Heraklion
City Travel Guide

Heraklion Guide

Explore the best of Heraklion, Crete, including attractions, local neighborhoods, transportation options, and travel tips to help you plan a smoother trip.

Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (HER) Heraklion, Crete, Greece 2 Live Events Next 90 days

Find Car Rentals in Heraklion

⚠️
Location not confirmed
Please select a location from the dropdown list.
Searching for the best deals…
Comparing prices across providers.
This usually takes just a few seconds.
🚗
Rent a car
What are the top attractions in Heraklion?
Must-see places, ranked by popularity
All on Viator →

Quick answer 16 top-rated attractions in Heraklion, ranked by traveler popularity. Tickets & tours bookable via Viator with free cancellation on most experiences.

Book Heraklion Attractions & Tours on Viator300,000+ experiences worldwide • Free cancellation on most bookings • Instant confirmation
Browse →
Heraklion Archaeological MuseumAttraction
★ 4.7
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Ξανθουδίδη και, Chatzidaki 1, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
Explore →35,242 reviews
Knossos PalaceAttraction
★ 4.3
Knossos Palace
Knossos 714 09, Greece
Explore →57,889 reviews
CRETAquarium ThalassokosmosAttraction
★ 4.5
CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos
Heraklion 710 03, Greece
Explore →28,117 reviews
Morosini FountainAttraction
★ 4.5
Morosini Fountain
Pl. El. Venizelou, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
Explore →26,241 reviews
Venetian Fortress of KoulesAttraction
★ 4.6
Venetian Fortress of Koules
Heraklion 712 02, Greece
Explore →11,608 reviews
Heraklion Venetian PortAttraction
★ 4.6
Heraklion Venetian Port
I. Merineli 2, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
Explore →8,769 reviews
Saint Minas Holy CathedralAttraction
★ 4.7
Saint Minas Holy Cathedral
Ag. Mina 25, Iraklio 712 01, Greece
Explore →4,807 reviews
Watercity Waterpark CreteAttraction
★ 4.4
Watercity Waterpark Crete
Anopolis, Ηράκλειο 700 08, Greece
Explore →7,179 reviews
Μουσείο Φυσικής Ιστορίας ΚρήτηςAttraction
★ 4.6
Μουσείο Φυσικής Ιστορίας Κρήτης
Κόλπος Δερματά, Leof. Sofokli Venizelou, Iraklio 712...
Explore →4,597 reviews
Cathedral Holy Temple of Saint TitusAttraction
★ 4.7
Cathedral Holy Temple of Saint Titus
Ag. Titou 16, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
Explore →2,963 reviews
Museum of Ancient Greek Technology by KotsanasAttraction
★ 4.9
Museum of Ancient Greek Technology by Kotsanas
Epimenidou 18, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
Explore →1,774 reviews
Dinosaur ParkAttraction
★ 4.2
Dinosaur Park
DEKK, Gournes 715 00, Greece
Explore →4,725 reviews
Bembo fountainAttraction
★ 4.4
Bembo fountain
Pl. Kornarou 2, Iraklio 712 01, Greece
Explore →3,102 reviews
Nikos Kazantzakis' GraveAttraction
★ 4.6
Nikos Kazantzakis' Grave
Κρήτης, Ηράκλειο 714 09, Greece
Explore →2,159 reviews
Historical Museum of CreteAttraction
★ 4.6
Historical Museum of Crete
Leof. Sofokli Venizelou 27, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
Explore →2,013 reviews
Skotino CaveAttraction
★ 4.6
Skotino Cave
Gouves 700 14, Greece
Explore →1,385 reviews
What are the best tours and experiences in Heraklion?
Hop-on-hop-off, food tours, day trips, skip-the-line tickets
GetYourGuide →

Quick answer Top tour formats in Heraklion include hop-on-hop-off bus loops, food and walking tours, day trips, and skip-the-line attraction tickets. All bookable through Viator or GetYourGuide with free cancellation on most options.

Viator300,000+ experiences • Free cancellation
Book →
GetYourGuideFree cancellation • Instant booking
Book →
Where can I shop in Heraklion?
Malls, markets, and retail districts

Quick answer Top shopping destinations in Heraklion from major malls to local markets. Browse the rail below for hours, locations, and ratings.

Talos PlazaShopping
★ 4.0
Talos Plaza
Sofikli Venizelou, Minoos & Pelasgon Σοφοκλή Bε...
View →
Open Air Bazaar of HeraklionShopping
★ 4.3
Open Air Bazaar of Heraklion
Itanou 11, Iraklio 713 07, Greece
View →
Farmers Market PatelesShopping
★ 4.4
Farmers Market Pateles
Itanou 11, Iraklio 713 07, Greece
View →
Hondos CenterShopping
★ 4.1
Hondos Center
25ης Αυγούστου, Pl. Agiou Titou &, Iraklio 712 ...
View →
Herakleion Central MarketShopping
★ 4.4
Herakleion Central Market
1866 9, Iraklio 712 01, Greece
View →
RAVENNA ΗράκλειοShopping
★ 4.7
RAVENNA Ηράκλειο
Palea EO Irakliou Agiou Nikolaou 992, Καρτερός ...
View →
Super Market Flamingo Tourist shop SouvenirsShopping
★ 4.9
Super Market Flamingo Tourist shop Souvenirs
Unnamed road, Γούβες 700 14, Greece
View →
CHENShopping
★ 4.1
CHEN
Messaras 28, Xeropotamos 713 04, Greece
View →
Vekrakis Imports S.A.Shopping
★ 4.5
Vekrakis Imports S.A.
Faitaki 1, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
View →
METALLOVIOMICHANIKI A.E.V.E.Shopping
★ 4.6
METALLOVIOMICHANIKI A.E.V.E.
Ξ 6, Ηράκλειο, Βιομηχανική Περιοχή, Kallithea 7...
View →
TEMOYShopping
★ 4.0
TEMOY
Leof. Steliou Kazantzidi 2, Nea Alikarnassos 71...
View →
Ρομπογιαννάκης Μονοπρόσωπη ΙΚΕ (Ρομπογιαννάκης Ανδρέας)Shopping
★ 4.8
Ρομπογιαννάκης Μονοπρόσωπη ΙΚΕ (Ρομπογιαννάκης Ανδρέας)
P. Mela 58, Iraklio 713 04, Greece
View →
Gouves Shopping CenterShopping
★ 4.1
Gouves Shopping Center
Unnamed Road, Kato Gouves 700 14, Greece
View →
filo Ανθοπωλείο ΧατζημιχαήλShopping
★ 4.8
filo Ανθοπωλείο Χατζημιχαήλ
Artemisias 102, Iraklio 716 01, Greece
View →
Laiki AgoraShopping
★ 4.2
Laiki Agora
Par. Erithreas 18, Iraklio 714 09, Greece
View →
Block62Shopping
★ 3.5
Block62
Leof. 62 Martiron 146, Iraklio 713 03, Greece
View →
What events are happening in Heraklion?
Concerts, sports & shows in the next 90 days
All events →

Quick answer 2 upcoming events in Heraklion across the next 90 days, including concerts, sports, and live shows. Tickets via Ticketmaster.

Concert
AUG
1
GRIGORIS SAMOLIS | ARENA STANDS
Pankritio Stadium, Heraklion, Heraklion
Concert
AUG
1
GRIGORIS SAMOLIS | STADIUM SEATS
Pankritio Stadium, Heraklion, Heraklion
Frequently asked questions about Heraklion
Common traveler questions answered
What are the top things to do in Heraklion?
Heraklion offers world-class attractions, guided tours, restaurants, nightlife, shopping districts and live events. Explore the rails above for ranked attractions, food & drink picks, shows and experiences happening in the next 90 days.
How many days do I need in Heraklion?
Most travelers find 3-5 days is enough to see the main attractions in Heraklion, with extra time for day trips or beach time. Long weekends (3 days) work for highlight tours; a full week lets you slow down and explore neighborhoods, cuisine and nearby destinations.
What's the best way to get around Heraklion?
Public transport, walking, taxis and rideshares cover most central areas. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for day trips, beaches, and destinations outside the city center, with all major suppliers available at Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (HER).
When is the best time to visit Heraklion?
Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices. Summer brings peak attractions and events but also the highest hotel rates and longest queues. Check current event listings above to align your visit with festivals or shows that interest you.
Where is the best area to stay in Heraklion?
Central neighborhoods near top attractions are convenient for first-time visitors. Compare hotel rates from hundreds of sites using the KAYAK link in the sidebar to find the right balance of price, location, and amenities for your trip.
Do I need a car in Heraklion?
It depends on your itinerary. For city-focused trips with central hotels, public transport and rideshares often work fine. If you plan beach days, day trips, or visits to suburbs and surrounding areas, a rental car is usually faster and cheaper than booking individual transfers.

💡 Travel Tips for This City

Budget

How to Avoid Hidden Fees on Your Car Rental

The advertised daily rate is rarely what you pay. Learn every hidden fee rental companies add and how to avoid or minimi...

Read tip →
Train Station

Train Station Car Rental in Europe: The Smart Combo

Combine Europe's rail network with strategic car rentals for the ultimate travel flexibility. Station pickup tips, prici...

Read tip →
General

Car Rental Scams: How to Protect Yourself

Protect yourself from the most common car rental scams. Pre-existing damage claims, fuel scams, phantom tolls, and bait-...

Read tip →
General

Best Road Trip Routes from Major US Airports

Five iconic road trips you can start straight from the airport. Pacific Coast Highway, Florida Keys, Southwest parks, Ro...

Read tip →
Perks Deals Travel Referrals Alerts