Heraklion, Crete: what to see in the city and a day trip to Knossos (2026)
Crete's capital is more than a stop on the way to the beach: a Minoan museum, the Palace of Knossos, a Venetian harbour and a food market. Includes a one-day plan.
- Main sights: Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, Koules fortress, Lions Square and the 1866 Street market.
- One day covers the essentials, two is ideal. Start with the museum, then Knossos.
- No Chabad in Heraklion; Chabad of Crete is in Hersonissos, about half an hour away.
If you land in Heraklion, give the city at least a day. In summer plan Knossos for early morning or late afternoon, and check entry prices and hours on the official sites.
Why visit Heraklion?
Heraklion is Crete's capital and largest city. Most Israelis land here and head straight for the beaches, but the city deserves at least a day: one of Greece's most important archaeological museums, the famous Palace of Knossos a short drive away, a Venetian harbour with a fortress, and a colourful food market. Travel guides say one day covers the main sights, and two days is ideal.
What to see in Heraklion: the main sights
| Sight | What it is | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Palace of Knossos | The famous Minoan palace, a few km from the centre | City bus, hop-on hop-off bus or car (there's parking). A guide adds a lot |
| Archaeological Museum | Finds from Knossos and other Minoan sites, including the Phaistos Disc | Summer hours 08:00–20:00. Allow 2–3 hours, ideally before Knossos |
| Koules fortress | 16th-century Venetian sea fortress at the old harbour entrance | Roof views of the city and port. Guides say it is closed on Tuesdays |
| Venetian walls | Walls around the old town | Nikos Kazantzakis' grave lies along them |
| Morosini Fountain (Lions Square) | Venetian fountain with four lions on Eleftheriou Venizelou Square | A good place to start |
| 1866 Street market | Produce, cheese, olives, herbs and fish | See everyday Cretan life |
| Agios Titos church | Rebuilt many times, next to the Venetian Loggia | Worth a look if open |
| Natural History Museum | Dinosaurs, Cretan nature and an earthquake simulator | Great for kids |
Entry prices: these change by season. Check the official sites before you go.
A one-day plan for Heraklion
- Morning: the Archaeological Museum (2–3 hours).
- Lunch: near Lions Square, then the 1866 Street market.
- Afternoon: a short drive to Knossos, when it is less hot.
- Evening: stroll the Venetian harbour and climb Koules fortress for sunset.
With a second day: the walls, Agios Titos, and the Natural History Museum with the kids.
Heraklion with kids
The Natural History Museum, with its dinosaurs and earthquake simulator, is a favourite with children. The harbour fortress and the seafront also work well. Knossos is very hot in summer, so go early or late. More ideas in our Greece with kids guide.
Getting to Heraklion and around
- Flights: several airlines fly direct from Tel Aviv to Heraklion, about two hours. Details in our flights to Crete guide.
- Ferry: overnight ferries run from Piraeus. See ferry from Athens to Crete.
- In town: the historic centre is compact and walkable. Take a bus or car to Knossos and the beaches.
Kosher food and Shabbat
There is no Chabad house in Heraklion itself. Chabad of Crete is in Hersonissos, about half an hour east, with a kosher taverna, grocery and Shabbat meals. See kosher and Chabad in Hersonissos. Shabbat times for Heraklion are on the Shabbat times & kosher page.
FAQ
How many days do you need in Heraklion? One day covers the Archaeological Museum, Knossos and the harbour. Two days leave time for the walls, the market and the Natural History Museum.
How far is Knossos from Heraklion? A few kilometres from the centre. Go by city bus, tourist bus or car; there is parking on site.
Museum first or Knossos first? Guides recommend starting with the Archaeological Museum, so you understand more of what you then see at Knossos.
Is there kosher food in Heraklion? Not in the city itself. Chabad of Crete is in Hersonissos, about half an hour away, with a kosher taverna and Shabbat meals.
