Location: Heraklion
Top Things to do in Heraklion
Top Restaurants in Heraklion
Countries
10 Things to do in Heraklion That You Shouldn't Miss
Heraklion (/hɪˈrækliən/; Greek: Ηράκλειο, Irákleio, pronounced [iˈraklio]) is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete. It is the fourth largest city in Greece. According to the results of the 2011 census, the population of the city proper was 140,730 inhabitants, the municipality's was 173,993 while the Heraklion urban area has a population of 225,574 and it extends over an area of 684.3 km (264.2 sq mi).
Restaurants in Heraklion
1. Lyrarakis Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 383 reviews
The Lyrarakis Estate is a family winery which has been producing high quality wines since 1966 with a strong focus on rare local varieties and producing single variety wines. Surrounded by the idyllic setting of the vineyards and the Lassithi mountains we offer you the opportunity to enjoy nature and discover local varieties abd wines distinguished by the uniqueness of their origin and heritage.
Reviewed By CarolynF421 - Brighton, United Kingdom
Picnic in an idyllic spot in the vineyard with very generous glasses of 4 different wines. A wonderful way to spend a couple of hours.
2. Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,278 reviews
A museum delineating the history of the island Crete, complete with artifacts belonging to the ancient civilizations that once populated the island.
Reviewed By crum77
Excellent museum! It provides great historical lessons and context for the items on display and lays them out in such a way that you can walk through history and see the progression of technology from the early Bronze Age up to the early Iron Age. Interesting historical contexts about the economics of the various times and how the political system was structured in early Crete. Worth the price of admission.
3. The Natural History Museum of Crete
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 809 reviews
The Natural History Museum of Crete (NHMC) demonstrates with an impressive manner the natural environment of eastern Mediterranean area with special emphasis on Greece and Crete.
Reviewed By Woodshopguy
This unique museum offers a large variety of exhibits on 4 levels of this large open spaced building. Allow up to a couple hours to explore and participate in the interactive displays throughout the facility. From dinosaurs, to earthquake simulation, many dioramas, technology and science displays, this museum has something for everyone and has an elevator to each area if stairs are and issue for anyone in your family.
4. Historical Museum of Crete
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 679 reviews
The Historical Museum of Crete presents a comprehensive view of Cretan history from early Christian times to the present day. It was founded in 1953 by the Society of Cretan Historical Studies, which had been established two years earlier. The museum is housed in a two-storey neoclassical building, which was constructed in 1903 on the site of an earlier mansion belonging to the Kalokerinos family. The second building, designed by K. Tsandirakis, was clearly influenced by morphological features of the earlier one, and was later listed as a historical monument. The new museum extension to the west constituted an attempt to combine traditional and modern architecture. The original goal of those founding the Historical Museum of Crete was to collect and preserve valuable archaeological, ethnographic and historical material deriving from the medieval and modern periods in Cretan history. The process of enriching the collections, extending exhibition space and redefining the museum's aims has never ceased. Prolific research and publishing activity, the organisation of temporary exhibitions, educational programmes and the use of audiovisual media all form part of the modern educational role adopted by the Historical Museum of Crete over time. The same approach also includes the gradual re-organisation of the collections on display so as to appeal to a wider range of visitors, thus offering them the opportunity to understand the many facets of historical development on Crete from early Byzantine times to the present day.
Reviewed By 288lesleyl - Geneva, Switzerland
This lovely museum is well set out and easy to follow in half a day. It’s a real jewel showing all aspects of the island’s turbulent history and houses Crete’s only two El Greco paintings. And there’s a good cafe with a shady garden. If you visit before 1.3.2020 be sure to see Alexis Akrithakis temporary exhibition On the move with brightly painted suitcases.
5. Cathedral of St. Minas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 453 reviews
Reviewed By DeryckWheeler - Margate, United Kingdom
Stopped in Heraklion on our recent Cruise. A visit to the Cathedral of St. Minas will not dissapoint. Stunning Interior and a dramatic Exterior. Not to be missed.
6. Castello del Molo (Koules)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,164 reviews
Reviewed By simonrstones - Bolton, United Kingdom
I really enjoyed my time visiting the Koules Venetian fortress - an iconic feature of the Heraklion port. With a nominal entry fee of €2, you can enjoy a good hour or so wandering around, with amazing views over the port as well. A must see if you're in Heraklion.
7. Agios Titos Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 781 reviews
Reviewed By OfftheirP - Manchester, United Kingdom
It was only a quick visit to the city so we didn’t have time to explore much. This wonderful church though dominated the square where we had dinner and made for a lovely backdrop. It is right by the very popular Lion Square and the structure is beautiful. The history of this town is amazing and this church has seen it all. We didn’t have time to go inside but it dominates the square and proudly has the Greek flag flying up high.
8. Morosini Fountain (Lion's Fountain)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,466 reviews
Reviewed By KaryneS - Dallas, United States
This was a beautiful fountain in the heart of the pedestrian area which provided a good landmark in the search for restaurants! There are many streets that seem to converge here.
9. Knossos Archaeological Site
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,824 reviews
Knosos Archaeological site 12km south of Heraklion
Reviewed By Cynthia-Homayoun
Buy the book in the museum shop and do the tour yourself. The book is 7.50 euros and excellent. It is hot and sunny. Bring water and sunscreen
10. Old Venetian Harbor of Heraklion
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 594 reviews
Reviewed By L7768EQdavidd - Devon, United Kingdom
Friday 28th August we were exploring and sightseeing in Heraklion, Crete. No visit to Heraklion is complete without a walk around the Old Venetian Port area of the City. Stroll along the harbour wall to visit the impressive the Rocca Rocca a Mare Fortress. Continue walking along the wall to the Statue of Nicholas Kitsikes. It is possible to walk to the end of the Harbour to the small lighthouse of Heraklion. It is an opportunity to look back and enjoy the views over the old port, the ferry terminal and the City. Keep an eye out for the Neoria Vechi (Venetian Boatyard) and the 3 Dolphin Statue.
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