Heraklion is a city with many layers. Beneath the bustling capital of Crete lie the ancient Venetian Candia, the Byzantine city, the Ottoman city, and, even further back, the echoes of a Minoan civilization dating back several millennia. The good news is that this exceptional layering is clearly visible in the stone—in the cobblestone alleys, on the ramparts, and in the naves of the churches. In other words, Heraklion is a city of monuments, and exploring them is like traveling back in time on foot.
Here is our selection of the 10 best sights to visit in Heraklion, along with our impressions of each one, photos taken on site, and practical tips for planning your visit.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
What You Need to Know Before Visiting the Sights in Heraklion
Most of Heraklion’s monuments are concentrated within a very compact area—nearly all of the sites on this list are located less than 1.5 km from one another in the historic center. A good pair of shoes and half a day are all you need to visit the Koules Fortress, the Morosini Fountain, the Loggia, the churches of Agios Titos and Agios Minas, and the Monastery of Saints Peter and Paul. Walking is undoubtedly the best way to get around. Plan a separate visit for Knossos: the site is located 5 km south of the city and can be reached in 15 minutes by car or 30 minutes by bus (Line 2 from the center).
Finally, a tip on the best times to visit: early morning or late afternoon are the ideal times to explore the narrow streets and outdoor sites—the midday heat is intense in the summer, and tour groups arrive in droves between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
1. Koules Fortress: The Symbol of Heraklion
Why it’s a must
You can’t miss the Koules Fortress: it stands right at the entrance to the historic port of Heraklion, massive and gleaming gold in the Cretan sun. Built by the Venetians between 1523 and 1540 to repel Ottoman attacks, it is now the symbol of the city. As you wander along its centuries-old ramparts and through its interior halls, you’ll be immersed in five centuries of Mediterranean history. The view from the top of the Aegean Sea and the Cretan capital is, in itself, a good reason to make the climb to the top.
Beyond its status as a historic monument, Koules now hosts temporary exhibitions and concerts—a wonderful way to see a relic of the past become part of today’s cultural life.
Practical advice
- Directions: Near the Old Port. Iraklio Center parking lot is a 10-minute walk away. Bus: “ΤΣ ΛΙΜΑΝΙ” stop. Check schedules and fares here.
- Hours: Hours vary by season. In the summer, the fortress is generally open Wednesday through Monday, with a closure between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. depending on the month. It is closed on Tuesdays. Always check the official hours before your visit. — Check the current hours here.
- Price: 10 €
- Duration: about 1 hour
- Accessibility for people with limited mobility: uneven ground, numerous stairs, and narrow passageways—difficult to access.
WHERE TO STAY IN Heraklion
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Downtown
GDMMegaron Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Near Ammoudara Beach, west
Paralos Lifestyle Beach Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Inland
Manili Boutique Suites & Villas – See prices, photos and availability
2. The Venetian Walls: Walking Along the Ramparts of Ancient Candia
Why it’s a must
You have to look up—or rather, climb—to grasp the scale of what the Venetians built in Heraklion. The Venetian walls once encircled the entire city, forming one of the most elaborate defensive systems in the Mediterranean. Still remarkably well-preserved today, they offer a unique vantage point over the city and its surroundings, allowing you to take in the layout of the ancient fortified city of Candia at a glance. Strolling along the ramparts means gaining a higher vantage point—both literally and figuratively—over this millennia-old city.
Practical advice
- Access: The ramparts surround the historic center—there are several access points from the heart of the city.
- Price: Free admission (outside the ramparts)
- Duration: Allow 1 to 1.5 hours to see a good portion of it; allow more time if you want to explore several bastions and gates.
- Tip: Best enjoyed in the late afternoon for the light and to avoid the heat.
3. The Morosini Fountain: the beating heart of the old town
Why it’s a must
In Eleftheriou Venizelou Square, the Morosini Fountain —which locals simply call the Lion Fountain—is the natural landmark of Heraklion’s Old Town. Built in 1628, it single-handedly embodies the former power of the Republic of Venice: its carved lions are reminiscent of the Lion of St. Mark, the emblem of the Most Serene Republic. It’s a delightful spot to pause, watch the comings and goings of locals and tourists, and let time slow down a bit. A monument that is both historic and vibrant, perfectly woven into the fabric of daily life in the city.
Practical advice
- Location: Right in the heart of the historic center—within walking distance of all the major landmarks in the old town.
- Price: Free admission (public space)
- Duration: 15 to 20 minutes; best enjoyed as part of a stroll through the old town.
- Explore the Old Town on a guided bike tour!
4. The Venetian Loggia: Renaissance Elegance in the Heart of Heraklion
Why it’s a must
Just a few steps from the Morosini Fountain, the Loggia catches the eye with its graceful arcades and intricately ornate façade. This 17th-century Renaissance building once served as a meeting place for the Venetian aristocracy of Candia—a sort of exclusive club of the Republic. Now converted into city hall, the Loggia is considered one of the most beautiful Venetian landmarks in all of Crete. The Italian influence is immediately apparent, and seeing it blend so naturally into the contemporary urban landscape of Heraklion is fascinating in itself.
Practical advice
- Directions: historic center, just a stone’s throw from the Morosini Fountain.
- Price: Exterior freely visible (municipal building, limited interior access).
- Duration: To be included as part of the Old Town walking tour.
- Accessibility for people with limited mobility: The narrow streets in the historic district are cobblestone, which can make getting around difficult.
5. St. Mark’s Basilica / Agios Markos: From Venetian Cathedral to Art Gallery
Why it’s a must
The Basilica of Agios Markos (St. Mark) is one of the oldest Venetian basilicas associated with the political and religious power of Heraklion; it has stood the test of time for centuries before being transformed into a municipal art gallery. It is a fine example of how Heraklion repurposes its heritage rather than preserving it in a static form. The building, with its understated silhouette and medieval origins, is a must-see on any tour of the historic center.
Practical advice
- Location: historic center, on Eleftheriou Venizelou Square, near the Morosini Fountain.
- Duration: 20 to 30 minutes for the gallery tour.
- Tip: Check the exhibition hours based on the current schedule.
6. The Church of Agios Titos: Ten Centuries of History in a Single Building
Why it’s a must
The Church of Agios Titos is perhaps the monument that best illustrates the historical complexity of Heraklion. The first sanctuary dedicated to Saint Titus dates back to the Byzantine period, following the reconquest of Crete in the 10th century. The current building, however, dates from the 19th century: rebuilt after the 1856 earthquake as an Ottoman mosque, it was later converted into an Orthodox church. Each period has left its mark on the stone. Today, Agios Titos is an iconic building in the historic center, dedicated to Saint Titus, the first bishop of Crete according to Christian tradition. A monument that, in itself, encapsulates Mediterranean history.
Practical advice
- Location: historic center, right next to the Morosini Fountain and the Loggia.
- Price: Free admission.
- Duration: 20 to 30 min.
- Tip: Please respect the worship service times—the church is active and welcomes worshippers.
RENT YOUR CAR IN Crete
- Our preferred agency is Rental Center Crete
everything is included in the price and the service is excellent. No stress! - Choose a car with a decent engine for greater comfort on the few mountain roads.
- Book early for choice.
- If you prefer international brands, compare prices on DiscoverCars
7. Agios Minas Cathedral and the small Agios Minas Church: a must-see pair
Why it’s a must
The Agios Minas Cathedral dominates the square with a presence that naturally commands silence. Built between 1862 and 1895, it is dedicated to Saint Minas, the city’s patron saint. Its architecture blends Neo-Byzantine influences with classical elements: a vast dome, two slender bell towers, and an elegant façade. Inside, detailed frescoes, Orthodox icons, and a massive bronze chandelier create an interior that is as impressive as it is contemplative. It is one of the most imposing religious buildings in all of Crete.
Right next door, the small Church of Agios Minas (1735) offers a completely different atmosphere—more intimate, more ancient, more secretive. It miraculously survived the 1856 earthquake and still houses venerated icons dating from the 17th century. It served as a place of worship before the grand cathedral was completed. Together, they illustrate two dimensions of the sacred: institutional grandeur and popular devotion.
Practical advice
- Directions: Historic center. Theseus Heraklion City parking lot is a 4-minute walk away. Bus: “Agiou Mina” stop. Schedules and fares here.
- Price: free admission.
- Duration: 20 to 30 minutes for both buildings.
- Accessibility for people with disabilities: an access ramp is located to the right of the cathedral’s main facade.
HAVE FUN in: Crete
8. The Monastery of Saints Peter and Paul: A Little-Known Architectural Gem
Why it’s a must
You might walk past the Monastery of Saints Peter and Paul without stopping—which is a mistake. Its elegant Gothic arches, a legacy of the Venetian period, make this building one of Heraklion’s most unique architectural landmarks. Now converted into a municipal cultural center, it hosts exhibitions and events. It’s a monument we love for its authentic character, tucked away from the most well-trodden tourist paths, and one that reveals another facet of the city’s architectural heritage.
Practical advice
- Directions: Near the Museum of Cretan History and the Koules Fortress, right on the waterfront. The Iraklio Center parking lot is nearby.
- Price: Free admission (outdoors); admission fees for indoor events vary depending on the program.
- Duration: 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the current exhibitions.
9. St. Catherine’s Church on Mount Sinai: Part Monument, Part Museum of Sacred Art
Why it’s a must
Just a stone’s throw from Agios Minas Cathedral, the Church of St. Catherine of Sinai houses the Museum of Christian Art, a collection of Cretan religious art from the 14th to the 19th century. The collection features primarily post-Byzantine icons fromthe Cretan School of Painting, including works by masters such as Angelos Akotantos (15th century) and Michail Damaskinos (16th century). Wall paintings, wood carvings, liturgical objects, and manuscripts round out the collection. A place that straddles the line between a historic monument and a museum, it bears witness to Crete’s rich artistic tradition.
Practical advice
- Location: historic center, right next to Agios Minas Cathedral.
- Duration: 30 to 45 min.
- Tip: Combine this with a visit to the nearby cathedral for a full immersion in the Old City’s religious quarter.
- Hours: Hours may be limited; please check the opening hours before visiting, especially during the off-season. Generally, from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. from April through October, and from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from November through March
DISCOVER Heraklion
10. The Palace of Knossos: the monument of all monuments, just outside the city walls
Why it’s a must
Technically, the Palace of Knossos is not in the center of Heraklion—it’s located 5 km south of the city. But it would be absurd to compile a list of must-see monuments around Heraklion without including it, as it’s truly in a league of its own. The site of Knossos has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, around 7000 B.C., while the first Minoan palace dates back to approximately 1900 B.C. It is one of the key sites for understanding Minoan civilization. It is here that the myths of the Labyrinth, the Minotaur, Daedalus, and Icarus originated.
The palace covered an area of 20,000 m² and featured several stories, luxurious apartments, and strikingly beautiful frescoes. Excavations, which began in 1900, have unearthed part of this archaeological gem—the finest artifacts of which can be seen at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. It is Crete’s premier archaeological site —and, for many visitors, one of the most memorable experiences of their trip.
Practical advice
- Directions: 15 minutes by car or 30 minutes by public transportation from downtown (Line 2, frequent departures). On-site parking. Bus schedules and fares here.
- Schedules:
- from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the summer, from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the fall, and from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter (with the facility likely to close at 3 p.m. on weekends during the off-season).
- Check out the latest information here.
- Price: 20 €
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours.
- Accessibility for people with disabilities: uneven terrain with many stairs—limited access.
- Please note: Renovation work is underway and will continue through 2030. The site remains open. Come at opening time (8 a.m.) or in the late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
- Book your guided tour of Knossos to learn all about this extraordinary site!
Practical Tips for Visiting the Sights in Heraklion
How do I get to Heraklion?
- By plane:Heraklion International Airport is served by flights from many European cities (Paris, London, Berlin, Rome, Vienna, etc.).
- By ferry: routes from Athens (Port of Piraeus) and several Greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos). Port of Heraklion.
- By car from Crete: Rethymno (1 hr 10 min) · Chania (2 hrs) · Malia (30 min) — via National Highway 90 along the north coast.
For more information, read our tips on how to get to Heraklion here
Parking in Heraklion
Parking in the historic center can be tricky, especially during peak season. Our recommendation: the Theseus Heraklion City Parking Garage (Thiseos 18, 71201 Heraklion), which is centrally located, offers valet service, and costs about 2–3 € per hour. From there, all the sights in the city center are within walking distance.
If you’re driving, read our article to find out where to park in Heraklion here
Getting Around the Landmarks
The first nine sites on this list are all concentrated in the historic center, within a radius of 1 to 2 km. Walking is by far the best way to visit them —and to enjoy the atmosphere of the cobblestone streets along the way. To get to Knossos, plan to use public transportation (Line 2) or a car. The hop-on-hop-off bus is also a convenient option for quickly covering all the sites. Book your Hop-On-Hop-Off pass here.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Crete
- Best of
What to do in Crete
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful cities
Most beautiful beaches in Crete
Best archaeological sites
Best museums
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Crete
Driving tips
- The must-dos
Attractions in Chania
Attractions in Rethymnon
Attractions in Heraklion
Matala
Balos Lagoon
Spinalonga Elafonissi
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
