Is Heraklion worth visiting?

For Knossos and the Archaeological Museum, yes - together they are the single most important thing to see in Crete. The old town rewards an unhurried afternoon; it is a working city, not a resort.

How long do you need in Heraklion?

One full day covers Knossos, the museum and the old town. Add a second if you want the market, the walls and a proper evening.

How far is Knossos from Heraklion?

About 5 km, roughly ten minutes by car, and there is a city bus. Parking near the site fills quickly in the morning.

Where should I park in Heraklion?

In one of the paid car parks near the old harbour or the Venetian walls, then walk. Do not try to park inside the old town.

Ko darīt Iraklionā - Knosa, muzejs un apkārtne

The essentials

Knossos Palace - 10 minutes from the centre. First entry or late afternoon; midday in July is brutal.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum - the frescoes and finds from Knossos are displayed here. Do the site first, the museum second, and the palace suddenly makes sense.
The Venetian walls and the tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis - the best view over the city, and free.
Koules fortress and the old harbour - the working waterfront at the end of the pier.
The 1866 street market and Lions Square - herbs, cheese, raki, and the city at street level.

Eating and evenings

The lanes off Korai and Chandakos are where the city eats: small mezedopoleia, raki with something to nibble on the house, and a crowd that is local rather than seasonal. Sunday is quiet - many places close after lunch.

Drives that start in Heraklion

Knossos and Archanes - archaeology in the morning, a village square lunch after.
Zaros, Kamares and the Psiloritis foothills - trout tavernas and mountain air, about an hour south.
Matala and Phaistos - the second great Minoan palace plus the south coast, 1h15.
Agia Pelagia and Ammoudara - the closest swim, 10 to 25 minutes.

Parking and driving in the city

Leave the car outside the centre. Use the paid car parks near the old harbour or along the walls and walk in - the centre is one-way, narrow and monitored. Blue lines are paid, yellow lines mean no parking, and the fines are enforced.

Biežāk uzdotie jautājumi

Is Heraklion worth visiting?: For Knossos and the Archaeological Museum, yes - together they are the single most important thing to see in Crete. The old town rewards an unhurried afternoon; it is a working city, not a resort.
How long do you need in Heraklion?: One full day covers Knossos, the museum and the old town. Add a second if you want the market, the walls and a proper evening.
How far is Knossos from Heraklion?: About 5 km, roughly ten minutes by car, and there is a city bus. Parking near the site fills quickly in the morning.
Where should I park in Heraklion?: In one of the paid car parks near the old harbour or the Venetian walls, then walk. Do not try to park inside the old town.

Gatavs plānot savu Krētu?

Izvēlies, kas tev vajadzīgs - plāns, auto vai piedzīvojums.

Saplānot manu Krētu Atrast auto Apskatīt piedzīvojumus

Jautāt WhatsApp

Vietējās zināšanas
Personīgi ieteikumi
Pielāgots tavam ceļojumam

Ko darīt Iraklionā

The essentials

Eating and evenings

Drives that start in Heraklion

Parking and driving in the city

Biežāk uzdotie jautājumi

Lasīt tālāk

Auto noma Iraklijā

Dia island boat trip

Krētas ceļvedis

Crete excursions and day trips

Gatavs plānot savu Krētu?