Top 10 Must Places To Visit In Heraklion

Heraklion is the biggest city and capital of Crete, which is the largest island in the country of Greece. Heraklion is a city that has a rich history of more than 5000 years and is located on the Northern coast of Crete island, so it contains rich cultural heritage and many options on what to see and do in the city. 

1. Knossos Archaeological Site

Knossos – the major attraction of Heraklion – is believed to be the capital of the unique, world-famous legendary king Minos and the center of the Minoan civilization. The great palace of the Bronze Age on the island has many parts including royal apartments, sanctuaries, thrones, and beautiful colorful pictorial art on walls detailing the lives of Minoans. Visit the arched structures that have been exposed to the surface and be stunned at the complex civilization that was around over 3,500 years ago.

2. Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Located in the vicinity of the Archaeological Site of Knossos, this is one of the most notable museums in the world showcasing exclusively Minoan treasures. Marvel at items found in some of the most visited places in Crete such as the goldstones, the kamares style of pottery, tablets with Linear A and B, the bull-leaping figures, and of course, the Phaistos disk. From the museum, a sneak peek into the progressive culture of the Minoan civilization can be had.

3. The Medieval Heraklion Walls

These massive walls are of Venetian construction and are regarded as some of the best-preserved defensive structures in Europe. You can go for a relaxing walk around the stone walls while also marveling at the views of the harbor and Mirabello Bay. See through the walls to notice other remnants of the Venetian influence such as the Koules sea-side fortress, the church of Pantocrator, Loggia, and the famous Fountain of Morosini.

4. Venetian Harbor and Rocca al Mare Fortress.

Even today the number of ships that can be seen in the Venice harbor is similar to that which used to be in the time of the Venetian and Ottoman Empires. The inner harbor contains a row of restaurants and cafes along the coast where the ancient Koules Fortress is also located Over the entrance to the port, there is a medieval Rocca al Mare (Koules) Fortress. Savor traditional Greek dishes with a view of the sea and feel the history of Heraklion spanning over 2000 years.

5. The Heraklion Municipal Market

Since its establishment over a hundred years ago, this interior market has served as the city’s pulse or Heraklion. Entering this beautiful building is like being surrounded by numerous stalls, colorful and filled with various Cretan goodies. Taste the local olives, cheeses, herbal tea, honey, traditional drinks like raki, and much more while interacting with the sellers and people around. Do not overlook these basic but utterly important experiences of Heraklion.

6. The Historical Museum of Crete is a museum

This museum is located in a nobleman’s palace from the Venetian era and presents history in dioramas, multimedia presentations, documents, photographs, and artistic renditions. Historical and archaeological collections depict the course of history from Byzantine to Venetian and Ottoman rule and up to the unification with Greece. Follow the mystery and story of Crete through history and social life.

7. Saint Mark’s Basilica

Among them, Heraklion has the most pretentious church that could hardly be considered a relic of Venetian architecture but rather a proof of their passion for marble, giltwood carving, icons frescoes, and a rich interplay of arches and columns. To get a better perspective of the detailed altar and icon screens try getting to the upper floor or what is referred to as the upper galleries. There are also many portable church pieces and other church-related utensils. Listen to the story of the grave of the famous master painter of the Renaissance era, El Greco, which was once located in the church.

8. Bourtzi Castle and Harbor Fort

Triple connected to the coastal mainland by a short wooden footbridge, this mini Venetian fortress on Agioi Theodoroi islet was constructed in the 13th century and utilized as a fort and detention camp through the Ottoman period to the 20th century. Experience great sea views of Koules Fortress, the Harbour, and the City of Heraklion while walking across the walls, arched passages, and over the dungeons.

9. CretAquarium

The colossal CretAquarium captures the spirit of the sea and its inhabitants in Creta and the Mediterranean Sea in an innovative manner and with a vast number of sea creatures. Marvel at two massive tanks housing sharks, stingrays, and schools of fish, as well as other styled tanks with seahorses, jellyfish, eels, octopus, and more. The best way to exhibit a vast amount of information in a way that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

10. The Palace of Malia

A little to the east of Heraklion, in fact only about 15km, lie the ruins of Malia, one of the three biggest Bronze Age palaces that belong to the Minoan civilization. Explore the extensive site and find out that the palace of Malia is much more than the Knossos and Phaistos palaces; one can see the remains of a town center, royal apartments, workshops, sanctuaries, and ritual rooms in addition to the hydraulic systems that existed much before the ‘palace period’. This is one ancient town that gives a good view of Minoan life especially due to its well-preserved state and location on the coast.

Through the layers of history and different cultures, that can be seen all over the island, Heraklion has much to offer to a visitor; the location with the beautiful harbor adds to the charm of the place. Stroll through attractive alleys to visit remnants of classical architecture, Byzantine churches, towering Medieval castles, and a rich collection of museums that present the sites’ historical past in every corner. Here are ten areas that give visitors an authentic experience of Heraklion’s best and most iconic sites.

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