What to do in Paliani

Activities, attractions and tours

Places to Visit in Paliani

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Paliani, Heraklion 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 Paliani attractions from NZ$30, 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 Paliani tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 96 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 Paliani. 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. 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

6. 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

Recommended things to do in Paliani

Number of things to do
96
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Sustainable soap workshop in Crete: NZ$30
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Paliani

Discover the most popular places to visit in Paliani

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
Columns in the 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
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
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
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
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

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

 

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 Paliani

Heraklion showing general coastal views

Heraklion

Frequently asked questions

Is Paliani worth visiting?
Paliani offers a unique mix of attractions, local charm and culture. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or traditional cuisine, there's plenty you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Paliani?
Once you've visited top attractions like Gortyna and Shrine at Anemospilia, spend the rest of your day discovering Paliani's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Paliani?
The top tourist attraction in Paliani is Gortyna, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Paliani?
Three days is plenty for a quick getaway to Paliani — you'll tick off the main spots and get a feel for the vibe of the place. But if you really want to experience it all, hang around for at least seven to ten days to check out some nearby highlights too.
What are some activities to do in Paliani with kids?
Planning what to do in Paliani with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're taking a trip with little ones or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly tours and activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Paliani for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Paliani, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas.
Are there free things to do in Paliani?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Paliani. If you're in need of ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Shrine at Anemospilia is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing activities.