Things to do in Heraklion
A real day-by-day plan, the places travellers rate highest, and one button to make it your own.
Heraklion, Herakleion or Iraklion, is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete and capital of Heraklion regional unit. It is the fourth largest city in Greece, and the largest city in the Greek islands, with a municipal population of 179,302 (2021) and 211,370 in its wider metropolitan area, according to the 2011 census. The greater area of Heraklion has been continuously inhabited since at least 7000 BCE, making it one of the oldest inhabited regions in Europe. It is also home to the ancient Knossos Palace, a major center of the Minoan civilization dating back to approximately 2000-1350 BCE, often considered Europe's oldest city. The palace is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece, second only to the Parthenon in terms of visitor numbers.
Source: Wikipedia (Heraklion), CC BY-SA
Highlights travellers rate highest
Peskesi
4.8(15K)Heraklion Venetian Port
4.6(9.3K)
Day 1 on the tripMorosini Fountain
4.5(27K)Eleftheriou Venizelou Square is a square in the city of Heraklion in Crete, named after the Cretan statesman Eleftherios Venizelos. It dates back to the Venetian era and is more commonly known as Lions Square or Leonton Square (genitive), after the Venetian-era Morosini Fountain in its midst, which features four lions supporting the main basin.
Crete Transfers
4.5(66)Knossos Palace
4.3(61K)Knossos is an archaeological site and ancient urban centre in Crete, Greece. It is located within the southern periphery of Heraklion, about 5 km (3.1 mi) south of the city's historic centre. The site was occupied from the Neolithic period into the first millennium AD and became the largest and best-known centre of the Minoan civilisation.
Knossos Palace
4.3(61K)Knossos is an archaeological site and ancient urban centre in Crete, Greece. It is located within the southern periphery of Heraklion, about 5 km (3.1 mi) south of the city's historic centre. The site was occupied from the Neolithic period into the first millennium AD and became the largest and best-known centre of the Minoan civilisation.
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7 days in Heraklion, planned day by day
Built from real, bookable activities — flights, stays and experiences included at around €1,214.
- 1
Arrival & Old Town
Land in Heraklion, settle into the Old Town guesthouse, and ease in with a harbour-side evening.
- 2
Knossos Palace
Early guided tour of the Minoan palace before the crowds and heat build.
- 3
Samaria Gorge Hike
Full-day west-coast excursion through Europe's longest gorge, exiting at the Libyan Sea.
- 4
Spinalonga & Elounda Boat Trip
Relaxed east-coast day by boat to the fortress island of Spinalonga and the bay of Elounda.
