Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is a city where history is around every corner. Here you’ll find a wide variety of museums, ranging from Minoan archaeology and ancient technologies to traditional music and the island’s contemporary history. Whether you’re an antique enthusiast, curious about local traditions or a fan of the natural sciences, Heraklion has museums to enrich your stay.
Here’s our selection of the best museums in Heraklion, with our helpful tips in pictures!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Heraklion’s best museums: tips
If you only need to do 3, to discover different aspects of the culture, we recommend it:
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum: one of the world’s largest collections of Minoan artefacts, including the famous Knossos frescoes and the Phaistos disc.
- Kotsanas Museum: dedicated to the technologies of the ancient Greeks, a fun and instructive visit. We loved it!
- Thirathen Museum: a lively cultural experience based on traditional Cretan music, guided by a passionate musician.
They also feature in our list of the best museums in Crete, and, of course, in Heraklion’s top attractions.
1. Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Why visit it? Our review
The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is a must-see. It houses one of the world’s largest collections of Minoan artefacts, making it a fascinating dive into the civilization that shaped Crete. We saw the famous frescoes of Knossos, with their astonishingly vivid colors, and were fascinated by the finesse of the “Snake Goddess” (2nd millennium BC) and the mysterious disk of Phaistos, whose hieroglyphs have still not been deciphered.
You’ll be amazed by the level of sophistication achieved by this ancient civilization, visible in their delicate jewelry, elaborate pottery and expressive figurines. The chronological presentation allows you to follow the evolution of this culture from its earliest settlements to its artistic apogee.
More photos in our dedicated article.
Our 3 favorite moments
- The frescoes: these brightly coloured murals depict scenes from Minoan life. We were captivated by their remarkable state of preservation, a testament to the artistic talent of this vanished civilization.
- The “Snake Goddess”: this earthenware statuette from the 2nd millennium BC depicts a female figure brandishing snakes. Its delicacy and expressiveness make it one of the museum’s most emblematic pieces.
- The Phaistos disc: this clay disc engraved with hieroglyphic symbols remains one of archaeology’s greatest mysteries. We found it fascinating to contemplate an object whose meaning still eludes researchers.
Useful tips
- Location: in the historic center of Heraklion.
- Length of visit: 1h30 to 3h depending on your level of interest.
- Full adult price: €20, concessions €12.
- Opening hours: summer (April 1 – October 31) – Monday to Tuesday and Thursday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm and Wednesday 1pm to 8pm. Winter (November 1 – March 31) – Monday to Tuesday and Thursday to Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Accessibility: the museum is accessible to wheelchair users: ramps, elevators, adapted toilets and wheelchairs are available.
- Visit the official website for more info here.
- Book your ticket now to save time!
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. Kotsanas Museum dedicated to ancient Greek technology
Why visit it? Our review
We loved visiting the Kotsanas Museum! It offers a fascinating insight into the technological ingenuity of ancient Greece, revealing an often overlooked facet of this civilization. No statues. No pottery. Here you’ll discover working reconstructions of machines and inventions created over 2,000 years ago.
We were amazed, for example, by the precision of Antikythera’s astronomical computer, considered to be the first analog computer in history. Archimedes’ mechanisms, Heron of Alexandria’s automated theater and even ancient surgical instruments bear witness to astonishing sophistication.
The interactive aspect of the museum is a real plus: you can watch demonstrations or handle certain replicas yourself to understand how they work.
Useful tips
- Location: near Koules Fortress.
- Visit duration: 1 to 2 hours.
- This museum is particularly well-suited to children, thanks to its interactive, fun approach.
- Full adult price: €7.
- Opening hours: summer (May – October) – daily from 10am to 6pm. Winter (November – April) – Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekends, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Accessibility: there are steps into the museum and stairs between the 2 exhibition floors.
- Visit the official website for more info here.
3. Thirathen Museum – Traditional Cretan music
Why visit it? Our review
The small Thirathen Museum is little-known in Heraklion. But it’s well worth a visit! It allowed us to plunge into the world of traditional Cretan and Greek music, thanks to a unique collection of instruments that retraces several centuries of musical traditions through rare and meticulously preserved pieces.
What makes this place truly unique is that the visit is guided by the museum manager, a passionate musician who enlivens the explanations by playing instruments and singing. It’s an interactive cultural experience that goes far beyond a simple exhibition. We loved the friendly atmosphere and the generosity of the guide, who shares his passion with authenticity and creates moments of infectious joy as he sings traditional Cretan melodies.
More photos in our dedicated article.
Useful tips
- Location: in the historic center, near Agios Minas Cathedral.
- Length of visit: allow between 30min and 45min.
- Full adult price: €10.
- Opening hours: summer (May 1 – August 30) – Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm. Winter (September 1 – April 30) – Monday to Saturday, 9am to 3:30pm. Always closed on Sundays.
- Accessibility: there are steps into the museum and stairs between the 2 exhibition floors.
- Visit the official website for more info here.
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
4. Museum of the History of Crete
Why visit it? Our review
The Museum of the History of Crete offers a chronological exploration of the island, from the Byzantine period to the present day. Unlike the Archaeological Museum, which focuses on antiquity, this museum tells the more recent history of Crete through a rich collection of objects, documents and reconstructions.
Detailed models of Venetian ships, antique maps and period weapons will transport you through the turbulent centuries of Cretan history.
We were particularly interested in the rooms devoted to the Second World War and Cretan resistance to German occupation.
Useful tips
- Location: in the historic center, near St Peter’s Monastery, close to the Koules Fortress.
- Visit duration: 1 to 2 hours.
- Full adult rate: €8 in summer.
- Opening hours: summer (October – March) – daily 9am to 5pm. Winter (April – October) – Monday to Friday, 9am to 3:30pm and Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Closed on Sundays.
- Accessibility: the museum is accessible to wheelchair users, with ramps and elevators.
- Visit the official website for more info here.
HAVE FUN in: Crete
5. Natural History Museum of Crete
Why visit it? Our review
The Natural History Museum of Crete is a particularly interesting option if you’re traveling with the family. Here we discovered the island’s unique ecosystem through exhibits devoted to local flora, fauna and geology. Children can explore Crete’s different natural environments in an interactive way.
The museum also has an earthquake simulator, which is both an educational and awe-inspiring experience. Have you ever felt the tremors of an earthquake? You can experience it here in complete safety.
We found this museum a perfect complement to the archaeological and historical tours, offering a different perspective on what makes Crete so rich: its natural environment.
Useful tips
- Location: Heraklion.
- Length of visit: 1 to 2 hours, especially if accompanied by children.
- This museum is particularly suitable for children, thanks to its interactive areas and earthquake simulator.
- Opening hours:
In summer: 9am to 5pm weekdays and 10am to 6pm weekends
In winter: 9am to 3pm weekdays and 10am to 6pm weekends - Price: 8 euros
- Visit the official website for more info here.
More photos in our dedicated article.
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6. Christian Art Museum
Why visit it? Our review
The Christian Art Museum is housed in the Church of St. Catherine of Sinai, in the center of Heraklion, near Agios Minas Cathedral. The museum presents a collection of Cretan religious art from the 14th to the 19th century, mainly post-Byzantine icons by the Cretan School of Painting.
We found these works of great finesse, testifying to the artistic influence of Crete at a time when the island served as a bridge between the Byzantine East and the Venetian West. Here you can admire icons and pieces of liturgical silverware that illustrate the religious fervor of the period.
The setting of St. Catherine’s Church adds an extra dimension to the visit. We recommend this museum to those wishing to explore Crete’s Orthodox Christian heritage, often overshadowed by the appeal of Minoan civilization.
Useful tips
- Location: Heraklion, in the historic center, near Agios Minas Cathedral.
- Visit duration: allow between 30min and 1h.
- Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday
- Price: 4 euros
- Visit the official website for more info here.
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Other museums in Heraklion
Heraklion is also home to a number of complementary museums, which we have listed below for those wishing to explore the city in greater depth.
- Heraklion Museum of Visual Arts: this visual arts museum presents Cretan artists in an original setting, housed in a former basilica. A great opportunity to discover the island’s contemporary art scene.
- Video Games Museum: a retro-gaming-oriented collection that will delight families and video game enthusiasts alike. We found the concept original and entertaining.
- RΑΜ Rulers Computer and Gaming Museum: this small museum dedicated to computers and gaming offers tours particularly suited to families. An ideal activity for a rainy day.
- Small museum in Koules Fortress: inside the Venetian fortress overlooking Heraklion’s old port, you’ll find a small museum area. A visit to the fortress itself is well worthwhile for its sea views.
DISCOVER Heraklion
