll be amazed at what you discover.

Venetian walls surrounding Heraklion

The Old Town area of Heraklion is surrounded on three sides by massive Venetian Walls that tower above the surrounding city. The walls date from the Middle Ages but have been improved and enlarged over the millennia. Today, after much hard work and persistence, the walls have been restored to their former glory, and today are a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike to walk and explore.

Access is generally near a gate, and once on top of the walls, your views out over the Old Town and surrounding areas are impressive. The walls stretch for approximately 4.5 kilometers.

Ammoudara Beach

Only five minutes from downtown Heraklion is Ammoudara Beach. Golden sand and clean, clear waters backed by tavernas await the sun starved.

Small to medium sized waves, perfect for bobbing about in, are usually common here as is a cooling breeze. Sun beds and umbrellas are free to use if you purchase drinks or food from one of the roaming waiters. The beach is long and fairly wide, also perfect for strolling.

If the wind is up, this is one of Crete's most popular spots for kiteboarding . A kite school offering lessons and rentals is located right on the beach should you wish to try your luck at this fast growing, adrenaline-pumping sport.

In the 16th century, Heraklion was home to an important school of religious icon painters. One of its members, Domenikos Theotokopoulos (1541-1614), went on to become a world-class artist, better known as El Greco.

He was born in the humble village of Fodele, set amid orange groves 28 kilometers west of Heraklion. Today, the stone cottage where he was born is a museum. Theotokopoulos moved to Spain in 1577 and lived and worked there until his death. His paintings are noted for their intense color and drama, and you can see several reproductions of his works here.

Address: Fodele, 71500 Heraklion, Crete

Cathedral of St. Minas

Fans of historic churches will want to be sure to swing by the impressive Cathedral of St. Minas. This building was started in 1862, and work continued for 33 years until its completion in 1895.

The cathedral is usually open, so take a few steps inside and gaze up at the impressive frescoes on the walls and ceiling. Also of note are the colorful stained-glass windows. Depending on the time of day you visit, the light shining through them is mesmerizing. At the front of the cathedral near the altar is a massive chandelier.

Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos

At this huge modern aquarium, you can see 2,500 marine species from the underwater world of the Mediterranean, swimming around in 1.7 million liters of seawater.

A fascinating day out for kids and adults alike, it has 32 vast glass tanks displaying everything from hunter sharks to minuscule seahorses, jellyfish, turtles, lobsters, and octopus, all in beautifully-lit turquoise sea water against a backdrop of rocks, sand, and seaweed.

The aquarium is located at a former American military base in Gournes, 13 kilometers east of Heraklion. A lovely on-site café with outdoor seating serves quick bites and cold drinks.

Address: Gournes, 71003 Heraklion, Crete

Official site: https://www.cretaquarium.gr/en

View of the beach at Matala from a restaurant

The long and wide stretch of beach at Matala is protected on two sides by rocky headlands, creating a calm, clear beach, perfect for swimming. On one side, the rock face is riddled with caves, which make this one of the most unique beaches to visit on Crete. The other side is home to restaurants that overlook this beautiful stretch of sand and the turquoise waters of the bay.

Overlooking the Libyan Sea, 67 kilometers southwest of Heraklion, Matala is one of the most visited resorts on Crete's remote south coast. Unlike places like Plakias, where tourists tend to spend several days or more, Matala is more of a day-tripping destination and does not have much by way of seaside accommodation. Hotels and other amenities are located in the town, back from the beach, although restaurants line the edge of the beach and one entire side of the bay.

Matala was made famous by the hippies in the 1960s, who lived here in the caves at the end of beach, including Joni Mitchell, who even wrote about it in the song Carey .

No one is certain how Matala's extraordinary caves were made-some archaeologists believe they were Roman or early Christian tombs.

The Palace of Phaestos

Phaestos is another magnificent Minoan palace, which some people prefer to Knossos , as it is unrenovated and more atmospheric. What you see today are the ruins of a palace, built around 1600 BC, centering on a spacious paved courtyard and beautifully located on a sunbaked hillside backed by the rugged heights of Mount Psiloritis overlooking the deep blue Libyan Sea.

The views from the site are spectacular, and in summer, it catches a blissful cool breeze. Phaestos was abandoned around 1400 BC, the same time as Knossos, and archaeologists still have to find a good explanation why. It lies 62 kilometers south of Heraklion, just a 15-minute drive from Matala .

Luxury Hotels:

  • The GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel is a recently renovated historic hotel located right on the waterfront. Rooms offer sea views and balconies, and the hotel has a rooftop pool.
  • The brand new Legacy Gastro Suites has 12 elegantly appointed rooms with balconies and serves an exceptional breakfast.
  • The large Galaxy Hotel Iraklio has modern rooms with either a city or pool view.

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • At the top end of the mid-range category and in a great location near the water, and walkable from the ferry port, is the AQUILA Atlantis Hotel .
  • The Olive Green Hotel is an eco-friendly establishment with sleekly furnished rooms with tech-friendly features. It also offers a great breakfast selection.
  • The Lato Boutique Hotel is right near the waterfront and has one of Heraklion's best rooftop restaurants, called Herb's Garden.

Budget Hotels:

  • Right on the waterfront and offering great value is the Kronos Hotel .
  • In a quiet part of town and close to the bus station is the REA Hotel.
  • Also close to the bus station and recently renovated is the Hotel Mirabello .

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

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Exploring Crete: For ideas on how to spend your time and what to see on this beautiful Greek Island, see our guide to the Top Tourist Attractions on Crete. One of the most popular tourist destinations is the seafront city of Agios Nikolaos . The outstanding nearby beaches, shopping, and great dining will make you want to linger here. Other good options are Rethymnon , with a similar atmosphere to Heraklion, but smaller, and the scenic city of Chania .

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© P. Merakos

heraklion city tourist guide

The cradle of the Minoan civilisation

View of the walls and columns of the Knossos Palace

Unique Experiences

heraklion city tourist guide

Touring Heraklion

Filming in heraklion.

heraklion city tourist guide

THE TWO FACES OF JANUARY (2014)

A con artist ( Viggo Mortensen)and his wife (Kirsten Dunst) find themselves in deep trouble in Greece after the former murders a detective. To escape from Greece, they must trust a stranger (Oscar Isaac) who is inherently untrustworthy.

DIRECTOR: HOSSEIN AMINI FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS, CHANIA, HERAKLION

heraklion city tourist guide

SUMMER LOVERS (1982)

Michael Pappas and his girlfriend, Cathy, are enjoying the white sand beaches of a Greek island as well as the freewheeling nature of the locals. When Michael meets Lina, who is in Greece from Paris doing archaeological work, he is attracted by the beautiful foreigner. Cathy, unhappy about Lina getting close to Michael, confronts the woman- only to be unexpectedly wooed by her charms as well.

DIRECTOR: RANDAL KLEISER FILMING LOCATION: MYKONOS, SANTORINI, DELOS, HERAKLION

Other destinations

Bench with sea view. On one side traditional colored buildings and stone walls and on the other a stone lighthouse.

Agios Nikolaos

Ferry routes.

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Dave's Travel Pages

Greek Island Hopping | Greece Travel Ideas | Bicycle Touring

Best Things To Do In Heraklion in Crete

Discover the best things to do in Heraklion in Crete, and start planning an unforgettable trip. This Heraklion travel guide shows you how to visit Knossos, walk along Venetian castle walls, where to try the local food and more! 

A guide to the best things to see in Heraklion, Crete.

What to do in Heraklion

Heraklion is the largest city on the Greek island of Crete , and an entry point for most visitors to the island.

With a busy ferry port connecting Heraklion with other parts of Greece, and an international airport, people arrive from all over the world on a daily basis to take their vacations in Crete.

Whether you plan to base yourself in Heraklion for your entire vacation, or just want to spend a night or two before moving on to a road trip around Crete , there's plenty to see and do.

Related: How to get from Heraklion airport to Heraklion city center

Things to see in Heraklion in a day or two

The island of Crete has a lot to offer, and so it can be tempting to skip over sightseeing in Heraklion itself. This is a shame, as there's lots of interesting things to discover when you visit Heraklion town.

Recommended sites and places to see in Heraklion include the Minoan Palace of Knossos, Koules Fortress, Morosini Fountain, the Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

dave and vanessa at koules fortress heraklion

I've visited Heraklion about half a dozen times now, and recommend spending at least a day in Heraklion in order to see the main attractions. Two days would be perfect in order to see all the important Heraklion sights and discover a few curiosities along the way.

Heraklion city has a fascinating history stretching back thousands of years. While it can get busy, especially in the summer months when there’s cruise ship passengers in addition to regular holidaymakers, Heraklion is the ideal place to begin or end your Crete adventure.

Related: How many days to spend in Heraklion?

1. Knossos Archaeological Site

The  Palace of Knossos  is the most famous archaeological site in Crete. If you're interested in Ancient Greek mythology then this impressive structure should definitely be on your sightseeing itinerary for Heraklion.

Some tips and advice so you can plan the perfect trip to visit Knossos in Crete

Legend says that the magnificent Minoan palace of Knossos was built by King Minos. Many people believe that Knossos palace is the one mentioned in the myth of the Minotaur. Some people even think that the palace is the mythical labyrinth itself!

Knossos is a few kilometers from Heraklion city centre, but easily reached by public transport or the Hop On Hop Off bus . There's also parking there if you have decided to rent a car in Heraklion .

The archaeological site is reasonably well sign-posted, so you don't need a guide if you prefer to wander around Knossos at your own pace. There's plenty of guided tours available though which do add a lot of extra context to your visit. A good example is this guided walking tour of Knossos .

dave briggs at knossos near heraklion

Dave's Notes About Knossos

Even disregarding the perhaps ‘creative' reconstruction of this ancient city, it must have been one of the most impressive buildings in Minoan Crete. Not that we know an awful lot about the Minoans themselves.

Minoan history, who they were, what language they spoke, and what happened to them is something of a mystery. In fact, we don't really know what they called themselves – It's only us that refer to them as Minoans!

What we do know, is they were one of the most powerful and influential bronze age cultures, and had established trade routes throughout the Mediterranean Sea. 

Then, all of a sudden, the Minoan civilisation collapsed. The reason is unclear, with many suggesting natural disasters such as earthquakes. The Mycenaeans took over for a bit, and then the memory of the civilisation slipped into myth and legend until Knossos was discovered in 1878.

Today, the site of Knossos in Crete is a controversial one. This is due to some reconstruction efforts which may have done more harm than good. 

No visit to Heraklion would be complete without seeing the Palace of Knossos and you should include it in your Heraklion sightseeing itinerary.

2. Heraklion Archaeological Museum

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the most important museums in Greece, if not Europe. It houses many of the artefacts found at Knossos and other Minoan sites in Crete including this famous and undecipherable clay Phaistos disc shown below.

The Phaistos Disc in the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion, Crete.

If you decide to visit Knossos without a guide, I would suggest it's a great idea to visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion first. This way, you will get a better understanding of the civilisation and Crete's history.

Containing exhibits such as fertility Goddesses, symbolical axe heads, and colourful vases, one of the most curious pieces from the ancient sites of Crete displayed in the museum, is the  Phaistos Disc .

This circular object was found at the archaeological site of Phaistos, home of another Minoan palace. The disc appears to be covered in writing, which remains undecipherable to this day. Perhaps if we ever do work out what it says, we will learn more about life in Minoan times!

Opening hours of the museum may vary depending on season. During the summer months, the archaeological museum is open from 08.00 – 20.00. 

Dave's Note: You'll want to put aside 2 or 3 hours to make the most of your time in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

3. Koules Fortress (Rocca a Mare)

Koules is a Venetian fortress, of a type known as ‘a castle of the sea'. Built in the 16th century at the entrance to the old port, this impressive fortress formed part of the defensive network at Heraklion.

Koules Fortress (Rocca a Mare) Heraklion, Crete

Leaving Knossos to one side, Koules Fortress is perhaps the most obvious landmark of Heraklion.

Today, the Koules fortress has been restored and opened to the public. Inside, the castle is laid out over two floors. These consist of various display rooms, and the roof area with surrounding walls.

Climbing to the top, you will have some of the best views out over Heraklion including over to the ferry port. It's one of the top attractions in the city, and a great photo spot.

Dave's Note: It's closed on Tuesdays!

4. Take a scenic walk around Heraklion Old Town

One of the best things to do in Heraklion, is simply to stroll around the historic Old Town. It's an easily walkable town, and there's many places to be discovered.

map of places to visit in heraklion

The pedestrian streets inside the old city section of Heraklion are perfect for aimless wanderings. With boutique shops, local stores, and interesting architecture there's no better place to give your legs some exercise.

walking around heraklion

There's also plenty of places to eat and drink in case you start to feel the heat, which will be quite strong if visiting Heraklion town in the summer!

Surrounding the old town are the Venetian city walls. These too are worth accessing, as once at the top, you have amazing views down over the city and out onto the port.

walls of heraklion city crete

One of the points of interest you may come across when walking the walls, is the tombstone of Nikos Kazantzakis. He was perhaps the most influential writer in Crete and even Greece, most famous for Zorba the Greek.

Dave's Note: Heraklion is best explored at a leisurely pace. If you're short on time though, consider taking this cool eco-bike tour (you don't need to be a cyclist for this one!).

Within the historic centre of Heraklion, you'll come across a few places of interest:

5. Morosini Fountain / Lion's Square

If you're looking for a photo opportunity as you wander around the city, you'll stumble across the Lion's Square sooner or later. This is where you'll find the Fontana Morosini, an ornate Venetian fountain with four lions with water gushing from their mouths.

This fountain and square could be considered the heart of the historic Old Town of Heraklion, and could be a good place from which to get your bearings, or meet up with people.

Lion's Square in Heraklion in Crete

The Fontana Morosini is found in Eleftheriou Venizelou Square, but the locals call it Lions Square or Lion for short.

6. Heraklion Market

The Heraklion veg market

The Heraklion central market is a bustling place, where you'll find fruit and veg sellers, butchers, fishmongers, olives, cheese, and a few random tourist stalls thrown in for good measure.

Whether you actually need to buy anything or not, you should visit here for a half hour or so as part of your Heraklion sightseeing itinerary.

Located 1866 Street, between the Meidani and Kornarou Square, this is a good place to get a feel for the authentic side of Cretan life. You'll also see why the food in Crete tastes so good!

7. Venetian Loggia

This impressive building has it's origins from the time of the Venetians. Today, the Venetian Loggia is the Heraklion Town Hall and can be found on St. Titus Square.

venetian loggia heraklion

Whilst it's certainly a stand out piece of architecture, it's likely to be just a quick photo stop as you walk around Heraklion town.

8. Agios Titos Church

Just around the corner from the Loggia, is one of the most impressive churches on Crete. The church is dedicated to Agios Titos (Saint Titus), a disciple of Apostle Paul and first Bishop of Crete.

It has been rebuilt and repaired many times over the centuries since it was first constructed in the 10th century.

Church of Agios Titos in heraklion

If it's open when you are walking around the top attractions of Heraklion, pop inside to take a look at the chandeliers and interior. If not, sit back and enjoy the view of it from one of the surrounding cafes with a coffee !

9. Take a food tour in Heraklion

Another way to get a good idea of what Heraklion is about, and to try some local foods at the same time, is to take a walking food tasting tour .

Trying the food in Heraklion, Crete

Even if you don't take a food tour, at least make sure you sample some of the local delicacies on offer in Heraklion! There's lots of great places to eat.

Dave's Heraklion Eating Tip: Check out Google maps for the most recent reviews of each place to eat in Heraklion center!

10. Natural History Museum of Crete

While there's obviouslt lots of things to see and do in Heraklion Old Town, just outside there are also some worthwhile attractions to visit. One of those is the Natural History Museum of Crete, which I visited the last time I was in Heraklion in October 2023.

If you're taking a vacation with kids, this might be a nice place to visit for a few hours. Even if you're not with kids, I'm sure you'll love it. What's not to like about dinosaurs!

A dinosaur outside the Natural History Museum of Crete in Heraklion

Visit the Natural History Museum of Crete to explore some of the ecosystems unique to Crete and see animals that thrive in this climate. There's also an earthquake simulator inside the museum!

11. Historical Museum of Crete

As we've seen, when it comes to things to do in Heraklion, there's nor shortage of museums to visit! The Crete Historical Museum is another one to add to you itinerary.

This one is housed in an impressive building which is inspired by neoclassical architecture and built in the early 1900s. The historical museum of Crete contains exhibitions which detail the extensive history of the island from the early Christian times of the Byzantine era through to Ottoman rule and beyond.

You can find it around a 10 minute walk away from the Old Harbor, and it's close by to the Natural History Museum.

12. Check out the beaches in Heraklion

I've seen many guides on things to do in Heraklion feature beaches such as Matala and Malia. I'm really not sure why, as Matala is over an hour away by car! There are, however, closer beaches to Heraklion itself.

The best beaches near Heraklion include Ammoudara beach which is just 5 km away from Heraklion, and Palaiokastro beach 8 kms away. The latter is a good choice for families, as it's sheltered from northern winds and there are no beach bars pumping out loud music.

13. Day Trips from Heraklion

Some of the best things to do in Heraklion can be, well, a little outside the city itself. It's a good place from which to take day trips to other parts of the island.

Popular day trip tours that will help you experience the real Crete include:

Day Tour of Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda & Plaka

Crete: Land Rover Safari on Minoan Route

From Heraklion: Afternoon Sailing Trip to Dia Island

From Heraklion: Full-Day Gramvousa and Balos Tour

From Heraklion: Chania, Lake Kournas and Rethymno Tour

Samaria Gorge: Day Trip from Agia Pelagia, Heraklion & Malia

Crete: Day Tour to the Island of Chrissi from Heraklion

From Heraklion: Day Excursion to Elafonisi

Where to stay in Heraklion

There are a number of Heraklion hotels to choose from in the city center and surrounding area. Choice include luxury hotels, budget hotels, and everything in between!

Some of the most popular include:

Atrion Hotel Heraklion – Elegant accommodation positioned near the promenade, and just a short walk from Heraklion centre. Recommended for its great location. For more details, check here – Atrion Hotel Heraklion

Kastro Hotel Heraklion – Another hotel that is recommended for its excellent location and facilities, guests comment happily on the friendly staff and lovely breakfast. For more details, check here – Kastro Hotel Heraklion

Olympic Hotel Heraklion – Offering good value for money, the Olympic Hotel is located in the heart of the city at Kornarou Square. For more details, check here – Olympic Hotel Heraklion

El Greco Hotel Heraklion – With 90 rooms, this hotel is clean, functional, and good value for money. For more details, check here – El Greco Hotel Heraklion

Castello Hotel Heraklion – With open plan family rooms, the Castello could be a good choice for families looking for hotels in Heraklion. For more details, check here – Castello Hotel Heraklion

Atlantis Hotel Heraklion – The Aquila Atlantis Hotel is a lovely 5 star hotel in Heraklion, with a pool that has views our over the harbour. Ready to treat yourself? For more details, check here – Atlantis Hotel Heraklion

Irini Hotel Heraklion – Modern rooms, friendly staff, and a supermarket over the road make the Irini a good choice for couples. For more details, check here – Irini Hotel Heraklion

Astoria Hotel Heraklion – Located next to the archaeological museum in Heraklion, the Capsis Astoria is one of the most well known hotels in the city, and has a lovely rooftop pool. For more details, check here – Astoria Hotel Heraklion

FAQ About Things to do in Heraklion

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions visitors have when planning things to do in Heraklion.

Is Heraklion worth visiting?

There are plenty of things to do in Heraklion, and so the city is definitely worth visiting. With the famous site of Knossos close by, museums, art exhibitions, and lots of places to eat, Heraklion is a good place to stay and then explore more of the surrounding area.

Which is better Chania or Heraklion?

Chania is often thought to be the prettier town of the two, but undoubtedly Heraklion has more things to see, especially with top attractions such as the Palace of Knossos.

What is there to do in Heraklion at night?

Dine out at one of the many bars and restaurants, have cocktails with friends, visit a nightclub to dance the night away or catch live music. Whatever your interests are there are plenty of activities for you to enjoy.

Is there a beach in Heraklion?

Despite what you might read, Heraklion has no beach itself due to the various structures, walls and fortifications. You can find beaches to the east and west of the city.

More Crete Travel Guides

You may find the following travel guides about Crete useful in your trip planning.

  • Day Trips from Heraklion
  • How to get from Chania to Heraklion
  • How to get from Crete to Santorini
  • Heraklion ferry port to Heraklion airport

Would you like even more travel information about Greece? Sign up for my free Greece travel guides below.

The Best Things To Do In Heraklion

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Visit Heraklion: Top 13 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in heraklion: the 13 best places to visit and highlights.

You want to visit Heraklion , the capital of Crete , and you’re looking for the best things to do ?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this guide of the 13 best places to visit in Heraklion , with all points of interest and must-see attractions.

In addition to this list of things to do and activities, I will also give you itineraries to visit Heraklion (and its surroundings!) in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days as well as my selection of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

And as always, this travel guide contains all my best tips to make the most of your stay.

So, what to do in Heraklion? Where to stay?

1. The archaeological museum of Heraklion

2. the palace of knossos, 3. koules fortress, 4. the old town of heraklion, 5. churches to see in heraklion, 6. the historical museum of crete, 7. natural history museum of crete, 8. beaches in heraklion, 9. the best activities to do in heraklion, 10. heraklion wine region, 11. excursion to the lagoon of balos from heraklion, 12. visiting santorini from heraklion, 13. the 7 best day trips from heraklion, how many days to visit heraklion, visit heraklion in 1 day, visit heraklion and its surroundings in 2 days, visit heraklion in 3 days, visit heraklion in 4 or 5 days or a week, where to stay in heraklion, where to eat in heraklion, rent a car in heraklion, renting a boat in heraklion, tourist map of heraklion, you’re traveling to crete these articles will help you, visit heraklion: 13 must-see attractions.

The archaeological museum is the main attraction of Heraklion and certainly the most interesting museum to visit during your trip to Crete .

It has a magnificent collection which gives you a very precise idea of the history of Crete lasting over 5500 years , from the Neolithic to the Roman period. But its fame is mainly derived from the many objects from the Minoan civilisation.

Completely renovated, the museum is modern and I really liked the chronological organisation of the 27 rooms as well as the explanatory panels translated into English (quite rare in Greece …).

Among the most famous objects to see at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, the many artefacts from the Palace of Knossos (see below):

  • The statuettes of the snake goddesses
  • The Bull’s head rhyton with golden horns, a kind of vase used during religious ceremonies
  • The frescoes: the “Prince of Lillies”, the “Parisian” or the Dolphin fresco.

To visit the archaeological museum of Heraklion, you need a priority access ticket if you don’t want to wait for hours.

You can buy it easily by clicking on the green button below:

If you have also planned to visit the Palace of Knossos (another unmissable spot in Heraklion that I mention below) in addition to the museum, the best option is to go for a combined ticket.

The ticket also includes an audio guide (in English) to download on your smartphone before the visits.

You can buy it directly by clicking on the button below:

Musée archéologique d’Héraklion

As I told you, the Palace of Knossos is the other unmissable tourist spot in Heraklion.

If you are an archaeology and history buff, you should include it into your tour in Crete.

The Knossos ruins were first uncovered in 1878 , but it was not until 20 years later , under the leadership of Sir Arthur Evans, an archaeologist, that the archaeological excavations really began.

The latter, who put the majority of his savings and 35 years of his life in this endeavour, was thus responsible for the discovery of Minoan civilisation (which he chose to name in reference to King Minos , a legendary figure in Crete).

In its heyday, the palatial complex contained the private residences of the king and queen , as well as several residences reserved for officials and priests.

There were also thermal baths , warehouses where large jars containing oil, wine, and cereals were stored, grain silos, workshops and a theatre.

There are no two ways about it, there isn’t much left of the buildings today, but one of the main features to see during your visit to Knossos is :

  • The bull’s head fresco and its red and black columns that can be found in all the photos representing the Minoan palace
  • The fresco room where copies of the original frescoes are kept, you can admire the originals at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
  • The throne room where, according to Sir Evans, King Minos used to sit (in reality it would have been a room where religious rituals took place)
  • The megaron of the queen where the famous Dolphin fresco is located
  • The Prince of Lillies fresco (Southern end of the central courtyard)
  • The giant Pithoi: the huge jars used for storing food and wine.

All the practical information can be found in my dedicated article: Visit the Palace of Knossos.

The visit to the Palace of Knossos really goes hand-in-hand with the archaeological museum, so you must to buy a combined ticket to visit both sites (excellent idea for 1 day).

Here’s where you can book it:

If you only want to visit the Minoan palace of Knossos , you can book one of the tickets below (by clicking on the orange link):

  • Priority access ticket with a digital tablet that shows the relics in the palace in 3D + English audioguide
  • Priority access ticket with a audio guide that can be downloaded on your phone
  • Guided tour of the Palace of Knossos in English – Small group of 8 people maximum
  • Private tour with a guide in English, German or Italian (no French options at the moment).

Palais de Cnossos

Among the things to see in Heraklion , you must visit the fortress of Koules.

Located at the entrance of Heraklion harbour, it was built by the Venetians in the 16th century . Recently renovated, you can visit the interior and see the exhibition dedicated to the history of the city and the monument.

At the moment there is also a temporary exhibit on the discovery of several wrecks and a French ship “La Thérèse” by Captain Cousteau off Heraklion. Unfortunately, the explanatory panels are only in Greek, which is a shame.

You can then climb the ramparts and enjoy the view of the port and the city.

The entrance fee is €4.

Where to park in Heraklion?

Since part of the historical centre is reserved for pedestrians or residents’ vehicles, you must leave your vehicle behind before going there.

You will find several car parks (covered or open-air) in the small streets around the historical museum of Crete just before arriving at the fortress.

Heraklion

The old town is the best place to walk in Heraklion.

From the fortress, you must take the main street, “25 Avgoustou” which crosses the old town and explore the small alleys in the surrounding area.

All lined with shops and nice restaurants with shaded terraces, you’ll feel like wandering around and stopping for a drink or sampling local specialities.

Things to see in the old town of Heraklion:

  • Agiou Titou Square, where the Basilica of Agios Titos is located
  • The Venetian loggia, a beautiful 17th century building where the nobles met to discuss economic life. It is now home to Heraklion Town Hall.
  • Saint Mark ‘s Basilica (see below)
  • The Morosini Lions Fountain, named after the governor of Crete who commissioned it in 1628. It is located on Plateia Venizelou, one of the most lively spots in Heraklion.
  • Rue 1866 and its many shops, which will leads to the Bembo fountain, the first fountain built in Heraklion.

When visiting Heraklion, everything can be covered on foot. You won’t have much choice here, as access to the old town is reserved for pedestrians.

But if you can’t walk too long, you can also take the hop-on hop-off bus that makes a circuit around the historical centre.

There are stops at the fortress, the archaeological museum and the bus even goes up to the Palace of Knossos , which can be really practical if you don’t have a car.

To book your Hop On Hop Off bus tour in Heraklion, just click on the green button below:

Agios Titos church Heraklion

During your stay in Heraklion , you can admire several religious buildings:

  • Church of Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul: built in the 13th century under the Venetian rule, it is located on the seafront, not far from the Venetian port and the fortress. You can admire it from the outside as it is rarely open to the public.
  • The Basilica of Agios Titos that I mentioned earlier in the section on the historical centre of Heraklion. This pretty cathedral was originally a Byzantine sanctuary. The site was later converted into a Catholic church before becoming an Ottoman-dominated mosque and then an Orthodox church. Inside, you can see pretty woodwork and beautiful icons. Free entry.
  • The Agios Minas Cathedral: Built in the 19th century, it is now one of the largest in all of Greece. The dome with its ceiling adorned with frescoes is really worth a look. Free entry.
  • The Basilica of Agios Markos, dedicated to the patron saint of Venice , built in the 13th century. Today, it houses the municipal art gallery where works by Cretan, Greek and foreign artists are exhibited. Free entry.

You’re going to Heraklion?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Heraklion on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Heraklion.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Heraklion, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Heraklion!

Agios Minas Cathedral Heraklion

You must take the opportunity during your trip to Heraklion to visit the historical museum of Crete.

This museum is comprehensive and very well thought out, and will take you on a journey through the history of Crete for over 1700 years.

Using interactive terminals and an audio guide available in English , you can browse the various rooms with a collection of objects dating from the Byzantine period to the Second World War.

Among the master pieces, you will find 2 Greek-style paintings , an impressive model of Heraklion and numerous Venetian jewels.

Entrance ticket price: € 5 Note that the museum is closed on Sundays.

It’s an excellent place to visit in Heraklion if it’s raining!

Musée historique de Crète

This touristic guide of Heraklion continues with another museum to visit: the Natural History Museum of Crete.

Located on the seafront and not far from the historical museum, here you can discover the fauna and flora of the island.

In fact, if you are interested in this subject and you have also planned to visit Chania during your itinerary in Crete , you must visit the botanical garden of Crete.

I have discussed this in more detail in my article here: What are the best things to do in Chania?

Coming back to the museum, it was completely renovated this year and features numerous reconstructions of the Mediterranean ecosystem, a vivarium and a space reserved for the fossils discovered in Crete.

Make sure to see the life-size model of the Deinotherium , a gigantic mammal that lived on the island 9 million years ago!

Part of the museum is also dedicated to the study of earthquakes.

Musée d'histoire naturelle de Crète

Do you want to take some time to refresh yourself on your visit to Heraklion?

I’ll get this out of the way, you won’t be able to enjoy the most beautiful beaches in Crete in Heraklion.

The closest beach to Heraklion is Karteros beach , which runs parallel to Amnissos beach , but they are just next to the airport and are therefore not very quiet.

You can also go to Ammoudara beach , 4 km away from the historical centre. It is the best known beach for swimming in Heraklion but it is often windy.

If you’re looking for better beaches, you must go to Agia Pelagia , about twenty km from Heraklion.

Plage d'Agia Pelagia

Here is a list of the best activities to do during your holidays in Heraklion, during your road trip in Crete . To make it easier for you, I have classified them into 2 categories.

We’ll start with the water/sea activities (click on the orange links to reserve):

  • My favourite activity to do in Heraklion is a superb boat trip to the island of Dia . You will have the chance to go snorkelling in a beautiful spot and spend a great day.

I would particularly recommend this cruise because it accommodates only a small group of up to 10 people and also includes a good meal.

However, it is important to book in advance using the green button below, as the 10 seats fill-up quickly and there is only one cruise per day:

  • Boat trip with barbecue lunch included and bathing stops – A little different from the previous trip, since you will be travelling along the coast of Heraklion.
  • First scuba diving experience with an English- speaking instructor – The team is really very nice and will help build your confidence.
  • Jet ski rental on Ammoudara beach
  • Parasailing – Still at Ammoudara beach
  • Snorkelling trip with an English -speaking instructor – The best way to discover the island’s underwater fauna!
  • Diving session for experienced divers with Open Water or Advanced Open Water options. On the agenda: the magnificent El Greco cave or the wreck of the Messerschmitt, a German fighter from the Second World War.
  • Diving course lasting over several days to get your Padi Open Water certification
  • Night diving or diving at the wreck of the Byron (a huge cargo ship) for certified divers – English speaking instructor.

Here is my selection of other activities to do in and around Heraklion:

  • Quad bike tour with an English-speaking guide – Half day (1 outing in the morning or afternoon) – An excellent off-beat route! This is our favourite among the Travel Tips!
  • Quad bike – Same as the one above but without an English-speaking instructor. Starting in the morning, afternoon or at sunset.
  • Canyoning down in the Kalami Gorge with 11 rappelling descents – And with an English-speaking instructor, which is the cherry on the cake!
  • Horseback riding in the Cretan  mountains + Lunch with all family farm products included – Also available without lunch  by clicking here.
  • Guided tour of Heraklion on electric bike followed by an excellent mezze tasting – Duration: 2 hours
  • Cretan  cooking classes to learn how to make the famous tzatziki, stuffed vine leaves and other specialities of the island
  • Typical Cretan and Greek dance classes – Duration: 2 hours

What are the things to do in Heraklion with children?

If you have decided to visit Heraklion with your family , you must take your children to:

  • CRETAquarium (ticket available for purchase here!) , to admire the fish of the Mediterranean.
  • Acqua Plus water park (ticket available here!) – Toboggan rides, lazy river, swimming pool, and more than 50 attractions for the whole family to spend a great day!
  • Watercity Waterpark – Another water park located near Heraklion that also offers plenty of slides, rafting, a wave pool…
  • Dinosauria Park with its life-size reproductions of moving dinosaurs. In addition to the ticket price, you will also have access to the planetarium and a 5D film.

quad bike tour Crete

What are the things to do around Heraklion?

You now know the things to do in Heraklion! It is time to continue your holiday in Crete by exploring the surroundings.

I have prepared my selection of the best things to do in the vicinity of Heraklion.

Most of the wines produced in Crete come from the South of Heraklion .

All around Heraklion , you will find about twenty wineries , some offering wine tastings .

Some of the best-known ones are:

  • The Lyrarakis estate that has received many awards for its white grape varieties. Tastings start from €10. You can book these on the official website.
  • Diamantakis is one of the few estates to produce the red wine “Petali Liatiko”. Tastings are available by reservation only from Mondays to Fridays, closed on weekends.
  • The Gavalas estate, Crete’s largest organic wine estate. Open Monday to Friday. Book here.

If you don’t want bother with the reservations or if you don’t have a car , you should opt for an organised trip to visit the estates.

And what’s great is that you will also have an English -speaking guide to accompany you all day long.

The best wine tour includes:

  • Pick up and drop off at your hotel
  • Visit to an olive oil production estate + tasting
  • Visit to a wine estate + tasting of 5 different wines
  • Lunch with Cretan specialties included.

Book your guided visit to Heraklion wine region by clicking on the green button below:

And if you want to go on a little more upscale trip, you can also choose to participate in a tasting of 15 different wines with a visit to 2 estates.

Guests can also enjoy an excellent gourmet lunch in one of the best restaurants in the area.

Click here to book!

Région viticole d'Héraklion

The lagoon of Balos is one of the most beautiful places to see in Crete.

It’s not really close to Heraklion but if you are planning to stay only in this part of Crete and not in Chania (much closer to Balos), it would be a shame not to not visit this place.

From, Heraklion you shouldn’t go by car because it takes too long.

The best option is to choose an organised trip. The bus will pick you up early in the morning from your hotel and will take you to Kissamos where you will embark on a magnificent cruise.

The boat will drop you off at the island of Gramvoussa where you can swim and then return to the lagoon of Balos where you will then have the rest of the day to enjoy.

Book your trip to the Lagoon of Balos from Heraklion by clicking on the button below:

To learn more about Balos , you should read my dedicated article: Visit Balos Beach.

Lagon de Balos

As with Balos, Santorini is not really near Heraklion.

And yet, from the port of Heraklion , you can go in a high-speed boat and find yourself in Santorini, in the Cyclades , in just 2 hours and 30 minutes!

Once in Santorini, a bus will take you around the island , with an English-speaking guide. A visit to the 2 most famous and picturesque villages of the island is on the agenda: Oia and Fira.

You will have about 90 minutes minutes in the first village and 2 hours and 45 minutes in the second, which gives you ample time to click beautiful pictures of the white and blue houses.

The bus will then take you back to the port to take the ferry back to Heraklion.

Book your trip to Santorini from Heraklion now by clicking on the green button below:

Santorini

To visit Heraklion and its surroundings , if you haven’t rented a car, you will have to go on an organised trip with transport included because public transport is not very developed here, apart from the main cities.

Here is my selection of the best trips to take from Heraklion.

For more details about the prices and reservations , just click on the orange links:

  • Hiking in the Samaria Gorge, an unmissable hiking experience. Round-trip transport + English guide. All the information is in my dedicated article:  Visit the Samaria Gorge.
  • Cruise to the famous island of Spinalonga + stop for a swim on the splendid beach of Kolokitha + discover the seaside resorts of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos – If there are no seats available, you can also book here!
  • From Heraklion – Day on the pink sand beach of Elafonissi , one of the most famous beaches on the island. To find out more, read my article: Visit Elafonissi.
  • One-day Land Rover Safari across the Lassithi Plateau with an English-speaking guide
  • Jeep safari to Preveli beach, among the best of the most beautiful beaches to go to Crete – Lunch included in a traditional tavern – English-speaking guide
  • A trip to the small island of Chrissi , renowned for its crystal clear waters and white sand beaches.  Also available here if the other trip is already full.
  • Visit to Chania, Lake Kournas and Rethymnon – The best way to see 2 of Crete’s most beautiful cities in one day!

Spinalonga

To visit the city of Heraklion itself and discover the main places of interest, it won’t take you more than a day.

But if you want to visit Heraklion and its surroundings, add a few activities, day trips, and you have plenty to keep you busy for a whole week.

I’ll give you an idea of the itinerary.

Are you planning to spend a day in Heraklion? It’s enough to visit the city and see the main places in my top things to see list.

Here is an example of a walking tour of Heraklion in one day:

  • Visit to the historical museum of Crete
  • Visit Saint Peter and Saint Paul church
  • Explore the Koules fortress
  • A walk through the old town of Heraklion, up Rue 25 Avgostou
  • Visit to the archaeological museum of Heraklion
  • Explore the Agios Minas Cathedral
  • (Optional visit to the Natural History Museum of Crete )
  • Take your car or the bus back to reach the Palace of Knossos .

You can also start by visiting the Palace of Knossos in the early morning and resume your itinerary from the historical museum of Crete to spend the rest of the day in Heraklion.

For 2 days in Heraklion , you can continue from the schedule of the first day and add the following for the second day:

  • Road trip or organised trip to the wine region of Heraklion with wine tastings
  • Relaxation at Ammoudara beach where you can rent a jet ski or parasail

If you are not too interested in the wine estates, you can also choose another activity. Here are my recommendations:

  • The cruise in a small group to the island of Dia
  • Boat trip with swimming stops and barbecue lunch
  • First scuba diving experience with an English- speaking instructor – Excellent safety conditions, so you can have good time and the team is super friendly
  • A quad bike tour to drive on the tracks and discover places off the beaten track – Another benefit: your instructor speaks English!

If you have 3 days in Heraklion , in addition to the previous 2 days, you must go on a trip to Balos .

Believe me, you won’t regret getting up early to see this heavenly place!

If you are staying for 4 days or even plan to spend 5 or 6 days or a week in Heraklion , you can choose any of the trips.

My top 3 are:

  • Hiking in the Samaria Gorge
  • Cruise to the famous island of Spinalonga
  • From Heraklion – Day on the pink sand beach of Elafonissi

To organise your week-long tour from Heraklion , you must read my article: 7-day itinerary in Crete.

  • Intra Muros Hostel: Hostel located a 5-minute walk from the old town. Dormitory bed from 21€. Strong points: comfortable, warm welcome, cleanliness, roof terrace. The best choice for cheap accommodation in Heraklion!
  • Kronos Hotel: Located just next to Heraklion fortress. Double room with impeccable cleanliness and balcony (some with a sea view) from 65€, breakfast included. Strong points: the location is perfect for visiting Heraklion, good breakfast and friendly staff.
  • Atrion Hotel: Located in the historical centre. Comfortable and warm double room with balcony from 85€, breakfast included. Strong points: excellent location and excellent breakfast. It’s my favorite hotel for its excellent value for money in Heraklion!
  • DOM Boutique Hotel: Located in the heart of the old town. Modern, spacious and elegantly decorated double room from 110€, breakfast included. Strong points: excellent breakfast, attentive staff, setting, very good bedding. This is my recommendation for an upscale stay in Heraklion!
  • GDM Megaron: This 5-star hotel is also located in the centre of Heraklion, not far from the Venetian port. The hotel offers beautiful rooms with a balcony from 190€, breakfast included. Strong points: rooftop swimming pool, wellness area, exceptional breakfast, great staff. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Heraklion!

GDM Megaron - Hotel de luxe à Héraklion

  • Peskesi: Located in the historical centre of Heraklion, on rue Kapetan Haralampi. The restaurant serves delicious Cretan dishes with an original twist. The food is fresh, hearty, reasonably priced and everything is served in a very pleasant and warm setting. We loved it!
  • Merastri: Located on Chrisostomou street, away from the old town. Very typical dishes in ample quantities, superb setting, warm welcome, dessert and liqueuer offered, excellent value for money, I highly recommend it! It’s best to reserve a table for this restaurant in Heraklion!
  • Plani: Located in the old town, rue Ariadnis. Here too, you will have the opportunity to taste delicious Cretan specialities in a small and very charming inner courtyard. The cheap prices and extremely friendly staff are the highlights.

If you are interested in local specialities, this guided tour should also please you.

Your guide will take you to small stalls and the Heraklion market where you can have coffee, olives, cheeses, pastries and wines.

How to get to Heraklion

To get to Heraklion, the best is to take a flight.

Heraklion Airport is just a 10-minute drive from the city centre.

As always, you should book your plane tickets as early as possible to get the best prices. You have to know that the flight prices to Corsica can vary a lot throughout the year!

So to check the rates and schedules, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner:

Heraklion can also be reached by ferries from the port of Piraeus in Athens . It’s 8h30 to 9h30 journey.

You can also get to Heraklion from many Greek islands of the Cyclades archipelago: Santorini, Naxos , Paros , Mykonos, Tinos .

And lastly, there is a boat that allow you to get to Heraklion from the island of Rhodes .

To check prices and schedules of ferries to Crete, simply click on the button below:

Heraklion can be mostly explored on foot.

But if you want to make the most of your stay and go on a small road trip in Crete and have complete independence when exploring the most beautiful places around Heraklion, renting a car will be absolutely essential.

To compare the car rental prices in Heraklion easily and quickly, you must use Rentalcars.com .

The site is really very convenient because you can directly compare the rates of the different international (Hertz, Europcar) or local rental companies present at the airport.

Click on the button below to compare car rental rates for your trip to Heraklion:

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your stay in Crete, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Crete? 😊

To help you visualise the city a bit better, I have created this tourist map of Heraklion , with all the best places to visit and things to do in Heraklion and its surroundings.

You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button, the one with a small arrow on it.

So what have you planned to in Heraklion?

Discover all my articles about Crete : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Crete are listed there.

  • 27 Best things to do in Crete : All the best places to visit and activities
  • Itinerary: 4-5 days in Crete – Itinerary to prepare a short stay in East or West Crete
  • Itinerary: One week in Crete – The perfect itinerary to visit Western Crete
  • Itinerary : 7 days in Crete – The best itinerary to visit East Crete in 1 week
  • Itinerary: 10 days in Crete – How to visit Crete in 10 days
  • Itinerary: 2 weeks in Crete – The perfect itinerary for 14-15 days in Crete
  • Road trip to Crete: The best itineraries for 5, 7, 10 and 15 days
  • Chania : The 15 best places to discover
  • Heraklion : TOP 13 places to visit
  • Rethymnon: The 13 best things to do
  • Balos Beach : All my best tips to visit Balos Lagoon!
  • Elafonissi Beach : The definitive guide to discover Crete’s famous pink sand beach
  • Palace of Knossos: The definitive guide to visit the most famous archaeological site of Crete
  • Samaria Gorge : How to plan the best hike in Crete
  • Where to stay in Crete? The guide to the best hotels, ordered by city and budget

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Best places to visit in Heraklion

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Ultimate Guide to Things to do in Heraklion Crete [2023]

Heraklion is the capital city of Crete, the biggest of Greece’s many islands and personally I think one of the best in Greece. I have been to Crete twice already and I love returning each time, so I;ve pulled together my favourite things to do in Heraklion, in addition to my previous guide to Ag Nik!  Visiting Crete in general is recommended for the bucket list of any travel lover, but Heraklion in particular is an interesting metropolis, boasting culture, history, and really delicious food, all rolled into one. Still not convinced that this stunning port city, with enough history to keep you busy for a good few weeks, is for you? 

Heraklion, also known as Iraklio, is a port city and the capital of the Greek island of Crete. It’s known for the Palace of Knossos, just outside the city. The huge archaeological site dates back thousands of years to the Minoan civilization, and includes frescoes and baths. Guarding the city’s Venetian port is the 16th-century Koules fortress. Heraklion Archaeological Museum has a large collection of Minoan art.  I’ve put together a list of seven things to do in Heraklion, and why you should book those flights, and head to this wonderful city ASAP. And make sure you check out my posts from my previous trip to this magical island at the bottom of the post…..

  • Koules Fortress
  • Agios Minas Cathedral
  • The Old Venetian Harbour
  • Museum of Visual Arts
  • Morosini Lions Fountain
  • Wineries and vineyards

Here is my ultimate guide to things to do in Heraklion….

Things to do in Heraklion

HOW TO GET TO  HERAKLION

Heraklion airport is home to plenty of incoming and outgoing direct UK flights via Viking Airlines. You can also fly indirect from the UK with Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Lufthansa and Athens Airways. Plus Delta, Cyprus Airways, Brussels Airlines and Belleair. There’s direct flights to Heraklion from Bristol, Gatwick and Manchester airports.

There are direct cheap flights to Heraklion from a range of UK airports, including:

  • London to Heraklion – 3 hours 45 minutes
  • Manchester to Heraklion – 4 hours 5 minutes
  • Birmingham to Heraklion – 4 hours
  • Glasgow to Heraklion – 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Edinburgh to Heraklion – 4 hours 25 minutes

WHEN TO GO TO  HERAKLION

The best and warmest weather is between May and October, with the months of June, July and August being the real high season. Flights and accommodation are more expensive at this time and crowds for major attractions can get fairly large. Towards the end of summer, from September onwards, things start to calm down a little and the weather can still be warm enough for a sea swim until late October. This is also a great time to find cheap flights to Heraklion.

Things to do in Heraklion

WHERE TO STAY IN HERAKLION

The best places to stay in Heraklion are ideal for exploring many of the island’s highlights and have easy access to a good selection of beaches.

Out of the Blue Capsis Elite – Opulent resort of five hotels in one on a private peninsula. Highly discreet, with striking designs, each hotel different. Plenty of suites and private villas with pools. Seven restaurants. The resort is popular with wealthy Russians and others.

Candia Suites – This stylish hotel offers accommodation in the centre of Heraklion. The bright, individually dressed suites have modern amenities, comfy soft furnishings and pretty balconies. In-room dining is available, or relax on the hotel’s roof terrace. Great for families or couples exploring the old town.

LATO HOTEL – One of the town’s more modern designer hotels. Contemporary lines and trendy minimalist living areas. Spacious rooms and suites with balconies and sea views. Three good restaurants, gym, spa and meeting rooms. A modern choice.

If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa I’d recommend visiting booking.com .

Things to do in Heraklion

THINGS TO DO IN HERAKLION

Knossos is one of the main reasons that people visit Heraklion, and it is a site with immense historical value just outside the city (so look into car rental Heraklion if you’re heading here). Often noted as Europe’s oldest city, this archeological site dates back to the Bronze Age (which is around 3000 – 1200 BC for those who aren’t too history savvy). The ruins are a labyrinth of culture, but are well-known for being the apparent home of half-man, half-bull Minotaur , who attacked his victims within this maze, which was designed so that they could never escape. In 2019, it’s unlikely that you’ll suffer the same fate, so take a visit to Knossos if you can.

If you’re looking to take in as much history as possible, Koules Fortress is a good shout. This 16th century Venetian fortress will take you back in time as you look around all of the different rooms, which were used as prisons cells, food stores, and hideaways for ammunition. Nowadays, you can just enjoy reading a little bit about the fortress, and you also get to see the beautiful views from the top, which is ideal if you’re looking to see the city from a different perspective. Another bonus of this place is that it’s good for those travellers on a budget , at €1 per person to take a look around.

Let’s be honest, are there any travel lovers out there who don’t like to take a visit to a cathedral every once in a while? If you’re a fan of all things architecture and you want to see what Crete has to offer, then you won’t be disappointed with the Agios Minas Cathedral . If you think the outside is impressive, then wait until you see the stunning and colourful interior, lined with impressive chandeliers. This is the largest church that you’ll find throughout the whole of Crete, so adding it to your list is an absolute must if you’re looking for some culture. Take it from us: you should definitely not forget to look up when you get inside.

If you’re visiting Heraklion, the Old Venetian Harbour is a must, even if you’re only having a slow walk around to appreciate the scenery. The port is still in use by the local fishermen and those who own – and dock – boats nearby, but it was first established around the 9th or 10th century, and has a history that is as extensive as that of Heraklion itself. If you’re around this area, try to get a bite to eat somewhere near the harbour, and enjoy people watching, as many Cretans – not to be confused with cretins , which could be awkward – like to stroll around the harbour.

Another place to soak up some Heraklion culture is the Museum of Visual Arts, and this one focuses upon the modern wonders of Crete, rather than the old ones. This museum calls a former Basilica its home (which is pretty cool in itself) and prides itself on promoting the work of Cretan artists, as well as hosting lectures and seminars on the important artistic ideas throughout the island. This is certainly one of the venues that brings the city back into the 21st century, so add this to your list if you’re looking for a break from all of the extensive history that Heraklion has to offer.

We know, right? Another piece of 16th century history leaving us all wondering, ‘when is Heraklion going to give it a break with all of this amazing cultural importance that it keeps putting on show?’ Although the Morosini Lions Fountain is not really significant enough to make a whole trip out of, try and go via the fountain when you’re having a wander around, as it is worth seeing. Lions Square, where the fountain is based, is one of the busiest parts of Heraklion, so you’ll probably find yourself here at some point anyway, taking in the hustle and bustle of the city.

Crete is home to a whole host of wineries and vineyards, and Heraklion is no exception. Whilst this can be one of the more expensive ways to spend your time in the city, learning about the history of Crete’s wine production is certainly interesting for even the most seasoned traveller. You may have to rent a car, as is the case with Knossos, but venturing out of the city to these places if you have more time will be a worthwhile endeavour. Many of these wineries are also home to some tasty Greek restaurants, so make sure that you grab some food here whilst you’re around (oh, and a bottle of wine, of course).

If you’re considering a trip to Heraklion, then going to these 7 places is certainly worthwhile, and will make your trip a memorable one. Of course, there are many more appealing factors to this beautiful city, from the delicious food, to the many bustling streets of shops and bars, but these are some of the main excursions that you may want to go on during the day, to make sure that you get in a bit of Heraklion culture. Enjoy your trip to Crete (and its restaurants and vineyards) and Heraklion in particular, which is arguably one of the most interesting cities in Europe.

Things to do in Heraklion

Other posts that may help you:

The Ultimate Guide to Agios Nikolaos

HOTEL: Daios Cove Luxury Resort, Crete

REVIEW: Skiathos Princess Hotel, Greece

10 Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations to visit in 2019

Thank you for reading and as always happy adventuring! 

If you’ve enjoyed this post, please share it for me with all your friends and family!

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heraklion city tourist guide

Heraklion, Crete: City Guide & Top things to do

heraklion city tourist guide

Key Takeaways

  • Heraklion, the capital of the Greek island of Crete, is a diverse and fascinating destination with a rich history shaped by various civilizations.
  • A one-day itinerary in Heraklion should include a morning walk along 25th August Str. and the Venetian walls, followed by a visit to the famous Palace of Knossos.
  • The Palace of Knossos is the most important archaeological site in Crete and offers insights into the Minoan civilization, Greek mythology, and impressive architectural features.
  • After exploring history, indulge in the vibrant city center of Heraklion, featuring notable landmarks such as Loggia, the Cathedral of Crete, and the Lions Square . Enjoy local cuisine in traditional Cretan taverns and experience the charm of the city.

Heraklion , the capital of the Greek island of Crete, may not be your typical island destination, but it's a worthwhile and fascinating place. One we never hesitate to include in our Greece vacation packages !

Inhabited throughout the years by the Muslims, the Byzantines, the Venetians, and the Ottomans -not to mention the Ancient Minoan civilization - Heraklion is bursting with diverse sites of cultural and historical interest, waiting to be discovered.  

We thought that it might be a great idea to describe the ideal one-day in Heraklion itinerary for those that have limited time when arriving from Athens to Crete  or Santorini to Crete , so here it is:

Start your day with a nice walk and a boost of energy

heraklion city tourist guide

Wake up as early as you can -you're on vacation after all- and kick off your day in the charming city of Heraklion with a walk through 25th August Str., reaching Heraklion’s Venetian walls , where you can enjoy a morning stroll before your breakfast.

Cruising along the Heraklion Walls , you can witness the past and present of Heraklion merge into one, filling the modern city with their old-time beauty, while carrying strong recollections of the memorable past.

You can experience the riches of the Cretan cuisine through a luscious breakfast in 'Think Tank', a trendy coffee shop with mouth-watering breakfast options, or through a local pastry from a traditional Cretan bakery , such as 'Veneris bakery,' which has kept both locals and visitors well-fed since 1967.

Alternatively, If you wish to enjoy a leisurely walk in the historic center and indulge in the local cuisine at the same time, consider taking a Heraklion For Foodies tour , where you’ll have the opportunity to taste some of our favorite Cretan recipes . 

Marvel at the Palace of Knossos

heraklion city tourist guide

Following your breakfast experience, it’s time to delve into the history and culture of Heraklion , which is even richer than Crete’s world-acclaimed gastronomy. The Minoan Knossos palace is located 5 km southeast of the city of Heraklion , built on the hill of Kefalas . It is the most famous archaeological site in Crete and exhibits Crete's history at its best .

It is the most important example of the Minoan civilization , which peaked from approximately 1700 BC until 1450 BC. Knossos Palace was allegedly home to King Minos , the first King of Crete, son of Zeus and Europa. There are a number of well-known Greek myths linked to the palace of Knossos, such as the tale of Minotaur’s maze and the tale of Daedalus and Icarus .

The city of Knossos was inhabited from the Neolithic to about 1350 BC. The resurrection of the palace of Knossos first began with an initiative from Greek art historian and archaeologist Minos Kalokairinos in 1878 and concluded between 1900-1935, when English archaeologist Arthur Evans came to Knossos with his assistants and began the excavations, which lasted for 35 years and uncovered the majestic palace.

The palace of Knossos had multiple levels and covered approximately 20,000 sq. meters. Its aesthetic value lies not only in its impeccable architecture, but also in its building materials, its colorful facade, and, of course, the famous frescoes decorating the rooms.

Knossos palace has also helped modern Greeks understand the extent of the architectural and technological knowledge of the Minoans , with the drainage and water supply network of the building offering examples of construction genius. Keep in mind that the palace of Knossos is 20' from Heraklion’s city center and therefore, you will need transportation to get there. 

To solve this problem and enjoy the stunning archaeological site with the help of an expert guide explaining the history of the area, you can join us on a Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum tour . After all, you can't visit the Palace without visiting Heraklion Archaeological Museum and marveling at its thousand-year-old exhibits.

Enjoy the vibrant city center

heraklion city tourist guide

Having experienced a heavy dose of Cretan history , it is time to spend your evening and night relaxing and exploring the bustling city center of Heraklion . Heraklion is the largest city in Crete and the 4th largest city in Greece.

Due to its size and diversity, it covers all tastes and needs of both visitors and locals alike, with its monuments being the remnants of the first civilization of Europe .

Along the length of Heraklion’s harbor , you will come across the first great monument, Loggia , the impressive building that today houses the City Council and part of the Heraklion City Services .

Loggia, which was the Club of the Duke and the officials of Crete , is considered to be the most elegant Venetian monument, which in 1987 won the first ‘Europa Nostra’ award as the ‘Most Well-Restored and Preserved European Monument of the Year’.

South of Loggia, lies the Cathedral of Crete , the church of St. Mark , built in 1239, which today houses the Municipal Art Gallery of Heraklion . Within a few meters of the church, there is the ornate fountain known as ‘Lions’ with its exceptional sculptural decoration depicting the animal kingdom.

It was built in the 17th century by Francis Morozini to decorate the square and to offer much-needed water to the people of Heraklion.

Southwest of the Lions Square , lies the Medieval Monastery of Saint Catherine , which was the Cretan University of the Middle Ages , and introduced a number of European artists, philosophers, ecclesiastical fathers, poets, and writers to the world.

Today, Saint Catherine houses a rich and great collection of paintings of Cretan Hagiography. After visiting all the important sights of Heraklion’s city center, indulge in local meze and raki in a traditional Cretan tavern .

‘Paradosiako’ and ‘Peninta-Peninta’ are both excellent choices for you to try local dishes following the recipes that have been passed down through generations, made with local ingredients. Your day will come to an end on a high note, having experienced Heraklion to the fullest!

Even if your time is limited to less than a full day, you should not skip a visit to the Venetian port in Heraklion and walk along 25th August Str. This street starts at the port and leads you to the city center.

You’ll need a solid two hours to pace yourself and spend a decent amount of time at each attraction, but most of the major landmarks are along this route, so it’s a good way to take in all the city sites at once.

If, however, you want to experience the city in an effortless, alternative way, you can join us on one of our tours that will give you the opportunity to see the city from a local’s point of view! Taking it a step further, you can even book a specially designed,  tailor-made tour that will suit all your individual needs and desires! 

Below you can find more inspiration and ideas for our favorite things to do in Heraklion :

Visit the Old Venetian Harbor

Go back in time to the period of the Venetian rule with a walk down the harborside, where old Venetian shipyards, ramparts, and the 16th century Koules Fortress still remain. It’s the most scenic walk in town and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the promenade to sit and take in the beautiful view.

To get a real money shot for Instagram, you can climb the roof of the fortress and take a selfie with the striking Cretan sunset in the background.  

Discover the Historical Museum of Crete

heraklion city tourist guide

Located in a restored mansion, the Historical Museum of Crete contains archaeological items spanning 1.700 years of history on the island, from early Christian times to the modern era. Considering the number of empires that ruled Crete throughout time, there is a lot to see. 

Following your tour around the museum's exhibits, don't leave without visiting its tranquil Garden Cafe! Another museum worth visiting is the Natural History Museum. It has been functioning and operating under the framework of the University of Crete since 1980.

Visitors of the Natural History Museum can learn about the natural environment of the eastern Mediterranean area, with special emphasis on Greece and Crete.  

Visit the Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos

heraklion city tourist guide

Crete’s aquarium is considered to be one of the biggest aquariums in Europe , consisting of sixty tanks and 2.000 marine organisms. The most fascinating species of the Mediterranean Sea can be observed and admired here, like sand tiger sharks, flat lobsters, and sea turtles. The aquarium is located in the former American military base in Gournes, about 15 km from the city center, accessible by public bus.

Final Thoughts

Known as the fourth largest city in Greece , Heraklion is a crucial stop along a tour of Greece’s island cities. There’s more to it than meets the eye; all you have to do to discover it is keep your feet in comfortable shoes and your eyes open!

Whether you decide to visit Crete with kids , alone, or as a couple, getting out of your luxury hotels in Heraklion -or even budget hotels- and spending time in Heraklion -even if it is limited to a day or less- is a decision you won’t regret.

Let the history, culture, gastronomy, and old-time charm of Crete’s capital bewitch you, and we promise your first time in Heraklion won’t be your last!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must-visit attractions in heraklion.

Some of the must-visit attractions in Heraklion include the Palace of Knossos, the Venetian port and fortress, the Old Venetian Harbor, the Historical Museum of Crete, and the Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos.

How can I get to Heraklion?

Heraklion has an international airport, Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, which receives direct flights from various European cities. You can also reach Heraklion by ferry from other Greek islands or mainland Greece. Additionally, there are regular bus connections from other cities in Crete.

What is the best time to visit Heraklion?

The best time to visit Heraklion is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are relatively smaller. However, Heraklion can be enjoyed throughout the year due to its mild Mediterranean climate.

Are there any nearby beaches in Heraklion?

Yes, there are several beautiful beaches near Heraklion. Some popular options include Amoudara Beach, Kokkini Hani Beach, and Agia Pelagia Beach. These beaches offer crystal-clear waters and a variety of water sports activities.

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Home » Travel Guides » Greece » 15 Best Things to Do in Heraklion (Greece)

15 Best Things to Do in Heraklion (Greece)

The capital of Crete, Heraklion is a port with a long and compelling story to tell. Over the centuries the city has been controlled by the Byzantines, Moors, Venetians and Ottomans before joining modern Greece in the 20th century.

The Venetians were in charge all through the late Medieval and Renaissance periods, when they built sophisticated, four kilometre defences that would withstand an Ottoman siege for 21 years. Much earlier, Knossos, in the hills to the south, was a centre for the Minoan Civilisation and has been called Greece’s oldest city.

The palace complex at the archaeological site is a maze of ruins, with walls still coated with colourful frescoes thousands of years old. Many Minoan treasures are kept at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the best place in the world to study this civilisation.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Heraklion :

Knossos Palace

At semi-mythical Knossos is a Bronze Age city and palace built by the Minoan civilisation.

The site has been inhabited for around 9,000 years and reached its zenith about 2000 BC when the palace was built.

You may know Knossos from the many Greek mythological figures associated with the city and palace, like King Minos, the Minotaur, and Daedalus and Icarus.

Investigating the labyrinthine ruins of the palace on Kephala Hill, you’ll learn about ancient earthquakes and wars, and see the highly sophisticated architecture furnished with plaster, beams, light wells, drainage and water supply systems.

The Throne Room, Sacred Repositories and Pillar Crypts are outstanding in the west wing, while the east wing held the residential apartments and reception halls.

To the south is the Corridor of Procession and entrance with the Prince of Lilies fresco, while to the north is the beguiling Bull Hunt fresco.

2. Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

There’s no better museum in the world to dip into Minoan history.

Finds from Minoan sites all over Crete have been brought here, and many of the exhibits are masterpieces of ancient art.

One breathtaking example is the iconic and life-sized Prince of the Lilies, from the fresco at the entrance to the Palace of Knossos, composed around 1600-1500 BC. Or there’s the Phaistos Disc from the palace of the same name, a clay disc 15cm in diameter, covered with 241 tokens, the meaning of which is still disputed today.

Other extraordinary works include the Snake Goddess figurines, the bee pendant from Malia, the mesmerising bull’s head rhyton from Knossos and a huge array of decorative weapons, pottery, frescoes, clay figurines and gold jewellery.

Recommended tour :  Archaeological Museum of Heraklion: Guided Walking Tour

3. Historical Museum of Crete

Historical Museum Of Crete

If you want to fill in the gaps and find out what came after the Minoans, this museum has a complete timeline for the island beginning in the 4th century AD. In the galleries are sculptures, frescoes, jewellery, coins, manuscripts, architectural fragments, woven art, cannons, portable religious icons, ceramics and more.

A model measuring 4 x 4 metres also shows how Heraklion looked during Venetian times.

Extra attention is paid to the Battle of Crete from the 20 May to 1 June 1941, in which Axis forces conquered the island, but only after heavy losses.

Another feather in the museum’s cap is that it has the only two paintings by the Crete-born Renaissance master El Greco remaining on the island.

These are the Baptism of Christ and View of Mount Sinai.

4. Venetian Harbour

Venetian Harbour, Heraklion

In a pocket to the west of Heraklion’s new harbour is where the city’s maritime activity happened in Venetian times.

At the mouth of the harbour is the Koules Fortress, which we’ll talk about next.

On dry land, facing the water there are two separate rows of arches, the vestiges of Venetian arsenals or shipbuilding warehouses.

These structures give a small hint of just how sophisticated Venetian maritime activity was in those times.

You can carry on along the mole, past the fortress to look back at the enormous cruise liners in the modern port.

5. Koules Fortress

Koules Fortress, Heraklion

Guarding the Venetian harbour is a square-shaped fort built when the island was under the control of the Republic of Venice in the 16th century.

Koules Fortress went up between 1524 and 1540 and took the place of an earlier fort built after the Venetians first took Heraklion in the 1200s.

It’s no mystery why Koules Fortress has stood the test of time, as it was built to last, and has external walls up to 8.7 metres thick.

The building was involved in the second-longest siege of all time, during the Siege of Candia (Heraklion), when the Ottomans were at the gates for 21 years from 1648 to 1669 before the city finally fell.

The fort’s upper level has a clear view of the harbour, while in the vaulted passageways below are cannons, hundreds of cannonballs, piles of amphorae, information panels and a brief film about the history of the fort.

6. Venetian Walls

Venetian Walls, Heraklion

Heraklion has had a wall of some kind since the First Byanzatine Period beginning in the 4th century.

This was bolstered by the Moors in the 9th and 10th centuries, and again by the Byzantines after they retook the city.

But it was the Venetians, responding to the growing threat from the Ottoman Empire, who went the extra mile.

From 1462 to 1560 they constructed an almost unsurpassable, four-kilometre system of fortifications with four gates and seven bastions, all surrounded by a moat.

Laid out in straight lines, these walls helped keep the Ottomans at bay during that 21-year siege, said to have cost 100,000 Turkish lives: They finally made their breakthrough at the western St Andrew Gate in 1669. You can find this fateful spot, and set off on an adventure over ramparts and through Renaissance arcades and passageways.

7. Agios Minas Cathedral

Agios Minas Cathedral

With room for 8,000 worshippers, the Agios Minas Cathedral is one of the largest in Greece.

It was built across 30 years in the second half of the 19th century, and the project was delayed by the Cretan Revolt against Ottoman rule in 1866-1869. An interesting side note is that construction was partly funded by the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Abdülaziz.

Inside allow a few minutes to appreciate the Byzantine-style frescoes of apostles, bible episodes, and Christ Pantocrator in the crown of the main dome.

Another bold fitting is the iconostasis, made of marble and replacing the wooden original in the 20th century.

8. Venetian Loggia

Venetian Loggia, Heraklion

This 17th-century Mannerist monument on St Titus’ Square is a holdover from Heraklion’s Venetian days.

The loggia was where Heraklion’s nobility would meet to thrash out political and commercial matters.

In Ottoman times the Loggia became the seat of the high finance officer, as well as the secretary general who was responsible for mediating between Heraklion’s Christians and the Turkish authorities.

By the end of the 19th century the Loggia was in a state of disrepair, and wouldn’t be restored until after the Second World War.

Since then the building has been a town hall, hosting the weekly meeting of the Municipal Council.

The Loggia is closed to visitors, but you can look around the arcade on the ground floor.

9. St Catherine of Sinai

St Catherine of Sinai, Heraklion

Next to the cathedral on St Catherine Square is a former monastery church founded in the 10th century.

The surviving church building dates to the 16th century, and at that time it was also a school for science, literature and art.

It is believed that Doménikos Theotokópoulos (El Greco) was one of the pupils.

Another, Michael Damaskinos, is regarded as one of the most accomplished post-Byzantine Cretan painters, and the star of the Cretan School.

He may well have painted the six marvellous icons that form the centrepiece of the museum for Christian art inside the church.

Also on show are paintings, manuscripts, vestments and wooden sculptures.

10. Natural History Museum of Crete

Natural History Museum of Crete, Heraklion

Run by the University of Crete, the Natural History Museum has a remarkable venue in a converted former power plant.

The exhibitions cover the zoology and botany of the eastern Mediterranean region, as well as Crete’s palaeontology, mineralogy and geology.

You can get a sense of Crete’s wildlife and ecosystems in highly detailed “Mega-Dioramas”, and see the island’s fish, insects and reptiles for yourself in the terrariums and aquariums at the “Living Museum”. Crete isn’t a stranger to seismic activity, and was the epicentre of an infamously destructive earthquake in the year 365 AD: At the “Seismic Table” you can experience an earthquake for yourself and get some facts about the science behind them.

11. Agios Titos Church

Agios Titos Church

On the action-packed August 25th Street, Agios Titos is the oldest church in the city and is dedicated to Saint Titus, Crete’s first bishop.

It goes back to 961 AD and was ordered by the emperor Nikephoros II Phokas after the island was retaken by Byzantine forces.

The last millennium has been full of mishaps, as the church has been toppled several times through fire and earthquakes.

The most recent took place in 1856 and the Agios Titos had to be rebuilt from scratch.

An interesting thing about this reconstruction is that it took place under Ottoman rule, so the current design is actually intended as a mosque.

The minaret was pulled down in 1920, and the church was given an Orthodox renovation in 1925. Among the relics inside is the skull of St Titus, which was originally taken back to Venice in the 17th century, but has now been returned to the church.

12. Morosini Fountain

Morosini Fountain, Heraklion

Down from the Loggia, Lions Square is one of the liveliest places in the old centre of Heraklion.

Tourists pass through on their tour of the city take the weight off at cafe tables, potter around the shops and line up for ice creams.

All eyes are drawn to this monument, unveiled in 1628 after more than a year of construction.

It was fed by an aqueduct that channelled water 15 kilometres from Mount Juktas.

Rising from the lower basin is an octagonal pedestal with the four lions that give the square its name.

That basin below has eight lobes and has reliefs with images from Greek mythology like nymphs and the god Triton.

13. St Mark’s Basilica

St Mark's Basilica, Heraklion

A few metres from the Morisini Fountain is the grand portico of another monument from Heraklion’s Venetian era.

St Mark’s Basilica was built as soon as the Venetians conquered the city in the 13th century and is dedicated to their patron saint.

The basilica was a symbol of Venetian power, and was the venue for official ceremonies and the place where the Venetian nobility were laid to rest.

The basilica became a mosque in Ottoman times, when its bell tower was replaced with a minaret that was eventually pulled down in the 20th century.

Today it’s Heraklion’s Municipal Art Gallery and opens its doors almost every day.

14. Amoudara Beach

Amoudara Beach

Beginning on the western shoulder of Herakion’s city centre, Amoudara is a sandy beach that extends for another six kilometres.

Five of the bathing areas along the way are awarded the Blue Flag each year for their amenities and the quality of the water.

The beach is long enough to suit people who want some energy and crowds, and those who are happy to travel a bit further for peace and seclusion.

The beach gets moderate waves and has the right wind conditions for windsurfing.

Carry on past the western edge of Amoudara and you’ll come to the majestic Almiros Gorge, at the entrance of which is the Almiros Wetlands, a green oasis against Crete’s arid landscape.

15. Wine Tourism

Domaine Paterianakis

One way to get in touch with Crete’s ancient history is to take a trip into the ancient, hilly landscape to the south of Heraklion.

Above 300 metres you’ll begin to see vineyards, growing grape varieties like Greek Vilana, Vidiano and Mandilaria, but also Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, to name a few.

To take things to the next level you can book a tour and tasting at three wineries near Heraklion: Domaine Paterianakis, Lyrarakis and Douloufakis.

Lyrarakis calls on local varietals and has helped to revive two ancient Cretan wines, Plyto and Dafni.

You’ll take a tour of the facilities, wrapped in idyllic countryside, hear firsthand winemaking insights from the owners and sit down to a guided tasting session.

15 Best Things to Do in Heraklion (Greece):

  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum
  • Historical Museum of Crete
  • Venetian Harbour
  • Koules Fortress
  • Venetian Walls
  • Agios Minas Cathedral
  • Venetian Loggia
  • St Catherine of Sinai
  • Natural History Museum of Crete
  • Agios Titos Church
  • Morosini Fountain
  • St Mark's Basilica
  • Amoudara Beach
  • Wine Tourism

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The Perfect 2 Days in Heraklion Itinerary (Plus Bonus Day Trips!)

The Perfect 2 Days in Heraklion Itinerary (Plus Bonus Day Trips!)

The capital of Crete, Heraklion, is located on the northern coast, more or less in the middle portion of the island.

If you’re flying to Crete from the rest of Europe, there’s a good chance for you to be landing in this city, so why not take advantage of it and discover what is there do to in town?

Most travelers visiting Crete usually spend a quick day in Heraklion, thinking that the only thing worth doing in town is visiting the famous Minoan Palace of Knossos. Exactly for that reason, we’ve decided not to include that visit in this Heraklion itinerary.

It’s easy to see how there’s much more to Heraklion than just its most well-known archaeological site. 

If you have an extra day to spend in the capital, you can choose one of the few bonus day trips. You can fit this 2 day Heraklion itinerary inside a bigger route of the island, combining stays in Chania or Rethymnon , or it can also be a city break on its own.

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Where to Stay in Heraklion

We have a complete guide on where to stay in Heraklion here , with suggestions for every budget category and type of traveler, but we’ve chosen our favorites here for you to peruse when planning your Heraklion itinerary.

Budget: Intra Muros Boutique Hostel 

Crete - Heraklion - Hostel

The hotel is named after the Latin phrase that translates as “within the walls,” and you’ll love how they work to make the space between their walls a home away from home.

Backpackers and group travelers will enjoy this boutique hostel; not only is it strategically located in the heart of the city (and close to most tourist spots) but it also has a nearby bus stop so you can save on transportation expenses. You can also walk to the port if in case you want to ride a ferry and go to other locations and dreamy islands near Crete.

They have dormitories with shared bathrooms available for as low as USD 13 for a night with bunk beds with privacy curtains. You can choose from a mixed or all-female dorm room.

There’s also a shared kitchen equipped with a stove, oven, refrigerator, and utensils. You can cook quick meals here since there is a nearby mini market outside! The service desk is not open 24 hours, but if you inform them of your late arrival then they can arrange someone to meet you at the said time.

>> Check guest reviews, prices, availability, and more photos here. <<

Mid-Range: Infinity City Boutique Hotel 

Infinity City Boutique Hotel is a very modern hotel that features contemporary style and comfort. The hotel is a bit narrow due to the building’s structure, but it has spacious and soundproof rooms. It has 6 floors and a total of 21 rooms that have a balcony with a view of the amazing blue sea plus a private bathroom with complete amenities.

Each room has flat wooden ceilings and tiled floors to match the contemporary and modern style of the hotel. Guests love how the hotel design balances style and comfort, with a mini-fridge and other in-room amenities. The private bathrooms are a bit small but comfortable, with toiletries included.

You can try their free continental breakfast and have some of their coffee, juice, and some tasty croissants. Of course, for many people, mornings aren’t complete without eggs, which they make to order!

Luxury: Stella Palace Resort and Spa 

The pool view of this resort hotel is marvelous – actually, everything about the hotel is! It has its water park, bars, spa, and so many more world-class features to offer its guests. They have rooms, suites, and maisonettes where you can even have your private pool or hot tub.

They have 4 restaurants on-site which means you have many options of what to eat (though every restaurant in Heraklion is delicious as well). Elia serves Greek dishes, Enso offers yummy authentic Asian dishes, La Veranda treats you to an Italian dinner or lunch plus a good selection of wines, and lastly, Poseidon, which offers a huge selection in their buffet. A night of fun won’t be complete without checking their different bars where each offers a different ambiance and a different selection of drinks and snacks.

Fitness freaks will love their gym because it has everything you could ever look for when it comes to getting your daily exercise. You might not find some of the treatments they offer at their spa elsewhere, because most of the ingredients they use are locally sourced in Crete. Highly-skilled therapists and massage practitioners will bring you the ultimate relaxation experience here!

Day 1 of Your Heraklion Itinerary

Start in the city center and the koules.

heraklion city tourist guide

Your day in Heraklion could not start in a better way than enjoying breakfast in the city’s central square, Liontaria, or just The Lions , as locals call it. On one corner of the square, there’s a Venetian fountain dating back to 1628. 

It used to be the source of drinking water for the local inhabitants of Heraklion and it is still gushing water from the head of the four lions that decorate the fountain. 

Choose one of the several bars around the area to enjoy a traditional pastry and some coffee. We discussed Cretan bougatsa in our Chania itinerary (a custard-filled flaky filo pastry enjoyed all times of day), and, as you might imagine, also Heraklion has its bougatsa place. It’s called Kirkor , and it’s a must-go place in town.

Next up, reach the pedestrian 25 August Street , and slowly make your way down to the port. This elegant street with Neoclassical buildings, such as the Venetian Loggia , is also home to one of Heraklion’s most important churches, Agios Titos .

heraklion city tourist guide

This impressive church was built during the Byzantine period of Crete (around the 9th century), but it was also transformed into a mosque while the Ottomans ruled on Crete. When the Turkish finally left the island, the Herakliots tore down the minaret to celebrate the end of the occupation.

Walk a bit further until you reach the waterfront. Over here, you can explore the Koules , a magnificent square fortress built by the Venetians. Visit the different rooms inside and head to the rooftop to get a panoramic view of Heraklion and the modern port.

Wander the Open Market on 1866 Street

Back to the city center from the fortress, walk past Liontaria to get to another landmark in town, the Open Market of Heraklion on 1866 Street. 

Often crowded with locals and visitors alike, the market is the best place in town to shop for souvenirs and local delicacies. Among the best things to take back home as a memento of your trip, choose small bottles of Cretan extra virgin olive oil, jars of spoon sweet or marmalade, or local herbs and spices – they make wonderful Greek souvenirs .

Stop for a bite in Plateia Eleftheria , another popular meeting point in town. Our favorite place for a convenient lunch on the go is Krasas . This restaurant is a local’s favorite! If you want more suggestions, we also have a Heraklion restaurant guide .

For a traditional Greek meal, grab an authentic gyro wrap for just a few euros; their menu has so many varieties to choose from that you’ll probably come back for more.

Alternately, if you want to get a better sense of Heraklion’s delicious culinary potential, check out a 2-hour food tour of the city. This tasty tour covers the basics of Cretan cuisine and gives you a perfect introduction to the unique offerings of Crete — with several tastings, of course! — which differ from generic Greek food. Book your food tour here .

Visit the marvelous Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

heraklion city tourist guide

A great place to spend your afternoon, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion has been placed on the list of best museums to visit in Greece. 

It houses a magnificent collection mostly focused on the Minoan civilization, such as the Disc of Festos and findings from different archaeological sites on the island. 

It’s the place to go if you plan on visiting any of Crete’s four Minoan palaces any time during your trip. For a complete insight, it’s a great idea to book a guided visit .

The museum is in the center of town, close to Plateia Eleftheria. It opens every day from 8 am to 7 pm, (closing at 3 pm in winter). The entrance ticket is €6, but for €10 you can buy a combo ticket that will also allow you to access the Archaeological Palace of Knossos.

Enjoy the evening in Heraklion

Our favorite place to be at night is the area surrounded by Milatou, Meramveliou, and Aretoussas streets . All of them are pedestrian roads and are full of small restaurants, taverns, pubs, and clubs. 

Choose Plastelina for a cocktail in a cozy atmosphere and inventive drinks.

For dinner in the same area, O Tempelis serves the best mezedes in Heraklion. 

Mezedes are small bites of traditional Greek dishes, including tzatziki, meatballs with cumin and herbs, spicy mushrooms in tomato sauce, or marinated fish. 

We strongly suggest that you arrive early if you want to find a place to sit. Remember that in Greece it’s customary to have dinner late, and this place is usually packed with locals.

Day 2 of Your Heraklion Itinerary

Spend the day in hersonissos and koutouloufari.

Far from being a traditional or relaxing place, Hersonissos is, by far, the most popular beach resort on Crete, ideal for those interested in a day by the beach with plenty of music, cocktails, and pristine seas. 

The atmosphere is young and a bit noisy, and if you feel you’ve had enough, move to a more tranquil shore, such as the area of Limanakia , also known as the Coves of Hersonissos. 

These start in the beautiful Cape Sarandaris , a very calm and shallow bay, great for snorkeling. There are a few laid-back cafes in the area for a bite or a cold beer by the sea.

If you want to do something different from just lazily lounging on the beach, devote the afternoon to walking up to the quiet village of Koutouloufari . 

Koutouloufari is a picturesque hamlet built on the rather low slopes of Mount Pirgia. Here you can discover the typical traits of Cretan architecture, walk along the tiny alleys, and relax in one of the many tavernas serving the local cuisine. 

Thanks to its elevated position, the village offers spectacular views of the bay of Hersonissos at sunset.

Bonus: Day Trips in the Heraklion Region

There are many places you can visit if you have extra time to spend in the region.

You can reach the south of the Heraklion region to visit one of Crete’s most famous beaches, or you can also explore Crete’s best wine area and wineries around the villages of Archanes and Peza. 

Those who choose to stay on the northern coast can find an alternative to the more crowded Knossos in the less popular archaeological site of Malia. Read through these proposals and go for the one that best matches your travel style.

heraklion city tourist guide

Matala is a famous village and beach in the south of Heraklion. The direct bus to Matala departs from Heraklion every 4 hours and the ticket is a little less than €10 and the trip lasts about 2.5 hours. You can get there by taxi or transfer (about €75) or drive. 

Matala is a beach on the Libyan Sea, made popular back in the 60s when hippies all over the world used to come to Crete and live in the ancient caves on one of the sides of the bay.

If you enjoy trekking and outdoor hikes, it’s a good idea to walk across the hill that separates Matala from the hidden Red Beach, with a natural corner, an even stronger flower power vibe, and excellent submarine landscapes for snorkeling.

Heraklion Wine Region

heraklion city tourist guide

For the wine lover in you, there’s no better region on Crete than Heraklion, where you can find some of the oldest vineyards in Europe, going as far back as the Bronze Age.

In the area, it’s a good idea to make a stop in one of the many wineries of Heraklion. Some of them are open to the public all year round and offer wine tasting sessions, vineyard visits, and even local food sampling.

To have a good panorama of the local wine production, you can visit Lyrarakis winery, the biggest producer of Crete, in the village of Alagni.

If you prefer a more intimate atmosphere, check Gavalas Crete Wines , a family winery in the small villages of Vorias, or Silva Daskalaki , in the picturesque village of Siva.

Minoan Palace of Malia

heraklion city tourist guide

If you have already seen the Minoan Palace of Knossos and are eager for more, or if, instead, you prefer to stay away from the crowds that every day visit the famous archaeological site, check the Minoan Palace of Malia , 34 km from the city center of Heraklion.

Malia is Crete’s third-biggest Minoan Palace and it spreads across an area of about 750 square meters. According to archaeologists, the structure used to have two floors, magazines, workshops, theatres, and royal quarters. 

Archaeologists have also found the rest of a Minoan town around the palace area, part of it open to the public, where it is believed that the inhabitants were skilled in the production of pottery, seals, and large vases, known as pithoi , which can still be seen. 

It was in Malia that one of the most impressive pieces of jewelry from the Minoan times was unearthed in Crete. It’s a magnificent gold pendant with bees holding a berry. The famous bee pendant of Malia is permanently exposed in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.

What to Pack for a Crete Beach Vacation

Greece - Crete - Heraklion - Old Venetian Harbor Luggage

If you’re planning a trip to Crete, you’ll want to pack all the normal essentials, but here are a few things we strongly recommend bringing that may not have crossed your mind. For more, check out our  Essential Crete Packing List.

–  A Physical Guidebook  – While travel blogs are great, we also definitely see the benefit of having a good paper guidebook in hand to refer to in your on-the-ground travel. We own and recommend the  Lonely Planet Greece  book as a starter, but you may also want to pick up the  Lonely Planet Crete  which covers the island more in-depth. 

–  A water bottle with a filter . While generally, the tap water in big cities on Crete is drinkable, we generally recommend using a water bottle with a purifying filter to reduce your plastic consumption and ensure you won’t drink any funny-tasting water on your stomach that could make your trip unpleasant! We recommend  the GRAYL water bottle  – it filters water perfectly in an instant so that you can even drink from lakes, bad taps, etc.

–  Motion sickness pills . Crete bus rides can cause motion sickness! If you have a weak stomach as we do, save yourself and bring some  non-drowsy motion sickness pills .

–  Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, TP & other Balkan transit needs.  Bathrooms in the Balkans on trains and buses tend to be… how can we say it?… not so well-stocked. Save yourself the disappointment and bring a mini-rescue pack of  wet wipes  &  hand sanitizer .

–  Travel safety items . We think Crete is very safe to travel to, but at the same time, it never hurts to be prepared! Some people like to carry money belts, but neither Allison nor I use these.

Instead, we both carry the same  PacSafe anti-theft backpack . It has locking zippers, slash-proof construction with metal mesh hidden in the fabric, and tons of other smart security features — all while being cute and stylish enough to be our everyday bag. We recommend it highly for both male and female travelers, as it’s neutral enough to be unisex. We also strongly recommend travel insurance! Our recommendation is at the bottom of the post.

Read more:  Essential Crete Packing List: What to Wear & Pack for Crete

More Crete Travel Resources

Crete - Heraklion - Old Venetian Harbor Stephanie Selfie

Headed to Crete? We have some great travel resources to help you with your trip. First read our guide to  planning a trip to Greece , which covers visas, budgets, vaccines, and much more. We also have a  Balkan currency guide  that explains how money works in Greece and local tipping customs.

If you’re still trying to work out where to go on the island, check out our guide to the  best places to visit in Crete  and our  favorite Crete beaches.

If you’ll also be spending a few days in Chania, here is our guide to visiting  Seitan Limania from Chania  (which is our  favorite beach in Crete ) and  Chania’s best Instagram spots.  

If you will be spending time in Heraklion, check out our guides to the  best Instagram spots in Heraklion  and the  city’s best restaurants and cafes. 

If you’re interested in taking a day trip to Rethymnon, check out our  Instagram guide to Rethymnon  next, and perhaps our guide to  things to do in Rethymnon  and the  best Rethymnon hotels.

If this will be one of your first trips to the Greek islands, check out our massive  Greek Island hopping guide  as well as our recommendations for  where to go in Greece  and when is the  best time to visit. 

We publish new content about the Balkans almost every day! For more information about traveling to Greece and the Balkans, bookmark our  Greece  and  Balkan  travel pages so you can find out what’s new before your trip.

Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!

I’m sure you’re aware that it’s a good idea to have  travel insurance  for traveling in Crete, the Balkans, or anywhere in the world! We have both been paying customers of  World Nomads  for the last three years. We love the peace of mind it gives us in case of emergencies, accidents, illnesses, theft, or trip cancellation or disruption. 

While Greece is safe, there’s always a risk inherent in everyday travel like theft or injury, so it’s better to play it safe.

>> Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here. <<

Pin this 2-Day in Heraklion Itinerary for your Upcoming Travels in Greece

heraklion city tourist guide

Gabi Ancarola is a translator and travel journalist living in Crete. She regularly writes about the island for several magazines about travel, gastronomy, and hospitality. She has published several travel guides about Greece and runs a local gastronomy tour in Chania. She loves cooking local dishes, taking photos, and driving on the mountain roads of Crete.

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heraklion city tourist guide

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heraklion city tourist guide

Welcome to Heraklion

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where Crete begins!

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Imagine a dreamy place!

The heart of Crete beats here all year round and every step takes you on a journey into the past, every corner hides a surprise, every experience is forever impressed on your senses and inspires you to share it! Get to know Heraklion and make it yours! A crossroads of cultures, a labyrinth that hides countless monuments of history and culture, a lively city and a fascinating hinterland…

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...invites you to explore it!

5,000 years of history, #liveher experiences, universal city of gastronomy, your journey, travelbooks, download them, heraklion. where crete begins, gifts of nature.

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Download GPX file for this article

  • 1 Understand
  • 2.1 By plane
  • 2.2 By boat
  • 2.3 By road
  • 3.3 By taxi
  • 3.4 By motorbike
  • 8.2 Mid-range
  • 8.3 Splurge
  • 10.1 Budget
  • 10.2 Mid-range
  • 10.3 Splurge
  • 12 Stay safe

heraklion city tourist guide

Heraklion ( Greek : Ηράκλειον, Irákleio ) or Iraklio is the major city and capital of Crete , the largest of the Greek islands. Its archaeological museum holds the remains of the 4000-year-old Minoan civilization, which centred on the nearby palace of Knossos, with its Minotaur legend. The city has several Venetian and Byzantine churches and the biggest in East Mediterranean well-preserved Venetian wall and harbour fortress from the 15th century.

Understand [ edit ]

Around 1880, the Greek Kalokairinos, and later in 1900, the British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans began excavating a site just south of the city, thinking to find remains of ancient culture maybe Mycenean. He quickly discovered a much older, more powerful civilisation, which he called “Minoan” after the Minotaur legend. 4000 to 3000 years ago, Crete dominated the east Mediterranean from this site, Knossos. These discoveries changed our ideas of the ancient world – and Crete's modern fame and tourist industry were born.

Heraklion (also transcribed as Herakleion, Iraklio, Irakleion) has been much fought-over down the centuries. From 1204 it was held by the Venetians, who built a great wall around the city, and a harbour fort, to defend against the Ottoman Turks. But the Ottomans won in 1669 and held the island until 1898 when their empire was crumbling. Crete for a time was independent, then was incorporated into Greece in 1913.

Modern air transport brought huge numbers of tourists, mostly heading to resorts further along the coast, and the city sprawled out way beyond its historic centre – the population is now some 211,000 (2011). Many developments were ugly and ill-planned. Then came recession, and turmoil in the Greek economy. Heraklion today is an interesting city with a pedestrianized center and a lovely coastal promenade.

Like the rest of Crete, Heraklion has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry with clear skies, but often with stiff breezes to relieve the heat. Winters are mild with little rain and rare frosts.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ], by boat [ edit ].

The principal ferry route is from Piraeus , the port for Athens . These ferries mostly sail overnight, leaving in each direction around 21:00 to dock next morning at 06:00. The Heraklion ferry terminal is near the KTEL bus station just east of town centre. The operators are Minoan Lines , Anek Lines and Superfast Ferries

Other routes are:

  • from Thessaloniki and Dodecanese by G.A. Ferries
  • from the Cyclades by G.A. Ferries , Sea Jets and Hellenic Seaways .
  • from Santorini by Anek, Seajets and Hellenic, links above.

Most ferries take vehicles and run year-round – trucking is an important part of their business, especially since so many people nowadays fly. But frequency is much reduced in winter, so for island-hopping you may find you have to double back via Piraeus .

By road [ edit ]

See below under “Get around”.

Get around [ edit ]

Map

By bus [ edit ]

Heraklion is connected with the rest of Crete by regular bus lines operated by two KTEL companies for Western and Eastern Crete. The coaches are modern, comfortable and air-conditioned. Fares are reasonable. The main inter-city buses run hourly.

There is only one bus station for all inter-city buses in Heraklion:

  • 35.33914 25.14137 1 Bus station ( just east of city walls near the ferry port (close to the old bus station A) ), ☏ +30 2810-246532 .  

In and around Heraklion, use the public city buses. For trip planning, route, schedule and stop information use Herakleio City Bus app. Or check bus itineraries and departure times at https://astiko-irakleiou.gr/en/itineraries .

The main bus stops have routes and schedules posted, LCD displays for the next buses, and ticket machines, which are cheaper than buying onboard the bus (which costs €2 Zone A, or €2.50 Zone B). Small stops may have none of these, so consider buying two tickets, keeping one for your return. At bus stops, signal the driver by raising your arm. Orange ticket (A zone whole, B zone students) costs €1.20, blue ticket (B zone whole) costs €1.70, all tickets have a QR code, directing to Astiko KTEL website. There are two free circular " Citybus [dead link] " lines in the city centre which run from 07:00 until 22:40.

When you get on the bus, hold the bottom half of your ticket in your right hand. The driver will take the top half (side with ticket price) and the two of you will rip it in half. Tickets are available inside buses but cost more ().

  • Line 1 goes to the airport
  • Line 2 goes to Knossos
  • Line 7 goes to Amnissos
  • Line 8 goes to FORTH (Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas)
  • Line 11 goes to University hospital
  • Line 12 goes to HMU (Hellenic Mediterranean University, formerly TEI - Technologiko Ekpedeftiko Idrima Kritis)

By car [ edit ]

Traffic in Heraklion is bad and parking is worse. You can see the main central sights on foot, and take the bus for Knossos, Rethymno and Chania. You hardly need a car for your trip.

Hiring a car is easy with the usual documentation (a standard EU driving licence is fine.) Get prior permission in writing from the rental company if you plan to take the car away on a ferry.

Petrol stations often close around 21:00, particularly in villages. Most petrol stations expect you to pay cash; they serve you, so you can choose for them to fill the tank or put in fuel to a cash value. On the National Highway, there are service stations, but they are often 50 km or so apart. Fill up before public holidays and Sundays when you may have more difficulty finding an open station.

  • 35.3385 25.1618 1 Okay rent a car , Arcimidous, 20 , ☏ +306970980918 , [email protected] . 08:30 - 22:30 . Local car rental agency. Full insurance is included in the price, there are no hidden costs. Free pickup/dropoff. No credit card is required. ( updated Jan 2021 )
  • 35.3385 25.1618 2 Gouves car rental , Archimidous 21 , ☏ +306936906972 , [email protected] . 08:30 - 22:30 . Local car rental agency. Full insurance is included in the price, there are no hidden costs. Free of charge pickup/dropoff. No credit card is required. ( updated Jan 2021 )
  • Simple Rent a Car Crete , Dragonadas 3 , ☏ +306945891028 , [email protected] . Local, family, father-and-son car rental company in Crete. ( updated Jan 2021 )

By taxi [ edit ]

Lots of taxi ranks in all the main locations, downtown and at the airport and ferry port. Usually they're looking for trade and will spot you before you spot them. If they're sparse, call ( ☏ +30 2810 210102 ) or via their website .

By motorbike [ edit ]

Even though Crete is the biggest Greek island, it is still easy and quick to get around it by motorcycle. Riding mopeds and motorcycles is a common activity in Crete and a lot of tourists choose this way of exploring the island. The minimum driving age for a moped in Greece is 16. As Crete is a very rural island, riders should be aware of livestock who often are present along the sides of the highways, and sometimes can make their way into the middle of the road. As tempting as it might be to explore off the beaten path, a good rule of thumb is to stick to roads and trails that emergency services will be able access should there be a need for emergency assistance.

There is no lack of motorbike rental providers around the Island, but mostly are concentrated near the airports and within Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymno.

  • Motorent Kissamos , ☏ +306955234577 . Automatic scooters up to 125cc available. Minimum rental period is 2 days. ( updated Sep 2021 )
  • Riderly . Selection of scooters, motorcycles and quads available in multiple shops on the island. Riding gear and insurance provided. ( updated Sep 2021 )
  • Sky Rentals . Besides cars, they also provide scooters 125 and 150cc scooters. ( updated Sep 2021 )

See [ edit ]

heraklion city tourist guide

The must-see sights are the Archaeological Museum downtown, and the Palace of Knossos 5 km south. Their combined ticket is the best buy.

Take a stroll along the city's Venetian wall (Greek: Τείχη). It's 7.5 km long, with seven bastions jutting out. On the southernmost of these, the Martinengo Bastion, is the grave of Nikos Kazantzakis with its moving inscription, "I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free." From the wall head towards the harbour, taking in the Historical Museum , which picks up the story where the Archaeological Museum leaves off. The Koules or fortress stands over the inner harbour but the mole continues for almost 2 km, with views back over the city and the ferry port. You don't need to enter the Koules to go on the mole, but you may need to dash where the waves are breaking at its base.

heraklion city tourist guide

Take the main highway east towards Malia to reach the Cretaquarium and the folklore museum.

  • 35.306631 25.411089 15 Lychnostatis Open-Air Museum , Hersonissos 700 14, Hersonissos , ☏ +30 28970 23660 . Apr-Oct: Su-F 09:00-14:00, closed Sa, closed Nov-Mar . Open-air Cretan folklore museum. €5, concessions €2-3 .  

Do [ edit ]

  • Amoudara the city's beach area; a 6 km strip of sandy beach, lots of cafes, bars and hotels and the site of "Technopolis", a modern multiplex cinema and open-air theatre.
  • Horseback riding , experienced and amateur riders can ride at the beach of Karteros, or take riding lessons at Ippikos Omilos Hrakliou, located 6 km east of Heraklion, in Karteros.
  • Rock climbing , locals and visitors can climb a 15 m rock at the suburb of Karteros, east of Heraklion. Safety equipment is provided.
  • Water fun at Water City and Aqua Plus water parks.
  • Football: OFI Crete play soccer in Superleague, the top tier in Greece. Their home ground is Theodoros Vardinogiannis Stadium (capacity 9000) on km west of city centre.
  • Heraklion Sailing Club (Ιστιοπλοϊκός Όμιλος Ηρακλείου) offers sailing lessons, sailing trips, yacht charters and has its own seafood restaurant. It's on the former premises of the port refrigeration plant, east of the Port Authorities.
  • Heraklion Summer Arts Festival is held from June to September.

Learn [ edit ]

Buy [ edit ].

  • Visit the central open market near Meidani square and buy mountain herbs, spices and folk natural remedies.

Eat [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ].

Throughout the city centre, it is easy to find cheap tavernas (ταβέρνα) offering full meals for under €20 for two people. A strict budget can be met by sticking to the supermarkets which provide the usual array of fruits, vegetables and cheese for modest prices (€5/day is quite feasible.) Central cafes serve the local breakfast treat bougatsa , a local pastry with cottage cheese, served with honey, or cinnamon and sugar. Also available are the usual complement of pastry shops for standard meals such as spanakopita (spinach pie) and various cheap deserts.

There are many low-priced restaurants in the city centre :

  • 35.336144 25.131398 1 O Kafenes tou Kagiampi ( Το Καφενείο του Καγιαμπή ), Monofatsiou 12 . Old fashioned tavern with traditional Greek dishes. ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 35.336786 25.133049 2 Kafeneio O Ntokos ( καφενείον ο ντόκος ), Karterou 11 . Tiny place next to the fish market with delicious mezedes to accompany your beer or raki. ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 35.339575 25.134945 3 Umami Homemade Organic & Vegan Restaurant , Meramvellou 3 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 35.340705 25.134366 4 Cooking with love ( Μαγειρεύοντας μέ Ἀγάπην ), Koroneou 21 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 35.337741 25.135445 5 Hovoli ( ΧΟΒΟΛΗ ), Pl. Daskalogianni . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 35.337921 25.129059 6 Μαγειρείον Μελομπερδέματα (κ. Ελένη) , Monis Kardiotissis 3 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 35.340147 25.135202 7 Orgy Hungarian Restaurant , Αγίου Τίτου 22 . ( updated Feb 2023 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

  • 35.334927 25.130072 8 Kafeneio O Lakkos ( Καφενείο Ο Λάκκος ), Taxiarchou Markopoulou 41 . Lost in a maze of small streets where different street artists have decorated the walls of the houses, Lakkos is particularly nice in the summer. ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 35.340319 25.134569 9 Pagopiion ( Παγοποιεῖον ), Pl. Agiou Titou 1 . (Ice-Factory)– A "quirky" restaurant and cafe/bar, at St Titus square, by the church. You can sit outside and enjoy the setting, or you might be tempted by the dramatic decor to sit inside. The food is excellent, and the menu different and interesting. ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 35.342899 25.133759 10 Ippokampos ( Ιππόκαμπος ), Leof. Sofokli Venizelou 3 . Seafood and fish tavern by the sea side, popular with the locals. ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 35.34168 25.136539 11 Herbs' Garden , Roof Garden, Epimenidou 15 ( The Roof Garden of Lato Boutique Hotel ). The name has been inspired from the traditional Cretan herbs. Offers a spectacular view to Heraklion's Venetian fortress and Cretan Sea. Opens from early afternoon and serves fresh fish and salads accompanied by local aperitifs and a variety of fine wines. Later in the afternoon there is special coffee and tea arrangements, fresh fruit juices, ice cream and cocktails. ( updated Feb 2023 )

Splurge [ edit ]

  • 35.336887 25.136307 12 Epsilon Restaurant , roof garden Legacy Suites Hotel, Giorgou Anemogianni 43 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 35.342687 25.157287 13 7 Thalases , Iraklitou και . ( updated Feb 2023 )

Drink [ edit ]

  • Raki, also known as tsikoudia , is the trademark of Cretan day and night life, a strong clear drink similar to grappa in Italy or orujo in Spain. It is made from the 'must' of grape skins and twigs after the local production of the white wine. It doesn't taste like aniseed, as opposed to the Turkish rakı. Most raki is standard spirit strength of 40% or 80 o proof, but some are much stronger. It's often served in small glasses after dinner with a plate of fruit or other dessert.
  • Cretan wine: Try the distinctive Cretan wine, produced in the island for at least 4000 years. Labels: Sitia, Peza Union. The Cretans themselves drink so called 'open' wine, straight out of the barrel, like fresh white wine, and the sometimes very old dark rusty red wine, a bit like port. Typical Cretan wine varieties are Marouvas and Kotsifali (both red wines).

Sleep [ edit ]

There are two hostels in Heraklion, both in the city centre, a 10-minute drive from the airport and a 5-minute drive from the port. A taxi from the airport to either hostel should cost less than €10, and from the port less than €6.

  • Heraklion Youth Hostel , Vironos 5 , ☏ +30 2810 286281 . Read the online reviews before booking: fairly disgusting and not for the faint hearted.  
  • Prince of Lillies Hotel , Old National Road, Karteros , ☏ +30 2810 381645 , fax : +30 2810 381644 , [email protected] . Check-in: 13:00 , check-out: 12:00 . An excellent family-run hotel in Karteros, about 7 km east of Heraklion beyond the airport. (On bus route to Ag Nik with hourly buses.) singles from €30, doubles from €35 . ( updated Apr 2017 )
  • 35.341238 25.132476 1 Mirabello Hotel , 20, Theotokopoulou , ☏ +30 2810 285052 , fax : +30 2810 225852 , [email protected] . Good value, friendly atmosphere, very helpful staff. Rooms from €30-55 with discounts during low-season. Centrally located in a quiet part of the city. Nice views from the balcony.  
  • Life Hotel , 50, Ikarou Ave , ☏ +30 2810 243090 , +30 2810 343088 . This hotel is walking distance to the port and very close to the bus station. Double €70. A good option if staying near the port and walking distance to the centre. It is also a 25-min walk from the airport and the directions are simple: Remain on Ikarou Ave until you see the hotel on the left. Staff are helpful and speak fluent English  
  • Lato Boutique Hotel , 15 Epimenidou St , ☏ +30 2810 228103 , fax : +30 2810 240350 , [email protected] . Accommodation within a modern, friendly and luxurious environment with panoramic views of the Venetian fortress. double €90-112 .  
  • Aquila Atlantis Hotel , 2 Igias St , ☏ +30 2810 229103 , fax : +30 2810 22 62 65 , [email protected] . Centrally located in a quiet area. Double €179-380 .  
  • Astoria Capsis Hotel , 11 Eleftherias sq. , ☏ +30 2810 343080-2 , fax : +30 2810 229078 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . €73.5-250 .  

Connect [ edit ]

Free WiFi provided by municipality, and some cafes. 3G & 4G networks are also available

Stay safe [ edit ]

Road safety is wanting and generally the attitudes of all road users are poor and reckless. For pedestrians, there are haphazard pavements, usually entirely obstructed by parked cars and bikes, meaning the road itself has to be used by pedestrians. Other roads lack pavements. Road crossings for pedestrians do not seem to be recognized by motorists, making crossing difficult in busy roads. Drivers and bikers may even drive through junctions when the "green man" is indicating it is safe for pedestrians to cross. The bikers seem to be the worst, usually wearing no helmet and happily talking on a mobile phone or reading a text message while driving. Sometimes bikers ride on the pavements, and expect pedestrians to move out their way.

There are many stray cats and dogs in the city. The dogs can often be seen in small packs, and may bark and growl but do not attack if they are left alone.

Cope [ edit ]

Heraklion can seem traffic-choked, polluted and crowded with chain-smokers at times. A visit would not be advisable for those very sensitive to cigarette smoke (e.g. asthmatics), as smoke is everywhere. Even no smoking rooms in hotels are likely to have the smell of cigarettes drift from the corridor or the window. Fortunately anywhere near the sea front there is a refreshing mild sea breeze.

Go next [ edit ]

Within reach of a day-trip, but worth longer, are Rethymno , Chania (the most charming old town on the island), and Agios Nikolaos . Chania is the best base for exploring the Samaria Gorge , and Agios Nikolaos is your base for seeing Spinalonga . You'll need your own car to see Anogia , or Phaistos Palace and Matala beach, on a day trip.

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heraklion city tourist guide

Heraklion is the capital of Crete and one of the Mediterranean region's most fascinating and vibrant cities. It is full of places to discover. With the current efforts to open up the wonderful mediaeval city centre, it speaks to us of a past full of history and great events that reflect its strategic geopolitical position at the crossroads of three continents...

heraklion city tourist guide

Heraklion is the largest urban centre in Crete, the capital of the region and the economic centre of the island. It is easily reached by plane from all over the world, its international airport is first in charter flights, and by boat from Piraeus and the nearby Greek islands. Travelling within Crete is also very easy with bus connections to most places around the island...

heraklion city tourist guide

Heraklion offers many fine hotels of all categories, bed and breakfast and rooms for rent, which are host to visitors all the year round, and most tourist, car and motorbike rental offices facilitate the visitor and give guidance in touring the beautiful island of Crete, its coasts and beautiful countryside...

heraklion city tourist guide

Coming to Heraklion for the first time, the visitor nowadays may be somewhat surprised by the changes that are taking place in Crete's capital city; Heraklion is celebrating its rich history and moving onwards to a future full of potential. The city has opened up in so many ways, making the city a place of discovery. Enjoy walking in one of the most historic and fascinating cities...

heraklion city tourist guide

Heraklion is an exciting city. A wealth of cultural events are organized throughout the year with traditional Cretan music and dance, modern music, dance and theatre, offering to citizens and visitors alike authentic cultural experiences. Cretan cuisine, based on olive oil, vegetables, fruits, legumes grains and wine, is popular all over the world for its health and taste...

heraklion city tourist guide

The information office for the visitors of Heraklion City is located in the ground floor of "Aktarika" building (Lions square). Its purpose is to develop tourism activities and improve the tourism services provided in the city of Heraklion with the edition of tourist information material, brochures, maps etc. The opening hours for the public are 8.30 a.m. to 14.30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

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Self-guided walking tour of Heraklion in Crete

21 heraclion thesanetravel.com P1030300

I offer you to take a self-guided walking tour to get a feel of this vibrant city. Let’s start from Freedom Square, one of the busiest places in the city.

Plateia Eleftherias, or Freedom Square

14 heraclion thesanetravel.com P1030268

The Venetian Walls

74 freedom square thesanetravel.com P1041746

Archaeological Museum

79 heraklion archaelogical museum thesanetravel.com P1041762

The Venetian Loggia

42 heraklion venetian lodge thesanetravel.com P1041663

St. Mark's Basilica

47 heraklion municipal gallery thesanetravel.com P1041673

Liondaria, or Lion Square

50 heraklion lion square thesanetravel.com P1041679

Agios Minas Cathedral

65 agios minas cathedral thesanetravel.com P1041698

Bembo Fountain

62 heraklion bembo fountain thesanetravel.com P1041695

The Koules Venetian Fortress

14 heraclion thesanetravel.com P1030268

Where to stay

I tried two five-star hotels during my stay in Heraklion, and I have no clear preference between them. Aquila Atlantis has a larger pool, but I enjoyed breakfast at GDM Megaron Hotel more. So the choice is yours.

96 heraklion atlantis hotel thesanetravel.com P1041623

Practical information

90 heraklion practical advice thesanetravel.com P1041862

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What did you think? Have you visited Heraklion in Crete, Greece? I’d love to hear from you so please add your comments below.

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About the author Anita is a part-time traveller, passionate photographer and a retired career woman from Latvia,  travelling mostly solo for more than 15 years.  She is a skilled travel planner who plans and executes her travels by herself. Anita wants to show you how to travel the world and open your mind to new  experiences. Follow her on Facebook ,  Instagram ,  Pinterest ,  Twitter  and Bloglovin .

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Port Of Heraklion Cruise Guide, Crete

Published: August 28, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Anastassia Arruda

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Introduction

Welcome to the Port of Heraklion, located on the mesmerizing island of Crete, Greece. This bustling maritime hub welcomes numerous cruise ships each year, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes of this enchanting region.

As the largest and busiest port in Crete, the Port of Heraklion serves as the gateway to the island’s many treasures. Steeped in ancient mythology and historical significance, Heraklion captivates visitors with its archaeological sites, charming neighborhoods, and mouthwatering cuisine. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or a sun-seeking beach lover, there’s something for everyone in this captivating destination.

The Port of Heraklion is strategically located to provide easy access to some of Crete’s most renowned attractions, offering a perfect balance of modern amenities and old-world charm. From the moment you set foot on land, you’ll be immersed in the captivating ambiance and warm hospitality of the Cretan people.

With this comprehensive guide, we will take you on a journey through the Port of Heraklion, providing valuable information and insights to make the most of your visit. From the facilities at the cruise ship terminal to transportation options, attractions, shopping, dining, and cultural sites, we have you covered. Whether you have a few hours or a full day in port, we will help you create unforgettable memories in Heraklion.

So, get ready to explore the wonders of the Port of Heraklion and discover the hidden gems of Crete. Let the adventure begin!

Port of Heraklion Overview

The Port of Heraklion, also known as Heraklion Port or Heraklion Harbor, is a bustling maritime gateway located on the northern coast of Crete. It serves as the primary port for incoming and outgoing ferry services, as well as a popular destination for cruise ships.

With its strategic location, the Port of Heraklion offers a seamless connection to the rest of the island and beyond. It is conveniently situated just a stone’s throw away from the vibrant city center of Heraklion, making it easily accessible for visitors to explore the city’s historic attractions, cultural sites, and vibrant dining scene.

The port itself boasts modern facilities and infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of cruise ships and ferry services. With its well-designed layout and efficient services, the port ensures a smooth and hassle-free arrival and departure process for tourists.

Visitors arriving at the Port of Heraklion will be greeted by a vibrant waterfront promenade, lined with charming cafes, restaurants, and shops. The exhilarating atmosphere of the port, with its constant buzz of activity, creates a sense of anticipation and excitement for travelers eager to explore the wonders of Crete.

From the port, you can catch a glimpse of the Venetian Walls, a historical landmark that once protected the city of Heraklion. These imposing fortifications date back to the 16th century and stand as a testament to the island’s rich history and strategic importance.

Whether you’re embarking on a cruise or arriving by ferry, the Port of Heraklion offers a warm welcome to all visitors. With its prime location, modern amenities, and easy access to the city’s attractions, it sets the stage for an unforgettable experience in Crete.

As you step off the ship and into the Port of Heraklion, you’ll feel the vibrant energy and allure of this captivating destination. Get ready to embark on a journey filled with ancient wonders, stunning landscapes, and the warm embrace of Cretan hospitality.

Cruise Ship Terminal Facilities

The Cruise Ship Terminal at the Port of Heraklion offers a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable and convenient experience for passengers. From the moment you disembark from your ship, you’ll find a well-organized terminal that caters to the needs of visitors.

One of the key features of the terminal is its spacious and modern design, providing ample room for passengers to navigate and explore. The terminal has a clear layout, making it easy for travelers to find their way around and access the various amenities.

Inside the terminal, you’ll find a variety of services and facilities to enhance your stay. There are information desks where friendly staff members are available to provide assistance, answer questions, and offer guidance on local attractions and transportation options.

For those in need of currency exchange, banking services, or access to ATMs, the terminal provides convenient banking facilities. This makes it easy for visitors to obtain local currency and handle any financial transactions they may require during their time in Heraklion.

Additionally, the terminal offers luggage storage facilities, allowing passengers to safely store their bags while they explore the city. This provides the freedom to wander unencumbered and make the most of your time ashore.

Accessibility is also a priority at the Cruise Ship Terminal. The facilities are designed to accommodate passengers with disabilities, ensuring equal access and comfort for all travelers. Wheelchair ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms are available to cater to the diverse needs of visitors.

To make your visit even more enjoyable, the terminal also features a variety of shops, boutiques, and duty-free outlets. Here, you can browse for souvenirs, clothing, accessories, and local products. The array of choices allows you to find the perfect memento to commemorate your time in Heraklion.

Moreover, the terminal boasts inviting cafes and restaurants where you can indulge in delicious Greek cuisine or enjoy a refreshing beverage. Take a moment to relax, savor the flavors, and soak in the lively ambiance of the terminal.

Overall, the Cruise Ship Terminal at the Port of Heraklion provides a seamless and pleasant experience for passengers. Its modern facilities, range of services, and convenient layout ensure a smooth transition from ship to shore, setting the stage for a memorable visit to Crete.

Transportation Options from the Port

Once you arrive at the Port of Heraklion, you’ll have several transportation options available to explore the city and beyond. Whether you prefer convenience, affordability, or flexibility, there’s a mode of transportation to suit your needs.

One of the most convenient ways to get around Heraklion is by taxi. Taxis are readily available right outside the port, and they offer a hassle-free way to reach your desired destination. Make sure to agree on the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

If you’re looking for a more economical option, public buses are a popular choice. The main bus station is located near the port, and you’ll find a range of routes that can take you to various attractions within Heraklion and other parts of the island.

Another popular transportation option is renting a car. There are several car rental agencies located near the port, giving you the flexibility to explore Crete at your own pace. With a car, you can venture beyond Heraklion and discover the many hidden gems of the island.

For those who enjoy a more active approach to transportation, bicycles can be rented from various rental shops near the port. This allows you to explore the city at a leisurely pace and enjoy the beautiful coastal views along the way.

If you’re interested in experiencing the local culture and getting a taste of traditional life, consider taking a horse-drawn carriage ride. It’s a unique and memorable way to explore the streets of Heraklion while enjoying the nostalgic charm of this mode of transportation.

Additionally, if you’re short on time or simply want a hassle-free option, guided tours are readily available. These tours provide transportation from the port to popular attractions, allowing you to make the most of your limited time ashore and gain insights from knowledgeable local guides.

It’s important to note that Heraklion is a relatively walkable city, and many of its main attractions are within a reasonable distance from the port. If you enjoy exploring on foot, take advantage of the pedestrian-friendly streets and discover the hidden corners and authentic charm of Heraklion at your own pace.

Whatever mode of transportation you choose, keep in mind that traffic can be congested in Heraklion, especially during peak tourist seasons. It’s advisable to plan your itinerary accordingly and allow some extra time for travel.

With a range of transportation options available, getting around Heraklion from the Port of Heraklion is easy and convenient. Choose the mode of transportation that suits your preferences and embark on an adventure to discover the treasures of this beautiful island.

Attractions Near Port of Heraklion

The Port of Heraklion is perfectly situated to provide easy access to a plethora of captivating attractions within close proximity. Whether you have a few hours or a full day in port, there are numerous sights and landmarks that you can explore to immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Heraklion.

One of the must-visit attractions near the port is the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Located just a short distance away, this museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilization, including the famous Phaistos Disc and the Bull-Leaping Fresco. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient past of Crete and is a haven for history enthusiasts.

Close to the museum is the iconic Koules Fortress. This Venetian fortress stands proudly at the entrance of the old harbor and offers panoramic views of the city. Explore its ancient walls, climb to the top, and marvel at the stunning vistas of the harbor and the surrounding coastline.

For those interested in ancient history, a visit to the Palace of Knossos is a must. Just a short drive from the port, this archaeological site is home to the legendary labyrinth of King Minos and is considered the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete. Immerse yourself in the mythology and explore the ruins of the once-glorious palace.

If you’re seeking a slice of local life and authentic cultural experiences, head to the bustling central market of Heraklion, known as the Agora. Here, you’ll find a vibrant mix of stalls selling fresh produce, local delicacies, and traditional crafts. Stroll through the market, soak in the lively atmosphere, and indulge in some delicious local treats.

Located within walking distance of the port is the historical district of Eleftherias Square. This charming square is a popular meeting point for locals and visitors alike and is surrounded by cafes, tavernas, and shops. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets, admire the beautiful architecture, and soak in the authentic ambiance of this vibrant neighborhood.

For those seeking a relaxing escape, the sandy beaches of Amoudara are just a short drive from the port. Spend a few hours lounging under the warm Mediterranean sun, take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters, or indulge in water sports activities. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Crete.

These are just a few of the many attractions near the Port of Heraklion. Whether you’re fascinated by history, intrigued by local culture, or simply want to soak in the beauty of Crete, there’s something for everyone within easy reach of the port. Explore, discover, and create memorable experiences as you delve into the wonders of Heraklion.

Shopping and Dining Options

When it comes to shopping and dining, the Port of Heraklion offers an array of options to satisfy all tastes and preferences. From traditional markets to modern shopping centers and local tavernas to international cuisine, there is something to please every palate and fulfill every shopping desire.

If you’re looking to experience the local culture and find unique souvenirs, head to the bustling central market of Heraklion, known as the Agora. Here, you’ll find a vibrant mix of stalls selling fresh produce, spices, olive oil, local cheeses, and traditional Cretan products. It’s the perfect place to pick up authentic gifts or sample some of the delectable local flavors.

For those who prefer a more modern shopping experience, head to one of the city’s shopping centers, such as the Heraklion Mall or Talos Plaza. These malls offer a variety of shops ranging from international brands to local boutiques, catering to all your shopping needs.

When it comes to dining options, Heraklion is a food lover’s paradise. From traditional tavernas serving authentic Cretan cuisine to international restaurants offering a diverse range of flavors, there’s something for every taste bud.

For an authentic Greek dining experience, sample some of the local specialties such as moussaka, souvlaki, and dakos. Explore the narrow streets of the city center, and you’ll discover hidden gems serving traditional dishes made with the freshest local ingredients.

If you’re in the mood for seafood, head to one of the tavernas along the waterfront and indulge in the catch of the day. From grilled octopus to succulent fish dishes, you’ll savor the flavors of the Mediterranean while enjoying the idyllic coastal views.

For those looking for a taste of international cuisine, Heraklion boasts a wide range of restaurants offering flavors from around the world. From Italian pasta to Asian fusion and everything in between, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings.

Don’t forget to immerse yourself in the local coffee culture. Sit back, relax, and sip on a traditional Greek coffee or a frappé while people-watching and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

After a day of exploring and indulging, make sure to save room for dessert. Treat yourself to some authentic Greek pastries, such as baklava or loukoumades, or indulge in a scoop of local ice cream made with delicious local ingredients.

Whether you’re looking to shop for unique souvenirs or indulge in mouthwatering cuisine, the Port of Heraklion has it all. Explore the markets, immerse yourself in the local flavors, and savor the culinary delights that Crete has to offer.

Cultural and Historical Sites to Visit

The Port of Heraklion is a gateway to a wealth of cultural and historical sites that offer a glimpse into the rich heritage of Crete. From ancient ruins to well-preserved landmarks, these attractions provide a fascinating insight into the island’s past and its vibrant cultural traditions.

One of the most prominent historical sites near the port is the Palace of Knossos. This famed archaeological site is believed to be the center of the Minoan civilization, dating back over 3,000 years. Explore the ruins of this ancient palace, marvel at the intricate frescoes, and immerse yourself in the myths and legends that surround this remarkable site.

As you wander through the streets of Heraklion, you’ll encounter the impressive Venetian Walls. This well-preserved fortification system once protected the city and stands as a testament to the island’s turbulent history. Walk along the walls, enjoy panoramic views, and admire the bastions and gates that make up this architectural marvel.

Step back in time and visit the historical Koules Fortress, located at the entrance of the old harbor. This Venetian fortress offers a glimpse into the strategic importance of Heraklion throughout history. Climb to the top of the fortress, take in the breathtaking views of the city and sea, and imagine the stories that this ancient structure holds.

To delve further into the island’s history, a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a must. Explore the vast collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilization, including pottery, jewelry, and intricate sculptures. The museum offers an unparalleled opportunity to understand the ancient history and culture of Crete.

For a taste of traditional Cretan life, visit the open-air museum of Lychnostatis. This unique museum showcases the customs, traditions, and way of life of the Cretan people. Explore traditional houses, gardens, and workshops, and gain insights into the island’s folk heritage.

As you wander through the streets of Heraklion, you’ll also encounter numerous churches and monasteries that reflect the island’s strong religious heritage. The Agios Titos Church and the Agia Ekaterini Church are notable examples, both showcasing stunning architecture and religious art.

Additionally, take a moment to visit the historic Eleftherios Venizelos Square, named after the renowned Cretan statesman. Here, you’ll find the iconic Morosini Fountain, a symbol of the city, and the Loggia, an elegant public building that once served as a gathering place for Venetian nobles.

These cultural and historical sites near the Port of Heraklion provide a window into the past, allowing visitors to connect with the intriguing history and vibrant traditions of Crete. Immerse yourself in the captivating stories and marvel at the architectural masterpieces that have stood the test of time.

Sample Shore Excursions

When visiting the Port of Heraklion, there are a variety of exciting shore excursions to choose from that will allow you to make the most of your time in this captivating destination. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or natural beauty, these sample excursions offer a taste of what Heraklion and its surrounding areas have to offer.

1. Explore the Palace of Knossos: Embark on a guided tour to the Palace of Knossos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Marvel at the ancient ruins, intricate frescoes, and winding passageways as you learn about the fascinating Minoan civilization that once thrived here.

2. Discover the Heraklion Museum and City Tour: Immerse yourself in Heraklion’s vibrant culture and history with a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Explore its impressive collection of artifacts and then embark on a city tour, visiting landmarks such as the Venetian Walls, Koules Fortress, and the vibrant central market.

3. Visit the Historical City of Rethymno: Take a trip to the picturesque city of Rethymno, located on the north coast of Crete. Discover its charming Venetian harbor, stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, and visit the imposing Fortezza, a magnificent hilltop fortress.

4. Experience the Beautiful South Coast: Journey along the stunning south coast of Crete and visit the picturesque villages of Matala and Agia Galini. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Libyan Sea, explore ancient caves, and soak up the sun on the golden sandy beaches.

5. Wine Tasting in the Vineyards: Indulge in a wine tasting excursion to the scenic vineyards of Peza or Archanes. Sample delicious local wines, learn about the winemaking process, and immerse yourself in the flavors and aromas of Cretan wine culture.

6. Discover the Natural Beauty of Spinalonga Island: Take a boat trip to the island of Spinalonga, known for its rich history and stunning beauty. Explore the well-preserved Venetian fortress, learn about its fascinating past as a leper colony, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island.

7. Immerse in Cretan Cuisine and Traditions: Embark on a culinary excursion to experience traditional Cretan flavors and cultural traditions. Visit a local farm, learn about olive oil production, participate in a cooking class to prepare authentic Cretan dishes, and savor a delicious lunch feasting on local delicacies.

These sample shore excursions offer just a glimpse of the incredible experiences awaiting visitors to the Port of Heraklion. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or gastronomy, there are plenty of options to cater to your interests and create unforgettable memories in this captivating part of Crete.

Tips for Cruising to Heraklion

As you embark on a cruise to Heraklion, here are some helpful tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:

  • Plan Your Itinerary: Research and plan your shore excursions in advance to make the most of your time in Heraklion. Determine which attractions and activities are a priority for you and create a flexible schedule to maximize your exploration.
  • Be Mindful of the Time: Take into consideration the time you have in port and the operating hours of attractions. Give yourself enough time to enjoy the highlights of Heraklion without feeling rushed or stressed.
  • Stay Hydrated: The Mediterranean sun can be intense, especially during the summer months. Carry a water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the day to ensure you’re comfortable and energized while exploring the city.
  • Dress Comfortably and Respectfully: Wear comfortable walking shoes and lightweight clothing suitable for the weather. When visiting religious sites or museums, be mindful of dress codes and cover your shoulders and knees out of respect.
  • Carry Essentials: Bring a small backpack or bag to carry essentials such as sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a map, and a camera. It’s also recommended to carry a photocopy of your passport and other important documents, leaving the originals securely locked onboard your cruise ship.
  • Stay Connected: Check your phone plan for international roaming options, or consider purchasing a local SIM card for internet access and calling capabilities while in port. This will allow you to stay connected and easily navigate your way around Heraklion.
  • Try Local Cuisine: Don’t miss the opportunity to sample the delicious flavors of Cretan cuisine. Seek out local tavernas and restaurants to indulge in traditional dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Don’t forget to try the local olive oil, feta cheese, and wines!
  • Respect the Local Customs and Traditions: Familiarize yourself with some basic Greek customs to show respect for the local culture. Greeks are known for their warmth and hospitality, so reciprocate that kindness and ensure you’re mindful of local etiquette.
  • Budget Accordingly: Set a budget for your spending in Heraklion, including souvenirs, dining, and any additional activities. While bargaining is not common in stores, it’s always a good idea to compare prices before making a purchase.
  • Leave No Trace: Respect the natural beauty of Heraklion and follow sustainability practices. Dispose of waste properly and be respectful of the environment, ensuring that you leave no trace behind.

By following these tips, you’ll have a memorable and enjoyable experience cruising to Heraklion. Immerse yourself in the local culture, explore the historical sites, and savor the culinary delights that make this beautiful destination so unique.

As you disembark at the Port of Heraklion, you’ll be greeted by a vibrant and historically rich city, ready to be explored. From the moment you step ashore, you’ll be immersed in the captivating allure of this captivating destination. With its diverse range of attractions, including ancient ruins, museums, charming neighborhoods, and mouthwatering cuisine, Heraklion offers a unique blend of cultural, historical, and natural treasures.

Whether you choose to visit iconic landmarks such as the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, or wander through the narrow streets of the old town, each step will transport you back in time, revealing the layers of mythology, history, and heritage that have shaped this remarkable city.

The Port of Heraklion serves as the gateway to a plethora of experiences that cater to all interests and preferences. Whether you’re a history enthusiast looking to explore ancient ruins, a nature lover seeking the pristine beaches and rugged landscapes of Crete, or a food lover eager to indulge in the flavors of Cretan cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

From the convenience of the cruise ship terminal to the variety of transportation options, the Port of Heraklion makes it easy for visitors to navigate the city and its surroundings. The warm hospitality of the Cretan people, combined with the modern amenities and well-preserved historical sites, make for a truly memorable experience.

As you explore the streets of Heraklion, you’ll be immersed in the vibrant culture and unique traditions of Crete. From the local markets to the charming tavernas, you’ll have the opportunity to sample the authentic flavors, interact with friendly locals, and create lasting memories.

Whether you have a few hours or a full day in port, the Port of Heraklion offers a captivating glimpse into the captivating island of Crete. So, delve into the rich history, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, and experience the natural beauty that awaits you in this extraordinary destination.

As you embark on your cruise adventure to the Port of Heraklion, get ready to create unforgettable memories that will stay with you long after you depart. Soak in the sun, marvel at the ancient ruins, indulge in the delicious cuisine, and embrace the warm hospitality of the Cretan people. Your journey to Heraklion will be one filled with wonder, discovery, and an appreciation for the rich heritage of this enchanting region of Greece.

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COMMENTS

  1. Heraklion Crete

    10°. Heraklion lives up to its status as the capital of Crete, offering a wealth of holiday fun, archaeological treasures, wonderful Cretan food and a wide selection of beaches. Heraklion is a multifaceted seaside city in Crete that embraces both past and present. The vibrant city of today, with squares and pedestrian walkways, is filled with ...

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    Heraklion Crete - A mini travel guide! SecretGreece. October 25, 2022. Crete. Best things to do in Heraklion, Crete. ... Agios Minas Cathedral in Heraklion city. Next to the cathedral, on St Catherine Square, is the church of Saint Catherine built in the 16th century. It has historical value as it was a centre of science and art, and many ...

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    This world-class museum is Heraklion's principal tourist attraction, apart from the actual site of Knossos, and lies in the eastern part of the old town. ... see our guide to the Top Tourist Attractions on Crete. One of the most popular tourist destinations is the seafront city of Agios Nikolaos. The outstanding nearby beaches, shopping, and ...

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    The cradle of the Minoan civilisation Heraklion is the largest city of Crete and one of Greece's major urban centres. The city flourished under a multicultural influence throughout the centuries; that's why there is a plethora of Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman structures to look out for! The city's landmark is the 16th c. Koules fortress in the westernmost side of the old Venetian port ...

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    4. Take a scenic walk around Heraklion Old Town. One of the best things to do in Heraklion, is simply to stroll around the historic Old Town. It's an easily walkable town, and there's many places to be discovered. The pedestrian streets inside the old city section of Heraklion are perfect for aimless wanderings.

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    per adult. Comfort cruise - sailing catamaran trips from Heraklion, Crete. 69. Stand Up Paddleboarding. from. $138. per adult. Things to Do in Heraklion, Greece: See Tripadvisor's 112,848 traveler reviews and photos of Heraklion tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March.

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    Knossos palace - Visit Heraklion 3. Koules fortress. Among the things to see in Heraklion, you must visit the fortress of Koules.. Located at the entrance of Heraklion harbour, it was built by the Venetians in the 16th century.Recently renovated, you can visit the interior and see the exhibition dedicated to the history of the city and the monument.. At the moment there is also a temporary ...

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    THINGS TO DO IN HERAKLION. Knossos; Knossos is one of the main reasons that people visit Heraklion, and it is a site with immense historical value just outside the city (so look into car rental Heraklion if you're heading here). Often noted as Europe's oldest city, this archeological site dates back to the Bronze Age (which is around 3000 - 1200 BC for those who aren't too history savvy).

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    A one-day itinerary in Heraklion should include a morning walk along 25th August Str. and the Venetian walls, followed by a visit to the famous Palace of Knossos. The Palace of Knossos is the most important archaeological site in Crete and offers insights into the Minoan civilization, Greek mythology, and impressive architectural features.

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    The Loggia is closed to visitors, but you can look around the arcade on the ground floor. 9. St Catherine of Sinai. Source: volkova natalia / shutterstock. St Catherine of Sinai, Heraklion. Next to the cathedral on St Catherine Square is a former monastery church founded in the 10th century.

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    Matala. Hippie town of Matala, south Heraklion. Matala is a famous village and beach in the south of Heraklion. The direct bus to Matala departs from Heraklion every 4 hours and the ticket is a little less than €10 and the trip lasts about 2.5 hours. You can get there by taxi or transfer (about €75) or drive.

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    The heart of Crete beats here all year round and every step takes you on a journey into the past, every corner hides a surprise, every experience is forever impressed on your senses and inspires you to share it! Get to know Heraklion and make it yours! A crossroads of cultures, a labyrinth that hides countless monuments of history and culture ...

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    Heraklion. Heraklion ( Greek: Ηράκλειον, Irákleio) or Iraklio is the major city and capital of Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. Its archaeological museum holds the remains of the 4000-year-old Minoan civilization, which centred on the nearby palace of Knossos, with its Minotaur legend. The city has several Venetian and ...

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    per adult. Sunset cruise - yachting tour on catamaran Heraklion, Crete. 27. Stand Up Paddleboarding. from. £74. per adult. Things to Do in Heraklion, Greece: See Tripadvisor's 112,848 traveller reviews and photos of Heraklion tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March.

  21. Municipality of Heraklion

    Its purpose is to develop tourism activities and improve the tourism services provided in the city of Heraklion with the edition of tourist information material, brochures, maps etc. The opening hours for the public are 8.30 a.m. to 14.30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Sun. Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri. Sat.

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