Heraklion (Iraklio in Greek), the capital of Crete, is the gateway to the island: its airport and port receive most visitors. It is best known as a base for the Minoan palace of Knossos, about 5 km (3 mi) away, and for its Archaeological Museum, one of the most important in Greece. But there are plenty of things to do in Heraklion beyond a stopover: Venetian walls, the harbour fortress, the Morosini fountain, markets and tavernas. Allow 1 to 2 days before setting off to explore the rest of Crete.
This guide covers what to do in Heraklion, the most logical order for Knossos and the museum, day trips, how to get there and the climate according to the official Greek normals, with our calculation of the chance of rain.
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Heraklion at a glance
- Country Greece, Crete (north coast); capital of the island
- Language Greek; English widely spoken in tourism
- Currency the euro (€)
- Time zone UTC+2, UTC+3 in summer: 2 hours ahead of London, 7 hours ahead of New York
- Airport Heraklion (HER); routes vary with the airlines and the season, so check current schedules on the airport website
- Entry Schengen area: no visa for up to 90 days for US citizens (tourism or business) and UK citizens (in any 180-day period); see travel.state.gov and GOV.UK
- Electricity 230 V / 50 Hz, type F plugs (Visit Greece); US and UK travellers need an adapter
- Recommended time 1 day for the town and the museum, half a day for Knossos
Things to do in Heraklion: the highlights
The Palace of Knossos
About 5 km (3 mi) south-east of the centre (as the crow flies), Knossos is the largest site of the Minoan civilisation, linked to the myth of the Minotaur and the labyrinth. The excavations and concrete reconstructions of British archaeologist Arthur Evans in the early 20th century give the site its distinctive look: red columns, reproduced frescoes, the throne room. The site is very exposed to the sun: come at opening time or in the late afternoon. City buses link the centre with the site.
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum
The museum brings together most of the Minoan finds from Crete: original frescoes from Knossos (including the Prince of the Lilies and the dolphins), the Phaistos disc, the snake goddesses, the bull’s-head rhyton. The right order: see the museum before or just after Knossos, to place the objects back in the palace they came from.
Koules fortress and the old harbour
At the entrance to the old harbour, the Venetian fortress of Koules (Rocca a Mare) is open to visitors; from its terraces the view takes in the town and the sea. A long breakwater runs out from the fort, pleasant at the end of the day.
The Venetian centre
Around Lions Square, the Morosini fountain (17th century) is the heart of the city. A few steps away are the Venetian Loggia, now the town hall, the Basilica of St Mark and the church of St Titus. A little further on, St Minas Cathedral dominates its district.
The walls and Kazantzakis’s tomb
The Venetian fortifications still surround the old town for several kilometres. On the Martinengo bastion lies the writer Nikos Kazantzakis, author of Zorba the Greek, who was born in Heraklion; his tomb has a view over the town and Mount Ida.
Market street and food
1866 Street, or market street, is lined with grocers, cheese, herbs, honey, olive oil and raki. It is the place to discover Cretan cooking: dakos, cheeses, snails, wild greens, before an evening in a taverna.
Other museums and the CretAquarium
The Historical Museum of Crete covers the Byzantine period to the present day; the Natural History Museum of Crete appeals to families. East of the town, at Gournes, the CretAquarium shows Mediterranean marine life.
Day trips from Heraklion
| Trip | Why go | How to get there |
|---|---|---|
| Knossos | Minoan palace | City bus or taxi from the centre |
| Archanes and the Peza vineyards | Villages, wineries, vineyard landscapes | Car or organised tour |
| Phaistos, Gortyn and Matala | Minoan palace, Roman site, south-coast beach with caves | Car; a full day |
| Lasithi plateau and Psychro cave | Farmed plateau, cave linked to the birth of Zeus | Car; a day |
| Spinalonga | Former Venetian fortress and leper colony, off Elounda | Car to Elounda or Plaka, then boat |
| Dia island | Swimming and snorkelling off Heraklion | Boat trip in season |
| Santorini | Day trip by fast ferry in season | Ferry from Heraklion port; check timetables |
For the rest of the island (Chania, Rethymno, Elafonissi, Balos), see our Crete travel guide, and for Santorini our Santorini guide.
Itinerary: Heraklion in 1 or 2 days
- Day 1, morning: Knossos at opening time, before the heat and the groups.
- Day 1, afternoon: the Archaeological Museum, then Lions Square and the Morosini fountain, the Loggia, St Titus church.
- Day 1, evening: a walk on the Koules breakwater at sunset, dinner in the centre.
- Day 2: market street, the walls and Kazantzakis’s tomb, then the Historical Museum or the CretAquarium; or a trip to Archanes or Phaistos.
Getting to Heraklion
Heraklion airport receives flights with or without a connection depending on the airline and the season; check current schedules on the airport website.
Heraklion is also linked by ferry to the port of Piraeus, near Athens, and, in season, to some Cycladic islands. See also our ideas for a cruise in Greece.
When to go to Heraklion
The best times are late April to June and September to October: 20 to 28 °C (68 to 82 °F) in the afternoon, almost no rain and a sea warm enough to swim from late spring. July and August are hot (an average maximum of about 30 °C, or 86 °F, at the airport, more on some days) and windy: the meltemi, the summer north wind of the Aegean, often blows on the north coast. Winter is mild (15 °C, or 59 °F, in the afternoon in January) but it is the rainy season: about 10 rainy days in January.
| Month | Avg max | Avg min | Rain days | Chance of rain on a given day | Sunset (15th) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15.2 °C (59 °F) | 9.4 °C (49 °F) | 10.1 | 33% | 17:30 | ⚠️ Mild, frequent rain |
| February | 15.3 °C (60 °F) | 9.2 °C (49 °F) | 9.1 | 32% | 18:01 | ⚠️ Mild, frequent rain |
| March | 16.8 °C (62 °F) | 10.2 °C (50 °F) | 6.9 | 22% | 18:26 | ⚠️ Cool, still damp |
| April | 20.1 °C (68 °F) | 12.8 °C (55 °F) | 3.4 | 11% | 19:52 | ✅ Ideal for the sites |
| May | 24.3 °C (76 °F) | 16.2 °C (61 °F) | 1.9 | 6% | 20:16 | ✅ Ideal, sea warming up |
| June | 28.5 °C (83 °F) | 20.3 °C (69 °F) | 0.5 | 2% | 20:35 | ✅ Hot and dry |
| July | 30.3 °C (87 °F) | 22.7 °C (73 °F) | 0.1 | 0% | 20:34 | ⚠️ Very hot, meltemi |
| August | 30.2 °C (86 °F) | 22.9 °C (73 °F) | 0.1 | 0% | 20:08 | ⚠️ Very hot, meltemi |
| September | 27.5 °C (82 °F) | 20.4 °C (69 °F) | 1.3 | 4% | 19:27 | ✅ Warm sea, fewer people |
| October | 24.0 °C (75 °F) | 17.5 °C (64 °F) | 4.9 | 16% | 18:44 | ✅ Mild, still good for swimming |
| November | 20.1 °C (68 °F) | 14.0 °C (57 °F) | 6.0 | 20% | 17:13 | ⚠️ Rain returns |
| December | 16.7 °C (62 °F) | 11.0 °C (52 °F) | 8.9 | 29% | 17:08 | ❌ Rainy, off season |
The calculation speaks for itself: from June to August, the chance of rain on any given day is under 2%, against about 1 day in 3 in January and February. For the archaeological sites, April-May and October combine a low chance of rain with bearable heat. For details by region, see the best time to visit Crete.
Getting around Heraklion
- On foot: the historic centre, the harbour and the museum are close together.
- Bus: city buses to Knossos and the airport; regional buses (KTEL) to the other towns of Crete.
- Hire car: essential for Phaistos, Lasithi or the southern beaches; driving can be demanding on mountain roads. Greek law requires US visitors to carry an International Driving Permit (travel.state.gov).
- Ferry: to Piraeus and, in season, to some Cycladic islands.
Where to stay in Heraklion
| Area | Best for | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Historic centre | Seeing the town, no car | Museum, restaurants, harbour on foot |
| Near the port | Early-morning ferry | Practical, view of the fortress |
| Ammoudara (west) | Beach stay | Long sandy beach, beach hotels |
| East coast (towards Gournes, Hersonissos) | Beach holiday | Resort hotels; car recommended |
Entry requirements, health and safety
- US citizens: Greece is in the Schengen area, so you may enter without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business. Greek law requires three months of passport validity beyond your departure date, but the State Department recommends at least six months; you must be able to show proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket if asked (U.S. Department of State, travel.state.gov, last updated February 19, 2026).
- UK citizens: no visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen area. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before you arrive and be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave; you may be asked for a return or onward ticket and proof of funds. Greek authorities have indicated they will not collect fingerprints and photos from UK travellers under the EU Entry/Exit System (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026).
- Health: according to the UK FCDO (updated 11 August 2026), treatment may be limited on the islands and some islands face serious shortages of ambulances; UK travellers need a GHIC or EHIC for state healthcare, which is not a substitute for travel insurance. The U.S. State Department strongly recommends insurance that covers medical evacuation.
- Wildfires: the UK FCDO (updated 11 August 2026) reports a high wildfire risk from April to October; causing a wildfire is a criminal offence in Greece, even if unintentional. Do not light fires or barbecues.
- Swimming: many organised beaches use flags, and a red flag means you must not enter the water; do not dive into unknown water (UK FCDO, updated 11 August 2026).
- Heat and earthquakes: Greece can experience extreme heat and earthquakes; the UK FCDO advises enabling emergency alerts on your phone. Visit the sites early in the morning in summer.
- Emergencies: call 112 (ambulance, fire, police); for an ambulance you can also dial 166 (UK FCDO). Visit Greece lists the Tourist Police on 1571 (24/7).
- Archaeological sites: do not remove anything, not even stones; the export of antiquities is strictly regulated (travel.state.gov).
- See our travel insurance guide.
Practical tips for Heraklion
- Tickets: for Knossos and the museum, buy tickets in advance in high season through official channels; check opening hours, which are shorter in winter.
- Money: euro; cards accepted almost everywhere, keep a little cash for small tavernas.
- Dress: cover shoulders and knees in churches and monasteries.
- Mobile data: check your home carrier’s roaming charges before you go.
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Heraklion in one day?
Knossos in the morning, the Archaeological Museum in the afternoon, then the Morosini fountain, the Loggia and the Koules breakwater at sunset.
How do you get from Heraklion to Knossos?
The site is about 5 km (3 mi) from the centre: city bus, taxi or car. Come at opening time to avoid the heat.
How do you fly to Heraklion?
Heraklion airport (HER) receives flights with or without a connection depending on the airline and the season; check current schedules on the airport website.
Is Heraklion worth it, or should you stay elsewhere?
One or two nights are enough for Knossos, the museum and the old town. For a beach holiday, the western beaches (Ammoudara) or other regions of the island are better suited.
What is the best time to go to Heraklion?
Late April to June and September to October: warm without being excessive, very little rain and fewer people at the sites than in July-August.
Our sources
- HNMS (Hellenic National Meteorological Service): 1991-2020 normals for Heraklion airport, via the Wikipedia article « Heraklion », accessed 21 October 2026
- Destination de Voyage calculation: daily chance of rain, sunset (NOAA solar algorithm), Heraklion-Knossos distance as the crow flies
- Entry requirements, health and safety checked on 26 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, Greece country information (last updated February 19, 2026) and UK FCDO, GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Greece (updated 11 August 2026).
- Visit Greece (Greek National Tourism Organisation), travel tips: electricity and emergency numbers, checked 26 October 2026
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
To extend your trip, see our Greece travel guide, our selection of Greek islands and our destinations in Europe.
