Heraklion
Not been yet
At a glance
- Country
- Greece
- Region
- Crete
- Population
- 180,000
- Best time to go
- April to June, September to October
- Main airport
- Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis (HER)
- Coordinates
- 35.34°N, 25.14°E
Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Heraklion is Crete's capital and largest city, a busy port behind massive Venetian walls. Many visitors pass straight through, but it holds two of the island's highlights: the Minoan palace of Knossos and the museum that houses its treasures.
The centre is livelier than it first appears, with fountains, cafés, a market street and a harbour guarded by a Venetian fortress. It is a good base for exploring central Crete, with beaches, mountains and wineries close by.
Things to see
-
Photo: Jebulon, CC0 Knossos
The partly reconstructed palace of the Minoans, a maze of courtyards, stairways and painted columns.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Olaf Tausch, CC BY 3.0 Heraklion Archaeological Museum
The finest collection of Minoan art anywhere, from the Phaistos Disc to vivid frescoes.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: This Photo was taken by Wolfgang Moroder . Feel free to use , CC BY-SA 3.0 Koules Fortress
The Venetian sea fortress at the end of the old harbour, with views back over the city.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Danbu14, CC BY-SA 3.0 Morosini Fountain
A 17th-century Venetian fountain with stone lions, at the centre of town.
-
Photo: Syrio, CC BY-SA 4.0 Venetian walls and Kazantzakis's tomb
Walk along the old walls to the simple grave of the author of Zorba the Greek.
Things to do
-
Photo: Catlemur, CC BY-SA 4.0 Cretan food and raki
Order dakos, snails and slow-cooked lamb in a taverna, finished with a shot of raki.
-
1866 Street market
A market street of cheeses, herbs, honey and olive oil in the centre.
-
Photo: Z thomas, CC BY-SA 3.0 Lasithi Plateau
A high plain ringed by mountains, with the cave where Zeus was said to be born.
-
Wineries near Peza
Taste local wines from Cretan grape varieties in the hills south of the city.
Where to stay
Old town centre
Close to the museum, fountain and restaurants.
Hotels in Old town centreNear the harbour
Sea views and easy access to the ferries.
Hotels in Near the harbourAmmoudara
A long beach strip west of the city, with resort hotels.
Hotels in Ammoudara
Getting around
The centre is easy on foot. Buses run to Knossos and the beaches, and a hire car is best for exploring the island.
The airport is just east of the city, around 15 to 20 minutes by bus or taxi. Ferries from Piraeus arrive at the port.
When to go
Spring and autumn are warm and green, ideal for walking and sightseeing. July and August are hot and busy, while the sea stays warm into October.
Plan your trip to Heraklion
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.