Welcome to Heraklion

Heraklion is known for a wonderful combination of history, myth and legend that nowhere else on earth comes close to, as well as stunning beaches and year-round good weather.

Yes, there is a hop-on, hop-off bus in Heraklion. This is a great way to get around the city and make sure that you don’t miss any of the sights. Full day tickets are the best option to ensure that you see enough.

The Palace of Knossos and the nearby Archaeological Museum are two of the best places to visit with children, while the CRETAquarium – which is home to over 2,000 marine species – is also a fun activity for the whole family.

The beach is always a budget-friendly day out, as it doesn’t have to cost anything if you bring your own snacks and drinks. The market is also great for browsing, and again, it doesn’t have to cost anything either.

You should pre-book attractions like the Knossos Palace and the Archaeological Museum in advance to ensure that you get tickets at the most reasonable prices.

Summer is the busiest but also the hottest time to visit Heraklion’s top attractions. As such, you should aim for the shoulder season: April, May, September and October, where you will still get warm weather, but avoid the scorchingly hot temperatures and big crowds.

Boat trips to nearby Spinalonga Island or Dia Island are fun, while visiting local wineries outside of the city is good if you are into wine. Visiting other local towns or beaches on the island is another good idea for a day trip.