Things to Do in Heraklion: Discover the Best Attractions in Crete
Heraklion is the vibrant capital of Crete and the largest urban centre on the island. A destination where ancient history meets modern Mediterranean life, Heraklion offers a fascinating combination of archaeological treasures, Venetian architecture, historic landmarks, world-class museums, and authentic Cretan culture.
As the heartland of the Minoan civilisation, Heraklion has played an essential role in the Mediterranean for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows that the area was inhabited as early as the Neolithic period, while some of the island's most legendary settlements, including Knossos, Phaistos, and Gortyn, remain accessible for exploration today.
If you are planning your itinerary and wondering about the absolute best things to do in Heraklion, there is plenty to discover. From the monumental Palace of Knossos to the imposing sea walls of Koules Fortress and the lively café culture of Lions Square, this comprehensive guide covers the essential attractions you simply cannot miss.
Top 20 Things to Do in Heraklion & Must-See Attractions
1. Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Located in the centre of Heraklion city on Eleftherias Square, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum is widely considered one of Europe's most significant cultural institutions. It houses the world's most complete collection of Minoan antiquities, spanning over 5,500 years from the Neolithic to the Roman era. Highlights include the iconic Snake Goddess figurines, the mysterious Phaistos Disc, and the vibrant Minoan frescoes from Knossos.
2. The Palace of Knossos
No bucket list of things to do in Heraklion is complete without exploring the Palace of Knossos. Situated just 5 km south of the city centre, Knossos was the administrative and religious core of Minoan Crete. Famous for its association with King Minos, the Labyrinth, and the mythical Minotaur, this sprawling multi-storey complex offers an extraordinary window into Bronze Age sophistication.
3. Historical Museum of Crete
For a chronological journey across 1,700 years of post-ancient Cretan life, visit the Historical Museum of Crete. Located on the waterfront, its exhibits bridge the Early Christian period to the 20th century. Outstanding exhibits include the only two original paintings by El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos) currently preserved on his native island of Crete, as well as personal memorabilia belonging to author Nikos Kazantzakis.
4. Koules Venetian Fortress (Castello a Mare)
Guarding the entrance to the Venetian harbour, Koules Fortress is the city’s most recognizable coastal icon. Constructed during the early 16th century to defend against Ottoman invasion, the massive fortress walls still bear stone reliefs of the winged Lion of Saint Mark. Walking up to the ramparts treats visitors to sweeping panoramas across the Aegean Sea and the busy modern port.
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5. The Venetian Walls & Martinengo Bastion
Engineered by renowned military architect Michele Sanmicheli, Heraklion’s Venetian fortification wall is one of the most formidable defensive monuments in the Mediterranean basin. Walking along the top of the ramparts provides a tranquil elevated path around the perimeter of the historical quarter. At the southernmost triangle, the Martinengo Bastion, lies the resting place of celebrated writer Nikos Kazantzakis.
6. The Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis
Perched high above the city at the Martinengo Bastion, the tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis (author of Zorba the Greek) is deliberately simple, marked by a plain wooden cross and his world-famous epitaph: “I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free.” Visiting this peaceful overlook is one of the most reflective cultural things to do in Heraklion.
7. Morosini Fountain (Lions Square)
Eleftherios Venizelos Square, popularly known as Lions Square, is the beating heart of Heraklion’s social life. At its centre stands the 1628 Morosini Fountain, decorated with four carved stone lions supporting a grand basin. The square is surrounded by traditional bakeries serving authentic warm Cretan bougatsa and lively open-air café terraces.
8. Basilica of Saint Mark (Municipal Art Gallery)
Directly opposite the Morosini Fountain stands the Basilica of Saint Mark, built in 1239 by the Venetians to honour their patron saint. Later repurposed as an Ottoman mosque, the building has operated since 1956 as Heraklion's Municipal Art Gallery, consistently hosting free exhibitions, classical concerts, and historical seminars.
9. The Venetian Loggia (City Hall)
A masterpiece of Palladian-style architecture on 25th of August Street, the Venetian Loggia was the exclusive administrative club for Venetian nobility in the 17th century. Having earned the prestigious Europa Nostra award for its meticulous restoration, it continues to serve as the official City Hall of Heraklion.
10. Sagredo Fountain
Tucked into the northern facade of the Venetian Loggia, the Sagredo Fountain was commissioned between 1602 and 1604 by Duke Giovanni Sagredo. Look closely at the carved relief depicting a female figure representing Crete holding a shield and club, accompanied by the Latin inscription documenting the public aqueduct system.
11. Church of Saint Matthew of the Sinaites
Constructed in 1508 on Taxiarchou Markopoulou Street, this barrel-vaulted chapel served as an essential dependency of Saint Catherine's Monastery on Mount Sinai. Inside, visitors can admire exquisite post-Byzantine icons belonging to renowned Cretan School masters such as Michael Damaskinos and Georgios Kastrofylakas.
12. Natural History Museum of Crete
Operated by the University of Crete and housed in a renovated seaside power plant, this family-friendly museum highlights the biodiversity of the eastern Mediterranean. It features realistic dioramas of local ecosystems, a massive dinosaur exhibition, and an interactive seismic simulator letting guests experience realistic earthquake tremors.
13. St. Titus Cathedral (Agios Titos)
Dedicated to Saint Titus, the first Bishop of Crete, this stunning cathedral on 25th of August Street boasts a multi-layered heritage having served as a Byzantine church, Catholic cathedral, and Ottoman mosque. The church houses the holy reliquary containing the sacred skull of Saint Titus, repatriated to Crete from Venice in 1966.
14. Church of St. Peter of the Dominicans
Located near the sea in the Kastella district, this 13th-century church is one of the oldest preserved monastic Dominican temples in Europe. Following extensive structural conservation, its soaring interior and 15th-century fresco fragments can be appreciated as part of an organized archaeological walk near the harbour.
15. St. Minas Metropolitan Cathedral
Dominating the skyline of Heraklion, St. Minas is one of Greece's largest cathedrals, capable of holding up to 8,000 worshippers. Completed in 1895, it honour's Heraklion’s patron protector. In the exterior courtyard, check the deactivated German bomb preserved on a pedestal, which landed through the roof during the 1941 Battle of Crete without detonating.
16. Museum of Christian Art (St. Catherine of Sinai)
Housed in the 16th-century church of Agia Ekaterini right next to St. Minas Cathedral, this specialised ecclesiastical museum features some of the finest surviving icons of the Cretan Renaissance, including masterpiece works by Angelos Akotantos and Michael Damaskinos.
17. Church of St. Demetrius of the Harbour
Situated conveniently near the Venetian Harbour, this modest historic church originally served the guild of local Venetian carpenters. Destroyed during air raids in World War II, it was reconstructed in the 1950s and remains a quiet corner of spiritual reflection close to the maritime quarter.
18. Georgiadis Park
Spanning nearly 17 acres adjacent to the Venetian Walls, Georgiadis Park is the premier urban green oasis in central Heraklion. With shaded pathways, a municipal café, children’s playgrounds, and weekly organic farmers' stalls, it is an ideal stop to unwind during your walking tours of the city.
19. Vikelaia Municipal Library
Housed in the historic Aktarika building near Lions Square, the Vikelaia Library holds over 10,000 volumes originally donated by scholar Dimitrios Vikelas. The institution preserves critical archival treasures, including Ottoman administrative registers and Venetian city chronicles, alongside hosting public exhibitions and academic lectures.
20. Bembo Fountain
Constructed between 1552 and 1554 by Gian Matteo Bembo on Kornarou Square, this fountain was the first continuous spring-water installation built for Heraklion’s citizens. Incorporating a Roman headless statue alongside Renaissance ornamental coats of arms, it stands as one of the oldest decorative hydraulic monuments still intact today.
Discover Heraklion and Explore Crete by Car
While walking around the historical centre lets you encounter countless Venetian and Ottoman sights, the true magic of Crete lies in its diversity. Renting a car gives you the total freedom to venture beyond the city gates and turn your holiday into an unforgettable road trip.
With an independent vehicle from Intercars, you can effortlessly combine visiting Knossos with day excursions to the emerald beaches of southern Crete, the wine regions of Peza, or the picturesque harbour town of Rethymno. Take a look at our modern car fleet to find the ideal hatchback, family estate, or SUV for your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Heraklion
How many days do I need to see the top things to do in Heraklion?
To comfortably visit Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, Koules Fortress, and enjoy the historical Old Town, 2 to 3 days is ideal. Having a rental car lets you explore the surrounding beaches, traditional villages, and gorges with total flexibility.
Can I combine visiting Knossos with the Archaeological Museum?
Yes! A combined ticket is available that grants access to both sites. We recommend touring the Palace of Knossos in the morning to avoid midday heat, followed by the air-conditioned Heraklion Archaeological Museum in the afternoon to see the original artefacts.
What are the best outdoor things to do around Heraklion?
Beyond walking the Venetian fortifications and harbour promenade, popular outdoor excursions include hiking through the Agia Irini Gorge, relaxing on nearby sandy beaches like Ammoudara and Kokkini Hani, and visiting the Cretan Aquarium in Gournes.
Is driving in Heraklion easy for visitors?
Driving on the National Road (VOAK) connecting Heraklion with destinations like Chania, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos is straightforward and well-signed. In the city centre, parking lots are conveniently located around the perimeter of the Venetian Walls and near the port.
Plan your holiday with Intercars Car Rental today and experience the best things to do in Heraklion and across Crete on your own schedule.