4 day itinerary for Heraklion

Itinerary

Here's an ideal itinerary for 4 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 a vast 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 in the old town.
• 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 facility over the years.
• End your day with a stroll along the promenade of the old harbor, where you can enjoy the sunset and the views of the sea.

Day 2:

• Start your day with a visit to the Palace of Knossos, which is located about 5 km south of Heraklion. The palace was the center of the Minoan civilization and is considered 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 production. 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.
• In the afternoon, visit the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum, which is dedicated to the famous Cretan writer. The museum is located in the village of Myrtia, about 15 km south of Heraklion.
• 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 of the city.

Day 3:

• Start your day with a visit to the Historical Museum of Crete, which is located in the center of Heraklion. The museum has a vast collection of artifacts from the Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman periods of Crete's history.
• After the museum, head to the nearby Natural History Museum of Crete, which is located on the outskirts of the city. The museum has a collection of fossils, minerals, and plants from Crete and other parts of Greece.
• For lunch, try some of the local seafood at one of the tavernas in the old harbor.
• In the afternoon, visit the Agios Minas Cathedral, which is the largest church in Crete. The cathedral was built in the 19th century and is dedicated to Saint Minas, the patron saint of Heraklion.
• End your day with a visit to the Lions Square, which is located in the center of Heraklion. The square is named after the four lions that guard the fountain in the center of the square.

Day 4:

• Start your day with a visit to 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.
• After the Loggia, head to the nearby Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, which has a collection of artifacts from the Neolithic period to the Roman period.
• For lunch, try some of the local street food at one of the food stalls in the old town.
• In the afternoon, visit the Historical Museum of Heraklion, which is located in a Venetian building in the old town. The museum has a collection of artifacts from the Ottoman period of Crete's history.
• End your day with a visit to the Venetian Harbor, which is located in the center of Heraklion. The harbor is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and you can enjoy the views of the sea and the boats.