Heraklion Crete Area Guide

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is one of the most important and significant museums in Greece. The museum was built between 1937-1940, and boasts 20 rooms with exhibits originating exclusively from Crete. The collections come mostly from central and eastern Crete, and cover a span of 5.500 years. The exhibits are presented following the chronological evolution of the Minoan civilization. It is located in the center of the town just 100 m from the Hotel.

Information: (+30) 281 0279000

In the Natural History Museum of Crete, visitors become familiar with the flora and fauna of Crete and mainland Greece. A key focus of the museum is to enable visitors to understand the relation between the old civilizations and the natural environment; to learn about the impressive past, and the future of Crete and the Mediterranean, through fossils, rocks and minerals.

Information: (+30) 281 0282740

The Venice of the East as it was described during the Venetian rule, has the Koules as the trademark of the medieval city of Heraklion. The Koules Fortress was built in 1523-1540 offering a spectacular view to the Cretan Sea, and is the vigilant sentry that protects the city of Heraklion.

The Palace of Knossos is the most important and majestic creation of the Minoan Civilization, a sacred cultural heritage of Greece, and a world renowned monument. Located 5 km southeast of Heraklion, the Minoan Palace of Knossos, expanding over a surface of 22.000 m2, is visited by thousands of tourists and locals every year.

Information: (+30) 281 0231940

The Venetian walls represent the most formidable project of the Venetian rule. They were first built in the 15th century whereas extensions and improvements were carried out during the 16th and 17th centuries. The main architect was one of the famous army engineers of the 16th century, Michele San Michele of Verona.

St.Titus, a church honoring the protector of the island. Initially a Byzantine temple, during its many historical phases suffered substantial damages: renovations including major alterations by the Venetians in the 16th century and it was also used as the metropolitan church by the Catholics. During the Turkish rule it was converted into a mosque, the “Vezir mosque”, destroyed in the big earthquake of 1856, rebuilt on its own foundations in 1872. In 1926 it again became an Orthodox church after undergoing relative repairs and alterations.

Information: (+30) 281 0346221

Walk along the coast from the Venetian Port to the lighthouse and back! It is a rather famous walk for morning workout, romantic walks, teenage skaters, cyclists and families. The walk takes 1hr both ways and it is quite relaxing too. Along the jetty, visitors can admire graffiti art picturing Greek mythology and themes of contemporary concerns