Location: Heraklion
Top Things to do in Heraklion
Top Restaurants in Heraklion
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What to do and see in Heraklion, Crete: The Best Walking Tours
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. Heraklion for Foodies Tour: Private Culinary Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Get introduced to the produce of the Cretan land and the world-acclaimed Cretan cuisine, and taste for yourself a medley of traditional flavors on our Heraklion food tour! Stroll the magical streets of the city of Heraklion and discover offbeat local eateries while being enchanted by the unmatched ambiance of Crete! Taste puffy Cretan pastries, local varieties of cheese, traditional Cretan dishes, and luscious desserts, and get an authentic Cretan experience, just like a local!
Inclusions: A 4-hour private food tour in Heraklion, Services of a foodie expert guide, All food and drink tastings (more than enough for lunch), We CAN provide food substitutions for vegetarians, All taxes and VAT
Exclusions: Private transportation, Any additional orders or purchases
Reviewed By Katya K
My advice is, as soon as you arrive, book a tour with Greeking.me and get a solid foundation for your exploration of Athens for the week ahead. It seems that majority of tourists use Athens as a stopover on the way to the islands. As a result, they will see Acropolis and try gyros on Monastiraki square, while missing out on all the other treasures. We spent a whole week in Athens in October 2020 and this was not enough. There is so much to see in Athens museums and open air sites, you need at least a month to do this city justice. If you want to quickly determine which monuments you want to see up close and have an overall understanding of Athens history, an introductory tour in the first day or two on your holiday is a must. We booked Athens Higlights Evening Tour and our guide Penelope was an absolute delight. We spent more than 3 hours walking streets of Athens , absorbing history and ancient tales. Penelope was great at engaging my daughter, who is 9 and has Ancient Greece as part of her school curriculum this year, and making parallels with mythology. At each of the sites Penelope gave us detailed description of the history and background to the monument. She was able to show us on her iPad how some of the characters looked like , or how a certain temple or a building were used when they were first built. I thought iPad material was a great addition to a walking tour, especially for my daughter as it was much easier for her to imagine how things would have looked like when they were first built. We did not go inside any of the historical sites or buildings during the tour. However, with Penelope’s guidance we were able to determine which ones we wanted to visit during our stay in Athens and went there on other days. For example, Penelope pointed out a couple of churches, which she suggested we could visit during the day. We did come back to a couple of them later in a week, and I thought that Penelope’s recommendations were spot on. Overall, I could not think of better guide and a better organisation of the tour from Greeking. me. Booking process was straightforward and Greeking.me was always responsive on the emails. I thought the tour was a perfect start to our holiday in Athens and would definitely appeal to families with school aged kids.
2. Heraklion City Walk and Cretan Treat
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Our tour starts with a visit to the beautiful city of Heraklion. Heraklion is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete. It is one of the largest cities in Greece .The Venetians improved on the ditch of the city by building enormous fortifications, most of which are still in place, including a giant wall, in places up to 40 m thick, with 7 bastions, and a fortress of Koule Chandax was renamed Candia and became the seat of the Duke of Candia, and the Venetian administrative district of Crete became known as "regno di Candia". Main sightseeing’s of the tour : open-air market, the the Venetian Loggia, and the Cathedral of St Minas or the Church of St. Titus and the 25th August street which links the port, the Marina and the Castle of Koules with the heart of the city and a main open air market. We end up in Lion’s square where we taste bougatsa cheese pie along and Greek coffee.
Inclusions: Kerasma" Local Cretan Pastry with cinnamon & cream or cheese, English speaking escort, Snacks
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By nixamo
We were on a 7 day Med cruise from Athens, but wanted to spend more time in Greece after the cruise. Aphrodite arranged the hotels and rental cars along with some great travel advice. Great trip, rental car was delivered to the hotel and dropped at the airport hotel, never easier. Saw all the key sites especially the one you don't want to miss, Meteora.
3. Knossos Private Guide
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Affordable private tour for all those fond of Greek Mythology. On this tour your private guide will guide you through the Palace of Knossos with its numerous chambers unraveling the Greek Myth of the Labyrinth of Knossos and its Minotaur. See the throne of King Minos, the beautiful dolphin apartment of Queen Pasiphae and The road taken by Theseus upon arrival to Crete from Ancient Athens. On this tour you have the opportunity to touch, feel, see the Legends and Myths of Ancient Greece and Minoan Crete!
Inclusions: Private Tour with Licensed Tourist Guide, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Private transportation
Reviewed By cfanaras125
Tour guide is a must here, ours was very good. Finding her at the gate was a little difficult with all of the people trying to get in but the staff was very friendly and directed me to the tour guides and once there it was easy to find her. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the site and moved us along quickly but never forced us to move faster than what we wanted. We asked many questions and her knowledge showed through. I was at Knossos many years ago and wished this type of service was available. I would highly recommend this small group tour.
4. Knossos Palace Greek Mythology
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Skip-the-ticket-line service ! Licensed tour guide (English or French) for a 90-minutes guided tour in a small group. Discover with us the Labyrinth and Palace of Knossos! Skip the long ticket line and with our expert Guides unraveling the Myths and Legends surrounding the site. Visit the Mythical Palace of Knossos of King Minos and Labyrinth home to the Minotaur Your expert tour Guide will be your personal Ariadne of Greek Mythology through this Amazing site during your visit. Safety measures in place: Up to 8 people only (masked); tour given via ‘Whispers’: an audio system that means you can hear with clarity your guide, without having to stand by their elbow.
Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Safety measures in place: Up to 8 people only (masked); tour given via ‘Whispers’: an audio system that means you can hear with clarity your guide, without having to stand by their elbow.
Exclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks, Transportation. Use your own way. Public bus available.
Reviewed By maritad895
This tour was one of the highlights of my trip to Crete last month. The tour guide Joanna has an obivious indepth knowledge of the history of Crete and the Minoan period. She not only brought Knossos to life with vivid clarity, (the art, the way of life) but could answer all our questions regarding the period. She made the tour both entertaining and educational. I would not hesitate to recommed Joanna as a tour quide and look forward to going on another tour with her when next I visit Crete.
5. Knossos Palace - Archaeological Museum -Heraklion Town
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Explore magical sight you know from Greek legends and discover the secrets of Minoan civilization. Visit legendary labyrinth-palace home to Minos, son of Zeus. Knossos palace was built using all the architectural innovations available. It has hundreds of rooms storage areas, specialized workshops and spacious courts hosting ceremonies and feasts. Knossos Palace is considered the 8th world wonder and it’s well deserved. It is one of the most important artefacts of Minoan civilization. It was almost completely destroyed by the earthquake. However, the reconstruction in 20th century allows us to see now how it looked in its best days. *By request we can also stop at the biggest aquarium in Greece- "Cretaquarium". More than 250 kinds of fish and animals live here. And the best part of it is that they are being held under conditions that are extremely close to their natural habitat, hense very comfortable.
Inclusions: Pick-up at your hotel, Luxury Vehicle with a professional driver, Wi-fi on board and Water from the springs of the White Mountains “Samaria”, in bottles, Accompaniment by a professional guide, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Personal expenses, drinks, lunch / dinner, Entrance fees to museums ( 1€ p/p), archaeological sites (Knossos Palace 15€ p/p, Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts
Reviewed By Mashka_Schmooze
We got this tour as we like to travel on our own time schedule. To stop where we want and for how long as we want. Our tour guide Genadius was very thoughtful of bringing as beach mats and umbrellas. We never even though about them. He was very flexible, fun and reliable person. Always attending when you need him but giving you your personal space at the same time. He had great humour and told us many interesting facts about Greece. We spend whole day together and I didn't get tired of him even once.
6. Travel Crete - Visit Knossos palace (Shared Tour)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Travel Crete and Visit Knossos palace the ancient capital of Minoan Crete. Explore the Minoan culture and civilization. The Minoans although the ancient sites as Knossos were excavated by the end of the eighteenth century still this ancient Bronze Age Civilization holds on to its secrets well tucked away as if in the labyrinth of Myths and history! This first civilization of Europe sprung here in Crete and has never stoped captivating us, alluring us with its high aesthetics and beauty. One wanders for how much longer must one wander through this amazing maze called Minoan culture and civilization.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Professional guide
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By maritad895
This tour was one of the highlights of my trip to Crete last month. The tour guide Joanna has an obivious indepth knowledge of the history of Crete and the Minoan period. She not only brought Knossos to life with vivid clarity, (the art, the way of life) but could answer all our questions regarding the period. She made the tour both entertaining and educational. I would not hesitate to recommed Joanna as a tour quide and look forward to going on another tour with her when next I visit Crete.
7. Exploring Samaria Gorge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Samaria Gorge is a unique place in Europe. It is 16 km long. Extraordinary rock formations, Indigenous rare plants, flower and bird species, Rough downward ground, Impressive and primitive view, Exquisite landscape that has been under no human intervention, Unique sensation of awe and infinite wonder for the untouched grandeur will always be engraved on our memory.
Inclusions: WiFi on board, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Entrance to Samaria gorge - 5 euro per person, Boat to Sfakia from Agia Roumeli 11 euro per person
Reviewed By Lynn C
This was a nice tour that combined different activities to make a full day of sights, swimming, eating, history of Spinalonga, shoppiing etc. We had great weather and visited beautiful places!
8. Heraklion Historic & Culinary Luxury Small Group Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This tour combines the historic section of Heraklion town with a culinary experience. You will visit the most important historic monuments of the town on a walking tour, while during your exploration, you will try the most renowned local delicacies such as the famous “Bougatsa” pastry, local “Loukoumades” donuts with honey, the traditional Greek coffee and herbal tea. Your tour will continue with the visit of Heraklion Open - Air Market, where you will have the chance to taste Cretan products and interact with local people. Last Experience of the day will be a unique Olive Oil and Wine Pairing in a private studio accompanied by a presentation of the two most important products of the island and exploring their significance to the Cretan diet. Your experience will be accompanied by a light Lunch.
Inclusions: Highly Experienced Licensed Tourist Guide, Olive oil and wine pairing with light lunch, including: Plate of Cretan Cheese Varieties, Plate of Cretan Cold Cuts, Olives, Bread and rusks, Cretan Salad, Different dips., Olive Oil & Wine Tasting
Exclusions: The entrance tickets to Heraklion Venetian Fortress (Koules), Your Local Snacks and town Delicacies, paid on the spot.
Reviewed By mmsfcal
I actually had a private tour with Marilina and it was one of the best tours I've had anywhere in the world. She is a brilliant woman with a sterling pedigree that includes degrees in Pre-Historic Religion and Arts-Mythology. She is no mere tour guide, she is a master of Greek history and she makes it come vividly alive as she time-travels you back to antiquity and forward to modern Greece bridging the distance in a way that will fascinate and enlighten you beyond anything you expected. If you are at all considering Marilina's tours, consider no more....BOOK IT! You will be so grateful you did. I will never forget the day I spent with her and the knowledge and images she planted in my mind. They will live and bloom there always. You are the best of the best Marilina! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
9. Knossos Palace Skip-the-Line Ticket (Shared Tour - Small group)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Join our small group (up to 8 pax) Walking tour at Knossos palace with a Licensed Tourist Guide. Skip-the-ticket line to enter Knossos Palace. Explore the ancient palace, step into the royal residence and see the Minoan king's throne. Be amazed by the House of the Frescoes and its colorful wall paintings. Learn about the history of the Minoan Civilization, probably the oldest one on the European continent. Use the combine ticket (value for money) to enter the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion when you go to Heraklion city later. Please check your location before booking! Crete is divided in four regional units and is approximately 260 km (162 miles) long and 60 km (37 miles) wide. Crete’s four prefectures: from west to east, Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Lasithi (Elounda, Agios Nikolaos). Knossos palace located at the center of the island (Heraklion). Distance to Knossos palace from: Heraklion center, port or airport (code HER) approx. is 5 km (3 miles or 20 min by car)
Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Guided Tour, Safety measures in place: Up to 8 people only (masked); tour given via ‘Whispers’: an audio system that means you can hear with clarity your guide, without having to stand by their elbow., Licensed tour guide (English or French) for a 90-minutes guided tour in a small group., Skip-the-ticket-line service !
Exclusions: Any Transfer
Reviewed By Helenophile
I had been to Crete twice before our present visit ,in October 2019 , and realise now how little I knew of the island and its ancient history with its importance for Western Civilisation before this quite simply superb tour and exposition from our guide Ioanna Glyptis of travelcrete.tours based in Rethymnon . She entertained and educated us by constant question and answer , the classic didactic style ,which kept us engaged at all times. Ioanna spoke with knowledge and passion bringing alive for us the culture and beliefs of those ancient Minoans and Greeks . I returned home eager to read and learn more about that ancient world to which it seems we owe so much .My advice quite simply is book her now ! you will not be disappointed . Dr Ian Murray Berkshire , England.
10. Historical interactive tour in Heraklion - the siege and the fall of the city
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The tour takes us back to post-medieval Heraklion during one of the longest sieges in world history. Heraklion is in devastation and the fall of the Crown city is imminent. We will try to discover the role of international diplomacy, the everyday life, the art of war and the battle between east and west in the 17th century. Υou can follow us in this labyrinth and discover all the clues. During the day we will walk up to the city’s Venetian Walls, meet people and visit the city's major monuments. We have two different versions of the programme, one more children friendly (age 10+) and one with more advanced riddles and clues for adults, so please let us know which one you prefer.
Inclusions: Small lunch in a local pie shop, Bottled water, Experienced interpretive guide, Programme and game materials, Taxes and third pirty liability
Exclusions: Transport from/to your accommodation, Entrance fees for historical / archeological sites, Personal expenses & tips, Anything not mentioned above
Reviewed By chloeamm
We had an amazing two weeks vacation, perfectly organized by Chryssa! She really understood what we wanted to do and our program was very well balanced. All the accomodations were nice and she had very nice recommandations for restaurants as well. I recommend at 100% , you will not be disapppointed!
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