Heraklion Prefecture

Things to do in Heraklion Prefecture

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Attractions
Culture & history
Food & drink
Spa & wellness
Day tours
Outdoor & sports
Nature & wildlife
City sightseeing
Water activities
Travel photography
SIM card
Eurail pass
Group Tours
Private tours
Cruises

Top 10 attractions in Heraklion Prefecture

View all Attractions
Knossos Palace

Knossos Palace

4.8
3.8/5
38 reviews
Knossos Palace, located in northern Crete, Greece, is a significant symbol of Minoan civilization. This ancient palace was built around 2000 BC and served as the political, economic, religious, and cultural center of the Minoan dynasty. The grand palace complex spans a vast area, centered around a courtyard with numerous rooms and intricate corridors, earning it the nickname "the Labyrinth." Visitors can admire the well-arranged palace architecture, as well as exquisite reliefs and frescoes that vividly showcase the Minoan civilization's craftsmanship and unique aesthetics. Among the palace ruins, visitors can also discover precious artifacts such as pottery, gold and silver crafts, and clay tablets inscribed with Minoan script—testaments to the prosperity and splendor of this ancient culture. Additionally, structures like the open-air theater, storerooms, and ceremonial sites highlight the Minoans' remarkable achievements in politics, economy, and religion. Knossos Palace is not just an important archaeological site but also a window into the mysterious world of Minoan civilization. Here, visitors can travel through time, experiencing the charm of ancient culture and the profound depth of human civilization. For history and culture enthusiasts, Knossos Palace is undoubtedly an unmissable destination.Heraklion Prefecture · 4.8km from downtown
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Crete

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

4.6
4.7/5
44 reviews
This museum is like a microcosm of the Cretan civilization. Many precious unearthed cultural relics are divided into 16 exhibition halls. The scale is no less than the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. In the 14th, 15th and 16th rooms of the museum, there are murals unearthed from the ruins of the Nossos palace. The more famous ones are the bull-player, the lily prince, and the Parisian woman. These are typical representative works of Minoan culture.Heraklion · 641m from downtown
Morosini Fountain (Liontaria)
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Crete

Morosini Fountain (Liontaria)

4.4
5.0/5
13 reviews
Morosini Fountain (Liontaria) is located inVenetian Squarein the city center and is also known as the Lion Fountain. Built in 1628, the fountain was commissioned by the governor at the time, Morosini. You can see water flowing from the mouths of 4 stone lions into 8 intricately carved basins below.Heraklion · 1km from downtown
Rocca a Mare | Koules
No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Crete

Rocca a Mare | Koules

4.1
4.7/5
18 reviews
Rocca a Mare | Koules is situated on the breakwater of the Old Port of Heraklion, serving as a combination of a fortress and a prison, and a testament to ancient invasions and resistance. Built in the 16th century, the outer walls of the fortress feature the icon of the Lion of Saint Mark, a symbol of the Venetian rule. You'll find locals fishing around the fortress, and in the evening, many locals come here to stroll and play music. The coastline and sunset here are beautiful.Heraklion · 934m from downtown
CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos
No. 5 of Family-friendly Attractions in Greece

CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos

4.4
CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos, located on the island of Crete, Greece, is a marine life exhibition center that blends education with entertainment. Visitors can stroll through a simulated Mediterranean underwater world and observe over 2,000 species of marine life up close, including colorful coral fish, elegant sea turtles, and mysterious sharks. The aquarium features specially designed interactive zones, such as touch pools, allowing visitors to experience the wonders of marine life firsthand. In addition, regularly held marine life conservation lectures and children's science activities not only enrich visitors' knowledge but also raise awareness of marine ecological protection. Whether for a family outing or an educational school trip, CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos is an exceptional destination.Gournes · 12.5km from Heraklion Prefecture
Heraklion Venetian Port

Heraklion Venetian Port

3.7
Heraklion · 900m from downtown
Watercity Waterpark Crete

Watercity Waterpark Crete

3.5
5.0/5
1 reviews
Watercity Waterpark, located on the island of Crete in Greece, is a fun and exciting water park. It features a wide variety of water attractions, including slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, suitable for visitors of all ages. The park has several dining areas offering delicious local and international cuisine. With comprehensive safety measures in place, visitors can enjoy water activities with full protection. Watercity is a must-visit entertainment destination for families, friends, and tourists vacationing in Crete, offering a perfect way to cool off and enjoy a refreshing experience.Gouves · 10.2km from Heraklion Prefecture
Saint Minas Holy Cathedral

Saint Minas Holy Cathedral

3.4
St. Minas Cathedral in AgiaEkaterini Square was built between 1862 and 1895. It is a Greek Orthodox church and a very spectacular church in the area, which can accommodate 8,000 people at the same time. There is a huge statue of Jesus on the dome inside the church, which is very magnificent. No matter which angle you look up from, it seems that Jesus is looking at you.Heraklion · 1.2km from downtown
Natural History Museum of Crete

Natural History Museum of Crete

3.4
Heraklion · 1.6km from downtown
Lion Square

Lion Square

3.3
4.8/5
30 reviews
Heraklion Venetian Square is a public space full of historical and cultural charm located in the city center of Heraklion, Crete, Greece. The square is famous for its Venetian-era architectural style and is surrounded by many historical buildings and landmarks, such as the Morosini Fountain and St. Mark's Basilica. These buildings showcase the glorious history of the reign of the Venetian Republic. The square is a popular gathering place for local residents and tourists, surrounded by many cafes, restaurants and shops, offering a wealth of eating and shopping options. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely afternoon here, taste local food, or buy souvenirs. The open space of the square is also often used to host various cultural events and festivals, adding to its vitality and appeal. Heraklion Venetian Square is located in the city center and is within walking distance of major public transportation stops, making it convenient for tourists to go to other attractions. Visitors are advised to pay attention to local event arrangements when visiting so that they can experience more cultural activities.Heraklion · 1km from downtown

Traveller favourites curated for you

Georgiadis Park

Georgiadis Park

3.3
Heraklion · 654m from downtown
View all Attractions
Crete: City Tour of Heraklion with Knossos Palace visit

Crete: City Tour of Heraklion with Knossos Palace visit

Departs from Malia and other locations
Duration: 4 hrsEnglish
FromNZD 88.12
View all Culture & history
4 days · Aegean Sea · Lavreotiki - Mykonos - Kusadasi - Patmos - Heraklion - Santorini - Lavreotiki

4 days · Aegean Sea · Lavreotiki - Mykonos - Kusadasi - Patmos - Heraklion - Santorini - Lavreotiki

4.4/5
17 reviews37 booked
Celestyal Cruises
Celestyal Cruises
Celestyal Discovery
3
Depart from Lavreotiki
From NZD 1,145
See all cruises
12D • Greece

Level 4
12D • Greece

5/5
1 review2 booked
Premium 4–5 star high-rated hotels throughout; wide range of room types including cliff suites & sea view rooms for your selection | All-in-one itinerary covering Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Santorini and Heraklion Crete, combining ancient ruins, unique cliff monasteries and iconic Aegean island scenery. | Seasoned local tour guide with years of group service, well-versed in local history and hidden gems to deliver a smooth, premium travel experience.
MandarinGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelCar type options availablePrivate Tours
View More Private Tours in Heraklion Prefecture

Experiences you can't miss in Heraklion Prefecture

Featured Culture & history in Heraklion Prefecture

View all Culture & history
Heraklion Audio Tour: Echoes of Empires and Sacred Spaces
󱌍

Heraklion Audio Tour: Echoes of Empires and Sacred Spaces

Duration: 1 hr
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromNZD 10.29NZD 12.87
Knossos Palace & Heraklion Museum: Europe's Oldest Civilization
󱌍

Knossos Palace & Heraklion Museum: Europe's Oldest Civilization

2.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 10 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromNZD 949.99
Heraklion Crete: Cretan and Greek Dance Lesson at Arolithos
󱌍

Heraklion Crete: Cretan and Greek Dance Lesson at Arolithos

5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for today
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromNZD 169.50NZD 178.43
Six Senses Mosaic and Venetian Rethymno from Chania and Heraklion
󱌍

Six Senses Mosaic and Venetian Rethymno from Chania and Heraklion

5.0/5
· 1 review
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromNZD 1,407.58
Crete: Knossos Palace, Archaeological Museum & Heraklion
󱌍

Crete: Knossos Palace, Archaeological Museum & Heraklion

Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromNZD 84.75NZD 89.22
Private Tour Knossos & Heraklion City
󱌍

Private Tour Knossos & Heraklion City

4.8/5
· 26 reviews
Duration: 3–6 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromNZD 662.07
Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave&olive oil Mill
󱌍

Knossos & lasithi plateau villages,Zeus's cave&olive oil Mill

5.0/5
· 52 reviews
Duration: 7–8 hrs
Free cancellation
52 consecutive positive reviews
FromNZD 222.34

Featured Food & drink in Heraklion Prefecture

View all Food & drink
Heraklion - Walking City Tour with Food Tasting
󱌍

Heraklion - Walking City Tour with Food Tasting

5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromNZD 232.89
Heraklion: Small-Group Cretan Cuisine Cooking Class
󱌍

Heraklion: Small-Group Cretan Cuisine Cooking Class

Duration: 5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromNZD 386.59
Heraklion: Cretan private cooking lesson with lunch in Arolithos
󱌍

Heraklion: Cretan private cooking lesson with lunch in Arolithos

5.0/5
· 6 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromNZD 222.34
Cooking Lesson in Heraclion
󱌍

Cooking Lesson in Heraclion

Duration: 4 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromNZD 191.66
The Real Cretan Cooking Experience in Chania
󱌍

The Real Cretan Cooking Experience in Chania

4.9/5
· 358 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
98.9% of travelers recommend
FromNZD 222.77
Crete: Buggy Safari, Olive Mill Tasting & Ghost Village
󱌍

Crete: Buggy Safari, Olive Mill Tasting & Ghost Village

4.9/5
· 81 reviews
Duration: 3.5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for today
64 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromNZD 122.42NZD 128.87
Heraklion: Cretan Wine Tasting Experience
󱌍

Heraklion: Cretan Wine Tasting Experience

Duration: 1 hr
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromNZD 69.39
Private Tour-Knossos Palace Zeus Cave Pottery Olive Mill & Wine
󱌍

Private Tour-Knossos Palace Zeus Cave Pottery Olive Mill & Wine

5.0/5
· 43 reviews
Duration: 7–8 hrs
Free cancellation
43 consecutive positive reviews
FromNZD 232.45

Featured Day tours in Heraklion Prefecture

View all Day tours
Private Sailing Cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island
󱌍

Private Sailing Cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island

5.0/5
· 13 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromNZD 1,253.18
Kleanthi Olive Farm: Guided Tour with Local Delicacies Tasting
󱌍

Kleanthi Olive Farm: Guided Tour with Local Delicacies Tasting

Duration: 75 mins
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromNZD 42.47
Crete: Bus tour to Red Beach/Kokkini Ammos
󱌍

Crete: Bus tour to Red Beach/Kokkini Ammos

Duration: 7 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromNZD 81.51
5Hour Safari Tour in Crete(Heraklion)with Quad,Jeep,Buggy & Lunch
󱌍

5Hour Safari Tour in Crete(Heraklion)with Quad,Jeep,Buggy & Lunch

4.7/5
· 189 reviews
Duration: 5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
24 consecutive positive reviews
FromNZD 282.99
Heraklion: Horse Ride in the Cretan Mountains
󱌍

Heraklion: Horse Ride in the Cretan Mountains

4.9/5
· 112 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
99.1% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromNZD 131.84NZD 138.78
Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island
󱌍

Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island

4.6/5
· 122 reviews
Duration: 8–9 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
92.6% of travelers recommend
FromNZD 85.07

More things to do

Heraklion Prefecture Cruises

See all cruises
5 days · Aegean Sea · Lavreotiki - Greece - Türkiye - Lavreotiki

5 days · Aegean Sea · Lavreotiki - Greece - Türkiye - Lavreotiki

4.4/5 · 17 reviews
Celestyal Cruises ·
Celestyal Discovery3
Depart from Lavreotiki
From NZD 1,198
5 days · Aegean Sea · Lavreotiki - Greece - Türkiye - Lavreotiki

5 days · Aegean Sea · Lavreotiki - Greece - Türkiye - Lavreotiki

4.4/5 · 17 reviews · 30 booked
Celestyal Cruises ·
Celestyal Discovery3
Depart from Lavreotiki
From NZD 1,145
12 days · Mediterranean · Venice - Greece - Cyprus - Egypt - Croatia - Venice

12 days · Mediterranean · Venice - Greece - Cyprus - Egypt - Croatia - Venice

4.4/5 · 691 reviews · 1 booked
MSC Cruises ·
MSC Lirica4
Depart from Venice
From NZD 1,447
4 days · Aegean Sea · Kusadasi - Patmos - Heraklion - Santorini - Lavreotiki - Mykonos - Kusadasi

4 days · Aegean Sea · Kusadasi - Patmos - Heraklion - Santorini - Lavreotiki - Mykonos - Kusadasi

4.4/5 · 17 reviews · 13 booked
Celestyal Cruises ·
Celestyal Discovery3
Depart from Kusadasi
From NZD 1,145
5 days · Aegean Sea · Kusadasi - Patmos - Rhodes - Heraklion - Santorini - Lavreotiki - Mykonos - Kusadasi

5 days · Aegean Sea · Kusadasi - Patmos - Rhodes - Heraklion - Santorini - Lavreotiki - Mykonos - Kusadasi

4.4/5 · 17 reviews · 13 booked
Celestyal Cruises ·
Celestyal Discovery3
Depart from Kusadasi
From NZD 1,145
12 days · Mediterranean · Split - Italy - Greece - Cyprus - Egypt - Split

12 days · Mediterranean · Split - Italy - Greece - Cyprus - Egypt - Split

4.4/5 · 691 reviews
MSC Cruises ·
MSC Lirica4
Depart from Split
From NZD 1,864
11 days · Mediterranean · Split - Venice - Pyrgos - Heraklion Prefecture - Port Said (Cairo) - Alexandria - Split

11 days · Mediterranean · Split - Venice - Pyrgos - Heraklion Prefecture - Port Said (Cairo) - Alexandria - Split

4.4/5 · 691 reviews
MSC Cruises ·
MSC Lirica4
Depart from Split
From NZD 1,491

Group Tours in Heraklion Prefecture

View More Group Tours in Heraklion Prefecture
8D7N • Greece and Greek Islands Cruise Int

Level 38D7N • Greece and Greek Islands Cruise Int

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From NZD 3,806
9D8N • Athens, Northern Greece and the Beautiful Aegean Int

Level 39D8N • Athens, Northern Greece and the Beautiful Aegean Int

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From NZD 3,797
9D8N • Athens and Greek Islands

Level 49D8N • Athens and Greek Islands

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From NZD 4,354
13D12N • Greco-Turkish Passion with Crete End Athens

Level 413D12N • Greco-Turkish Passion with Crete End Athens

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From NZD 5,551
8D7N • Greece and Greek Islands Cruise Ext

Level 38D7N • Greece and Greek Islands Cruise Ext

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From NZD 4,245
17D16N • Great Turkey, Rhodes and Crete End Athens

Level 417D16N • Great Turkey, Rhodes and Crete End Athens

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From NZD 6,490
11D10N • Athens, the Beautiful Aegean and Complete Greece Int

Level 311D10N • Athens, the Beautiful Aegean and Complete Greece Int

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From NZD 4,937
9D8N • Athens, Northern Greece and the Beautiful Aegean Ext

Level 39D8N • Athens, Northern Greece and the Beautiful Aegean Ext

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From NZD 4,236
Heraklion Prefecture Today's weatherMostly cloudy 17-21℃
Heraklion Prefecture weather for the next 2 days11/1: 18-24℃, 11/2: 18-23℃

Free things to do in Heraklion Prefecture

Morosini Fountain (Liontaria)

Morosini Fountain (Liontaria)

4.4
5.0/5
13 reviews
Heraklion · 1km from downtown
Lion Square

Lion Square

3.3
4.8/5
30 reviews
Heraklion · 1km from downtown

What travellers say about Heraklion Prefecture

user-avatar
GKW27 November 2023
4.0
A very interesting place to visit. Easy to walk round and lots to see and read. It wasn't too busy either. We went on a Wednesday

Knossos Palace

user-avatar
wwwellll10 August 2023
5.0
As we all know, Greek civilization is the origin of European civilization, and even influenced the progress and development of civilization around the world. But where did Greek civilization originate? That is Crete. Come to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to find out.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

user-avatar
Yan-lili19 November 2019
5.0
The beautiful Mediterranean scenery, the sky and the sea are connected together, when the sunset falls, the scenery is really intoxicating!

Morosini Fountain (Liontaria)

user-avatar
BEARLTU24 September 2022
4.0
For me kinda boring. Not very much what to see just like simple castle 🏰 from sand but big 😂

Rocca a Mare | Koules

user-avatar
NickSpl14 February 2026
5.0
Everything was working. It was exactly like the pictures! Also, the personnel was very kind and accomodating.

Watercity Waterpark Crete

user-avatar
海布里岁月24 October 2019
5.0
Lion Square is located in the city center and is one of the main squares in Heraklion. Crete was once a colony of Venice, and the lion is the symbol of Venice. The Morosini Fountain in the center of the square was built in 1628 and supervised by the then governor Morosini.

Lion Square

Trip Moments in Heraklion Prefecture

Where the Mediterranean Meets Mythology 🌊

Where the Mediterranean Meets Mythology 🌊

“#citybreakvsnatureescape Crete is an absolute gem!”@travelonawhim · citybreakvsnatureescape · 18 days ago
A Slice of Venice in the Heart of Crete! 🇬🇷

A Slice of Venice in the Heart of Crete! 🇬🇷

“Strolling through the streets of Heraklion, you might suddenly stumble upon a building that dates back nearly 400 years!”@Viktoriya Amis · 2 days ago
traveler moment
“waiting for flight ✈️”@Abdul wahab Talukdar · 4 days ago
Heraklion: The Ultimate Silent Gateway in Crete, Greece 🌊✨

Heraklion: The Ultimate Silent Gateway in Crete, Greece 🌊✨

“Heraklion is literally the perfect hidden getaway on Crete Island, #greece!”@Shayak Majumder · greece · 8 days ago

Popular cities near Heraklion Prefecture

Santorini

Santorini

Mykonos

Mykonos

Athens

Athens

Delphi

Delphi

Zakinthos Island

Zakinthos Island

Chania

Chania

Rhodes

Rhodes

Milos

Milos

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Heraklion Prefecture?

Don't miss these attractions in Heraklion Prefecture: Knossos Palace, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and Morosini Fountain (Liontaria). If you like Culture & history, try Heraklion Audio Tour: Echoes of Empires and Sacred Spaces. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Heraklion - Walking City Tour with Food Tasting.

You can give Heraklion - Walking City Tour with Food Tasting and Heraklion: Small-Group Cretan Cuisine Cooking Class a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Private Sailing Cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island, Kleanthi Olive Farm: Guided Tour with Local Delicacies Tasting, and Crete: Bus tour to Red Beach/Kokkini Ammos. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 1 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Heraklion Prefecture is around NZD 42.47 – NZD 1,253.18. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.