What to do in Stavrakia

Activities, attractions and tours

Places to Visit in Stavrakia

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Stavrakia, 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 Stavrakia attractions from NZ$31, 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 Stavrakia tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 203 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 Stavrakia. 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 heritage architecture and château or palace

Recommended things to do in Stavrakia

Number of things to do
203
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Sustainable soap workshop in Crete: NZ$31
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Stavrakia

Discover the most popular places to visit in Stavrakia

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
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
Knossos Archaeological Site

Knossos Archaeological Site

4.5/5(5 reviews)

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

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
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
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
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

 

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 Stavrakia

Heraklion showing general coastal views

Heraklion

Ammoudara featuring general coastal views

Malevizi

Frequently asked questions

Is Stavrakia worth visiting?
Whether you plan to discover the local charm and cultural hotspots or sample unique foods and venture into nature, there are many things to do in Stavrakia.
How do I spend a day in Stavrakia?
After you've checked off leading attractions like Historical Museum of Crete and Natural History Museum of Crete, spend the rest of your day exploring Stavrakia's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Stavrakia?
Historical Museum of Crete is one of the top tourist attractions in Stavrakia and should be high on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Stavrakia?
If you just want to tick off the leading attractions, three days will be more than enough time for a trip to Stavrakia. Stay for a week or longer for the chance to really experience the local vibe, visit nearby highlights and discover a few hidden gems.
What are some activities to do in Stavrakia with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a fun-filled itinerary makes all the difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Stavrakia with kids.

What to do in Stavrakia for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Stavrakia, with activities for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Heraklion Town Hall or Dedalou Shopping Street.
Are there free things to do in Stavrakia?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Stavrakia is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without opening your wallet. City Walls is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.