Heraklion
Things to see in Heraklion | Complete Travel Guide by InterCars Car Rental
If you are planning a trip to Heraklion, Crete, this guide highlights the best things to see in Heraklion and how to explore them easily with InterCars Car Rental. Having a car gives you the freedom to move between the city center, beaches, archaeological sites, and traditional villages at your own pace.
Exploring freely is one of the most important things to see in Heraklion, and InterCars Car Rental helps you experience the city like a local.
Heraklion, Crete
Intercars car rental was established at Heraklion city center. Heraklion is our home town and as locals we can provide you the best information not only of the city but also of the whole prefecture.
Heraklion town:
Start your day by parking your car in the parking lot next to Marina café at the port of Heraklion. This is a cheap option, as well as the parking lot behind Astoria on Meramvelou street. If you park your car at Heraklion harbor, the walking distance to the center of Heraklion is 5 minutes.
Exploring the town center on foot is one of the most enjoyable things to see in Heraklion, and InterCars makes it easy to start your walk just minutes from the port.
The Venetian Fortress of Koules
The Koules Castle dominates the modern port of Heraklion. It is a massive fortress with two floors that used to guard the entry to the port. The Castle was constructed by the Venetians in the early 13th century, and was called Rocca al Mare, but is now known by its Turkish name, Koules. The Fortress was primarily built for the storage of the foodstuff and the military supplies. It also served as a quarter for the officers and as a prison. A devastating earthquake completely destroyed Koules in 1303 and it was rebuilt by the Genoese. The fortress was again restored during 1523-1540 and got its ultimate form. During the Ottoman rule, the Castle was again turned to a prison. Several Cretan heroes who revolted against the Ottomans had been imprisoned in this castle and had been killed in the dark dungeons.
Visiting Koules Fortress is one of the most iconic things to see in Heraklion, and with InterCars you can easily reach the harbor area and explore it within minutes.
Four Lions Fountain at the center of Heraklion and the Heraklion City Hall.
The Morosini Fountain (Four Lions fountain) is located in Eleftheriou Venizelos Square (commonly known as Lions Square) in the city center of Heraklion, Crete. It is considered to be one of the most attractive Venetian monuments of Khandaka (name of Heraklion of Crete during the Byzantine period) and is preserved in a very good condition. The water comes from the mountain of Juchtas at the village of Archanes with a 15 km aqueduct that reaches Heraklion. The monument is a symbol of the city of Heraklion, Crete. We recommend you to sit by the fountain and enjoy a fresh piece of traditional bougatsa pie and Greek coffee which is offered in a unique blend.
Next to the fountain, in the 25th of August street, you will come across the Heraklion City Hall, which is housed at Loggia, a building that was constructed by Francesco Morosini during the Venetian domination in 1628. It is considered to be one of the most elegant architectural monuments of the Venetian period, a representative example of the Palladian style. During the Venetian period, Loggia was the official meeting place of sovereigns and nobility where they discussed various topics concerning economic, commercial and political matters. It was also used as a place where people passed their time, something like a combination of a chamber and a gentlemen's club. The Loggia we see today is the fourth one; others that were built before this were abandoned due to their position or were made obsolete by time.
Lions Square is one of the most lively things to see in Heraklion, and InterCars allows you to park nearby and explore the entire center on foot.
Heraklion City Hall (Loggia)
Next to the fountain, in the 25th of August street, you will come across the Heraklion City Hall, which is housed at Loggia, a building that was constructed by Francesco Morosini during the Venetian domination in 1628. It is considered to be one of the most elegant architectural monuments of the Venetian period, a representative example of the Palladian style. During the Venetian period, Loggia was the official meeting place of sovereigns and nobility where they discussed various topics concerning economic, commercial and political matters. It was also used as a place where people passed their time, something like a combination of a chamber and a gentlemen's club. The Loggia we see today is the fourth one; others that were built before this were abandoned due to their position or were made obsolete by time.
Visiting Loggia is one of the most cultural things to see in Heraklion, and InterCars helps you access the historic center effortlessly.
Old Market at 1866 Street
Do not forget to take a walk through the Old Traditional Market of Heraklion which is located in 1866 street. It is a narrow alley lined with tightly packed shops selling all sorts of goods. Known as the Central Market (Agora), it’s only open to pedestrians for safe shopping in Heraklion. You can shop for clothes, souvenirs, fridge magnets, jewellery, linens at rather reasonable prices.
Walking through the Old Market is one of the most authentic things to see in Heraklion, and InterCars makes it easy to park nearby and explore without stress.
Archeological Museum of Heraklion
The museum of Heraklion is located in the town center and was built in 1937. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece and among the most important museums in Europe. It houses representative artefacts from all the periods of Cretan prehistory and history, covering a chronological span of over 5,500 years from the Neolithic period to the Roman times. The singularly important Minoan collection contains unique examples of Minoan art many of them, true masterpieces. The Heraklion Museum is rightly considered as the museum of Minoan culture par excellence worldwide. In the archeological museum of Heraklion, you can see some of the following exhibits like the Phaistos Disc, the Prince of the Lilies – fresco, the Bull Leaping – fresco, the Snake Goddesses - statuettes, the Gold Bee pendant, the Bull’s – head rhyton etc., all masterpieces of the Minoan Art.
The Archaeological Museum is one of the most important things to see in Heraklion, especially for visitors combining it with Knossos via InterCars Car Rental.
Make sure to visit our main cathedrals, the metropolitan church of Saint Minas and the byzantine church of Saint Titus. Finally, do not miss Nikolaos Kazantzakis's Tomb, which is located at Nicolaou Plastira Street, next to Martinego football pitch and walk along the Venetian walls of Heraklion. The burial place of the Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis has a wooden cross and an engraved plaque. Nikolaos Kazantzakis was a Greek writer, journalist, politician, poet and philosopher with a rich literary, poetic and translation work. He is recognized as one of the most important modern Greek writers and as the most translated author worldwide.
Churches & Venetian Walls
Make sure to visit our main cathedrals, the metropolitan church of Saint Minas and the byzantine church of Saint Titus. Finally, do not miss Nikolaos Kazantzakis's Tomb, which is located at Nicolaou Plastira Street, next to Martinego football pitch and walk along the Venetian walls of Heraklion. The burial place of the Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis has a wooden cross and an engraved plaque. Nikolaos Kazantzakis was a Greek writer, journalist, politician, poet and philosopher with a rich literary, poetic and translation work. He is recognized as one of the most important modern Greek writers and as the most translated author worldwide.
Walking the Venetian Walls is one of the most scenic things to see in Heraklion, and InterCars allows you to reach multiple entry points easily around the city.
Agia Pelagia beach
Agia Pelagia is located 20km west of Heraklion and it is a picturesque settlement with beautiful beaches. The main beach is a narrow and long beach with sand & greenish water. The beach offers a variety of options for watersports, diving, umbrellas, food and accommodation. The main beach is protected from the north winds because of its narrow peninsula. From the main beach you can hire a boat or walk on foot along the peninsula and after a few steps you will find yourself above the most beautiful beach of Agia Pelagia, Fylakes (Prison) beach. In order to access Fylakes, you have to go down along the rocky coast that leads to the beach. Fylakes are two tiny golfs with sand and greenish water, sheltered by the tall rocks. Finally, for the history, notice that Agia Pelagia was one of the most important ports in the region during the Venetian period. During the siege of Heraklion (Candia at the venetian period), this port was used to provide help to the sieged Cretans by the Ottomans that tried to capture the island.
Relaxing at Agia Pelagia is one of the top things to see in Heraklion, and InterCars gives you the freedom to reach it in under 30 minutes.
More Amazing Things to See in Heraklion
Beyond the city center, there are many more things to see in Heraklion that are best explored with a rental car from InterCars.
Knossos Palace – The Heart of Minoan Civilization
One of the most famous archaeological sites in Greece, the Palace of Knossos is located just a few kilometers from Heraklion city center. Known as the center of the Minoan civilization and linked to the legend of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth, Knossos is one of the top things to see in Heraklion for history lovers.
Visitors can explore ancient royal chambers, colorful frescoes, ceremonial spaces, and impressive architectural remains dating back more than 3,500 years.
Archanes Village – Authentic Crete Experience
Only 15 km south of Heraklion, Archanes is a charming traditional village surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. It is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Crete and a perfect escape from the busy city center.
Natural History Museum of Crete
If you are traveling with family or children, the Natural History Museum of Crete is an excellent stop in Heraklion. The museum features interactive exhibitions about the wildlife, geology, and ecosystems of the Mediterranean region.
Ammoudara Beach
Located just minutes from Heraklion city, Ammoudara Beach is a long sandy beach ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Wine Tasting Routes Around Heraklion
Heraklion is famous for its wine-producing region. The surrounding countryside is home to excellent wineries producing local Cretan varieties.
Day Trip to Matala Beach
About one hour from Heraklion, Matala is one of Crete’s most iconic destinations with caves and hippie history.
Cretaquarium
Located near Gournes, the Cretaquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the Mediterranean.
Explore Traditional Cretan Cuisine
One of the best things to do in Heraklion is discovering authentic Cretan gastronomy including dakos, seafood, lamb, cheeses, olive oil, and raki.
What Travelers Say About InterCars
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Maria, 34 – Italy
“We explored many things to see in Heraklion thanks to InterCars local tips.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ James, 42 – United Kingdom
“Very smooth experience and perfect for visiting Heraklion and beaches.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Elena, 29 – Germany
“Excellent service and great recommendations.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nikos, 51 – Cyprus
“Reliable company with honest pricing and freedom to explore Crete.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Heraklion
What are the best things to see in Heraklion?
Koules Fortress, Knossos Palace, Archaeological Museum, Old Market, and nearby beaches.
Is Heraklion worth visiting?
Yes, it combines history, culture, food, and beaches.
How many days do you need in Heraklion?
2–4 days are ideal.
Do I need a car in Heraklion?
Yes, especially to explore surrounding areas.
What is the best beach near Heraklion?
Agia Pelagia and Ammoudara.
Can I do day trips from Heraklion?
Yes, Knossos, Matala, Archanes.
When is the best time to visit?
April to October.
Why Choose InterCars Car Rental?
- Local experts for things to see in Heraklion
- Fast airport & city pickup
- Modern, safe vehicles
- Transparent pricing
- Flexible rental plans
- 24/7 support
- Access to hidden gems across Crete
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