Points of Interest
Heraklion is the capital and largest city on the Greek island of Crete. Situated on the north coast, it is a hugely popular travel destination amongst travelers. Fine buildings, authentic culture, delicious food, natural beauty, welcoming people and vibrant nightlife, are just handful of the reasons why it is so well visited.
Once the home of Europe’s oldest civilisation, the Minoans, who lived on the island between 2700BC -1450BC, the city is packed with history and archaeological ruins. But Heraklion perfectly balances its ancient identity and traditional customs with a modern and energetic vibe.
Let’s propose to you some of the best things to do in Heraklion, Crete.
1. Heraklion Archaeological Museum
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a museum located in Heraklion on Crete. It is one of the greatest museums in Greece and the best in the world for Minoan art, as it contains the most notable and complete collection of artefacts of the Minoan civilization of Crete.
2. Knossos Palace
Once the glorious capital of Minoan Crete and one of the most powerful cities in the eastern Mediterranean, ancient Knossos is a place steeped in legend. Today, it’s Crete’s largest and most important archaeological site, crowned by the hilltop Palace of Knossos—built around 2000 BC—and revealing a fascinating history that stretches all the way back to the earliest European civilizations.
3. Creta Aquarium
Crete’s gleaming white sea aquarium opened in the island’s former American Base in December 2005 and is the largest in Greece, showcasing the magical fish and marine ecosystems of the Mediterranean Sea. As well as educating visitors on the mysteries of the deep, the aquarium plays a serious role in researching and conserving sea life and in caring for injured fish and marine life.
4. Koules Fortress
The "Castello a Mare" is a fortress located at the entrance of the old port of Heraklion, Crete, Greece. It was built by the Republic of Venice in the early 16th century, and is still in good condition today.
