Best Things To Do in Heraklion, Greece

Have you ever visited a new place and felt ‘wow’ about it? For many visitors, it happens at Heraklion.

Heraklion may not be as popular as other cities in Greece, but don’t let that fool you. Heraklion is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.

You can definitely plan a few hours of a side trip here while traveling to Santorini or Chania. You might wish to revisit it someday again, to take a break and relax at Heraklion.

If you have plans to visit Greece and are not sure if Heraklion should be included in your itinerary, keep reading. In this list, we have put together some of the things to do in Heraklion and around. We have a hunch that if you include this city in your travel plans, you will be thrilled you did so.

Tourist Attractions in Heraklion

Here is the list of things to do in Heraklion and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Heraklion International Airport (Nikos Kazantzakis Airport) Image
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    Airport

    Address: Address: Heraklion International Airport (Nikos Kazantzakis Airport), Heraklion 716 01, Greece

    Heraklion International Airport (Nikos Kazantzakis Airport) is the main airport of the island of Crete, located 5 km from the city of Heraklion, in Greece. It is the second busiest airport in the country after Athens International Airport. The airport is named after the famous Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis.The airport was first opened in 1939, ...Read more
  2. Chania International Airport Image
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    Address: Chania International Airport Nikos Kazantzakis Airport 7km east of Heraklion 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece

    Location: Chania International Airport, Heraklion is located in the city of Chania, on the Greek island of Crete.History: Chania International Airport, Heraklion was first opened in 1932 as a military airfield. In the 1950s, the airport was upgraded to a civil airport and began to serve commercial flights. In the 1970s, the airport was further u...Read more
  3. Iraklio Bowling Center

    4.1 (247 Votes)
    Iraklio Bowling Center

    Bowling Alley, Entertainment, Games

    Address: Heraklion 713 07, Greece

    Looking for some fun place in Heraklion? Visit Iraklio Bowling Center G. Soultatos & Co. O.E. This is one of few places in Heraklion where you can enjoy bowling and watch live sports on TV with your group. The center is known for quick service, wonderful arcade video games, and large screen for football matches. This bowling center is locat...Read more
  4. Natural History Museum Of Crete

    Address: Leof. Sofokli Venizelou, Iraklio 712 02, Greece

    Are you a nature lover who likes to delve into the mysteries of the world? Then this is an apt place for you! Located in the Venizelou area of Heraklion, the Natural History Museum of Crete is an open museum and home to collection of a vast range of flora and fauna found in the region. The museum aims to study and discover the various aspects of...Read more
  5. Loggia

    4.5 (260 Votes)
    Loggia

    Landmark, Historical Site

    Address: 25 August Str., Iraklio 712 02, Greece

    Venetians were known for their love of luxurious buildings and perhaps, that is the reason why nearly every city in the Crete has one. It is in these buildings where the nobles would come and spend some time amidst the company of others, chatting and socializing. The word Loggia comes from there, which distinctly translates ns a ‘Noble Clu...Read more
  6. Saint Minas Cathedral

    4.7 (248 Votes)
    Saint Minas Cathedral

    Religious Site, Architecture , Cathedral

    Address: Heraklion 712 01, Greece

    Among the many churches, Cathedral of St. Minas holds a great importance. It was built in 1862 as a symbol of respect and dedication to Saint Minas who protected the people of the city during the period of Turkish rule. Architected by Athanasios Moussis, it is one of the largest buildings in the city, and attracts hordes of crowd every year. Ask...Read more
  7. Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos

    4.5 (159 Votes)
    Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos

    Aquarium

    Address: Heraklion 710 03

    The best way to know and experience the marine life (without diving deep into the sea) is to visit an aquarium. Cretaquarium is a public aquarium that offers a keen insight into the life of aquatic animals. This aquarium was made under a project by the former Institute of Marine Biology of Crete (IMBC). The aquarium is located near the town of ...Read more
  8. Cretaquarium

    4.5 (63 Votes)
    Cretaquarium

    Aquarium

    Address: Heraklion 710 03

    Cretaquarium is a public aquarium located in the city of Heraklion. This is comparatively a small aquarium, although it displays around 250 species of fish in more than 60 water tanks. The aquarium was opened in 2005 and was revamped in 2008-09. It is well laid out which provides great visibility to the visitors. You will see a variety of fish, ...Read more
  9. Matala Beach

    4.5 (23 Votes)
    Matala Beach

    Outdoors, Beach

    Address: 702 00, Greece

    Matala Beach is the finest place to spend a day and explore the caves of the beach. The picturesque views of the beach and water of the sea attracts the tourists. Caves are the centre of attraction as it represents some Roman history and carvings portray the finest architecture of the olden time. The bar and restaurant at the beach is a must try...Read more