What to do in Heraklion

Activities, attractions and tours

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

Places to Visit in Heraklion

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Heraklion, Crete 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 Heraklion attractions from NZ$21, 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 Heraklion tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 440 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 Heraklion. 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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Most fun & popular experiences in Heraklion

Tours & day trips

See all 399 activities
Sailing Cruise to Dia Island with Meal and Water Activities

Sailing Cruise to Dia Island with Meal and Water Activities

Activity duration is 5 hours and 30 minutes
8.6 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was NZ$161 and current price is NZ$145 per adult
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History & culture

See all 210 activities
West Crete Tour from Heraklion: Rethymno-Chania-Kurnas

West Crete Tour from Heraklion: Rethymno-Chania-Kurnas

Activity duration is 12 hours
8.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$111 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 131 activities
Orthodox Crete: In the Footsteps of the Apostle Paul from 55 AD

Orthodox Crete: In the Footsteps of the Apostle Paul from 55 AD

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$1,428 per traveller*
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Classes & workshops

See all 25 activities
Heraklion: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners

Heraklion: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners

Activity duration is 3 hours
8.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$132 per adult
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Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 18 activities
Heraklion: Sunrise Balloon Flight & Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Heraklion: Sunrise Balloon Flight & Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Activity duration is 8 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$654 per adult
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Recommended things to do in Heraklion

Number of things to do
440
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Sustainable soap workshop in Crete: NZ$21
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Heraklion

Discover the most popular places to visit in Heraklion

Heraklion Port which includes a marina

Heraklion Port

Watch fishing boats returning with their day's catch, enjoy a coffee in the fresh sea air or board a ferry bound for Crete’s nearby islands in this dynamic harbour.

Heraklion Port
Palace of Knossos

Palace of Knossos

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.

Palace of Knossos
Heraklion Archaeological Museum featuring street scenes

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Experience over 5,500 years of Cretian history at this important museum which has relics collected from the Minoan, Greek and Roman empires.

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 which includes street scenes

Historical Museum of Crete

Browse exhibits that record the dynamic past of Crete, from its early Byzantine days to its struggle for independence and beyond.

Historical Museum of Crete
Koules Fortress showing heritage architecture and château or palace

Koules Fortress

Beloved by locals for its sturdy, powerful appearance, this battlement has protected the city from Turkish invaders for over five centuries.

Koules Fortress
Morosini Fountain featuring 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
Heraklion Loggia which includes interior views and heritage architecture

Heraklion Loggia

Experience the city’s Venetian history as you explore this beautifully restored building, where ancient noblemen once came to meet and watch theatre performances.

Heraklion Loggia
St. Titus Church showing a square or plaza, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

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

Explore 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

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Heraklion

Heraklion which includes religious elements, a city and a church or cathedral

Archanes-Asterousia

Ammoudara featuring general coastal views

Malevizi

Photo by Ronald Wilson

Knosos

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.