Going on vacation to Crete? So Heraklion is a must. Located on the north coast, it is the island’s capital and largest city. With the help of our Cretan friend Anastasia, a native of Heraklion, we’ve put together a few ideas for things to see and do in Heraklion.
And to prepare your trip to Heraklion, don’t miss our Heraklion travel guide: Transport, accommodation and good places to eat given by Anastasia, a local 😉
- 1- Heraklion fortress or Koules
- 2- Heraklion Archaeological Museum
- 3- Knossos Palace
- 4- Natural History Museum of Crete
- 5- A stroll through downtown Heraklion
- 6- The Venetian loggia
- 7- The beaches of Heraklion
- 8- Treat yourself to a day trip from Heraklion
- 9- CRETAquarium
- 10- Hersonissos Aquapark
- How to get to Heraklion? Where to stay? The best restaurants and taverns
1- Heraklion fortress or Koules
This imposing 16th-century Venetian building dominates the port. It has become one of the symbols of Heraklion and is beautifully preserved.
You can now enter the fortress. The tour proves interesting, and there’s also a beautiful view from the roof.
You will find all the information you need to prepare your visit on the fortress website.
2- Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Among the things to do in Heraklion, a visit to the Archaeological Museum is a must. Indeed, it is one of the most beautiful museums in Greece. It’s home to some real treasures, some of which date back to prehistoric times, as well as numerous artefacts from the Minoan civilization.
You’ll find all the information you need to prepare your visit on the Odysseus.culture website (which lists all the sites and monuments in Greece) and on the museum’s own website.
Save time and buy your Heraklion Archaeological Museum ticket online (museum or Heraklion audioguide optional). Combined tickets for Heraklion Archaeological Museum + Knossos Palace are also available (audioguides optional).
3- Knossos Palace
Knossos Palace is an archaeological site located 5 kilometers from the Cretan capital. It’s a must-see in Heraklion. It’s impossible to go to Crete and not visit Knossos Palace! After all, it’s one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.
The Palace of Knossos offers an insight into the grandeur of the Minoan civilization (2,700 – 1,200 BC). It was renovated in the early 20th century and is very impressive. The Palace covers an area of 20,000m². Its grandeur and labyrinthine construction make it closely associated with the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur.
You can reach Knossos by cab (15-20 min drive from Heraklion) or by taking the n°2 bus from the bus station. Alternatively, you can take the multi-stop tourist bus.
We recommend that you buy your tickets online before your visit. You can simply buy a ticket for Knossos Palace (audioguide optional), or a combined Heraklion Archaeological Museum + Knossos Palace ticket.
As far as guided tours of Knossos Palace in English are concerned, we spotted but didn’t test this private tour of Knossos in English, which has excellent reviews. We also spotted this package, which includes a guided tour of Knossos Palace in English, and a ticket for the Palace. This tour is 100% cancelable and refundable up to 24 hours in advance.
A final word of advice: during the summer months, we strongly recommend that you arrive at the opening at 8am. That way, you can enjoy the site without the heat and crowds.
4- Natural History Museum of Crete
Not to be missed! Adults and children alike will be impressed by the deinotherium, a huge prehistoric animal. They’ll play in the exploration zone where they can find fossils, and also get a thrill in the earthquake simulator.
The museum also features life-size reconstructions of the Cretan environment and the island’s ecosystem.
Practical info: it’s located in the center of the town – the ticket costs 8 euros for adults. Natural History Museum of Crete
5- A stroll through downtown Heraklion
Take time to stroll around Heraklion town center. We particularly recommend :
- Rue du 25 août, Heraklion’s main thoroughfare, linking the old port to Place des Lions. This pedestrian artery is lined with stores, cafés and taverns, and is a great way to cross the city from north to south.
- On August 25th Street, take time to admire the Byzantine church of Agios Titos . This is one of Heraklion’s most important monuments.
- Place des Lions is the heart of Heraklion. Take a seat around the superb Morosini fountain for a drink and a snack.
- Take the time to do a little shopping along Dedalou Street and stroll through the central market at Odos 1866 (1866 Street).
Vous pouvez ainsi profiter de cette visite en français de la ville d’Heraklion, du marché et du CRETAquarium.
Ou alors, partez à la découverte de la vieille ville en vélo électrique et découvrez l’histoire d’Héraklion avec un guide anglophone. Une balade au grand air, sans se fatiguer !
Les bus à arrêts multiples sont un moyen très pratique de découvrir la ville. Le billet est valable 48h, et en plus, il y a des explications en français. Cela permet de voir les sites les plus importants et de découvrir chacun à son propre rythme. On peut d’ailleurs s’en servir comme d’un véritable moyen de transport.
6- The Venetian loggia
It’s impossible to miss the Venetian Loggia in Heraklion! This remarkable edifice was built in the 17th century by the Venetians. It was once the city’s main public building, the place where political decisions were made.
During the Ottoman period, the loggia was also converted into a mosque. It now houses Heraklion town hall.
7- The beaches of Heraklion
If you’re coming on vacation to Crete, you’ll probably want to relax a bit. Our friend Anastasia then recommends Arina Beach, a fifteen-minute drive from the town center.
Otherwise, Ammourada beach may not be the most beautiful beach in Crete, but it has the big advantage of being close to Heraklion town center. It’s also ideal for relaxing and enjoying the pleasures of the sea.
We also recommend Karteros beach, a little further from Heraklion, but still very pleasant.
Take advantage of your vacation in Heraklion to try your hand at water sports:
There’s no shortage of activities!
8- Treat yourself to a day trip from Heraklion
Heraklion is undoubtedly the ideal place to stay in Crete, as it is the starting point for many day trips. From gastronomic walks to sports and water sports. You’re spoilt for choice!
In particular, we spotted these boat cruises:
- Une croisière en voilier vers l’île de Dia avec déjeuner : détente, baignade, snorkeling, Paddle et repas méditerranéen au programme ! Ou croisière en fin d’après-midi avec dîner. En anglais.
- Ou encore une journée à bord d’un bateau de pirates, pour nager, faire du snorkeling et savourer un délicieux repas grillé au barbecue. En anglais
- Et enfin, vous pouvez même aller à Santorin à la journée depuis Héraklion. En français
These bus excursions to a must-see point in Crete:
- Une excursion d’une journée à la plage de Matala, ses grottes et à Gortyn. Transport en bus climatisé, en français.
- Une journée à Agios Nikolaos, Elounda et l’île de Spinalonga. Il s’agit tout d’abord d’un transfert en bus, puis partez en excursion en bateau jusqu’à l’île. En français.
- Une excursion en bus d’une journée vers la plage de Preveli et la forêt de palmiers de Vai. En français
And those other sporting and gastronomic tours:
- une visite gourmande pour découvrir toutes les saveurs de la Crète : dégustation de vins, déjeuner traditionnel crétois et découverte des secrets de l’huile d’olive. Visite en français, annulable et remboursable.
- une excursion à cheval à Finikia : visite guidée en anglais de 5 heures dans les montagnes ainsi que déjeuner crétois dans une ferme inclus.
- une Via ferrata : pour les amateurs de sensations, offrez-vous une réelle journée d’aventure!
- for hiking fans,
a BIG day trekking in the spectacular Samaria Gorge
(15 to 17h, French guide available) - mais aussi une journée en quad, pour découvrir la Crète autrement. En français.
9- CRETAquarium
Si vous voyagez avec des enfants, une visite du CRETAquarium s’impose parmi les visites à faire à Héraklion. Il est vraiment très très beau ! C’est d’ailleurs le plus grand aquarium de Méditerranée et le seul aquarium de Grèce. Contemplez ainsi plus de 2 000 créatures aquatiques, des requins aux méduses en passant par les tortues de mer.
Vous pouvez acheter vos billets coupe-file pour le CRETAquarium ICI.
10- Hersonissos Aquapark
Là encore, vous êtes sûrs de faire le bonheur de vos enfants et de vos ados ! En effet, cet aquapark est très grand puisqu’il compte plus de 50 attractions dont un toboggan de 80 mètres de long. Il y a aussi une rivière lente, une piscine d’hydromassage et de nombreuses attractions. L’idéal pour une journée d’amusement en famille.
Vous pouvez acheter vos billets coupe-file pour l’aquapark Acqua Plus ICI.
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How to get to Heraklion? Where to stay? The best restaurants and taverns
If you’d like to find out about the best tavernas in Heraklion, suggestions for hotels and apartments, or practical information about transport, we recommend you read our article Heraklion: good addresses and practical information.
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We hope this Top 10 Heraklion article has given you plenty of ideas for things to do and see in Heraklion. We hope you enjoy your vacation in Crete!
You may also be interested in these articles:
- Good addresses in Heraklion
- The best day trips from Heraklion
- Visit Knossos Palace
- Top 10 in Crete
- 1 week vacation itinerary in Crete: Elounda, Heraklion, Milatos
Laure M. with the precious help of Anastasia K. Anastasia is a designer of accessories and gifts for children. Don’t hesitate to visit our online store. Everything is handmade in Greece, with passion and love. Worldwide delivery.
