Heraklion
Heraklion · Greece

Things to do in Heraklion

A real day-by-day plan, the places travellers rate highest, and one button to make it your own.

7 days€1,214
About Heraklion

Heraklion, Herakleion or Iraklion, is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete and capital of Heraklion regional unit. It is the fourth largest city in Greece, and the largest city in the Greek islands, with a municipal population of 179,302 (2021) and 211,370 in its wider metropolitan area, according to the 2011 census. The greater area of Heraklion has been continuously inhabited since at least 7000 BCE, making it one of the oldest inhabited regions in Europe. It is also home to the ancient Knossos Palace, a major center of the Minoan civilization dating back to approximately 2000-1350 BCE, often considered Europe's oldest city. The palace is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece, second only to the Parthenon in terms of visitor numbers.

Source: Wikipedia (Heraklion), CC BY-SA

Highlights travellers rate highest

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A ready-made example trip

7 days in Heraklion, planned day by day

Built from real, bookable activities — flights, stays and experiences included at around €1,214.

  1. 1

    Arrival & Old Town

    Land in Heraklion, settle into the Old Town guesthouse, and ease in with a harbour-side evening.

  2. 2

    Knossos Palace

    Early guided tour of the Minoan palace before the crowds and heat build.

  3. 3

    Samaria Gorge Hike

    Full-day west-coast excursion through Europe's longest gorge, exiting at the Libyan Sea.

  4. 4

    Spinalonga & Elounda Boat Trip

    Relaxed east-coast day by boat to the fortress island of Spinalonga and the bay of Elounda.