Want to find out more about thehistory and ecosystems of Crete? The Natural History Museum of Crete may be an option to consider, especially if you’re interested in local biodiversity, geological phenomena or Mediterranean flora and fauna. Housed in a renovated former power station, this museum offers an immersion into Cretan nature through exhibitions, dioramas and interactive experiences such as an earthquake simulator, which we loved.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit the Natural History Museum of Crete?
Is Crete’s Natural History Museum worth a visit? Our opinion:
We didn’t fall in love with this museum, but it’s a good idea if you’ve already been to all the city’s museums and are looking for an indoor activity.
What we liked:
- the Natural History Museum of Crete offers a fine presentation of the fauna, flora and geological phenomena specific to the island and the Aegean Sea.
- it showcases the diversity of Mediterranean ecosystems with a wealth of scientific information, showcases of naturalized species, and explanatory panels to help visitors better understand local biodiversity.
- In our opinion, the highlight of this museum is its earthquake simulator: an immersive, educational experience that provides a better understanding of the major geological phenomena that shape the region.
What we didn’t like
- the museography is very restrained, with a strong emphasis on textual support, which can give an impression of density, especially for those who prefer a more visual or interactive experience (especially children). The lack of staging sometimes makes the visit a little static and less immersive than we’d hoped.
- we noticed that some of the rooms displaying animals that are supposed to be alive were, at the time of our visit, actually showing dead specimens, which makes the whole thing look a little outdated.
- What’s more, the museum is showing signs of age that may dampen your enthusiasm if you’re looking for something modern.
The Natural History Museum of Crete is one of Heraklion’s top attractions!
Our favorite moments
- The immersive experience offered by the earthquake simulator, which lets you experience geological tremors in a realistic way.
- Careful observation of the dioramas, real windows onto the island’s varied ecosystems, inviting you to take a captivating plunge into Cretan nature.
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
History in brief
The Natural History Museum of Crete was founded in 1980 by the University of Crete, to which it is still attached. Its mission is to preserve, study and promote the natural heritage of Crete and, more broadly, of the eastern Mediterranean.
We learned that the building in which it has been housed since 2007 is a restored former power station. The exhibition space is vast, covering more than 3,000 m2. You’ll notice that the museum features permanent exhibitions on the fauna, flora, geology and ecosystems of the region, as well as interactive areas such as its earthquake simulator. It also plays an active role in scientific research and raising public awareness of environmental issues.
Access: Natural History Museum of Crete, Heraklion
Where is the Natural History Museum of Crete?
- In downtown Heraklion
- Along Avenue Sophocles Venizelou
- Close to the Museum of the History of Crete and the Monastery of Saints Peter and Paul
- About a 10-minute walk from the heart of the old town
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- 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
How to get there?
There are several options for getting to the Natural History Museum of Crete:
- The museum is within easy walking distance of the city’s main attractions.
- If you’re taking public transport, the nearest stop is the “Mouseio Fysikis Istorias” stop on the city’s transport network. To plan your itinerary, please consult the route maps, timetables and fares here.
- You can also opt for a sightseeing bus tour . Hop-on-hop-off buses are a great way to visit all the sights quickly and easily. Book your Hop-On-Hop-Off pass now.
Parking
If you’re coming by car, be aware that parking can be difficult in Heraklion’s historic center. We recommend the nearest parking lot: Parking Theseus Heraklion Cityan 8-minute walk away.
DISCOVER Heraklion
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
To get the most out of your visit to the Natural History Museum of Crete, we recommend that you plan it for the morning or lunchtime, when it’s usually less crowded.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow at least 1 hour for an overview and 2 hours for a more detailed visit.
Accessibility:
- the main entrance has a few steps, supplemented by a ramp for wheelchair users and strollers.
- All levels of the museum are accessible by elevator, and adapted toilets are available.
- Accessibility for the visually impaired: the museum provides a brief Braille text in Greek and English on its aims and organization. However, the main panels and supports are not in Braille.
- The museum does not lend out wheelchairs, and the earthquake simulator is unfortunately not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Advice on how to visit
There’s no fixed order for visiting the museum, but we recommend you start your tour on the 2nd basement level (-2) and gradually work your way up to the 1st floor.
Here’s a map of the museum:
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Visiting with children
We think that the Natural History Museum of Crete will be of interest to children… as long as you select your stops carefully! There are lots of panels to read: to avoid fatigue (and “when are we going?“), we recommend you concentrate on a few highlights that work well with families. For example:
- the 100% children’s section on the first basement level (-1), with games and interactive installations,
- the earthquake simulator (warn the young ones that it’s a bit shaky!),
- a few large dioramas where you can spot the island’s animals (make a game of it: “Who finds the kri-kri/fox/seabird?”),
- the area with live animals and insects to observe if your children like to look for details,
- possibly the 1st floor with interactive scientific installations (more suitable for children over 10)
Don’t hesitate to skip text-heavy sections!
Schedules and rates
- Schedules:
- en été (1er mai – 31 octobre)
- Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- en hiver (1er novembre – 30 avril)
- Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- en été (1er mai – 31 octobre)
- Price:
- normal: €8
- reduced: €5
Check out the latest information on the official website, here.
Catering
During our visit, it seemed to us that the museum was planning to open a café on its premises. In the meantime, there are plenty of restaurants in Heraklion! One of our favorite restaurants is less than a 10-minute walk from the museum! It’s the Restaurant Peskesi. Located in the heart of Heraklion in a restored historic house, Peskesi offers refined traditional Cretan cuisine, with a farm-to-table approach. Dishes are made from ingredients sourced from a local organic farm, using ancestral and sometimes forgotten recipes, prepared using traditional techniques for an authentic and tasty result.
See more ideas in our article on the best restaurants in Heraklion!
The earthquake simulator: a unique museum experience
The Enceladus earthquake simulator is our favorite attraction at the Natural History Museum of Crete! This experiential device reproduces historic earthquakes that have struck the Mediterranean. A unique sensory immersion will plunge you into a classroom where you will feel the tremors with precision, up to 7.6 on the Richter scale.
At the exit, an educational area offers clear explanations of the geological origins of earthquakes, the associated risks and the best practices to adopt. We really liked the idea of adding sensory experience to the theoretical understanding of a natural phenomenon. It’s an innovative way of learning about seismicity in Crete. Did you know that this region is highly exposed to this threat?
Life-size mega-dioramas: Cretan ecosystems reconstituted
You’ll notice that the mega-dioramas take up most of the museum’s exhibition space (several rooms spread over several levels). These spectacular installations show life-size Mediterranean landscapes: oak forests, scrubland, wetlands, mountains and coasts, populated by emblematic animals such as the mouflon, the fox or the lynx. Naturally, we noticed a particular emphasis on Crete, Greece and the eastern Mediterranean as a whole.
By observing these scenes, you’ll become more aware of the importance of local biodiversity, thanks to a realistic view of the interactions between species and habitats. And if you’re planning a nature walk in the days following your visit to the museum, you’ll be better able to recognize the species you see!
Fossils and skeletons: diving into Crete’s past
The museum houses a rich paleontological collection that we felt reflected its commitment to science. You’ll discover marine and terrestrial fossils, with thematic displays on excavation and dating methods. We were impressed by the reconstructed skeleton of Deinotherium, a giant prehistoric mammal that inhabited the island millions of years ago.
In the showcases, you’ll also find the remains of other endemic mammals, fossilized plants and explanatory skeletons. By observing these exhibits, you’ll gain a better understanding of the geological and biological evolution of Crete. We liked the educational approach, which also explains the scientific methods of dating and excavation. All in all, it’s a real historical plunge into the island’s natural past.
Live animals and life-size dinosaur reproductions
During your visit, you’ll see terrariums and aquariums featuring living species typical of the Mediterranean basin. We observed local species such as reptiles, amphibians and other small vertebrates.
At the same time, you won’t want to miss the life-size reproductions of dinosaurs on display throughout the museum. We’ve found that this combination of contemporary live animals and life-size paleontological reconstructions provides a powerful contrast, linking evolution over time with the current diversity of Mediterranean fauna.
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What to do in Crete
Most beautiful landscapes
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Best archaeological sites
Best museums
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Attractions in Chania
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Attractions in Heraklion
Matala
Balos Lagoon
Spinalonga Elafonissi
