What to do in Heraklion

Activities, attractions and tours

Heraklion showing general coastal views
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

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$8, 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 208 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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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 featuring a marina

2. 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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Columns in the Palace of Knossos

3. 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

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. Heraklion Loggia

Imagine an era when Venetians ruled Heraklion as you browse the blend of historic designs at the Heraklion Loggia. Here, noblemen gathered in columned halls or watched theatre performances in the open-air arena. Admire the carefully carved reliefs of majestic animals and coats of arms that adorn the walls of this restored building.
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Heraklion Loggia which includes interior views and heritage architecture

6. 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 a bay or harbour

7. Morosini Fountain

Stop in Lions Square and admire the beautiful carvings of Morosini Fountain. Imagine the locals nearly four centuries ago filling up their water carriers from the fountain’s lobes and watching as the water gushed from the mouths of the four lions that hold the central basin. Stop for a coffee or a meal in one of the many cafés that line the square and enjoy people-watching as locals and visitors alike make their way through Heraklion’s busiest square.
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Morosini Fountain which includes a fountain

Recommended things to do in Heraklion

Number of things to do
208
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Discover Crete: Independent Island Exploration: NZ$8
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

4.5/5(13 reviews)

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
Columns in the Palace of Knossos

Palace of Knossos

4.5/5(13 reviews)

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

4.5/5(9 reviews)

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
Historical Museum of Crete which includes street scenes

Historical Museum of Crete

4.5/5(8 reviews)

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
Heraklion Loggia which includes interior views and heritage architecture

Heraklion Loggia

4/5(4 reviews)

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
Koules Fortress showing heritage architecture and château or palace

Koules Fortress

4.5/5(7 reviews)

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

4.5/5(11 reviews)

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 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
Natural History Museum of Crete

Natural History Museum of Crete

3/5(1 review)

Spend an hour or two learning about the diverse Cretan environment and watching the kids experiment with natural science in this dynamic museum.

Natural History Museum of Crete

Explore areas of Heraklion

Knoss palace on the Crete,Greece

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 showing a coastal town, a marina and boating

Archanes-Asterousia

One of the sunset spots on the workshop with @trover and @brendanvanson. @jelmer was nice enough to model for this shot!

Malevizi

#LifeAtExpediaGroup

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.

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