The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is one of the most important and significant museums in Greece. The museum was built between 1937-1940, and boasts 20 rooms with exhibits originating exclusively from Crete. The collections come mostly from central and eastern Crete, and cover a span of 5.500 years. The exhibits are presented following the chronological evolution of the Minoan civilization.

Information: (+30) 2810 279000

In the Natural History Museum of Crete, visitors become familiar with the flora and fauna of Crete and mainland Greece. A key focus of the museum is to enable visitors to understand the relation between the old civilizations and the natural environment; to learn about the impressive past, and the future of Crete and the Mediterranean, through fossils, rocks and minerals.

Information: (+30) 2810 324366

'The Venice of the East', as it was described during the Venetian rule, and the Koules is the trademark of the medieval city of Heraklion. The Koules Fortress was built in 1523-1540 offering a spectacular view to the Cretan Sea and is the vigilant sentry that protects the city of Heraklion.

Knossos is the most important and majestic creation of the Minoan Civilization, a sacred cultural heritage of Greece, and a world renowned monument. Located 5 km southeast of Heraklion, the Minoan Palace of Knossos, expanding over a surface of 22.000 m2, is visited by thousands of tourists and locals every year.

Information: (+30) 2810 226470

With a history of thousands of years, Gortyn is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. This was the first the Roman capital of Creta et Cyrenaica. It is located 45 minutes from Heraklion. At the heart of the site you will see the Praetorium, the seat of the Roman Governor of Crete. In the same area you will see many other monuments of great historic and cultural value: the plates with the laws of Gortyn, the Roman theater and baths, the Temple of Apollo, the surviving ancient coins, and much more. Another important landmark in Gortyn is the Basilica of Saint Titus, dating from the 6th century AD, one of the first Christian temples on Crete.