Things to do in Heraklion

Activities, attractions and tours

A seaside view with a white umbrella and wicker chairs.
A harbor with various boats docked, a stone wall, and a large fortress in the background.
A building with a sign reading "BODYLINE" and another sign in a different language.
A historic church with a prominent clock tower and red domes, surrounded by urban buildings and trees.
A coastal road with rocky outcrops, a clear blue sea, and mountains in the background.

Things to do

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 Archaeological Museum Ticket & Audio Guide

Heraklion Archaeological Museum Ticket & Audio Guide

€29
per adult
Heraklion Archaeological Museum Ticket & Audio Guide
From Rethymno: Full-Day Knossos And Heraklion with free time

From Rethymno: Full-Day Knossos And Heraklion with free time

€25
per adult
From Rethymno: Full-Day Knossos And Heraklion with free time
Crete: Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island

Crete: Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island

€42
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Crete: Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island
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
Crete Uncovered: Your Complete Island Guide

Crete Uncovered: Your Complete Island Guide

€2
per adult
Crete Uncovered: Your Complete Island Guide
Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Damnoni & Kourtaliotiko Springs

Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches

€50
per adult
Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches
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Most popular experiences in Heraklion

Tours & day trips

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Heraklion: Dia Island Luxury Sailing Trip with Meal & Drinks

Heraklion: Dia Island Luxury Sailing Trip with Meal & Drinks

Activity duration is 5 hours and 30 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 79 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €79 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Heraklion: Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, & Elounda Tour

Heraklion: Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, & Elounda Tour

Activity duration is 6 hours
7.8 out of 10 with 12 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €30 per adult
Heraklion: Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, & Elounda TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 145 activities
Heraklion: Dia Island Luxury Sailing Trip with Meal & Drinks

Heraklion: Dia Island Luxury Sailing Trip with Meal & Drinks

Activity duration is 5 hours and 30 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 79 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €79 per adult
Heraklion: Dia Island Luxury Sailing Trip with Meal & DrinksOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 49 activities
Heraklion: Dia Island Luxury Sailing Trip with Meal & Drinks

Heraklion: Dia Island Luxury Sailing Trip with Meal & Drinks

Activity duration is 5 hours and 30 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 79 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €79 per adult
Heraklion: Dia Island Luxury Sailing Trip with Meal & DrinksOpens in new tab

Shows & concerts

See all 16 activities
From Heraklion/Crete: Santorini Island Guided Day Trip

From Heraklion/Crete: Santorini Island Guided Day Trip

Activity duration is 9 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 116 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €190 per adult
From Heraklion/Crete: Santorini Island Guided Day TripOpens in new tab

What to do in Heraklion

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.
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Where to stay in Heraklion

Find the best Heraklion areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Heraklion
Learn more about Heraklion
Ancient ruins with stone columns and a mural.

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.

A coastal town with a marina, boats, and buildings along the waterfront.

Hersonissos

A historic stone fortress with a moat, surrounded by calm water and several boats.

Archanes-Asterousia

An aerial view of a coastal town with a dense cluster of buildings, a winding road, and a large body of water with boats.

Malevizi

Ancient ruins with stone columns and a partially intact building.

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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