Museum
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Heraklion, Greece
The world's best collection of Minoan art, from frescoes to the Phaistos Disc.
City · Greece · Crete
Heraklion
Crete's largest city, with a Venetian harbour, a superb archaeology museum and the Minoan palace of Knossos nearby.
about 5 h
For storytellers
Why Heraklion matters
Heraklion is the gateway to Crete and the best base for the island's Minoan story. The harbour has a Venetian fortress on the breakwater, the old centre has fountains and lively squares, and the archaeological museum is one of the great collections of the ancient Aegean. Nearby, the palace of Knossos shows how advanced Bronze Age Crete was. Heraklion is a working city rather than a resort, which is part of its appeal.
Talking points
- The archaeological museum holds the finest Minoan treasures.
- The Venetian harbour fortress watches over the old port.
- Knossos is a short drive or bus ride from the centre.
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What to see in Heraklion
Ruins
Knossos Palace
Heraklion, Greece
The great Minoan palace, linked in legend to the Minotaur and the labyrinth.
Island
Spinalonga
Heraklion, Greece
A small fortress island once used as a leper colony, reached by boat.
Castle
Koules Venetian Fortress
Heraklion, Greece
A Venetian sea fortress at the harbour entrance, with a walk along the breakwater.
Beach
Matala Beach
Heraklion, Greece
A sheltered beach with cave dwellings carved into the cliff beside it.
Beach
Vai Palm Beach
Heraklion, Greece
A beach backed by a rare natural palm grove on the eastern tip of Crete.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.