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Heraklion

5 day itinerary for Heraklion

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Itinerary

Here's an ideal itinerary for 5 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 Labyrinth Park, which is located near the Palace of Knossos. The park is a fun and educational experience for both kids and adults, with mazes, puzzles, and games inspired by the Minoan civilization.

Day 3:

  • Start your day with a visit to the Historical Museum of Crete, which is located in the old town 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 Morosini Fountain, which is located in the center of the old town. The fountain was built by the Venetians in the 17th century and is one of the most famous landmarks of Heraklion.
  • For lunch, try some of the local street food at the central market of Heraklion, where you can find a variety of traditional snacks and sweets.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Natural History Museum of Crete, which is located on the outskirts of Heraklion. The museum has a vast collection of fossils, minerals, and animals from Crete and the Mediterranean.
  • End your day with a visit to the Venetian Loggia, which is located in the old town of Heraklion. The Loggia was built by the Venetians in the 16th century and was used as a meeting place for the nobility.

Day 4:

  • Start your day with a visit to the Archaeological Site of Gortyna, which is located about 45 km south of Heraklion. The site was the capital of the Roman province of Crete and has a vast collection of ruins and artifacts from the Roman period.
  • After the site, head to the nearby village of Matala, which is known for its beautiful beaches and its hippie culture. You can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the village.
  • For lunch, try some of the fresh seafood at one of the tavernas in Matala.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Phaistos Palace, which is located about 60 km south of Heraklion. The palace was the second most important center of the Minoan civilization and has a vast collection of ruins and artifacts.
  • End your day with a visit to the village of Zaros, which is located on the slopes of Mount Psiloritis. The village is known for its natural springs and its traditional architecture, and you can enjoy a walk in the surrounding countryside.

Day 5:

  • Start your day with a visit to the Venetian Fortress of Spinalonga, which is located on a small island near the town of Elounda, about 70 km east of Heraklion. The fortress was built by the Venetians in the 16th century and was used as a leper colony in the 20th century.
  • After the fortress, head to the nearby town of Agios Nikolaos, which is known for its picturesque harbor and its lively atmosphere. You can walk along the promenade, visit the local shops and cafes, and enjoy the views of the sea.
  • For lunch, try some of the local specialties at one of the tavernas in Agios Nikolaos.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Vai Palm Forest, which is located on the eastern coast of Crete, about 100 km east of Heraklion. The forest is home to a unique species of palm trees and has a beautiful beach.
  • End your day with a visit to the Toplou Monastery, which is located on the eastern coast of Crete, about 120 km east of Heraklion. The monastery was founded in the 15th century and has a beautiful church and a museum with a vast collection of icons and artifacts.

Places of interest

Heraklion Archaeological Museum Heraklion

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

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Venetian Walls Heraklion

Venetian Walls

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Koules Fortress Heraklion

Koules Fortress

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Palace of Knossos Heraklion

Palace of Knossos

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Archanes village Heraklion

Archanes village

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Nikos Kazantzakis Museum Heraklion

Nikos Kazantzakis Museum

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Labyrinth Park Heraklion

Labyrinth Park

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Historical Museum of Crete Heraklion

Historical Museum of Crete

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Morosini Fountain Heraklion

Morosini Fountain

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Central market of Heraklion Heraklion

Central market of Heraklion

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Natural History Museum of Crete Heraklion

Natural History Museum of Crete

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Venetian Loggia Heraklion

Venetian Loggia

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Archaeological Site of Gortyna Heraklion

Archaeological Site of Gortyna

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Matala village Heraklion

Matala village

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Phaistos Palace Heraklion

Phaistos Palace

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Zaros village Heraklion

Zaros village

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Venetian Fortress of Spinalonga Heraklion

Venetian Fortress of Spinalonga

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Agios Nikolaos town Heraklion

Agios Nikolaos town

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Vai Palm Forest Heraklion

Vai Palm Forest

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Toplou Monastery Heraklion

Toplou Monastery

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