43 Things To Do In Heraklion

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1. Old Town

10 km from city center

Landmark

Old Town Heraklion radiates the charm of medieval European history and is located just next to the modern city. It is a meeting place for locals, and major attractions include the Venetian walls, Venetian Loggia, the Koules fortress, and the Morosini Fountain at Lions Square. Numerous cafes and restaurants are dotted across Old Town.

Tours starting from
₹3,377

Top Attraction 4.5 /5

6 km from city center

Historical Site

Renowned as Europe's oldest city, Knossos is located near Heraklion. It is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site with impressive ruins, colorful frescoes, and a glimpse into the Minoan civilization that flourished here over 3,500 years ago. It is easily accessible through public buses that leave every 15 minutes from Old Town Heraklion during the summer. Free parking service is also available (Read More).

Tours starting from
₹977

4 km from city center

Museum

Located in the town center, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion showcases artifacts from important excavations on Crete Island, such as the Knossos, Zakros, Phaestos, and Minoan excavations. It also exhibits prehistoric findings like statues, jewelry, stone figurines, ancient scriptures, and the remains of ancient-medieval buildings.

Tours starting from
₹711

4.3 /5

3 km from city center

Landmark

A renowned fountain and meeting point in Heraklion Old Town, the Morosini Fountain is located at Eleftherios Venizelos Square or Lions Square. This 17th-century historic structure is one of the most beautiful monuments in Crete. Around the fountain, there are cafes, restaurants, bars, and a few stores. By night, the area transforms into a nightlife hub.

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5. Koules Fortress

Top Attraction 3.8 /5

4 km from city center

Forts & Palaces

Located at the entrance to the harbor of Heraklion, Koules Fortress is one of the most beloved monuments of the city. It is mainly visited for is architecture, the view of the harbour from its rooftop. It is well-maintained and preserved. It also showcases some artifacts inside the fortress.

Instagram Worthy

3 km from city center

Avenues & Promenades

The Heraklion Venetian Port, located in the heart of Heraklion on Crete’s northern coast, dates back to the 16th century and was a vital maritime hub during Venetian rule. Its centerpiece is the Koules Fortress, offering panoramic views of the sea and city. Visitors can stroll along the old harbor, admire the preserved Venetian shipyards, and enjoy the lively waterfront lined with cafes and tavern (Read More)s.

7. Natural History Museum of Crete

Fun For Kids

3 km from city center

Museum

The Natural History Museum of Crete is an environment museum on Sofokli Venizelou Street, near the harbor. It showcases artifacts and holds demonstrations of natural phenomena, one of the most popular being the Earthquake simulator. The museum visually represents the varied life forms in the Mediterranean area, with Crete and Greece in the limelight.

Tours starting from
₹977

3.9 /5

3 km from city center

Church & Cathedral

The Church of Agios Minas or the Agios Minas Cathedral, is a 19th-century Greek Orthodox church in Heraklion, Crete. It is dedicated to Saint Minas, the city’s patron saint. It is the largest church in Crete and one of the largest churches in Greece. The highlight is the stunning architecture with impressive interiors.

Tours starting from
₹2,222

Instagram Worthy 4.2 /5

49 km from city center

Beach

Highlights: Caves Matala

Matala Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Crete, located on the island's southern edge in the Heraklion region. It spans across 300m and provides the best escape with its beautiful sandy shores, crystal clear waters and idyllic tall cliffs. In addition, it is a popular diving spot. One can jump into the sea from the cave located on the north end of the beach.

Tours starting from
₹2,666

3 km from city center

Landmark

Bembo Fountain is Heraklion's first fountain, located north of Kornarou Square. The fountain has a headless statue of Roman origin and pillars on both sides, standing on the top of the water sprout. Built-in 1552-1554, Gothic and Renaissance architecture inspired the rush's decorative aspects, and it was named after a Venetian Governor, Gianmatteo Bembo.

4 km from city center

Church & Cathedral

The Church of Agios Titos, located in the center of Heraklion on 25th August Street, is a significant historical and religious site dating back to the 10th century. Originally a Byzantine church, it has undergone transformations under Venetian and Ottoman rule, now serving as a Greek Orthodox church. Visitors admire its impressive blend of architectural styles and venerate the relics of Saint Titu (Read More)s, the patron saint of Crete, housed inside.

Tours starting from
₹2,222

3.8 /5

4 km from city center

Museum

The Museum, founded by the society of Cretan Historical Studies, highlights Crete's collection of art and history from the 4th century AD up to the second world war. The museum's finest exhibits are two paintings by El Greco, born in Crete: The Baptism of Christ and View of Mount Sinai, the only works by the artist now on Crete.

Tours starting from
₹977

13. Ammoudara Beach

3 km from city center

Beach

Ammoudara Beach is sand and shingle beach which is a bit far from the center. However, it can be easily reached by bus or car. The beach is regarded as windy, which leads to sea waves splashing all across the shores, enhancing its beauty. Separate spaces are designated for swimmers and kitesurfers. The parking area is nearby.

Tours starting from
₹1,333

3 km from city center

Forts & Palaces

Built to guard the city from foreign invasions, the Venetian Walls of Heraklion are 7 km fortifications surrounding the city. These are perfectly preserved and are living examples of military architecture during the Venetian period. You can visit three main attractions located within the walls, which consist of two open theatres and a tomb.

Tours starting from
₹1,333

16 km from city center

Aquarium

CRETAquarium is an amazing experience of witnessing the giant to the small sea creatures of the Mediterranean, altogether, in a large aquarium. The aquarium has 61 different-sized tanks that contain over 2500 species of marine biodiversity, audio, and video presentations available, VR glasses for exploring the aquatic ecosystem, and special “touch pools” for children.

Tours starting from
₹711

11 km from city center

Landmark

Heraklion is considered rich in terms of wine tasting and traditional winemaking. “Wine Roads” are special road sign advertisements for winemakers in Heraklion localized in Heraklion's Archanes, Danonino, and Peza regions. Some of the best wineries in Heraklion are Lyrarakis Winery, Douloufakis Winery, Domaine Paterianakis, Scalarea Estate and Diamantakis Winery.

Tours starting from
₹7,909

Street Food & Drinks

The Greek Food Tour in Heraklion takes visitors on a culinary journey through the city's vibrant markets, traditional taverns, and local bakeries. Participants get to taste authentic Cretan dishes such as dakos, local cheeses, and honey, while learning about the island's rich gastronomic traditions. Tours typically start in the city center and include stops at iconic spots like the Central Market (Read More)and family-run eateries.

3 km from city center

Tombs & Mausoleums

Nikos Kazantzakis Grave is the tomb of the renowned Cretan writer, Nikos Kazantzakis, situated at the Martinengo Bastion, the highest spot on the walls of Heraklion. The location is quiet, offering the city view from atop, where the writer was buried outside his hometown. The grave has a phrase written over it: "I hope for nothing, I fear for nothing, I am free”.

3 km from city center

Landmark

The Venetian Loggia is Heraklion's Town hall located in Old Town. It is a beautiful architectural marvel that can be explored externally on a walking city tour. The building was initially used as a meeting place for nobles, but now it hosts administrative events and is temporarily closed for public visits. It takes about 15 minutes to explore the exteriors.

Tours starting from
₹2,222

4.2 /5

28 km from city center

Museum

Lychnostatis Open Air Museum is a private museum established in 1992 based on a private collection owned by Yiorgos Markakis, an ophthalmologist. The museum showcases a variety of artifacts and structures related to Cretan folk tradition, economic activity, culture, and the environment.

Tours starting from
₹711

Day Trip

15 km from city center

Boating & Cruises

Dia Island, located about 7 km north of Heraklion, is a small, uninhabited island known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich biodiversity. Accessible by boat tours departing from Heraklion, it’s a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and hiking along its scenic trails. Historically significant as an ancient Minoan port, the island features remnants of ancient structures alon (Read More)gside a vibrant ecosystem, making it a Natura 2000 protected area.

29 km from city center

Town

Malia, often spelled Mallia, is a popular nightlife hub near Heraklion. It is home to some of Europe's biggest beach clubs and bars, which host the best party events during summer. This makes the town a perfect base for people interested in exploring the nightlife in the region. You can easily reach Malia from Heraklion by public bus, which takes just 30 minutes.

Tours starting from
₹3,999

Day Trip

125 km from city center

Island

Santorini, accessible via ferry or flight from Heraklion, is a world-renowned Greek island known for its iconic whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and volcanic landscapes. Visitors often explore the caldera, enjoy the stunning sunsets in Oia, relax on unique black and red sand beaches, and sample local wines from centuries-old vineyards. It is a popular day-trip or overnight destination f (Read More)rom Crete, with ferries departing from Heraklion Port and lasting approximately 2 hours by high-speed options.

142 km from city center

Beach

Elafonissi Beach, located approximately 200 km southwest of Heraklion, is famed for its pink-hued sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Accessible by car or guided tours, it features shallow lagoons ideal for swimming and sunbathing, with some areas designated as protected nature reserves. Visitors also enjoy exploring small islets and the unique flora and fauna in the surrounding area.

Day Trip

56 km from city center

Town

Agios Nikolaos, located about 65 km east of Heraklion, is a charming coastal town on Crete's Mirabello Bay. Known for its picturesque Lake Voulismeni, lined with cafes and restaurants, it offers a relaxed atmosphere and scenic views. Visitors can explore local beaches, enjoy boat trips to Spinalonga Island, and visit the Archaeological Museum showcasing Minoan artifacts. The town also serves as a (Read More)gateway to nearby traditional villages and the Lassithi Plateau.

Day Trip

51 km from city center

Island

Spinalonga Island, located in the Gulf of Elounda near Heraklion, is a historic site known for its Venetian fortress built in 1579 and its role as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957. Visitors can explore the well-preserved fortress walls, ancient streets, and remnants of the leper settlement. Accessible by boat from Elounda, Plaka, or Agios Nikolaos, the island offers a unique glimpse into Crete's l (Read More)ayered history and breathtaking views of the surrounding waters.

4.0 /5

56 km from city center

Historical Site

Phaistos, also known as the Minoan Palace of Phaistos, is a Bronze Age archaeological site in the south center of Crete at Faistos. The original palace underwent several constructions post damage caused by earthquakes. The present-day site preserves ruins from the old and the new palace and the artifacts and inscriptions unearthed from the site.

Tours starting from
₹711

3.4 /5

104 km from city center

National Park

Samaria Gorge is a national park located in the regional unit of Chania that is popular, especially among hikers. It is one of the longest gorges in Europe which is 16 km long. The most famous part of the gorge is the stretch known as Iron Gates, where the width is only 4 meters and the height is almost 300 meters. The difficulty of this part of the gorge adds thrill to the hike.

Tours starting from
₹3,999

15 km from city center

Village

Fodele is a valley worth seeing for various reasons; topping the list is the Pandomandri river flows through the village although the year. Visitors enjoy the shade of Drossia and the trail along the calming water. The town has many options to munch on some Cretan delicacies in the naturally mesmerizing sight of the park in the main square.

4 km from city center

Museum

The 1500 sq meter Historical and Folklore Museum of Heraklion has a rich collection of artifacts from World War II and early Christian times (330 AD). In the large, 22-roomed museum, you can come across various sculptures and ceramics that focus on the essence of Crete, famous paintings by El Greco, and some of the personal items of the great Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis.

Tours starting from
₹711

3 km from city center

Town

Lakkos is a unique district in Heraklion that will please your eyes with colorful murals painted on the walls of old buildings, quiet abandoned low-raised houses and vibrant streets that indulge you in memories of ancient Greece. It is similar to an outdoor gallery where artists can stay in the old homes under the residency program and contribute to the reformation of Lakkos by painting the spaces (Read More).

34 km from city center

Monument

The Monastery of Panagia Kera Kardiotissa is one of the oldest monasteries in Kera Village, on the foothills of Mt Dikti. It is a stone church dedicated to Virgin Mary. The monastery is beautifully built in Byzantine architecture and has a small museum with artistic murals from the ancient 14th-15th centuries open to visitors.

Tours starting from
₹3,377

4.0 /5

34 km from city center

Mountain

Mount Ida, locally known as Idha or Ita, is the highest mountain in Crete and has the highest topographic prominence in Greece. Located in Rethymno, the mountain offers several hiking trails with 4-5 different routes to reach the summit. Some famous peaks include Holy Cross, Agathias and Stolistra, which provide panoramic views of the Libyan Sea.

48 km from city center

The Matala Caves are a collection of Neolithic, man-made caves carved into the cliffs of Matala Beach. Protected by the Archaeological Service, they became popular as home to the hippie community during the 60s and the 70s. It can easily be covered as a day trip from Heraklion as it is just 1.5 hours away.

Tours starting from
₹2,666

11 km from city center

Village

Archanes is a picturesque town popularly known as a fine wine-producing region. It is also home to the oldest wine press in the world, offering excellent wine tour possibilities with lush vineyards, beautiful waterfalls, and streams. The town is close to one of the major attractions in Crete, the Palace of Knossos, and can be treated as a day trip from Heraklion.

Tours starting from
₹6,131

0 km from city center

Town

A 34-hour drive from Heraklion, Malta is a small island country full of ancient temples, splendid locations, lagoons and plenty of tourist attractions that will impact your mind. A day trip that offers offers full packages taking you through important locations such as Gozo, the blue lagoon and caves of Malta, shopping centres, temples and pre-historic buildings, monuments and forts, along with di (Read More)fferent hikes and cliffs of the island.

Tours starting from
₹3,732

29 km from city center

Village

Zaros is a charming village at the southern foothills of Mount Idi. The main attraction here is Lake Votomus, which is perfect for picnics, leisurely walks, and dining at lakeside cafés. The village also has several springs, from where water is bottled and distributed across Crete. The traditional watermills from the 16th century give a unique touch to the beautiful landscape.

83 km from city center

Village

Vamos is a charming village with well-preserved ruins, cobblestone streets, olive groves, vineyards, rugged mountains, and a laid-back life. It offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring the scenic countryside. You can also explore nearby attractions including the Kiliaris River and Diktamos Gorge. It is an easy day trip from Heraklion taking about 3.5 hours by public bus.

10 km from city center

Shopping Market

Heraklion offers a mix of traditional and modern shopping experiences, with highlights including the bustling 1866 Street Market for local produce, handmade goods, and souvenirs. Daedalou Street, a pedestrian-friendly shopping hub, features international brands and boutique stores. For unique Cretan products like olive oil, honey, and pottery, visit the small shops around the Lion’s Square and nea (Read More)rby streets. The Central Market is a must-visit for an authentic glimpse into local life.

Tours starting from
₹3,377

36 km from city center

Historical Site

Gortyna, located in the southern part of Crete, in the modern city of Gortyn, is an ancient archaeological site steeped in history and myth. With the ancient ruins of the city's Agora, Roman Odeon, and the famous Law Code of Gortyna inscribed on a massive stone slab, the site is small and can be covered within an hour. It also has some traditional tavernas close by.

Tours starting from
₹711

69 km from city center

Village

Highlights: Agia Pelagia Beach

Agia Pelagia is a picturesque seaside resort just 20 minutes away from Heraklion by bus. It is popular among families as it consists of quiet beaches like Agia Pelagia Beach along with more commercial beaches like Psaromoura Beach, Fylakes Beach, and Ligaria Beach. All these beaches are well maintained with sunbeds and lounges offering watersports opportunities.

Tours starting from
₹3,999

12 km from city center

Beach

Agia Pelagia Beach is a beautiful, charming, narrow shore located in the village of Agia Pelagia. It is a small, quiet beach, especially preferred by families for its shallowness, and is a perfect spot to snorkel. Keep in mind that the beach is too narrow and there is not enough space to lay your own towel, in case you decide not to rent available sunbeds.

Tours starting from
₹3,821

Great For Family Outing

8 km from city center

Beach

Amnissos Beach is a 1 km long, soft-sand, yet windy beach with sunbeds and umbrellas. It is an uncrowded beach in comparison to other closeby beaches. It is known for its water skiing and wakeboarding activities. The beach is located close to Heraklion Airport, so airplanes can easily be spotted taking off and landing. A free parking is also available.

Tours starting from
₹2,844