Places to visit in Heraklion

Top Things to Do in Heraklion, Greece

Places to Visit in Heraklion


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Heraklion.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Heraklion

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
History Museums
The Historical Museum of Crete presents a comprehensive view of Cretan history from early Christian times to the present day. It was founded in 1953 by the Society of Cretan Historical Studies, which had been established two years earlier. The museum is housed in a two-storey neoclassical building, which was constructed in 1903 on the site of an earlier mansion belonging to the Kalokerinos family. The second building, designed by K. Tsandirakis, was clearly influenced by morphological features of the earlier one, and was later listed as a historical monument. The new museum extension to the west constituted an attempt to combine traditional and modern architecture. The original goal of those founding the Historical Museum of Crete was to collect and preserve valuable archaeological, ethnographic and historical material deriving from the medieval and modern periods in Cretan history. The process of enriching the collections, extending exhibition space and redefining the museum's aims has never ceased. Prolific research and publishing activity, the organisation of temporary exhibitions, educational programmes and the use of audiovisual media all form part of the modern educational role adopted by the Historical Museum of Crete over time. The same approach also includes the gradual re-organisation of the collections on display so as to appeal to a wider range of visitors, thus offering them the opportunity to understand the many facets of historical development on Crete from early Byzantine times to the present day.
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What travellers are saying

  • Louise B
    Sydney, Australia11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited in March so it was quiet. The rooms were easy to navigate with clear information (English and Greek) and layout. We had visited the Knossos Palace site earlier in the day and hence benefited from having some understanding of the size (large!) and complexity of the site - many not all) of the artefacts on display were from Knossos

    We were surprised and impressed by the range of Cycladic art display. The Minoan civilisation artefacts were quite incredible.

    The fresco room was one of the highlights but all of it was impressive. Do not miss this! Quite one of the best archaeological museums we have ever visited.
    Written 16 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Riel S
    Stockholm, Sweden19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had a great tasting and a spread of local foods at the winery. The weather was suboptimal but we were shown a great time and got to dive into their very special wines. Great representation of Cretan wine!
    Written 15 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tata C
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Incredible feat of engineering that is well worth a visit to understand the changes through history of the Venetian and Ottoman as well as Greek cultures
    Written 13 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jaxon R
    Mexico City, Mexico5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our visit to the Natural History Museum of Crete with the kids was simply fantastic! The museum offers an engaging and educational experience for all ages. From interactive exhibits to fascinating displays of fossils and wildlife, there's something to capture the imagination of every young explorer. It's a must-visit destination for families looking to add a touch of wonder and learning to their Crete itinerary.
    Written 12 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ANGELO V
    Milan, Italy2,939 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This museum covers the history of Crete from the 4th century AD to the the present, with a strong accent on the Byzantine period.
    Several beautiful icons can be seen here, as well as two paintings by El Greco, ethnographic reconstructions, material on WW II and the German occupation of the island, manuscripts of writer Nikos Kazantzakis's works, first editions of his books in various languages, a numismatic collection, and much more.
    A small museum well worth a visit.
    Written 25 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Anita S
    Wellington, New Zealand182 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The decor was lovely and welcoming, the view was jaw-dropping, and the food and wine lived up to expectations. We went for 5 wines to taste, which also came with homemade snacks and a cheese platter. Our guide was friendly, knowledgable, and had a good sense of humour. We bought a bottle of their natural red wine to take home. Worth a visit when you are in Crete!
    Written 15 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tammyBaltimore_Md
    Baltimore, MD2,350 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Off the beaten path from city center, old church buildings unfortunately closed off by fence during my visit.
    Love clock tower.
    Written 10 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Christiana P
    13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Everything was so special. Spectacular Cretan wines and the most accommodating people. Special thanks to Mr. Vaggelis and Mrs. Natasha for sharing their knowledge with us.
    Written 6 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GaryBrazel
    Brooklyn, NY538 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating museum. It's best to visit on the weekend when there aren't large, noisy school groups there.
    There are models (many working), descriptions and videos of the many amazing examples of Ancient Greek innovations.
    Interesting that some of them were for the masses to think there were miracles.
    There is a small discount for seniors including non-EU ones [€5 instead of €7].
    Written 26 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tammyBaltimore_Md
    Baltimore, MD2,350 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sits in pretty big square with restaurants all around, unfortunately no water coming out, only laying in the bottom of fountain, no coins either.
    Written 10 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tammyBaltimore_Md
    Baltimore, MD2,350 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Didn't think it was a church at 1st from the outside,but once inside no hiding a Greek Orthodox church for sure, can light candles and take bread offerings as well.
    In the heart of the city center
    Written 10 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • summernewjersey
    Haskell, NJ175 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    nice beach with waves you can jump unlike other spots we went to in greece. We were sitting near a restaurant called heaven and you can use their chairs/umbrellas and only have to spend 5 euros on a drink/food while your there. Sandy beach, rocky going into the water and then its sandy. Bring your water shoes.
    Written 17 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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