Heraklion Hidden Gems, Valia's Guidebook
Sightseeing
The Venetian Morosini Lions Fountain was constructed in 1629 and it is one of the most important monuments in the city of Heraklion. It is located in the city centre on Lions (or Eleftheriou Venizelou) Square.
It was constructed by Francesco Morosini due to the fact that the town was in urgent need of water supplies.
In addition to the lions, the fountain is decorated with Venetian coats of arms and sculptures inspired by mythology and the sea world.
119 locals recommend
Morosini Lions Fountain
Platia Eleftheriou VenizelouThe Venetian Morosini Lions Fountain was constructed in 1629 and it is one of the most important monuments in the city of Heraklion. It is located in the city centre on Lions (or Eleftheriou Venizelou) Square.
It was constructed by Francesco Morosini due to the fact that the town was in urgent need of water supplies.
In addition to the lions, the fountain is decorated with Venetian coats of arms and sculptures inspired by mythology and the sea world.
The Venetian Castle of Heraklion is called Koules, which means fortress in Turkish. It is an impressive fortress that surrounds the harbor of Heraklion, Crete. The Koules Castle is a massive fortress with two storeys that used to guard the entry to the port. The Castle was constructed by the Venetians in the early 13th century when they conquered the town
248 locals recommend
Rocca a Mare Fortress
The Venetian Castle of Heraklion is called Koules, which means fortress in Turkish. It is an impressive fortress that surrounds the harbor of Heraklion, Crete. The Koules Castle is a massive fortress with two storeys that used to guard the entry to the port. The Castle was constructed by the Venetians in the early 13th century when they conquered the town
The Natural History Museum of Crete is located near the port of Heraklion, at Sofokli Venizelou street, and it is dedicated to the natural environment. The museum was established in 1980 under the aegis of the University of Crete.
227 locals recommend
The Natural History Museum of Crete
Leoforos Sofokli VenizelouThe Natural History Museum of Crete is located near the port of Heraklion, at Sofokli Venizelou street, and it is dedicated to the natural environment. The museum was established in 1980 under the aegis of the University of Crete.
The Cathedral of St. Minas is an Orthodox Cathedral located in Heraklion and is the seat of the Archbishop of Crete. It began to be built in 1862, but its construction was interrupted during the Cretan Revolution of 1866 and was finally completed in early 1895.
66 locals recommend
Saint Minas Church See of the Archbishop of Crete
25 Agiou MinaThe Cathedral of St. Minas is an Orthodox Cathedral located in Heraklion and is the seat of the Archbishop of Crete. It began to be built in 1862, but its construction was interrupted during the Cretan Revolution of 1866 and was finally completed in early 1895.
Legend has it that this palace was the source of the Labyrinth myth. It was a structure that was made by King Minos of Crete, to keep away the mythical creature Minotaur, who was half bull and half man. Eventually, the creature was killed by Theseus.
227 locals recommend
Minoan Palace of Knossos
8 ΦειδίουLegend has it that this palace was the source of the Labyrinth myth. It was a structure that was made by King Minos of Crete, to keep away the mythical creature Minotaur, who was half bull and half man. Eventually, the creature was killed by Theseus.
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a museum located in Heraklion on Crete. It is one of the greatest museums in Greece and the best in the world for Minoan art, as it contains by far the most important and complete collection of artefacts of the Minoan civilization of Crete
12 locals recommend
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
2 I. MerineliThe Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a museum located in Heraklion on Crete. It is one of the greatest museums in Greece and the best in the world for Minoan art, as it contains by far the most important and complete collection of artefacts of the Minoan civilization of Crete
Georgiadis Park is one of the most frequented parks in the city. Spread over an area of 17 acres, the place is considered amongst the largest in Heraklion. The park has been transformed thoroughly with a little playground inside it. Kids can come here and spend time enjoying the ride while the parents can choose a particular corner and relish the sights of the surrounding.
77 locals recommend
Georgiadis Park
DimokratiasGeorgiadis Park is one of the most frequented parks in the city. Spread over an area of 17 acres, the place is considered amongst the largest in Heraklion. The park has been transformed thoroughly with a little playground inside it. Kids can come here and spend time enjoying the ride while the parents can choose a particular corner and relish the sights of the surrounding.
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Beaches
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Sarantaris beach
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Malia Beach
Potamos Beach
beach Gouves
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Matala beach
Agiofarago beach
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Go to the beach
Eparchiaki Odos Monis Toplous - VaiPlaka Beach
52 Επαρχιακή ΟδόςVoulisma Beach
Cicada Seascape Experience
Wineries & Farms
Tours & tastings at a family-owned wine estate known for helping revive & preserve local varieties.
17 locals recommend
Lyrarakis Winery
Tours & tastings at a family-owned wine estate known for helping revive & preserve local varieties.
Parks & Activities
Acqua Plus
Watercity Waterpark Crete
AnopolisCretaquarium - Thalassocosmos
Dinosauria Park
Food & Drinks
Peskesi
6-8 Kapetan Charalampi7 Thalases
και IraklitouLadókolla
13 ZotouΛίγο Κρασί Λίγο Θάλασσα
Merastri
17 ChrisostomouSaradari Restaurant
Αγίου ΓεωργίουÉrganos
5 Geor. GeorgiadouΚανάλι - Kanali Restaurant
Akti OlountosThinkVilla
While in Rethymno, do not hesitate to stop by our office to say hi! Our team will be more than happy to meet you in person.
127 locals recommend
ThinkVilla
14 GerakariWhile in Rethymno, do not hesitate to stop by our office to say hi! Our team will be more than happy to meet you in person.
Traveler advice
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Traveling with kids
Travelling with kids
There are so many things to do in Crete with families and and it is often voted one of the most popular and safe destinations for family holidays. Crete is known for its rich culture and amazing scenery. You will discover stunning sunny beaches with crystal clear waters, rocky coves in idyllic landscapes, endless groves, delicious food and of course, the unsurpassed Cretan hospitality.
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