What to do in Ayía Varvára

Activities, attractions and tours

Places to Visit in Ayía Varvára

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Ayía Varvára, Gortyna while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Ayía Varvára attractions from NZ$40, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Ayía Varvára tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 19 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Ayía Varvára. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Heraklion Port

The lookout above Heraklion Port offers one of the city’s most beautiful panoramas. Watch as fishing boats skim the water’s surface as they head out to sea or return from the bright horizon. See an ancient fort that has stood watch for 400 years and then plan a meal at one of many waterfront restaurants. The small ferries you’ll see cruising in and out of the port offer memorable daytrips to nearby islands.
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Heraklion Port which includes a marina

2. Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Browse exhibits displaying pottery, artwork, tools and weapons from more than 5,500 years ago at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. This museum boasts one of the most expansive and important Minoan exhibits in the world. Peruse a collection of Neolithic tools and statues while learning how Minoans traded with the Egyptians and Romans.
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Heraklion Archaeological Museum featuring street scenes

3. Palace of Knossos

Imagine a time of Minoan kings and queens as you admire the grandiose designs of the Palace of Knossos. According to legend, this ancient building was designed by mythical architect, Daedalus. Join a tour and learn about what happened to this enigmatic designer and then discover the palace’s ancient treasures.
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This Minoan palace features a labyrinthine layout, remarkably well-preserved royal suites and masterful frescos making it one of Europe’s most important historic landmarks.

4. Historical Museum of Crete

Visit the Historical Museum of Crete and follow the journey of the island from an early Christian era to the modern day. Featuring Byzantine artwork and exhibits charting the Cretan struggle for independence, this museum encapsulates the island’s rich past. Learn about the influences of Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman periods on Crete’s folk art. One of the museum’s most precious attractions is its display of two paintings by famed artist, Domenikos Theotokopoulos, otherwise known as El Greco.
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Historical Museum of Crete which includes street scenes

5. Koules Fortress

Explore historic soldiers' barracks and prison then look out onto the city and the sea from the walls of the Koules Fortress. This 500-year-old battlement was built to house a garrison of soldiers and provide cover for canons that would repel invaders. As you explore, spot detailed marble reliefs depicting St. Mark’s lion, the symbol of Venice, on several walls around the fortress.
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Koules Fortress showing heritage architecture and château or palace

What to do in Ayía Varvára

Discover the most popular places to visit in Ayía Varvára

Gortys

Learn about the local history of Gortyna when you spend time at Gortys. Discover the mountain views in this quaint area.

Gortys

Koudoumas Monastery

You can find out about the history of Gortyna with a visit to Koudoumas Monastery. Amble around the area's beaches or experience its museums.

Koudoumas Monastery

Trypiti Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Trypiti Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Gortyna. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Trypiti Beach

Museum of Messara

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Museum of Messara in Ambeloúzos. Discover the mountain views in this quaint area.

Museum of Messara

Rouvas Gorge

Explore the great outdoors at Rouvas Gorge, a lovely green space in Gortyna. Discover the mountain views in this culturally rich area.

Rouvas Gorge

Hermitage of Agios Efthymios Nivritos

You can learn about the history of Gortyna when you stop by Hermitage of Agios Efthymios Nivritos. Stroll along the beaches or experience the area's museums.

Hermitage of Agios Efthymios Nivritos

Canyon Saint Sava

You can take time to visit Canyon Saint Sava during your travels to Gortyna. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Canyon Saint Sava

Koudoumas Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Koudoumas Beach during your trip to Gortyna? Stroll along the beaches or experience the area's museums.

Koudoumas Beach

Katárti

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Katárti during your trip to Gortyna? Amble around the area's beaches or experience its museums.

Katárti

 

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