Archaeological Site of Knossos

Knossos was the most important center of the Minoan civilization, and is 5 klm from Heraklion town. The famous palace of Knossos, with the highly photographed red columns of the palace, is located in an area of 22,000 sq.m. It is worth seeing the various rooms with their impressive murals, like the royal apartments and the throne room.

Archaeological Site of Phestos

It has the same value with the palace of Knossos, but it is less complicated. You will see the old and new palace, the royal quarters, workshops, theater, etc. The famous Phaistos Disc was discovered in the basement of the palace of Phaistos and yet to deciphered. Telephone 28920 42315.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

One of the most important museums in Europe with unique exhibits such as the enigmatic Phestos Disc, the bull-leaping fresco, the Prince with the Lilies, the saffron collectors, The Blue Bird, the sarcophagus of the Agia Triada, etc.

Historical Museum of Crete

A brilliant museum focusing on the history of Crete from the 4th century onwards. There is a comparative summary of historical periods, a huge model of Chandakas, a 17th century ceramics exhibition, etc.

Museum of Natural History of Crete

This museum operates in new facilities 6,000 sq. meters, on four levels. Exhibits include miniatures of ecosystems, animals, plants, a skeleton of a Deinothirio (prehistoric elephant) etc. There is even an earthquake simulator, where you can experience an earthquake.

Nikos Kazantzakis Museum

The Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is housed in a modern building in the village square of Myrtia. Besides works of Kazantzakis you will see informative material on the projection room. Telephone 2810 741689.

Cretan Ethnology Museum

This museum is located in Vori village and it was honored with praise of the Council of Europe in 1992. There are 3.000 items displayed, accompanied by wonderful pictures. Telephone 28920 91112.

Archaeological Collection - Folklore Museum of Acharnes

In Acharnes village there is a small archaeological collection hosted in a beautiful restored building houses exhibiting finds from the excavations in the settlement (Telephone 2810 752712). The folklore museum operates in a restored 17th-century building and its exhibits on daily life in Acharnes (Telephone 2810 752891).

Physio-Foklore Museum

Lychnostatis is a very interesting museum in the port of Hersonissos aiming to preserve and promote the traditional life and the folk culture of Crete. Telephone 28970 23660.

Cretaquarium

The Cretaquarium is one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Here you can see 2,500 kinds of living organisms, even large sharks, and a touch tank, while there are also educational programs for children.

El Greco Museum

A small brand new museum in beautiful surroundings. It hosts 24 copies of Dominikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco) work and a representation of his atelier. Around you will see ruins of the old Fodele settlement and the church of Panagia of the 11th century. Telephone 2810 521500.