Things to do in Heraklion

Activities, attractions and tours

Heraklion showing general coastal views
Koules Fortress which includes a bay or harbour
Heraklion showing street scenes
St. Minas Cathedral featuring religious aspects, street scenes and heritage architecture
Heraklion Port featuring rocky coastline
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Top places to visit

1. Heraklion Port

Sit on a harbor wall at Heraklion Port and watch fishing boats bobbing on the sparkling Cretan waters. Visit the ancient fort that protected the harbor and see the old walls that have stood here for over 400 years. Sample local cuisine at one of the many restaurants near the water’s edge. Watch the coming and going of the small ferries that run between the Greek islands or book a passage on one and enjoy a daytrip away from the mainland.
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Heraklion Port which includes a marina

2. Palace of Knossos

Walk through the chambers of Minoan kings and queens at Knossos and marvel at the grandeur of the ancient buildings. Explore the labyrinthine layout and learn the story of what happened to the mythical architect, Daedalus. Take a tour to find out what treasures have been discovered here since excavations began.
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Columns in the Palace of Knossos

3. Heraklion Archaeological Museum

View over 5,500 years of pottery, artwork, tools and weapons when you visit Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Plan to spend time in the Minoan exhibit, which is widely acknowledged as being the best of its kind in the world. Discover Neolithic tools and statues, objects traded with the Egyptians and notable Roman artworks and frescoes too.
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Heraklion Archaeological Museum which includes street scenes

4. Historical Museum of Crete

Pay a visit to the Historical Museum of Crete and chart the city’s fascinating past from early Christian times through to the modern day. View spectacular Byzantine artwork, visit the writing room of one of Greece’s most famous literary heroes and learn about the Cretan struggle for independence. See how the folk arts of the Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman periods have all influenced each other. Don’t miss the museum’s prize attractions: two paintings by the great Spanish Renaissance artist Doménikos Theotokópoulos, better known as El Greco.
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Historical Museum of Crete showing street scenes

5. Koules Fortress

Stand inside Koules Fortress and look out across the Heraklion harbor just as sentries who guarded the city from attack over 500 years ago would have done. Visit the soldiers’ barracks and prison and see where the cannons were positioned to fire upon approaching enemy vessels. Don’t miss the impressive marble reliefs depicting St. Mark’s lion, the symbol of Venice, on three of the walls of the fortress.
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Koules Fortress showing a castle and heritage architecture

6. Heraklion Loggia

Visit the Heraklion Loggia and admire the blend of Ionic and Doric architectures that harken back to the time when the city was ruled by the Venetians. Imagine noblemen holding meetings in the columned halls or enjoying a performance in the open arcade area. Look for details such as the reliefs of lions and coats of arms and admire the excellent restoration on this ancient building.
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Heraklion Loggia featuring interior views and heritage architecture

What to do in Heraklion

Popular places to visit

Heraklion Port which includes a marina

Heraklion Port

Spend an afternoon wandering around this ancient harbor and admiring the fortress and ancient walls or take a trip to one of the nearby islands.

Heraklion Port
Palace of Knossos

Palace of Knossos

Take a tour around one of Europe’s most spectacular archaeological sites, where Greek myths have been made and great treasures discovered.

Palace of Knossos
Heraklion Archaeological Museum which includes street scenes

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

One of Europe’s most important museums has five millennia of Cretan history on display, including the exceptional Minoan exhibit.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Knossos Archaeological Site

Knossos Archaeological Site

You can find out about the history of Knosos with a visit to Knossos Archaeological Site. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Knossos Archaeological Site
Historical Museum of Crete showing street scenes

Historical Museum of Crete

Trace the history of this ancient town through its numerous periods and discover traditional art and fascinating stories.

Historical Museum of Crete
Koules Fortress showing a castle and heritage architecture

Koules Fortress

The prominent symbol of Heraklion, this imposing fortress by the harbor has protected the city for over 500 years.

Koules Fortress
Heraklion Loggia featuring interior views and heritage architecture

Heraklion Loggia

Take a look around this stunning Venetian monument, also the site of the Heraklion town hall.

Heraklion Loggia
Morosini Fountain showing a fountain

Morosini Fountain

Don’t miss this ornate fountain in Heraklion’s central square, which once brought daily drinking water to thousands of inhabitants.

Morosini Fountain
St. Titus Church featuring a church or cathedral, religious aspects and a square or plaza

Agios Titos Church

Dedicated to the patron saint of Crete, this Byzantine church has been renovated and repurposed by some of the world's greatest historical empires.

Agios Titos Church

Areas of Heraklion

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Nea Alikarnassos

You'll appreciate the restaurants during your time in Nea Alikarnassos and you might want to plan a stop by Heraklion Port and Heraklion Archaeological Museum while you're in the area.

Nea Alikarnassos
Hersonissos

Hersonissos

Heraklion showing religious aspects, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Archanes-Asterousia

Ammoudara featuring general coastal views

Malevizi

Photo by Dorothy Chapman

Skalani

Frequently asked questions

Is Heraklion worth visiting?
Renowned for its coastal beaches and history, discovering awesome things to do in Heraklion is easy. Be sure to add Historical Museum of Crete to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Heraklion?
Historical Museum of Crete and Ammoudara Beach are two great places to kick-start your adventures. Be sure to check out the shopping and dining options in Heraklion while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Heraklion?
Historical Museum of Crete is one of the top tourist attractions in Heraklion and should be high on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Heraklion?
Three days in Heraklion is enough to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many guests spend three days on average. Historical Museum of Crete, Ammoudara Beach and Natural History Museum of Crete are highly rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a little longer to visit nearby hotspots like Hersonissos.
Is Heraklion a walkable city?
If exploring on foot sounds like your type of getaway, Heraklion is a great destination. Find leading attractions, like Historical Museum of Crete, within walking distance of downtown. You can also go for a stroll around Ammoudara, a cool neighbourhood located about 5 kilometres from downtown.
What are some activities to do in Heraklion with kids?
Deciding what to do in Heraklion with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or toddlers, there's a range of family-friendly attractions to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Heraklion for adults?
Minos-Miliarikis Winery and Boutari are just a couple of the things to do in Heraklion. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Heraklion?
In Heraklion, Ammoudara Beach is a popular spot for anyone planning to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's an easy way to explore the best free things to do in Heraklion.

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