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Heraklion
Crete, Greece


Travel and LeisureFodorsUSA TodayNew York TimesNational GeographicWashington PostVogue
The center of an advanced, mysterious empire back before the Greeks even learned to read

Visitors to Heraklion, Crete's capital, are greeted by the imposing Venetian Koules Fortress, a reminder of the importance of this historic gateway to the rest of the island. A vibrant university town, Heraklion is home to some of the island's most important landmarks, such as the Knossos Palace, with its striking Bronze Age ruins, complete with colorful, stunning frescoes. Heading to the center, the bustling Old Town has many markets and cafes, along with neoclassical buildings and a 10th century church with impressed stained glass. Heraklion is a great base for exploring the island, but before you hit the road, take the time to stroll along its Venetian harbor, lined with traditional fishing boats and offering spectacular views of the Koules Fortress.

Route for Heraklion tour

Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Heraklion

Spend some time in Heraklion on a tour that takes in other cities in Greece and neighboring countries. Our vacation packages including Heraklion and other destinations throughout Greece and Europe hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.

A Crash Course in Crete Custom Itinerary
A Crash Course in Crete
Chania, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos
8 Days
Castles and Palaces of The Greek Islands Custom Itinerary
Castles and Palaces of The Greek Islands
Rhodes, Heraklion, Naxos
10 Days
Athens & Crete for Families Custom Itinerary
Athens & Crete for Families
Athens, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Chania
12 Days
Greece's Cultural & Gastronomic Routes Custom Itinerary
Greece's Cultural & Gastronomic Routes
Santorini, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion, Chania, Athens
12 Days
Italy & Greece for Foodies Custom Itinerary
Italy & Greece for Foodies
Rome, Bologna, Heraklion, Athens
13 Days
The Great Aegean Sea Adventure Custom Itinerary
The Great Aegean Sea Adventure
Rhodes, Heraklion, Paros, Santorini
14 Days
Ruins, Wine, Scenic Hikes and The Sea Custom Itinerary
Ruins, Wine, Scenic Hikes and The Sea
Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Heraklion, Chania
14 Days
The Perfect Greek Island Escape Custom Itinerary
The Perfect Greek Island Escape
Athens, Milos, Naxos, Santorini, Heraklion, Chania
15 Days
Exploring The Greek & Turkish Coasts of The Mediterranean Custom Itinerary
Exploring The Greek & Turkish Coasts of The Mediterranean
Athens, Heraklion, Rhodes, Fethiye, Bodrum, Izmir, Istanbul
20 Days

Things to do in Heraklion

Discover the flavors and sites of Heraklion, combined with a visit to the renowned Knossos Palace. Make the most of your time in the Cretan capital by joining a carefully curated tour where you will hear the tales of the legendary Minotaur and Theseus, who managed to slay the monster, and escape his labyrinth. A tale of love, betrayal and tragedy, this legend is a central part of Greek mythology, and the inspiration for countless works of art. Crete is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, as evidenced by its Minoan palaces. Explore ancient wine routes, sampling some of the best local vintages as you go.

Minoan Paths for Wine Enthusiasts Private Tour
Minoan Paths for Wine Enthusiasts Private Tour
Knossos Palace, Archaeological Museum and City Food Private Tour
Knossos Palace, Archaeological Museum and City Food Private Tour

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

  4.9 / 5
Average of our Guest's Ratings of our trip packages including Heraklion, based on 8 reviews
Review by Stephanie & Cynthia
Stephanie & Cynthia
South Carolina

Ioannis.quickly arranged a custom tour for us in Crete. We really enjoyed it. Hiking in Naxos and lunching in Naxos and Crete in out of the way family tavernas were the best memories. Very well planned and executed making all aspects of trip very comfortable and memorable for us.

Year : 2023
Visited : Greece
Itinerary : Athens, Paros, Naxos, Santorini, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Chania, Athens
Rating :
5 / 5
Review by Joanne and friends
Joanne and friends
California

I feel like JayWay Travel staff were our best friends!

Year : 2022
Visited : Greece
Itinerary : Athens, Santorini, Heraklion, Chania
Rating :
5 / 5
Review by Kari, Joanne, Sharon, Richard, Michael & Steve
Kari, Joanne, Sharon, Richard, Michael & Steve
California

JayWay Travel was hands on from the moment we showed interest in our location of Greece. The vacation went smoothly thanks to the staff and the arrangement of the transfers, hotels and excursions. Doing the planning from the United States, without their experience, would have proven to be a disaster. There were so many moving parts to our itinerary that something would have been lost in translation. JayWay Travel made all the parts work creating a magical vacation!!!

Year : 2022
Visited : Greece
Itinerary : Athens, Santorini, Heraklion, Chania
Rating :
4.8 / 5
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