Holiday guide: Sights and activities in Heraklion, Crete!
Crete is one of the most popular destinations in Greece! An island with impressive landscapes from one end to the other. If you want to have unforgettable holidays and get to know the Cretan tradition better, make sure to travel to Heraklion, the capital of the island. Heraklion combines entertainment, rich cultural history and big city comforts. These characteristics make it stand out and satisfy every type of traveler.
If you are visiting Crete for a short getaway and you travel by air, you can book a rental car from the Heraklion airport with Carwiz. Heraklion is 80 km from Rethymnon, while Chania is just a little further away. Both cities are year-round destinations with many attractions and activities. In Chania, you will also find some romantic places, such as the Balos lagoon and the Venetian port. In addition, Chania hosts some of the best beaches in Crete.
The palace of Knossos: The heart of Minoan Crete
It is one of the most impressive sights in Heraklion and a magnet for tourists from all over the world. It holds the record of 8,000 visitors in just one day, a record that is not surprising, since it is the largest Minoan era monument, that has survived. It rests on an area of 22000 sq.m. and on a fascinating tour you will see artifacts from the Minoan culture, copies of impressive frescoes and important areas from the palace, such as the Throne Room and the North Lustral Basin. This important archaeological site is approximately 7 km from both the Heraklion Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" and the city's port. Make your trip easy and flexible by choosing to rent a car from Carwiz.
Koules: The trademark of Heraklion
Koules, also known as Rocca a Mare, is one of the first things you will see while entering the port of Heraklion. It is the trademark of the city, it was built by the Venetians and its construction was completed in 1540. During the period of the Ottoman Empire, it was used as a prison, while the fortress has been renovated in 2016 and now is open to visitors. Make sure to admire the Venetian fortress before renting your car from Heraklion Port.
Archaeological Museum of Heraklion: Journey to ancient Crete
It was founded in 1900 and apart from being the oldest in Greece, it is one of the most important museums in Europe. The original Museum building has been awarded a Bauhaus award for its distinctive architecture. During your visit, you will see important exhibits of the Minoan civilization from the pre-palace period, from 3000 BC. until 1300 BC. Time will be pleasantly spent admiring the emblematic exhibits of that time such as the Goddess with Serpents and the Phaistos Disc. If you are visiting Crete in the summer period and want to visit the Museum, book your ticket online, so you don't have to wait in line.
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The Venetian Loggia: A unique monument of Venetian architecture
The building that currently houses the City Hall of Heraklion is in the center of the city, on the Square of Lions. It was built in 1628 by Francesco Morosini and originally functioned as the Venetian Club, a place for the nobles and the lords of the island. The Morosini fountain that you will see in the square is named after the architect. If you have chosen to rent a car in Heraklion, bear in mind that it won’t be easy to find a parking spot in the city center, so you will have to leave your car a bit further outside and continue on foot.
Basilica of St. Mark: One of the oldest Venetian churches
In the central square “Eleftherios Venizelos”, you will find the Basilica of Agios Markos. This Catholic church was built in 1239 in a Gothic style and was dedicated to the patron saint of Venice, Saint Mark. During the Turkish occupation it suffered great damage and was turned into a mosque, while from 1956 until today it houses the Municipal Art Gallery.
Cretaquarium of Crete: Αν extraordinary experience
It is one of the best attractions for children in Heraklion and one of the largest aquariums in Europe. You will have the chance to see more than 2,000 marine organisms, from sharks to seahorses, in 60 tanks of different sizes. The aquarium of Heraklion offers an audio tour in nine different languages, for foreign tourists. Moreover, a special tour is available for children, which makes the marine world even more exciting. You can book tickets online or book a private tour if it suits you better.
Matala: The beach of the hippies
It is a settlement in the south of the island, 65 km from the port of Heraklion. Matala is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete with sand and crystal-clear waters, while during the 60s it was a meeting point for hippies from all over the world. The carved caves that you will find on the beach and the remains of the ancient settlement dating back to the Minoan era, make the area one of the most famous destinations in Crete. To reach the legendary beach, choose rental cars from Carwiz. The route is demanding, and you will need a new, reliable vehicle.
Natural History Museum: Perfect for kids and adults
The museum belongs to the University of Heraklion, it was built in 1980 and includes five departments: Zoology, Anthropology, Botany, Palaeontology - Geology and Mineralogy. Among the most important parts of the museum are the "Megadioramas", which exhibit the environmental characteristics of the Mediterranean. "Enceladus" is a simulation room of an earthquake and an information center about the phenomenon.
Heraklion is one of the most interesting destinations in Crete, with continuous air and ferry connections to Greece’s mainland. Activities, tours and entertainment never stop, culminating in the summer when the sandy beaches become the stars of the island. To see as much as possible during your visit, book a rental car in Heraklion from Carwiz.
