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Crete
Things to do in Heraklion

Things to do in  Heraklion

Welcome to Heraklion

Crete’s capital of Heraklion is bustling and energetic, where the hubbub of contemporary life bumps up against thousands of years of history. To learn about its storied past, venture to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum (home to ancient Minoan treasures) and the ruins of the Palace of Knossos (associated with the Minotaur legend), before wandering in the Old Town and discovering the recently restored Koules Fortress on its harbor. The city isn’t just about sightseeing, though, and other top things to do in Heraklion include exploring the buzzing cafés, busy nightlife, and varied shopping.

Learn more

Top 11 attractions in Heraklion

#1

Palace of Knossos

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Once the glorious capital of Minoan Crete and one of the most powerful cities in the eastern Mediterranean, ancient Knossos is a place steeped in legend. Today, it’s Crete’s largest and most important archaeological site, crowned by the hilltop Palace of Knossos—built around 2,000 BC—which reveals a fascinating history that stretches all the way back to the earliest European civilizations.More
Tours & Tickets
#2

Samaria Gorge

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Samaria Gorge, in southwestern Crete, is one of Europe’s longest canyons. A popular hiking destination, its rugged river valley trail runs 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Xyloskalo in the White Mountains to he coastal village of Agia Roumeli. The gorge is part of Samaria Gorge National Park, which enjoys a seat along the Libyan Sea coast.More
Tours & Tickets
#3

Spinalonga

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The now-uninhabited island of Spinalonga (Kalydon) sits in the Elounda Gulf along Crete’s northeastern shore. During the 16th-century Venetian occupation, the invaders built a defensive fortress here protecting Mirabello Bay. Today visitors can tour the massive structure and the abandoned buildings that sit along its turreted walls.More
Tours & Tickets
#4

Rethymno (Rethimno)

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The third-largest settlement on the Greek island of Crete, the port town of Rethymno (Rethimno) has been occupied since the Late Minoan period. Its Venetian- and Ottoman-era old town—a knot of narrow, flower-bedecked lanes overlooked by a fortified Venetian castle—oozes history and character. A series of sandy beaches stretch out along the coastline to the east.More
Tours & Tickets
#5

Cretaquarium (Thalassokosmos)

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Cretaquarium (Thalassokosmos, or “sea world” in Greek, Crete's gleaming white sea aquarium, is the largest in Greece. Showcasing the fascinating fish and marine ecosystems of the Mediterranean Sea, the aquarium is home to roughly 2,500 fish from more than 250 indigenous species, ranging from sand tiger sharks to microscopic sea horses.More
Tours & Tickets
#6

Archanes

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Discover one of Crete’s most important archaeological sites during a visit to the ruins of Archanes. See ancient musical instruments, pottery shards, and cooking pots at this archaeological site and museum. Learn about the site’s history and see evidence of aqueducts, a reservoir, and a theater.More
Tours & Tickets
#7

Venetian Walls

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Go for a stroll along the 16th-century walls in Heraklion, the capital city of Crete, to get a sense of the island’s Venetian history. The walls were constructed by Crete’s former Venetian rulers and they withstood a 21-year siege of the city by the Ottomans. Seven bastions and four gates make up the massive fortifications.More
Tours & Tickets
#8

Malia

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Expand your knowledge about local history in Crete during a visit to Malia, once a thriving Minoan city with an impressive palace complex. The small site is home to excavations that reveal fascinating details such as a luxurious bath, but Malia today is perhaps best known for the resorts and Ibiza-style nightlife of neighboring Malia town.More
Tours & Tickets
#9

Watercity Water Park

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A compact water park with a varied range of slides, Watercity Water Park is located midway between Heraklion and Hersonissos. Slides include a long, slow “Crazy River” raft ride, a boomerang ride, a vortex-style slide, a Tarzan swing, and more. You can also enjoy a wave pool, a lazy river, two children’s pools, and a selection of children’s slides.More
Tours & Tickets
#10

Star Beach Water Park

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Part of the Star Beach resort complex, this 4-acre (1.5-hectare water park sits directly on the waterfront and offers up family-friendly fun in a festive environment on the island of Crete. With adventurous water slides, a relaxing lazy river, and plenty of activities for tots, the Star Beach Water Park offers an ideal beach break.More
Tours & Tickets
#11
Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre

Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre

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The Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre showcases Crete’s indigenous marine and amphibious life in 15 vast tanks, as well as reptiles from all over the world housed in terrariums and pools. Get up close and handle snakes, tortoises, and lizards, join in feeding sessions, snap a selfie, and learn about wildlife conservation.More

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Trip ideas

How to Spend 3 Days in Heraklion

How to Spend 3 Days in Heraklion

With three days in Heraklion (aka Iraklio), you can discover the area’s 4,000 years of history, savor the local cuisine, wander landscapes like the Samaria Gorge—and even visit another island.
See all Heraklion articles

Top activities in Heraklion

Half Day Private Tour to Knossos Palace (Skip the line) & Panoramic City Tour

Half Day Private Tour to Knossos Palace (Skip the line) & Panoramic City Tour

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1
From
US$315.06
Full-Day Land Rover Safari from Heraklion with Lunch

Full-Day Land Rover Safari from Heraklion with Lunch

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594
From
US$93.97
Mythical Escape: Zeus Cave & Knossos Palace with Lassithi Plateau from Heraklion

Mythical Escape: Zeus Cave & Knossos Palace with Lassithi Plateau from Heraklion

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39
From
US$729.62
per group
Your Tailored Elafonisi Escape: A Dream Where Time Doesn’t Exist from Heraklion

Your Tailored Elafonisi Escape: A Dream Where Time Doesn’t Exist from Heraklion

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23
From
US$652.23
per group
Ecobike tour in historic Heraklion

Ecobike tour in historic Heraklion

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66
From
US$82.91
Knossos Palace- Zeus Cave -Traditional Villages - Old Wind Mills - Private Tour.

Knossos Palace- Zeus Cave -Traditional Villages - Old Wind Mills - Private Tour.

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36
From
US$552.74
per group
Samaria Gorge Hike from Heraklion region

Samaria Gorge Hike from Heraklion region

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7
From
US$74.07
Zeus Cave-Traditional-Villages-Old Wind Mills-Olive Oil Factory-Small Group.

Zeus Cave-Traditional-Villages-Old Wind Mills-Olive Oil Factory-Small Group.

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338
From
US$96.38
Minoan Crete from 3.000 BC: Knossos Palace & Museum with Wineries from Heraklion

Minoan Crete from 3.000 BC: Knossos Palace & Museum with Wineries from Heraklion

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8
From
US$729.62
per group
Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island

Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island

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155
From
US$46.43
Knossos Private Full-Day Tour from Heraklion with Pick Up

Knossos Private Full-Day Tour from Heraklion with Pick Up

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5
From
US$119.51
From Heraklion: Spinalonga Island ,Elounda and Agios Nikolaos Tour

From Heraklion: Spinalonga Island ,Elounda and Agios Nikolaos Tour

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16
From
US$36.48
Day Trip to Elafonisi Island From Heraklion

Day Trip to Elafonisi Island From Heraklion

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5
From
US$55.27
Skip the Line: Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Skip the Line: Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum

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20
From
US$22.11
Private Transfer from Heraklion Airport to Elounda

Private Transfer from Heraklion Airport to Elounda

From
US$88.44
per group
Guided Tour to Knossos Palace & Heraklion

Guided Tour to Knossos Palace & Heraklion

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18
From
US$32.06
Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake

Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake

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7
From
US$47.54
Cretan stories: when craft meets history...From Rethymno

Cretan stories: when craft meets history...From Rethymno

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3
From
US$30.95
CRETAquarium Entrance Ticket in Crete

CRETAquarium Entrance Ticket in Crete

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212
From
US$6.63
Transfer Airport to HERAKLION CITY CENTER OR PORT area up to 6 customers

Transfer Airport to HERAKLION CITY CENTER OR PORT area up to 6 customers

From
US$53.06
per group
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All about Heraklion

When to visit

Heraklion is a very popular summertime destination, thanks to its almost unbroken sunshine as well as its highs around 86°F (30°C). You can expect to encounter lots of fellow travelers in its Old Town and at major attractions, including the ruins of the Palace of Knossos. If you’re more sensitive to temperatures and crowds, spring and autumn provide a calmer and more temperate experience.

Getting around

Heraklion International Airport serves Crete’s capital, and it’s one of the busiest airports in Greece. Bus services and taxis link the airport with the city, and Heraklion itself is also served by numerous bus routes. Inter-city buses also connect the capital with other destinations like Chania. Taxis and car rentals offer the greatest flexibility, while guided tours make it easy to explore the region’s top attractions.

Traveler tips

If you’re looking to complement your trips to Heraklion’s ancient ruins with time spent on the beach, Matala is among the most celebrated stretches of sand on the island. It is, however, located roughly an hour-long drive from Heraklion, on the island’s south coast. For closer stretches of shoreline, look to Ammoudara Beach and Chelidoni Beach (also known as Palaiokastro Beach), both of which are just a short trip outside of the city.

Heraklion information

Number of Attractions

11

Number of Tours

282

Number of Reviews

2,656

Currency

USD
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