Location: Heraklion Prefecture
Top Things to do in Heraklion Prefecture
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Top 10 Things to do in Heraklion Prefecture, Crete
Heraklion (Greek: Περιφερειακή ενότητα Ηρακλείου) is one of the four regional units of Crete. The capital is the city of Heraklion.
Restaurants in Heraklion Prefecture
1. Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,418 reviews
Aquaworld - Crete's first Aquarium - opened in Hersonissos in 1995 - near Bus Stop 20. It features local sea life and reptiles from Crete and from all around the world. Most of the animals are rescued or are unwanted pets which have found a new home at Aquaworld. Our philosophy is simple - bring people and animals closer together and, inevitably, people will begin to respect and care more about the animals! YOU MUST WEAR MASKS TO VISIT!
Reviewed By CLAIREDERBY1 - Derbyshire, United Kingdom
Easy to find and in walking distance from my hotel the palmera hotel. Friendly and informative staff. Aquarium small but well kept. Reptile area very good and staff very helpful. Was also able to hold a snake. Well worth a visit for 8 euro. I would definitely recommend
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. Star Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,942 reviews
Reviewed By G2292DQsoniak
Beautiful beaches lots to do spotless clean loads of activities for children's water park good family entertainment everything I need in one place and excellent staff so friendly
4. Lychnostatis Open Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,330 reviews
The Cretan open- air Museum "LYCHNOSTATIS" is located at Hersonissos, by the sea- side. It consists of four main collections: Nature & Flora Collection, with gardens of fruit- trees, aromatic herbs, cactus, shrubs and plants, stones and minerals of Crete. Ethnographic Collection, with a presentation of Cretan traditional life .Art collection with works of folk artists exhibited in the Folk Artist's Gallery, the Open- Air Theatre and the Exhibitions' Room.Collection of pre-Industrial Technology with equipment used in the past. The Museum organizes a range of educational programs and its Audiovisual Department produces films, CD- ROM's, DVD' s presented daily in the Multimedia & Conference room. It has also a Museum-shop and a cafe. The Museum was nominated for the European Museum of the Year Award in 2010 and honoured by the University of Crete in 1997 for its ecological activities. "LYCHNOSTATIS" is open for a daily visit with a guided- tour, from (Saturday closed).
Reviewed By Jonh82 - Croydon, United Kingdom
Take the audio guide and be sure to watch the introduction video, if you don’t you will miss so much of the history of the island and the museum. This is one of the most interesting places we have visited so far. The lady at the entrance was ever so helpful and made us feel really welcome. I guess the only thing which let it down was that the cafe was not very well stocked but, having said that they had some unusual drinks like cinnamon and almond drinks. The garden at the start has so many different varieties of tree and plant all laid out with labels and the audio guide fills in the gaps for you. Around the buildings the guide gives a real insight into the people who once lived in them. Brilliant day, thank you.
5. Matala beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,158 reviews
Reviewed By 79jelenap
Absolute must see when in Heraklion or Rethimno region, as this beach has so mich to offer. First, the beach itself - sandy, shallow water just for couple of meters, followed by clean, blue, calm see where you have a wide bay to swim around. At the very beach beside sunbeds and umbrellas there are trees in which shade you can spread your towel and hide from the midday sun. Then there are several cliffs from which you can safely jump and dive into water, that is neither hot nor cold. Further you will see the caves that used to be Minoan graves and later shelters of those who wanted peace and solitude. Last but not least, there is wonderful, picturesque village with market, shops, restaurants and bars where you can savour local flavours and dishes. It is live and vibrant the whole day long :) this beach is absolute winner this year.
6. Stalis Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,796 reviews
Reviewed By LouandMark2012 - Surbiton, United Kingdom
Lovely clean beach, my daughter loved playing in the sand and swimming in the sea, clear water and lots of water sports for you to enjoy x
7. Ligaria Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 504 reviews
Reviewed By philbo45 - Heraklion, Greece
Ligaria Beach is a somewhat lesser-known cousin of its neighbor Agia Pelagia. Tucked away in a safe cove, this fantastic seaside resort town/beach is perfect for lapping up the Cretan sun, practicing watersports, or just partying and resting in island tranquil style. You'll find numerous fine tavernas, villas and other accommodations, and plenty of shops to buy suntan lotion in. The crystal shallow waters are idyllic, the views spectacular, and the fun is guaranteed. Highly recommended.
8. Potamos Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 337 reviews
Reviewed By BevW897
Very quiet beach with stunning scenery just outside the busy resort of malia. Toilets a small snack bar, and reasonably prices sunbeds, along with an on duty lifeguard. Water is shallow and beach sheltered, good for kids
9. The Palace of Knossos
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 12,742 reviews
These labyrinthine ruins are said to have been home to the monstrous Minotaur, a half-man half-bull creature that devoured young virgins.
Reviewed By lilianamateiu - Bucharest, Romania
The legend has it that king Minos of Crete wanted to hide the fruit of his wife Pasifae's cheating on him.This fruit was none other than the famous Minotaur.In order to conceal his presence from others, the king ordered the Athenian engineer Daedalus to build a labyrinth like construction. The palace of Cnossos with its terraces, columns and many rooms, courtyards and staircases looks like a labyrinth of incomparable beauty if you take into account its digital restoration to its former glory.The wonderful wall paintings and its many artefacts exhibited in the Archaeological museum of Heraklion bear witness to an amazing civilization flourishing here, in Crete at the dawn of human history. Visiting Cnossos is therefore a real treat and its astoundingly beautiful items to be found in the museum will only add to one's feelings of wonder and reverence.
10. Acqua Plus Water Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,539 reviews
Acqua Plus Water Park was the first ever water park in the area of East Europe. It was also the first in Europe to create and put in use the so called cashless system. Build only few minutes from Hersonissos in Crete it is with no doubt the most popular water park in Crete. The combination of water slides, natural environment and great people make this theme park a unique proposal to spend a day during your vacations.
Reviewed By andypK9110PJ
As others have mentioned, we enjoyed a much quieter experience due to Covid-19, but this water park is definitely recommended! If I return to Crete in the future, I would absolutely look to include this in my holiday activity plans. Great fun all round - and plenty of slides for kids of all ages
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