Heraklion Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do, See & Eat
Heraklion, Crete island's bustling capital, is a treasure trove of history and seaside charm. Visit the ancient Palace of Knossos and enjoy the vibrant city life along the waterfront. Discover Cretan culture in local tavernas and explore sandy beaches just a short ride away. With ferry connections to other Greek islands, Heraklion is a perfect maritime gateway.
With 177+ hand-picked places to explore, Heraklion rewards travellers who look beyond the obvious. Here's our complete guide to the best of the city — organised by what you're in the mood for.
Must-See Attractions in Heraklion
The icons and landmarks no first visit is complete without.
Start with Heraklion Archaeological Museum — a key stop in a day exploring Heraklion, this museum showcases Minoan civilization through its extensive collection. Just as worthwhile is Heraklion Aquarium: a great stop for families and marine life lovers exploring Heraklion's attractions. Koules Fortress completes the picture: situated at Heraklion Port, this historic fortress highlights Venetian military architecture and offers expansive views.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Heraklion • Famous Landmarks
A key stop in a day exploring Heraklion, this museum showcases Minoan civilization through its extensive collection.
Heraklion Aquarium
Heraklion • Famous Landmarks
A great stop for families and marine life lovers exploring Heraklion's attractions.
Koules Fortress
Heraklion • Historic Architecture
Situated at Heraklion Port, this historic fortress highlights Venetian military architecture and offers expansive views.
Plateia Eleftheriou Venizelou
Heraklion • Historic Squares & Plazas
The striking Morosini Fountain is the centerpiece of this lively square in Heraklion.
Where to Eat in Heraklion
From local classics to standout modern kitchens.
Start with Thea Restaurant — incorporate a fine dining experience into your exploration of Heraklion after a day at the local sites. Just as worthwhile is Erganos: a great spot to experience authentic Cretan cuisine after exploring Heraklion's rich history. Hagiati completes the picture: a stop at Hagiati adds a refined touch to a day exploring Heraklion's rich history and culture.
Thea Restaurant
Heraklion • Fine Dining
Incorporate a fine dining experience into your exploration of Heraklion after a day at the local sites.
Erganos
Heraklion • Local Cuisine
A great spot to experience authentic Cretan cuisine after exploring Heraklion's rich history.
Hagiati
Heraklion • Fine Dining
A stop at Hagiati adds a refined touch to a day exploring Heraklion's rich history and culture.
To Stachi
Heraklion • Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants
Kondylaki Street in Heraklion features To Stachi, a notable vegetarian and vegan restaurant focusing on Cretan flavors.
Heraklion After Dark: Bars & Nightlife
Where to go once the sun sets.
Top of most lists is Aetofolia Rooftop Bar: ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring Heraklion's historic sites, this rooftop bar offers stunning views. Locals will also point you to Beer O'Clock — a lively bar for craft beer lovers, perfect for unwinding after a day exploring Heraklion. And for something different, there's Jazz & Blues Club: ideal for music enthusiasts seeking an intimate setting for live jazz performances in Heraklion.
Aetofolia Rooftop Bar
Heraklion • Rooftop Bars
Ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring Heraklion's historic sites, this rooftop bar offers stunning views.
Beer O'Clock
Heraklion • Craft Beer Bars
A lively bar for craft beer lovers, perfect for unwinding after a day exploring Heraklion.
Jazz & Blues Club
Heraklion • Live Jazz Venues
Ideal for music enthusiasts seeking an intimate setting for live jazz performances in Heraklion.
Kastella Music Venue
Heraklion • Live Music Venues
Korai Street hosts a lively venue where music lovers gather for diverse live performances.
Where to Stay in Heraklion
Hand-picked hotels, hostels and B&Bs across every budget.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Aquila Porto Rethymno — stunning views of the Aegean Sea define this luxury hotel along Rethymno's beachfront. Aquila Atlantis Hotel earns its reputation too — ideal for couples and families seeking a luxurious stay in Heraklion with top-notch wellness facilities. Round out the shortlist with Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort — ideal for couples and families seeking relaxation and beach access on a private peninsula.
Aquila Porto Rethymno
Heraklion • Luxury Hotels
Stunning views of the Aegean Sea define this luxury hotel along Rethymno's beachfront.
Aquila Atlantis Hotel
Heraklion • Luxury Hotels
Ideal for couples and families seeking a luxurious stay in Heraklion with top-notch wellness facilities.
Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort
Heraklion • Spa Hotels
Ideal for couples and families seeking relaxation and beach access on a private peninsula.
Villa Archanes
Heraklion • Bed & Breakfast
Begin a relaxing day in Heraklion with a stay at this traditional Cretan villa, blending old-world charm and modern comforts.
54 Explorer Picks We Held Back
Every list above is our free tier. On top of it, our editors mark the roughly one-in-ten places in Heraklion that are genuinely special — standout stays, tables worth planning a day around, and rooms most visitors never find — as Explorer picks, with full write-ups reserved for members. A few currently on the Heraklion list:
- Knossos Palace· Historic Architecture
- GDM Megaron Hotel· Luxury Hotels
- Biscotto Cafe· Secret Foodie Spots
- Villa Kerasia· Bed & Breakfast
- Peskesi· Local Cuisine
Planning where to stay in Heraklion?
Our neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide covers the best areas and hotels for every budget.
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