Heraklion Travelers Recommend

With three days in Heraklion (aka Iraklio), you can discover the area’s 4,000 years of history, savor the local cuisine, wander landscapes like the Samaria Gorge—and even visit another island. Here’s how.

Day 1: Historic Heraklion

Even if ruins aren’t normally your thing, make an exception for Heraklion. Star attractions are the Palace of Knossos, a 4,000-year-old city built by the mysterious Minoan civilization, and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to ancient treasures from across the island. Check these off, then learn about Crete’s more recent history while exploring the Venetian Walls and 16th-century Koules Fortress. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Crete’s culinary delights. Tour vineyards and olive groves; sample ingredients at markets and artisan food stores; or treat yourself to a cooking class. Wrap up your first day with a dinner of local seafood (try the red mullet, a Greek favorite) in one of the pretty eateries that dot the Old Venetian Harbor.

Day 2: Off-Road Adventures

Time for an inland adventure. At 10 miles (16 kilometers) long, the Samaria Gorge is one of Europe’s longest canyons, and for hikers, it’s an essential Crete experience that’s particularly beautiful when the wildflowers are in season. Or, head to the mountains around the Lasithi Plateau, known for its white-sailed windmills. Don’t miss the Dikteon Cave—according to legend, the Greek god Zeus was born among the eerie rock formations framing its underground lake. Spend the evening in true Cretan style, at a dinner show—island wines and local favorites like lamb pair perfectly with folk songs and traditional dances.

Day 3: Island Inspiration

On your final day, cruise to another of Greece’s 6,000-ish islands and islets. Uninhabited Dia is closest to Heraklion, with crystal waters and unspoiled beaches perfect for snorkeling. Or, make your way to Spinalonga, a tiny islet once used to quarantine people with leprosy. Even if you’ve not read the novel The Island, Spinalonga is an atmospheric place, and many tours include a swimming stop at nearby Kolokytha. Farther afield, but easy to reach on a day trip from Heraklion, the famously scenic Santorini boasts blue and white houses perched on the edge of a giant undersea volcano. Back in Heraklion in the evening, finish up your stay by enjoying the city’s modern side, as you crawl the contemporary bars and restaurants around Agios Titos Square

The capital of Crete, Heraklion (also known as Iraklio) offers ancient Minoan ruins, a historic harbor, and a vibrant food, wine, and nightlife scene—all in a package that feels more authentic than many of the island’s resort towns. Here’s how to check out the highlights in just one day.

Morning: Minoan Magic

Even if you’re not normally one for ruins, make an exception for the Palace of Knossos, the 4,000-year-old palace complex that gave us the legend of the Minotaur and his labyrinth. Especially in high season, a skip-the-line ticket or a tour with skip-the-line access is well worth the extra money. Next, head back into Heraklion and learn about the Minoan civilization that built Knossos—and palaces across Crete—at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of the nation’s top museums. Finally, take in the city’s essential sights, perhaps from an open-top bus. Don’t miss the 16th-century Koules Fortress and the mighty Venetian Walls.

Afternoon: Food Frenzy

Every part of Greece offers its own unique and delicious cuisine, and Crete is no exception. Soak up the atmosphere at one of Heraklion’s vibrant markets, including the island’s largest fish market. Sample local delights such as bougatsa, a breakfast treat made with flaky phyllo pastry, cheese, rusks, olives, and olive oil. Don’t miss the chance to savor a glass or two of local wine, from the wineries around the city: vilana white and Romeiko red are two of the island’s signatures. Or, try a cooking class, perhaps with a professional chef or a local family.

Night: Dinner Dancing

With just one day in Heraklion, don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in Cretan culture at a folklore show. Soak up the ancient rhythms of traditional instruments such as the lyre and the lute. Feast on dishes from local lamb to spring greens or spinach pie as you listen to heartfelt folk songs. Then let yourself be swept away as costumed performers break into dances as lively as anything you'd see at a Greek wedding. Get into the spirit with local wines and tsipouro, Crete’s answer to Italy’s grappa brandy.

Two days in Heraklion (also known as Iraklio) gives you enough time to soak up the Cretan capital’s ancient wonders, inhale some delicious food and wine, and see a folklore show. Don't miss the chance to head further afield to the rugged Lasithi Plateau or the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest canyons. Read on to find out how.

Day 1: Ancient Adventures

Morning: Start the day by taking in Heraklion’s signature sights. Explore the Palace of Knossos, the 4,000-year-old Minoan city that spawned the mythical Minotaur and his labyrinth. Go deeper into the past at the world-class Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Finally, take in the Venetian Walls and historic Koules Fortress.

Afternoon: You’d be remiss to visit Crete without discovering the island’s wealth of oil, cheese, wine, and olives. Tour markets and artisan stores. Try local favorites such as Romeiko red wine or dakos, Crete’s answer to Italy’s bruschetta. Or, take a cooking class in a restaurant or private home.

Night: The Sea of Crete has kept the island’s fishermen in business for thousands of years. Discover the delicate flavors of Mediterranean favorites such as red mullet or sea bream. Or splurge on delicacies such as slipper lobster, shrimp, or sea urchins. The Old Venetian Harbor is a scenic spot to dine.

Day 2: Island Inspiration

Morning: With two days in Heraklion, you can venture further afield. At 10 miles (16 kilometers) long, the rugged Samaria Gorge is one of Europe’s longest canyons—and it narrows to just 10 feet (3 meters) wide at one point—and a top area hike. Or, stay closer to home with a visit to the Lasithi Plateau, with its thousands of photogenic windmills and the Dikteon Cave, where ancient myth claims the sky god Zeus was born. The mountain trails are great for a 4WD adventure.

Afternoon: Most outdoor adventures from Heraklion last the day. If yours gets back early, take in more of the city’s essential sights, perhaps from an open-top bus.

Night: Wrap up your stay in Heraklion by partying as if you’re at an old-fashioned Greek wedding. Savor island wines and traditional Cretan cuisine as you listen to folk songs and ancient instruments. Then clap along to the infectious rhythms as costumed dancers whirl and leap.