Heraklion, Crete, Greece is a beautiful island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. In fact, this place was once home to Minos, the legendary king of Crete.
Whether you’re planning a visit to Crete, Greece or looking for something to do in the area, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top tips for things to do in Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
The Palace of Knossos
When the palace was discovered in 1878, it blew the mind of the world. Knossos was once the capital of Crete and home to Minos, the legendary king of Crete.
Today, this incredible archaeological site is open to the public and you can even spend the night inside the palace itself.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Crete, and you can expect to find the Minoan artifacts, Mycenaean pottery, and more.
The museum is housed inside the ancient palace of the Minos, and its exhibits feature items from different periods of history. There is also an archaeological dig going on in front of the palace, so if you happen to be there when they’re uncovering new objects, you can see the site up close.
The museum also has temporary exhibitions, so you’ll have a chance to check out interesting and unusual exhibits. You can find the museum on Athinas street, just north of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Historical Museum of Crete
The historical museum of Crete is located in Heraklion, Greece and was opened in 1993. It features the history of Crete from the Neolithic period to the present day.
The museum is housed in a beautiful neoclassical building that dates back to 1833. Its architecture is a blend of Neo-Classical, Romanesque, and Venetian styles.
As the museum is located in the city center, it is surrounded by lots of shops and restaurants.
Koules Fortress
The Koules Fortress was built in the mid-15th century to protect the city of Heraklion. It is still standing today. It is considered to be one of the most important Byzantine monuments in Greece.
The fortress can be found in the center of Heraklion and is easily accessible. The main entrance is located in the western part of the city, which makes it a great spot for a day trip.
This stunning fortress on Crete’s north-eastern coast is where the infamous Minos ruled from. It has a great view of the sea and is also a popular tourist attraction.
Venetian Harbour
The Venetian Harbour is the largest harbour in Heraklion, Crete, Greece. It is an excellent place to catch a sea view.
During the day, the harbour is packed with tourists, and the sightseeing boat tours are excellent. However, the evening is a different story. As the sun sets, the harbour transforms into a magical scene.
The Venetian Harbour is a popular spot for locals, and there is plenty of space to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Venetian Walls
Take a stroll along the Venetian Walls of Heraklion, Crete. It’s an amazing sight to see how the Venetians created a massive wall around the entire city.
Today the walls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and they’re also the perfect spot to sit back and relax, especially on a sunny day. The best part is that you can walk along them all day long without getting tired, because the walking path is so long.
Cathedral of St. Minas
The Cathedral of St. Minas is one of the most important religious buildings in Crete. It’s located on the western coast of the island and is part of the Heraklion Archaeological Site.
The construction of the cathedral started in the late 12th century and continued until the 14th century. During that time, it was enlarged to include a crypt and the bell tower.
Today, the cathedral is considered one of the best examples of Byzantine architecture.
St Catherine of Sinai
This is the most important church in Heraklion, Crete, Greece. It was built during the Byzantine period and stands on top of a hill in the city center.
It is dedicated to the Greek Orthodox saint, Catherine of Sinai. It’s said that the saint’s mother, St. Anna, was buried here.
The name comes from the belief that Catherine of Sinai visited the church in 1438 to pray for a miracle. It is also believed that she brought her body here after her death in 1380.
Agios Titos Church
Located in the center of Heraklion, Crete, Greece, Agios Titos church is one of the most popular tourist attractions. There are over a million visitors per year, and it is said that more than 2,000 people visit it every day.
Agios Titos is one of the oldest churches on the island. It is also known as “the cathedral” due to its size and architectural beauty. It is located on the main street of the city, and it is surrounded by many shops and restaurants.
The interior of the church is decorated with bright frescos and paintings. There are also many small chapels inside the church, and each has its own interesting story.
Morosini Fountain in Lion Square
In the center of the city’s Lion Square, the Morosini Fountain is one of the most iconic pieces of architecture in Heraklion.
Constructed in the mid-18th century, the fountain was built to commemorate the return of the Venetian fleet after the War of the Greek Revolution.
The fountain was designed by the famous Italian artist Andrea Appiani, who was the son of the painter Paolo Appiani. It was named after the archbishop of Crete, Cardinal Morosini.
The fountain features a series of statues of lions. The lions are symbolic of the felis concolor (a lion of Crete), which is a Greek mythological creature.