What Are the Top 10 Things to Do in Heraklion During your Stay
Heraklion -Crete’s capital and its major city- is known for its attractions, with the nearby Palace of Knossos being undoubtedly the most renowned and visited one. Although it is regarded as the most urbanized city among the principal ones in Crete, it still radiates romantic vibes, as the medieval and Venetian relics of the past are blended harmoniously with the local character and lifestyle. Hence, Heraklion is a tapestry of culture and history, while among its “threads”, visitors also appreciate the gastronomic tradition and the vivid nightlife.
So, with so many sightseeing and activities available, what are the top 10 things to do in Heraklion Crete during your stay?
1. Knossos Palace is a Must-Do
One of the top things to do in Heraklion is certainly to pay a visit to the world-known Palace of Knossos. Lying just 15 minutes from the city of Heraklion, Knossos Palace was the central and largest palace during the Minoan era and nowadays is the major evidence of the glory of the Minoan Civilization. Although Minoan Civilization dates back to the Bronze Age, it is claimed to be a highly advanced civilization, a fact evidently reflected in the remains of Knossos Palace, where signs of the advanced architectural, cultural, and technological knowledge of the time are obvious even to non-expert visitors. Verily, the impressive Throne Room, the Grand Staircase, the breathtaking frescoes, the old workshops, the thermal baths, the theater, and the relics of the plumbing system serve as witnesses of the Minoan society’s greatness. All in all, Knossos Palace amazes history lovers, whereas even history non-enthusiasts can’t help but be mesmerized by the place as well.
2. Heraklion Archaeological Museum
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum isn’t just a worthy-of-your-time museum in the Crete capital. In fact, it is one of Greece’s most important institutions, housing a wide collection of exhibits that cover a 5500-year period of time. Expectantly, the vast majority of them are artifacts from the Minoan times. Overall, the Archaeological Museum is considered one of the most interesting things to do in Crete, as it offers its visitors a comprehensive overview of the area’s history and evolution. Undoubtedly, the Disc of Phaistos is its most “famous” exhibit, surrounded with an air of mystery, as it is the only written record of the Minoan civilization but still remains incomprehensible.
3. Other Museum Options in Heraklion
If you love visiting museums during your journeys, you should keep in mind that although Heraklion is a relatively small city, it offers many cultural options. Thus, besides the well-known Archaeological Museum, visitors can also pay a visit to other cultural institutions as well. The most-visited among them is, without a doubt, the Museum of Natural History, which also has its share of devoted fans. Verily, visitors find countless interesting exhibits and collections within its premises. From the vivarium to the dedicated-to-Crete’s fossils area, the museum also houses a replica of Deirotherium, a gigantic elephant that used to live in the area millions of years ago, as well as an earthquake simulator. With such a wide number and range of collections, the museum needs at least two hours to get fully explored while offering various interactive activities.
4. The Famous Cretaquarium
Why visit Cretaquarium during your stay in Heraklion? Because you’ll observe the Mediterranean Sea with all its creatures revealing themselves right in front of you. It houses more than 2000 sea creatures, from jellyfish to sharks, and can give you a thorough glance into the fascinating marine life. Even if the provided knowledge doesn’t sound appealing to you, you’ll surely enjoy the serenity and the imposing atmosphere throughout the aquarium’s areas, where the light plays “games” according to the specific light conditions required by each species, and gives visitors an insight into the ambiance of the sea depths.
5. Visit Kazantzakis Tomb
Nikos Kazantzakis is undoubtedly one of the most important personalities ever lived in Crete. The famous writer and philosopher -the beautiful mind behind Zorba’s story- has deeply influenced the modern Greek civilization, as well as inspired artists and ordinary people around the globe. Its tomb is to be found in Crete, close to its hometown, Heraklion. Verily, it lies in the tower of Martinengo, where visitors can pay their respects at the tomb of the incomparable Kazantzakis while enjoying stunning city views.
Our Tip: If you want to learn more about the famous writer, you can visit the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum, which lies within a 25-minute ride from Heraklion, in Myrtia.
6. The City’s Fortress: Rocca a Mare or the Famous Koules
Rocca a Mare -or Koules as it is commonly known- is the city’s fortress, which was constructed -as the name reveals- by the Venetians during their occupation of the island to protect Heraklion from pirate attacks. Still surrounding the city’s old harbor, the fortress bears the characteristics of its constructors’ architecture and is spread into two levels. It serves as a cultural hub, as many events are organized throughout its premises from time to time, while it is open to the public as well. Thus, you can visit its exhibition areas, absorbing details and interesting facts about its history, along with the city’s historical background. Additionally, you can explore the storage zones, housing sculptures, and pottery excavated in the area.
7. Samaria Gorge Will Give your Vacation an Adventurous Twist
Greece’s most famous gorge (and also one of Europe’s most renowned gorges), Samaria Gorge, is a 2.30-hour drive from Heraklion. Still, you can’t leave Crete without visiting one of the most breathtaking vistas in the world. Hence, a day’s trip to Samaria Gorge is almost “compulsory” during your stay in Heraklion. Nested in the heart of the White Mountains, the Gorge houses a million-year-old forest, home to kri-kri, the native wild goat species, and perforated with springs. However, the trip isn’t for the “faint-hearted”! Thus, you should be up for a 17km/10-mile walk. Nevertheless, at the end of the road, you’ll spot the village of Agia Roumeli, where you’ll be able to relax in one of the various tavernas and cafes or even take a refreshing swim.
8. The Historical Island of Spinalonga
The island of Spinalonga used to be a place of torture and pain, as it was the location where all the lepers were exiled. There, you’ll observe all the premises, which are almost intact, and dive into the thankfully lost times when the doomed-to-die lepers had to build a new life miles away from their families and friends, spot their society, and discover their lifestyle and how they made the most out of the new conditions of their lives. Once you complete your visit, you can always head to the nearby picturesque city of Agios Nikolaos or explore the cosmopolitan Elounda.
9. Take a Swim: Crete is an Island After All
Although the beaches around Heraklion aren’t the most visited ones in Crete, they are definitely worthy of your time. Thus, if you want to spend a day on the beach, swimming in clear waters, and taking in the sun while relaxing on the sand, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Amnissos Beach is, for example, located within a 15-minute ride from Heraklion. The white-sanded beach is equally preferred by families and water sports enthusiasts, whereas Karteros Beach (also close to Heraklion) is highly valued by windsurfers. Alternatively, Palaiokastro Beach may not be a breathtaking choice itself, but it has a castle “looking after” it, lying right above the sandy beach. Finally, Agia Pelagia, 35 minutes away from Heraklion by car, is a tourist destination. Verily, the fishing village houses several tavernas and bars as well as beach bars. Overall, it is one of the most popular options in the area. Should you want to drive to an even further-distanced location, the options will be countless.
10. Explore, Drink, and Dine
If the historical attractions of Heraklion are exciting, the city itself is worth exploring as well, while its gastronomical scene is a must-do during your stay. Thus, you shouldn’t leave Heraklion without spending a day wandering around its neighborhoods and discovering its hidden gems. Keep your schedule free and begin exploring the city. The one sure thing is that you’ll run into several monuments and sites. Verily, you’ll most probably spot Loggia (the impressive Venetian building), pass by several churches (Agios Titos, Agios Minas Cathedral, etc.), and take in the colors and smells of Market Street. On your way, you’ll have to make your picks: the scenic and appealing cafes are numerous, and the local tavernas are all attractive. Don’t overthink it! Just follow your instincts and preferences, and stay open to new flavors and experiences. The Cretan cuisine is unbeatable, after all!