What to do in Ayía Varvára

Activities, attractions and tours

Ayía Varvára Tourist Attractions & Activities

If you’re searching for an exciting holiday, count on Expedia.com.au to help you find interesting attractions, enlightening experiences, and tons of other fun things to do in Ayía Varvára AU$53. From first-rate tours to incredible deals on sightseeing trips – our extensive selection of local things to do and places to visit is just a few clicks away.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re travelling alone, alongside your main squeeze, or with your favourite friends or family members, Expedia has the inside scoop on what to see and do while in this corner of the world. And our search tool makes it simple to score the best deals around. So regardless of if you are on a tight budget or prefer to spare no expense, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for by browsing over 9 activities in Ayía Varvára, Gortyna.

The intuitive booking system here on Expedia.com.au makes planning your holiday easier—and more affordable—than ever before. And not only can you discover all the best Ayía Varvára attractions from AU$53, but you can also book flights, hire cars, and reserve hotel rooms all in just a few moments. A world of wonder awaits you and your travelling companions. Count on Expedia.com.au to help you plan the holiday of your dreams, and you’ll have the time of your life.

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Top places to visit

1. Heraklion Port

Head down to Heraklion Port to take in the ancient fortifications and the lively marine activities of this historic harbour city. Admire ruined walls that were built over 400 years ago and dine on local cuisine at a laid-back waterside café. Whether you are taking a stroll or riding a ferry out of town, enjoy the picturesque vision of colourful boats bobbing against the backdrop of ancient ruins.
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Heraklion Port featuring a marina

2. Palace of Knossos

The Palace of Knossos was significant in ancient Greek mythology and is one of the great sites in Cretan history. Explore this captivating palace and delve into the countless great stories associated with the old Minoan capital. Once an icon of Crete’s great Bronze Age civilisation, this monument is now an engrossing archaeological site.
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Columns in the Palace of Knossos

3. Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Immerse yourself in the fascinating early history of Crete at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Widely acknowledged as one of Europe’s most important museums, this institution is home to a vast collection of artefacts representing thousands of years of Cretan life. Start in the Neolithic period and follow a journey in time through local history, making sure to spend time in the world-class exhibit on the Minoan period.
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Heraklion Archaeological Museum featuring street scenes

4. Historical Museum of Crete

Delve into this ancient city’s engrossing past at the Historical Museum of Crete, a well-equipped modern museum with a truly impressive historical range. See two El Greco originals as well as the recreated writing room of Nikos Kazantzakis, a literary legend in Greece. Investigate a scale model of the Heraklion of yore and learn about Crete’s many different eras, from Neolithic settlements to the battle for independence and beyond.
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Historical Museum of Crete which includes street scenes

5. Koules Fortress

Proud and robust, the Koules Fortress is an icon of the city. Explore this ancient fort on a harbour that has needed defending since the 10th century. Imagine taking part in the guarding of Heraklion, a city greatly coveted throughout its long and dramatic history. Inspect the soldiers’ barracks and prison, peruse Venetian marble reliefs and look out across the harbour as the city’s defenders would have done 500 hundred years before.
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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

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

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

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

Rouvas Gorge

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

Rouvas Gorge

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

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

Elygiá

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

Elygiá

Trafoulás

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

Trafoulás

 

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 Ayía Varvára

Photo by Michael S

Gortyna

Frequently asked questions

Is Ayía Varvára worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to enjoy the cultural attractions and local charm or sample unique foods and go on outdoor adventures, there's no shortage of things to do in Ayía Varvára.
How do I spend a day in Ayía Varvára?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Museum of Messara and Hermitage of Agios Efthymios Nivritos. Then, check out different parts of Ayía Varvára for tasty eats and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ayía Varvára?
Don't leave without checking out Museum of Messara, rated the top tourist attraction in Ayía Varvára.
Is three days enough to stay in Ayía Varvára?
If you only want to see the most popular sights, three days will be plenty of time for a break in Ayía Varvára. Book for a week or longer for the chance to truly appreciate the local vibe, visit nearby highlights and explore off the beaten path.
What are some activities to do in Ayía Varvára with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our ideas for what to do in Ayía Varvára with kids.

What to do in Ayía Varvára for adults?
Adults of all ages will find plenty of things to do in Ayía Varvára. Whether you're into history, art, outdoor activities or just love discovering new destinations, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Ayía Varvára?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Ayía Varvára is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can visit without getting your cash out. Hermitage of Agios Efthymios Nivritos is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.