Every visit to Crete is an unforgettable travel experience. With breathtaking locations from beginning to end, Crete is one of the most popular travel destinations in Greece. Heraklion, the capital of the island, is a year-round destination that you must visit if you want to experience Cretan tradition and have unforgettable holidays. The attractions in Heraklion stand out and satisfy every traveler thanks to the numerous entertainment options, the rich cultural heritage, and the amenities it offers. If you have chosen to arrive on the island by air, you can proceed with car rentals at Heraklion Airport from Let's Drive.
So, if you're wondering what to see in Heraklion, then the Heraklion Archaeological Museum should be at the top of your list. One of the oldest museums in Greece and one of the most important in all of Europe, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum was founded in 1900. In fact, the museum's original building won a Bauhaus award for its unique design. During your visit, you will see significant objects from the pre-palatial Minoan civilization, dating from 3000 BC to 1300 BC. Time will fly by as you admire objects that possess historical symbols, such as the Snake Goddess and the Phaistos Disc. If you're in Crete and want to visit the museum, you can avoid the queue by buying your tickets online through the museum's website. Make your trip more flexible by choosing car rentals at Heraklion port from Let's Drive for comfortable and safe transportation.
It is one of the most impressive sights in Heraklion that attracts travelers from all over the world, and it is the largest Minoan monument that has been preserved. On an exciting tour of the 22,000 square meter complex, you will see well-preserved remnants of Minoan civilization, impressive replicas of wall paintings, and important areas of the palace, such as the Throne Room and the Drainage Tank.
Heraklion is an absolutely kid-friendly destination, a city that constantly organizes workshops, classes, and events for children. Cretaquarium is one of the top attractions in Heraklion and one of the largest aquariums in all of Europe. In the 60 different-sized aquariums of Cretaquarium, you can admire over 2,000 marine organisms, from imposing sharks to adorably cute seahorses. At the Heraklion aquarium, which welcomes visitors from abroad, there is an audio-guided tour available in nine different languages. Additionally, there is a specially designed tour for children that enhances their excitement for the marine environment.
If you're wondering what to do in Heraklion, the answer is the Natural History Museum. It is part of the University of Heraklion, built in 1980 and includes seven departments: Botany, Geodiversity, Paleontology, Vertebrates, Invertebrates, Arthropods, and Genomics and Genetic Resources. One of the most important points of the museum are the "Megadiorama" exhibits, which showcase the environmental characteristics of the Mediterranean. The "Earthquake" is a simulation room of a real earthquake and an information center for the phenomenon.
You may be interested in: 7+1 reasons to travel to Heraklion!
The inhabited area is located 65 kilometers from the port of Heraklion in the south of the island. With its fine sand and clear waters, Matala is one of the most beautiful places in Heraklion. In the 1960s, hippies from all over the world used to gather in the area. One of the most famous tourist destinations in Crete is the area, which is distinguished by the carved caves located on the beach and the ruins of an ancient Minoan settlement. At the same time, it is the ideal choice for organizing an excursion near Heraklion.
Also check this out: The best excursions near Heraklion!
In the central square of Eleftherios Venizelos, you will find the Catholic church, the Basilica of St. Mark. It was built in 1239 in a Gothic style and was dedicated to the patron saint of Venice, St. Mark. During the Ottoman rule, it suffered significant damage and was converted into a mosque, but since 1956, it has housed the Municipal Art Gallery.
The current Municipality of Heraklion is housed in a building located in Lions Square in the city center. Initially, it was used as a Venetian Club, a gathering place for nobles and aristocrats, and was built in 1628 by Francesco Morosini. The Morosini Fountain, located in the square, is named after the architect himself. In Heraklion the attractions are worth a little walk. So, if you choose to rent a car, be aware that it is difficult to find parking space in the city center, so you will have to leave it further away and continue on foot.
Koules, one of the most impressive places overlooking Heraklion, also known as Rocca a Mare, is one of the first things you will see as you enter the port of Heraklion. It is the city's trademark, built by the Venetians and completed in 1540. During the Ottoman Empire, it served as a prison, while since 2016 the fortress has been renovated and is now open to visitors.
Wherever you choose to travel, Heraklion is one of the most exciting destinations for every type of traveler, offering regular ferry and air connections to mainland Greece. Don't forget that Let's Drive has many service points throughout Crete! If you are planning to travel by boat to Crete and are worried about renting a car in Souda, your search is over! Let's Drive also has service stations for car rentals in Chania and Rethymno. Rent vehicles with the reliability provided by Let's Drive and explore all the beautiful places on the island!
