BEST SITES TO SEE
Are you planning on going to Crete?
You’ll probably want to check out the capital city Heraklion.
I spent a fascinating day in the city of Heraklion and enjoyed visiting ancient sites, wondrous monuments, and took a walking tour with an experienced local guide.
I’m going to share their knowledge and give you the best sites to see in the city of Heraklion, which can be visited all in one day.
These are the highlights not to be missed.
Located in the centre north coast of the Island of Crete, Greece’s biggest island, Heraklion is the capital city, and one of the largest cities in Greece.
A main cruise port destination in the Southern Aegean Sea and a popular tourist spot, Heraklion is one of the Greek Islands that doesn’t belong to a cluster group, as do the others.
The city of Heraklion dates from the year 824, when it first became the capital of Crete. However, the greater region of Heraklion has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years prior. Hence, there are many fascinating sites to see here.
Venetian Fortress and Walls
KOULES FORT
First and foremost of sites to visit in the city of Heraklion is the commanding castle by the sea, known as Koules.
This Venetian Sea Fortress (Rocca al Mare, in Italian) is a must-see and a definite highlight of Heraklion. If you’re arriving to Heraklion via boat, ferry or cruise ship, it will no doubt be the first thing you notice, so it’s a wonderful place to start the day.
The imposing fortress was built in the 1500’s by the Republic of Venice who ruled Crete for a few hundred years in the late Middle Ages. Its purpose was for defence against attacks, and also as a military base and a prison.
The fortress is very well preserved and is now a museum with exhibits of its long history. You can see the dark cells and sombre rooms, cannons, items from shipwrecks and findings from the seabed.
The stunning panoramic views of the sea, mountains and city from the top level of the fortress are amazing and are a highlight of the city.
Allow about an hour to see the fort, which has become the symbol of the city of Heraklion.
OLD TOWN WALLS
Much of the fortified walls around the old town, built during the Venetian rule, are mostly still in tact today. They include 7 bastions and gates, with a moat. The walls are similar to the defensive walls of Rhodes’ old town.
You can also walk on top of these historic walls for views of the city. Length is about 4km. Access is through one of the 4 gates.
Old Town of Heraklion
The historic city centre of Heraklion is best enjoyed on foot and is easily walkable to explore the narrow streets and squares. See beautiful Venetian, Turkish and Greek architecture and monuments in the form of historic fountains, churches, mosques, squares, museums and mansions.
The main street is called Avgoustou Street, in the heart of the city, where many of the highlights are located.
The old town has a vibrant cafe and restaurant culture and a good array of shops and markets. You can enjoy parks and gardens, as well as amusement / theme parks.
Morosini Fountain and Venizilou Square
One of the most popular spots in the city of Heraklion would have to be the fountain of lions or Morosini Fountain. It is almost 400 years old, was built by the Venetians during their long and prosperous rule and it has their signature lions. It was connected to an aqueduct which was the main supply of water to the city at the time.
Venizilou Square, where the fountain is found, is the central meeting point of the city, filled with cafes and restaurants, to relax and grab a bite to eat. I was told that a cafe here is famous for their bougatsa, a delicious Greek custard pastry, so of course that was one of my first stops. It was divine!
Venetian Loggia
The Venetian Loggia is a beautiful building, like a palace, located in a central position of town, that was used by the nobility during Venetian times for meetings and social gatherings.
It was constructed in the 1600’s in classic Venetian architectural style. Over the years it fell into disrepair and was almost pulled down, but then renovated and fully restored by 1980.
Now the Loggia of Heraklion functions as the council offices of the city of Heraklion and the Mayor.
You can enter the Loggia to take a look inside the beautiful open arcade.
Basilica of Saint Mark
The old Basilica of Saint Mark is a lovely Venetian monument with colonnaded portico. Originally built as a church by the Venetians in the 1200’s complete with a bell tower to remind them of the original in Venice at Saint Mark’s Square. It was a very important building during those times.
Later, the building was converted into a Mosque, during the Ottoman rule in the 1600’s. The bell tower changed to a minaret, then was removed completely.
Today it houses the Municipal Art Gallery, showcasing Greek and international artists and worth a visit.
Seaside
Who doesn’t love the seaside? The city of Heraklion doesn’t disappoint, with much to see and do along the coast, within easy walking distance from the heart of the old town.
- View the colourful fishing boats in the old harbour.
- Stroll along the Mediterranean Sea. If walking along the breakwater, be aware it does get very windy, as the ocean here is often rough.
- See the remarkable medieval fortress (read more below).
- Walk to the lighthouse, from the fortress along the breakwater path, about 2km.
- See cruise port with the many ships docked.
- Discover the interesting arched structures opposite the fortress. This was the Venetian arsenal where ships were built.
- Walk, cycle or drive along the coastal roads, Venizelou Sofokli Avenue and Leoforos Nearchou Street.
- Book a boat ride or a ferry from the harbour to other Greek Islands or Greece’s mainland. Please note, other Greek islands aren’t close, so I’d recommend an extra day or more for island hopping, depending where you decide to go and what you want to do. The nearest group of islands are the Cyclades and Dodecanese.
- Find a beach nearby. There are a few near the city of Heraklion, the closest is Ammoudara, a sandy beach with water sports available.
Orthodox Church of Agios Minas
This church is of great importance to the people of the city, in honour of the patron Saint Minas, who was a martyr and protector of Heraklion, whose partial remains are buried here.
Built in the late 1800’s it’s the largest church in Crete, as well as one of the biggest in Greece.
Centrally positioned in the town, it’s one of the most imposing architectural monuments on the island.
If you wish to enter the cathedral you will take in the adornments, chandeliers and art displayed within the building.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
A large collection of Minoan artefacts are beautifully displayed in this huge facility, together with exhibits from all periods of ancient Cretan history – Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Ottoman and Greek.
I found the museum very interesting and a highlight of things see in the city of Heraklion. In particular, the magnificent exhibits displaying Minoan artefacts (see below). I had a tour guide explaining, in great detail, the history of the art pieces, which certainly made for a more comprehensive visit.
The building itself is a modern design and was constructed in 1940. It is interesting to note the colours and materials used for the outside of the building represent the iconic Palace of Knossos, with the red columns and marble features.
Allow about 2 hours here.
Minoan artefacts at Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Ruins of the Palace of Knossos
About 5km from the city of Heraklion is one of Greece’s most famous archaeological sites, the ruins of the Palace of Knossos which were discovered by an Englishman in 1894.
You can get there by car/taxi or bus. I recommend taking a tour with a local guide to the archaeological site from Heraklion, which will last at least 2 hours.
The history of Heraklion is traced back to the Minoan times, an ancient civilisation of the Bronze Age, and one of the oldest in Europe, before Greece. It dates from 2000 – 1350 BCE.
The palace was built for King Minos of Crete, in the then capital city of Knossos. However, his history is entwined with Greek mythology and is famous for the myth of the minotaur.
If you plan to go to Knossos, be sure to also visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum (above), to see the magnificent array of Minoan treasures discovered from the site and the palace model, for a better appreciation.
Orthodox Church of Agios Titus
Thought to be the oldest church in Heraklion, the church of Saint Titus, is a blend of Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman architectural influences, reflecting its long history from 961 CE when it was first established. It has been destroyed, rebuilt and converted over the years. It stands as one of the most important monuments in the city of Heraklion.
How to get to Heraklion
You can fly into Heraklion International Airport from Athens and many other major cities in Europe. It’s the 2nd busiest airport of Greece after Athens. This old airport is located close to the city, but a new airport is currently being built a little further away, due to operate in 2027.
Or, you can take a boat or ferry from other Greek Islands or the mainland of Greece from Piraeus (Athens). There are several ferry companies operating between the islands, with more in the Summer. But be sure to book in advance. Note, there are 2 ports in the city of Heraklion, the old Venetian Port and the newer ferry port.
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13 Comments
Such a beautiful city that I need to visit one day, everything looks so picturesque. I’d love to travel to Crete with my family and enjoy this beautiful city!
Greece sounds like an amazing country to visit. Your photos look so interesting, and it sounds like your trip was great. I would love to check out some of these places.
Planning a trip to Greece, so need all the travel tips! The basilica, the fortress, and the palace are all added to my list. Thanks for all the great photos!
Our cruise a few years ago stopped here and we had a fun time exploring the city. But I would have liked longer to do a few more of the things you mentioned x
Greece always seems to have the perfect weather! I would love to visit the Morosini Fountain – thank you for sharing these different places to visit.
I haven’t visited this place. But seeing this blog makes me want to. What a beautiful place to visit, thanks for sharing it with us!
Holy wow! I would go to Heraklion just to see the fortress. It looks like something straight out of a fantasy novel.
That is so amazing! There’s so much to see there. I love the water and all the beautiful buildings.
I’ve never been to crete but heard a lot how amazing it is. I would love to explore this beautiful island…Soon I hope.
I do love the Greek Islands, I have visited Crete before but many years ago now. Have always wanted to go back
Last year I was exploring western part of Greece & I’ve been to Chania and Rethymno. There wasn’t enough time to visit Heraklion, but I’m definitely going there on my next visit to Crete!
Great trip! I love Crete. Your post is easy to follow, and I’ll definitely use it on my next trip to Greece.
This post is making me want to return to Crete and spend more time in Heraklion. It was so hot when we were there that we spent most of our time in the water near Chania or exploring up in the mountains.