What to see and do in Heraklion, Crete

The jewel in Crete’s archaeological crown, the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos is one of the most fascinating historical sites in the whole of Greece. Believed to be more than 4,000 years old, the sprawling site has around 1,400 rooms, halls and passages – although there’s no evidence of the labyrinth which inspired legends of the Minotaur. The centre of Minoan civilisation which ruled for two millennia from around 3000BCE, it was lost for centuries until being excavated in 1878, which uncovered evidence of cult of bull worship as well as some spectacular frescoes.

Knossos

Heraklion’s renowned archaeological museum is home to many of the artefacts discovered at Knossos, although the collection covers 5,500 years, from the Neolithic age to Greco-Roman times. The collection of Minoan treasures is a highlight, including the original frescoes from Knossos among the displays, while you can also walk through recreated period rooms, finding everything from art and sculpture to household items. With 27 galleries across two floors, this is one of the unmissable places to visit in Heraklion.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

It’s not just the Minoan civilisation which has left its mark on this corner of Crete, with the Venetians putting their stamp on the city in later centuries. The inner harbour is still guarded by the well-preserved fortress known as Rocca al Mare or the Koules, among other names. Dating from the early 16th century, the walls are over 8m thick in places to ward off attack from the sea. There’s a small museum inside, plus a chance to explore the rooms, including a bakery, church and old prison, as well as some magnificent views out across the waves.

Heraklion has been protected by walls for over a thousand years with the first fortifications built by the Byzantines. The city later fell to Arab invaders, before being taken by the Venetians and then the Turks, each of the various conquering forces rebuilding and maintaining the defences along the way. One of the best fortified cities in the Mediterranean, you can still see parts of the historic stone walls, while two of the main gates have survived the centuries: the Martinengo Bastion displays the lion of St Mark, the symbol of Venice.

Officially known as Thirathen, the Museum of Traditional Music is the perfect place to learn more about Cretan culture and arts. Opened in December 2023 in a renovated neoclassical building opposite the Church of Agios Minas, the museum focuses on research as well as the preservation of traditional Greek music, but also has its own collection of traditional instruments and a chance to hear them using the digital guide.

Set in the former Electricity Corporation building, the Natural History Museum of Crete has a string of displays on the island’s flora and fauna, with displays covering the eastern Mediterranean and elsewhere across Greece. Beyond local wildlife and plants, the five sections cover Zoological, Botanical, Anthropological, Paleontological-Geological and Mineralogical exhibits, including an earthquake simulator and a dinosaur skeleton.

A short drive outside Heraklion itself, Cretaquarium is home to over 2,000 marine creatures across 60 tanks, designed to showcase sea life in the region. The Mediterranean-themed habitats feature everything from plankton to sharks along with jellyfish and tropical species which are now being found in the waters around Crete. With five separate areas and an audio guide to share more information, it’s a great way to learn more about the area.

Heraklion Harbour

The little uninhabited island of Dia lies just seven miles by boat from Heraklion, with a string of boat tours departing from the city. According to mythology, the island was created by Zeus, and it was later used as a port while the Minoan Empire ruled, as well as during medieval times. Today, the unspoiled biodiversity means Dia is a protected area, but it’s possible to visit, swim and snorkel and learn more about the underwater excavations which revealed an ancient Minoan pier.

Open Air Museum This little museum lies around a 30-minute drive east of Heraklion in Hersonissos, and is the perfect way to discover what life was like in Crete over the centuries. The Lychnostatis open-air museum recreates various settings from a windmill and shepherd’s shelter to herb gardens, as well as displaying historic wine and olive presses. There’s also artwork by local painters on display in the museum’s gallery, not to mention regular activities such as performances of traditional Greek dance, plus wine-tasting and Cretan cooking workshops.

With 1,046 miles of coastline, there are thought to be around 100 beaches across Crete, and some of the loveliest are just outside the capital near Hersonissos. Sarantari Beach is a mix of sand and pebbles that’s sheltered from the wind with some glorious clear turquoise water, while Chrysi Ammos, or Golden Beach, lives up to its name and is one of the most spacious along this stretch of coast. The string of little beaches known as the Hersonissos Coves (or Limanakia Hersonissos) are a more secluded, unspoiled alternative, although with fewer facilities.

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