3 day itinerary for Heraklion

Itinerary

Heraklion is a wonderful destination for a family vacation with its rich history, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine. Here's an ideal 3-day itinerary for your family:

## Day 1: Explore Heraklion

• Start your day with a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, where you can see fascinating artifacts from ancient Crete.
• After the museum, head to the historic Koules Fortress located at the entrance of the old port. Kids will love exploring the fortress and enjoying the panoramic views of the city.
• For lunch, try some traditional Cretan dishes at a local taverna in the city center.
• In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Heraklion, stopping by the Morosini Fountain and the Venetian Loggia.
• End your day with a relaxing dinner at a seaside restaurant, enjoying the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.

## Day 2: Beach Day

• Spend the day relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches near Heraklion, such as Amoudara Beach or Agia Pelagia Beach. Kids can splash around in the clear blue waters while parents soak up the sun.
• Enjoy a picnic on the beach or try some fresh seafood at a beachfront taverna for lunch.
• In the afternoon, you can explore the nearby villages or take a boat tour to discover hidden coves and caves along the coast.
• Head back to Heraklion in the evening and have a family dinner at a traditional Greek restaurant, trying local specialties like souvlaki and moussaka.

## Day 3: Palace of Knossos and Cretan Village

• Start your day with a visit to the Palace of Knossos, the legendary Minoan palace complex just outside Heraklion. Kids will be fascinated by the ancient ruins and the stories of King Minos and the Minotaur.
• After exploring Knossos, head to a traditional Cretan village like Archanes or Anogeia. Here, you can experience authentic Cretan culture, taste local wines and cheeses, and maybe even participate in a cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes.
• Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the village before heading back to Heraklion.
• In the evening, take a family walk along the old city walls or enjoy some gelato at a local ice cream shop.

I hope this itinerary gives you a good mix of history, relaxation, and local culture during your stay in Heraklion. Have a fantastic family vacation!