5 day itinerary
Heraklion
Itinerary
Here's an ideal itinerary for 5 days in Heraklion:
Day 1:
- Start your day with a visit to the , which is one of the most important museums in Greece. You'll find a vast collection of Minoan artifacts, including pottery, jewelry, and frescoes.
- After the museum, head to the that surround the old town of Heraklion. You can walk along the walls and enjoy the views of the city and the sea.
- For lunch, try some traditional Cretan cuisine at one of the local tavernas in the old town.
- In the afternoon, visit the , which is located at the entrance of the old harbor. The fortress was built by the Venetians in the 16th century and has been used as a prison and a storage facility over the years.
- End your day with a stroll along the promenade of the old harbor, where you can enjoy the sunset and the views of the sea.
Day 2:
- Start your day with a visit to the , which is located about 5 km south of Heraklion. The palace was the center of the Minoan civilization and is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.
- After the palace, head to the nearby village of Archanes, which is known for its traditional architecture and its wine production. You can visit some of the local wineries and taste some of the famous Cretan wines.
- For lunch, try some of the local specialties at one of the tavernas in Archanes.
- In the afternoon, visit the , which is dedicated to the famous Cretan writer. The museum is located in the village of Myrtia, about 15 km south of Heraklion.
- End your day with a visit to the , which is located near the . The park is a fun and educational experience for both kids and adults, with mazes, puzzles, and games inspired by the Minoan civilization.
Day 3:
- Start your day with a visit to the , which is located in the old town of Heraklion. The museum has a vast collection of artifacts from the Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman periods of Crete's history.
- After the museum, head to the , which is located in the center of the old town. The fountain was built by the Venetians in the 17th century and is one of the most famous landmarks of Heraklion.
- For lunch, try some of the local street food at the central market of Heraklion, where you can find a variety of traditional snacks and sweets.
- In the afternoon, visit the , which is located on the outskirts of Heraklion. The museum has a vast collection of fossils, minerals, and animals from Crete and the Mediterranean.
- End your day with a visit to the , which is located in the old town of Heraklion. The Loggia was built by the Venetians in the 16th century and was used as a meeting place for the nobility.
Day 4:
- Start your day with a visit to the , which is located about 45 km south of Heraklion. The site was the capital of the Roman province of Crete and has a vast collection of ruins and artifacts from the Roman period.
- After the site, head to the nearby village of Matala, which is known for its beautiful beaches and its hippie culture. You can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the village.
- For lunch, try some of the fresh seafood at one of the tavernas in Matala.
- In the afternoon, visit the , which is located about 60 km south of Heraklion. The palace was the second most important center of the Minoan civilization and has a vast collection of ruins and artifacts.
- End your day with a visit to the village of Zaros, which is located on the slopes of Mount Psiloritis. The village is known for its natural springs and its traditional architecture, and you can enjoy a walk in the surrounding countryside.
Day 5:
- Start your day with a visit to the , which is located on a small island near the town of Elounda, about 70 km east of Heraklion. The fortress was built by the Venetians in the 16th century and was used as a leper colony in the 20th century.
- After the fortress, head to the nearby town of Agios Nikolaos, which is known for its picturesque harbor and its lively atmosphere. You can walk along the promenade, visit the local shops and cafes, and enjoy the views of the sea.
- For lunch, try some of the local specialties at one of the tavernas in Agios Nikolaos.
- In the afternoon, visit the , which is located on the eastern coast of Crete, about 100 km east of Heraklion. The forest is home to a unique species of palm trees and has a beautiful beach.
- End your day with a visit to the , which is located on the eastern coast of Crete, about 120 km east of Heraklion. The monastery was founded in the 15th century and has a beautiful church and a museum with a vast collection of icons and artifacts.