Heraklion

Written by Celine Fournier, Julien Lambert, Maria Gaulto
07/08/2025
Bright day view of Heraklion city with the blue sea in the background, Crete, Greece.
Erik Karits, Pexels

Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is a dynamic city offering a deep dive into ancient Minoan history through sites like the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, while also providing a lively urban experience with modern amenities and cultural vibrancy.

The city center is a hub for socializing, with Korai Street bustling with bars and pubs for both locals and tourists, and Chandakos Street offering a more relaxed setting. Areas around the Morosini Fountain (Lion Square) and Plateia Eleftherias also feature numerous bars, tavernas, and live music. The Old Town is particularly welcoming for backpackers, providing budget-friendly accommodations and a sociable environment. For a more intense party scene, the nearby coastal resorts of Malia and Hersonissos are known for their beach clubs and late-night venues.

Top 6 Things to do in Heraklion

Heraklion offers a blend of immersive historical experiences, vibrant urban exploration, and refreshing sea adventures, complemented by opportunities to delve into local culinary traditions.

1. Palace of Knossos

Stepping onto the archaeological site of the Palace of Knossos, one can sense the grandeur of Europe's oldest city. Exploring the reconstructed areas and original ruins offers a profound glimpse into the advanced Minoan civilization and its legends, such as that of the Minotaur. To fully appreciate the artifacts unearthed here, it is highly recommended to combine this visit with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Cost: A full adult ticket costs €20. A combined ticket with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum is available for €20. Reduced tickets are often available for specific groups, such as seniors over 65 (€8).

Transport: The Palace of Knossos is located approximately 5 km south of Heraklion city center. Public bus line 2 runs directly from the central bus station (near the port or Heraklion Archaeological Museum) to Knossos, taking about 11-15 minutes and costing €1-2. A taxi ride is quicker, around 4-10 minutes, with an estimated cost of €6-€15 from the city center.

2. Heraklion Archaeological Museum

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses the most significant collection of Minoan artifacts globally. Walking through its galleries allows for a deeper understanding of the Minoan civilization, viewing intricate frescoes, pottery, and sculptures recovered from Knossos and other Minoan sites. It provides an essential context to the ruins of Knossos, bringing ancient history to life.

Cost: A full adult ticket costs €12. Reduced tickets are €6. This museum is often included in a combined ticket with the Palace of Knossos for €20.

Transport: Located centrally within Heraklion, the museum is easily accessible on foot from most city center accommodations. It is also a key stop for bus line 2, which connects to the Palace of Knossos.

3. Koules Fortress & Venetian Harbour

Standing at the entrance of Heraklion's Venetian Harbour, Koules Fortress is an imposing historical structure. Exploring its robust walls and chambers offers insights into the city's Venetian past and defensive strategies. From the top, panoramic views of the city, the bustling harbour, and the endless blue of the Cretan Sea are truly captivating.

Cost: The entrance fee is approximately €10. Reduced tickets are often available.

Transport: The fortress is located at the Venetian Harbour, which is within easy walking distance from the city center.

4. Morosini Fountain & 1866 Street Market

The Morosini Fountain, affectionately known as 'Lion Square', is the vibrant heart of Heraklion's Old Town. This lively square, surrounded by cafes and shops, is an ideal spot for people-watching and experiencing the local atmosphere. A short walk leads to 1866 Street, a bustling traditional market. Wandering through its stalls reveals a sensory feast of local produce, spices, cheeses, and traditional crafts, offering an authentic taste of Cretan daily life.

Cost: Exploring the fountain and market is free, with costs only incurred for purchases of food, drinks, or goods.

Transport: Both the Morosini Fountain (Lion Square) and 1866 Street are located in the pedestrianized heart of Heraklion's Old Town, making them easily walkable from most central areas.

5. Boat Trip to Dia Island

Embarking on a boat trip to Dia Island offers a serene escape from the city. This uninhabited island, a protected nature reserve, provides crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. The journey itself provides stunning coastal views, and many tours include a freshly prepared meal on board, allowing for a relaxing day immersed in the Aegean Sea's natural beauty.

Cost: Prices for a boat trip to Dia Island typically range from €80 to €140 per person, often including lunch, drinks, and water sports equipment. Options for private or semi-private tours vary.

Transport: Tours generally depart from Heraklion's Old Venetian Port. Some tour operators offer complimentary transfers from hotels within a 10km radius of Heraklion, with an additional charge for pickups further afield. Taxis to the port from the city center are a short ride.

6. Cretan Culinary Experience

Participating in a Cretan cooking class provides a hands-on journey into the island's renowned gastronomic heritage. These experiences often involve gathering fresh, local ingredients, learning traditional recipes passed down through generations, and then enjoying the prepared meal, often paired with local wines. It is an enriching way to engage with the local culture and savor authentic flavors.

Cost: The cost for a cooking class can vary significantly, typically ranging from €100 to €300 per person, depending on whether it's a group or private lesson, its duration, and inclusions (e.g., farm tour, meal, wine).

Transport: Some culinary experiences take place at locations outside the immediate city center, such as family farms or traditional villages (e.g., Charaso, Archanes, South Heraklion). Transportation might not always be included in the price, requiring a taxi or arranging a private transfer, the cost of which would depend on the distance.

Check out our other pages on Heraklion

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