Things to do in  Heraklion

Once the glorious capital of Minoan Crete and one of the most powerful cities in the eastern Mediterranean, ancient Knossos is a place steeped in legend. Today, it’s the island of Crete’s largest and most important archaeological site, crowned by the hilltop Palace of Knossos. The Minoans built the Palace of Knossos during the Bronze Age, around 2,000 BC, and thousands of years later, British archeologist Sir Arthur Evans excavated it in the early 20th century. What remains of the Minoan civilization, the palace reveals a fascinating history that stretches all the way back to the earliest European civilizations.

Discover one of Crete’s most important archaeological sites during a visit to the ruins of Archanes. Along with learning about the area's history and seeing evidence of aqueducts, a reservoir, and a theater, you'll see more personal remnants, such as ancient musical instruments, pottery shards, and cooking pots, at this archaeological site and museum.

With artifacts covering thousands of years, from the Neolithic era (c. 7000 BC) through to Roman times (c. AD 300), the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in Crete is second only in size and importance to Athens’ National Archaeological Museum. It’s also widely regarded as one of the most important historical museums in Europe.

The now-uninhabited island of Spinalonga (Kalydon) sits in the Elounda Gulf along Crete’s northeastern shore. During the 16th-century Venetian occupation, the invaders built a defensive fortress here protecting Mirabello Bay. Today visitors can tour the massive structure and the abandoned buildings that sit along its turreted walls.

Samaria Gorge, in southwestern Crete, is one of Europe’s longest canyons. A popular hiking destination, its rugged river valley trail runs 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Xyloskalo in the White Mountains to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli. The gorge is part of Samaria Gorge National Park, which enjoys a seat along the Libyan Sea coast.

Built in the 13th century when Crete was under Venetian rule, Koules Fortress is known by many names. Sometimes called Rocca al Mare, or simply the Venetian Fortress, it was initially designed to protect Heraklion from invasion. Today it houses exhibits on the history of Heraklion.

The third-largest settlement on the Greek island of Crete, the port town of Rethymno (Rethimno) has been occupied since the Late Minoan period. Its Venetian- and Ottoman-era old town—a knot of narrow, flower-bedecked lanes overlooked by a fortified Venetian castle—oozes history and character. A series of sandy beaches stretch out along the coastline to the east.

Lions Square is a popular Heraklion meeting point. Here visitors cross paths with locals on their way to work, to meet friends, or go shopping. Although the official name is Eleftherios Venizelos Square (after the former prime minister), the area is known as Lions Square thanks to the four stone lions gracing the ornate Morosini fountain.

Go for a stroll along the 16th-century walls in Heraklion, the capital city of Crete, to get a sense of the island’s Venetian history. The walls were constructed during the time of Venetian rule over Crete, and they withstood a 21-year siege of the city by the Ottomans. Seven bastions and four gates make up the massive fortifications.

Cretaquarium (Thalassokosmos, or “sea world” in Greek, Crete's gleaming white sea aquarium, is the largest in Greece. Showcasing the fascinating fish and marine ecosystems of the Mediterranean Sea, the aquarium is home to roughly 2,500 fish from more than 250 indigenous species, ranging from sand tiger sharks to microscopic sea horses.

CretAquarium (Thalassocosmos) takes visitors on a trip through the Mediterranean, from its seabeds to the coastal habitats of the Greek Islands. Visitors young and old come to take in a variety of sea life on display, everything from stingrays and octopus to jellyfish and clownfish.

Expand your knowledge about local history in Crete during a visit to Malia, once a thriving Minoan city with an impressive palace complex. The small site is home to excavations that reveal fascinating details, such as a luxurious bath, but Malia today is perhaps best known for the resorts and Ibiza-style nightlife of neighboring Malia town.

Once a clubhouse for Venetian nobility, the 17th-century Palladian-style Loggia is now home to Heraklion Town Hall. Designed by Francesco Morosini, it is one of the best examples of Venetian architecture in the city. Visitors come to roam its covered walkway and courtyard.

Just a short drive from the beaches of Heraklion, Acqua Plus Water Park is the largest and most popular water park in Crete. With more than 50 different slides, games, and activities, the park has plenty to do for all ages and preferences, from daring water slides to a scenic lazy-river cruise.

Measuring just 4.35 miles (7 kilometers) long and 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) at its widest point, Chrissi Island, also known as Gaidouronisi, is small but undoubtedly lovely. This protected nature reserve off Crete’s south coast is blessed with pristine beaches, shallow snorkel-friendly waters, and swaths of old cedar forest.