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

Heraklion 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 Heraklion AU$15. 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.

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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 which includes 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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This stunning archaeological site is one of the world’s most important records of Minoan civilisation and it may well be the oldest city in Europe.

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

6. Heraklion Loggia

It is fitting, perhaps, for a city as historical as Heraklion that its town hall should be a magisterial Venetian-era meeting place. And so it is with the Heraklion Loggia, a stunning old monument with an ornate exterior and a pleasant arcade. Admire this impressive public building from both the outside and the inside.
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Heraklion Loggia which includes interior views and heritage architecture

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Recommended things to do in Heraklion

Number of things to do
234
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
CRETAquarium Entrance Ticket in Crete: AU$15
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

Explore ancient fortifications and relax with a waterside drink at Heraklion’s picturesque harbour.

Heraklion Port
Palace of Knossos

Palace of Knossos

This stunning archaeological site is one of the world’s most important records of Minoan civilisation and it may well be the oldest city in Europe.

Palace of Knossos
Heraklion Archaeological Museum featuring street scenes

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Delve into the lost world of the Minoans at this museum that has exhibits covering over 5,000 years of Cretian history.

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

Make your way through centuries of Cretan history at this modern museum, which has collections ranging from the fourth century to the end of World War II.

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

Koules Fortress

This sturdy stone fortress guarded Heraklion from Turkish invasion during Venetian times. Now the Rock of the Sea stands proud over the harbour, a true city icon.

Koules Fortress
Heraklion Loggia which includes interior views and heritage architecture

Heraklion Loggia

Heraklion’s town hall is in this stunning building, which was once used as a meeting place for Venetian noblemen.

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
Natural History Museum of Crete

Natural History Museum of Crete

The island’s unique natural heritage is the focus of this engaging museum. Don’t miss the exhibition on earthquakes, which includes an earthquake simulator.

Natural History Museum of Crete

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

Photo by Michael S

Gortyna

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.

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