3 day itinerary for Heraklion

Itinerary

Here's an ideal itinerary for 3 days in Heraklion:

Day 1:

• Start your day with a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which is one of the most important museums in Greece. You'll find an impressive collection of Minoan artifacts, including pottery, jewelry, and frescoes.
• After the museum, head to the Venetian Walls that surround the old town of Heraklion. You can walk along the walls and enjoy the views of the city and the sea.
• For lunch, try some traditional Cretan cuisine at one of the local tavernas. We recommend trying some dakos (a Cretan salad with barley rusk, tomatoes, and feta cheese) or some fresh seafood.
• In the afternoon, visit the Koules Fortress, which is located at the entrance of the old harbor. The fortress was built by the Venetians in the 16th century and has been used as a prison and a storage space for gunpowder.
• End your day with a stroll around the old town of Heraklion, where you'll find narrow streets, colorful buildings, and plenty of shops and cafes.

Day 2:

• Start your day with a visit to the Palace of Knossos, which is located just outside of Heraklion. This ancient palace was the center of the Minoan civilization and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.
• After the palace, head to the nearby village of Archanes, which is known for its traditional architecture and its wine. You can visit some of the local wineries and taste some of the famous Cretan wines.
• For lunch, try some of the local specialties at one of the tavernas in Archanes. We recommend trying some of the local cheeses, such as graviera or kefalotyri.
• In the afternoon, visit the Historical Museum of Crete, which is located in the center of Heraklion. The museum has a collection of artifacts from the Byzantine period to the modern era, including paintings, sculptures, and weapons.
• End your day with a visit to the Morosini Fountain, which is located in the center of Heraklion. The fountain was built by the Venetians in the 17th century and is one of the most famous landmarks in the city.

Day 3:

• Start your day with a visit to the Natural History Museum of Crete, which is located in the University of Crete campus. The museum has a collection of fossils, minerals, and animals from Crete and the Mediterranean.
• After the museum, head to the nearby village of Agia Pelagia, which is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. You can spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the local cuisine at one of the beachfront tavernas.
• In the afternoon, visit the Venetian Loggia, which is located in the center of Heraklion. The Loggia was built by the Venetians in the 16th century and was used as a meeting place for the nobility.
• End your day with a visit to the Heraklion Municipal Art Gallery, which is located in the center of the city. The gallery has a collection of paintings and sculptures from local and international artists.