Heraklion Holidays

  • Plan, book, travel with confidence

  • Better together

    Save up to €900 when you book a flight and hotel together*
  • Find the right fit

    With over 300,000 hotels worldwide, it's easy to create a perfect package
  • Rest easy

    Plan, book, and manage your trip all in one place

Things to do in and around Heraklion

Heraklion offers a delightful blend of beach relaxation, outdoor adventures, and rich cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy activities such as golfing, exploring a thrilling water park, and participating in vibrant summer festivals. Don't miss the opportunity for day trips, live music events, and market tours showcasing artisan crafts, making your stay both enjoyable and memorable.

Shopping

The Heraklion Central Market is perfect for immersing yourself in local culture, offering fresh produce, spices, and handmade souvenirs in a vibrant atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, visit the Mall of Crete, a modern shopping centre with a variety of international brands and dining options.

Recreation

At Pankritio Stadium, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere while enjoying various recreational activities. Theodoros Vardinogiannis Stadium offers a similar energetic vibe, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Freedom National Stadium provides ample opportunities for physical fitness and wellness amidst a lively environment, ideal for an active getaway.

Adventure

Experience thrills at Watercity Waterpark, located 11.3km from Heraklion, where family fun meets adventure in exhilarating slides and pools. For underwater excitement, visit Stay Wet, 12.9km away, offering a range of underwater sports. Alternatively, hike the stunning Psiloritis Trail, 40.2km from the city, for breathtaking scenery.

Nightlife

In Heraklion, experience vibrant nightlife at venues like 1866 Square, where lively bars and cafés brim with energy. Explore the old town for charming tavernas and cocktail bars, or venture to the waterfront for stunning views and late-night entertainment. The atmosphere is always buzzing with excitement.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in Heraklion

Heraklion, Crete, offers a delightful blend of beach, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore fascinating archaeological sites, charming piazzas, and historic government buildings. This vibrant city caters to families and culture enthusiasts alike. While on holiday, consider indulging in local wines and visiting the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum for a deeper understanding of Greek heritage.

  • Palace of Knossos: Discover the legendary Palace of Knossos, an archaeological marvel that offers a glimpse into the Minoan civilisation. Wander through its ancient ruins, admire intricate frescoes, and immerse yourself in the myths surrounding King Minos and the Minotaur.
  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum: Explore one of the most significant museums in Greece, housing a vast collection of Minoan artefacts. The museum showcases exquisite pottery, sculptures, and frescoes, providing an enriching insight into Crete's ancient history.
  • Historical Museum of Crete: Delve into the rich tapestry of Crete's history at this museum. From prehistoric times to the modern era, the exhibits highlight the island's cultural evolution through art, artefacts, and historical documents.

Best time to go to Heraklion

The best time to visit Heraklion can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Heraklion falls in July and August. August has average visitor numbers and sunny weather. The coolest average temperature in Heraklion falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately Low
February54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately Low
March56.3°F (13.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April61.5°F (16.4°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighAverage
May68.4°F (20.2°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June74.8°F (23.8°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighModerately High
July78.8°F (26.0°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighModerately High
August78.8°F (26.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageModerately High
September75.4°F (24.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October68.9°F (20.5°C)No RainSunnyModerately LowAverage
November63.0°F (17.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December56.8°F (13.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyModerately LowModerately Low

Tips to save on your trip to Heraklion

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically December to February) for more affordable package holidays to Heraklion.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Top hotels in Heraklion

Infinity City Boutique Hotel

Infinity City Boutique Hotel

Ariadnis 9 Heraklion
€118
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
8.8/10 Excellent! (350 reviews)
"Well located and clean. Nice breakfast choice and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2026

Infinity City Boutique Hotel
GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel

GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel

9, D. Beaufort Street Heraklion Crete Island
€180
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & fees
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
"Great location near old town. Staff was amazing professional and extremely helpful."

Reviewed on 27 Aug 2026

GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel
Aquila Atlantis Hotel

Aquila Atlantis Hotel

2 Ygias Street Heraklion Crete Island
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
€161
27 Sept - 28 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Aquila Atlantis Hotel
See all 1,973 properties in Heraklion
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Heraklion attractions

An ancient temple with red columns and a stone base, set against a dramatic sunset sky.

Palace of Knossos

8.6/10 (1,291 reviews)
Explore Europe's oldest city ruins, the ceremonial centre of Minoan civilisation. Admire vibrant frescoes and maze-like architecture of this sophisticated Bronze Age culture.
See properties
A museum entrance with large glass windows and informational banners.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

9.2/10 (960 reviews)
The world's richest collection of Minoan artefacts spans 5,000 years of Cretan history in this remarkable museum. Begin your exploration of ancient Crete here before visiting Knossos Palace for context.
See properties
A historic yellow building with a modern glass extension, a street with cars and a motorbike, and a clear blue sky.

Historical Museum of Crete

9.0/10 (365 reviews)
The Historical Museum of Crete chronicles the island's rich heritage from early Christian times to today. Explore the renowned Nikos Kazantzakis Room and Byzantine artefacts in this comprehensive cultural journey.
See properties
A grand architectural corridor with ornate columns and arches, leading to a bustling street.

Heraklion Loggia

8.4/10 (362 reviews)
This elegant 17th-century Venetian structure once hosted nobility discussions and now serves as Heraklion's Town Hall. Admire its harmonious Doric and Ionic columns while exploring the historic heart of the city.
See properties
A public square with a central fountain, surrounded by trees and buildings with shops.

Morosini Fountain

8.4/10 (409 reviews)
This Venetian marvel from 1628 features four water-spouting lions and intricate mythological reliefs. Sit at a café in the vibrant Lions Square to admire the fountain while savouring traditional Cretan bougatsa.
See properties
A harbor with boats docked, a stone wall, and a large building in the background.

Koules Fortress

8.8/10 (564 reviews)
This imposing Venetian stronghold guards Heraklion's harbour with massive limestone walls dating from 1523. Explore its historic chambers and climb to the rooftop for breathtaking panoramic views of the Cretan Sea.
See properties

Knossos Archaeological Site

9.2/10 (281 reviews)
The ancient Palace of Knossos reveals Minoan civilisation through restored frescoes and its iconic Throne Room. Explore Europe's oldest city with a guided tour to appreciate its mythological Minotaur connections.
See properties

Heraklion Town Hall

8.2/10 (254 reviews)
This elegant Venetian mansion from 1628 showcases ornate arcades and sculptures from Crete's noble past. Pair your visit with the nearby Morosini Fountain for a glimpse into Heraklion's rich architectural heritage.
See properties

What to do in Heraklion

Crete: Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island

Crete: Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island

€38
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Crete: Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island
Knossos Palace & Heraklion City –Full-Day Tour from Rethymno

Knossos Palace & Heraklion City –Full-Day Tour from Rethymno

€29
per adult
Knossos Palace & Heraklion City –Full-Day Tour from Rethymno
Heraklion: Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, & Elounda Tour

Heraklion: Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, & Elounda Tour

€30
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Heraklion: Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, & Elounda Tour
See all activities in Heraklion

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Heraklion holiday package cost?
You can snap up a holiday package to this top destination on Expedia. But how much your holiday to Heraklion costs will depend on factors like the season, hotel choice and length of stay.
What are the cheapest months to go to Heraklion?
If you're hoping to book a cheap Heraklion holiday package, consider planning a trip in December, January and February. You'll typically find lower prices on hotels and airfares during these months — ideal for a budget-friendly getaway.
How many days is enough for Heraklion?
We recommend booking a Heraklion holiday for around 3 days. This will allow you enough time to visit top attractions such as St. Minas Cathedral and Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, and check out neighbourhoods like Gazi and Agios Dimitrios. You might even be able to slot in a day trip from Heraklion.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Heraklion?
Whether you're looking to check out major attractions like Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Koules Fortress on your Heraklion holiday, or coming for its great coastal beaches, history and culture, there's something for everyone here. With so much to do, you'll quickly learn why so many families think Heraklion is a good holiday destination.
How to find the best Heraklion package deals?
Start your search for a Heraklion package deal by entering your destination and preferred travel dates under our "Packages" tab. Then add some filters, like "Popular locations" and "Amenities," to fine-tune the results to your exact needs. You can also sort by "Package discount" and browse offers that come with big savings. If you don't find the ideal Heraklion package deal straight away, simply play around with your dates and search again. Keep in mind that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Heraklion escape underway.
Is it cheaper to book a Heraklion holiday as a package?
An Expedia holiday package could land you considerable savings when compared to arranging stays and flights individually. Better still, you can personalise your Heraklion trip to fit your exact needs. Choose your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a car rental. Check out our great deals to see how much you can save.
When to book a holiday package to Heraklion?
If you're considering a spur-of-the-moment Heraklion trip, check out our last-minute deals that can be booked up to a week before you take off. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can score amazing deals on your flights and hotels by booking well in advance.
How to plan a trip to Heraklion?
  1. Choose when to get away: Check your schedule and pack your bags. Your preferred time of year and the available activities will also help you decide when to escape to Heraklion.
  2. Plan your budget wisely: In addition to the cost of your accommodation, you'll need to consider other expenses. These include food, flights and transportation. Also, put aside some extra funds for unexpected expenses that could crop up during your trip to Heraklion.
  3. Decide your trip length: Consider how long you'd like to spend discovering Heraklion. Plan your days so you can get to all the experiences and attractions you're interested in at a leisurely pace.
  4. Bundle your flights and hotel: Awesome destination, check. Length of stay, check. All that's left is to find a Heraklion holiday package that brings all your bookings together.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.