Is Heraklion Worth Visiting? Here’s What I’d Actually Recommend

Instagram is always telling us how amazing Crete is, and having been there, I can confirm that. I love Crete with all my heart. But does that mean Heraklion is worth visiting? You might be surprised to hear me say… maybe not.

Heraklion is the capital of the island, and to me, it feels very much like a capital city. It’s busy, bustling, loud, and it lacks the charm and beauty you’ll find in almost every other town and village in Crete.

So does that mean you shouldn’t visit Heraklion? I wouldn’t go that far. But I will say this: don’t only visit Heraklion. If you do, you might leave Crete feeling disappointed.

There is a right way to visit Heraklion, and there are definitely things worth seeing. That’s exactly what we’re going to get into.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide if Heraklion is worth visiting.

Is Heraklion, Crete, Worth Visiting? The Short Version

Heraklion is worth visiting if you’re interested in seeing the Palace of Knossos. If that isn’t on your list, there’s honestly not much else that I think makes Heraklion worth going out of your way for.

The food is decent, and there are a couple of restaurants I really enjoyed, but the architecture isn’t particularly memorable, and the beaches are a bit hard to reach without a car. 

Compared to the rest of Crete, I just don’t think Heraklion is where the island shines.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Heraklion?

You can probably already tell that I don’t love Heraklion, but I’m not sorry I visited. I’m just really glad I spent more time elsewhere.

For most people, two days is the sweet spot, and honestly, that’s the maximum I’d recommend.

If you’re flying into Heraklion, spend your first day exploring the city. Then visit the Palace of Knossos the following morning before heading to another part of Crete that afternoon or the next day.

It’s plenty of time, trust me.

I actually think it’s similar to Athens in that way. Two well-planned days are enough to see the highlights before moving on.

Is Heraklion a Good Base for Exploring Crete?

Personally, I don’t think so.

If you’re spending a week or more in Crete, I’d use Heraklion as a starting point rather than a base. Spend a night or two here, visit the Palace of Knossos, and then move on to another part of the island.

Chania, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos all make better bases in my opinion. They’re more enjoyable to spend time in, and you’ll get a much better feel for why people fall in love with Crete.

The exception is if you have several archaeological sites on your itinerary or you’re flying into Heraklion and just want to ease into your trip before heading elsewhere.

Sites Worth Visiting in Heraklion

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Visit the Palace of Knossos

Palace of Knossos is, without a doubt, the main reason I think Heraklion is worth visiting.

Now, I will say this upfront. Parts of the site have been reconstructed, and some archaeologists aren’t huge fans of how much Sir Arthur Evans restored it. So if you’re expecting untouched ancient ruins, this isn’t exactly that. But honestly? I still thought it was a really cool place to visit.

Walking through the palace, you can actually start to picture what life may have looked like thousands of years ago. The restored columns, rooms, and frescoes make it much easier to imagine than if you were just looking at piles of stones.

One thing I highly recommend is either booking a guided tour or, at the very least, renting the audio guide. Without the stories and historical context, I think you’re just wandering around old walls. Having someone explain what you’re looking at makes the experience so much more worthwhile.

Plan to spend around two hours here, depending on how interested you are in history.

The palace is located about 5 km (3 miles) outside the center of Heraklion, so you’ll need transportation to get there. The easiest options are the public bus from the city center or a taxi, both of which are inexpensive and straightforward.

Official visitor information: Official Palace of Knossos website

My recommended guided tour: This one is 1.5 hours long, and you can skip the line to get in. Get Tickets.

I also think this is one of those attractions that’s worth doing first thing in the morning before the tour buses arrive, especially if you’re visiting during the summer.

Visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

If you’re really interested in Minoan history, I’d also recommend visiting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

I’ll be honest, I skipped it because museums just aren’t usually how I like to spend my time when I’m traveling. I’d rather be outside exploring a city. But if history is your thing, this museum is considered one of the most important archaeological museums in all of Greece.

Many of the original artifacts discovered at the Palace of Knossos are displayed here, including pottery, jewelry, tools, and the famous Minoan frescoes. Visiting the museum after Knossos helps put everything you just saw into context.

If you have an extra couple of hours in Heraklion, especially on a really hot day when you want to spend time in air conditioning, I think it’s worth adding to your itinerary.

Official museum information: Official museum website

Take a Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Heraklion

One thing I actually did enjoy in Heraklion was simply walking around the historic center. It’s not a city I think you need a guide for, but I do think it’s worth downloading an audio tour so you understand what you’re looking at.

Otherwise, you’ll probably walk right past some really interesting buildings without realizing their history.

The route takes you past many of the city’s most important landmarks, including the impressive Koules Fortress overlooking the old Venetian Harbor, the famous Morosini Fountain (also called the Lion Fountain), the beautiful Venetian Loggia, and Church of Agios Titos.

Along the way you’ll also wander down 25th of August Street, one of the oldest streets in the city, lined with Venetian architecture and plenty of cafés to stop for a coffee.

It’s an easy walk that you can do at your own pace, stopping whenever something catches your eye. I’d plan on about two to three hours if you want to see everything without rushing.

The audio guide I used and recommend: 📲 Download from Voicemaps

I honestly think it’s one of the best ways to experience Heraklion. It gives you enough history to appreciate what you’re seeing without feeling like you’re stuck on a group tour.

Restaurants Worth Visiting in Heraklion

As I mentioned earlier, I don’t think Heraklion is a foodie destination the way Chania is. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great meal. These are the places I ate that I’d happily go back to.

Peskesi

If you’re only going to eat at one restaurant in Heraklion, make it Peskesi. This is traditional Cretan food done really, really well. They focus on local ingredients and recipes that have been around for generations, and you can absolutely taste the difference.

It’s one of the more popular restaurants in the city, so I’d recommend making a reservation if you’re visiting during the busy season.

Apiri Greek Eatery

If you’re looking for something a little more modern, I really enjoyed Apiri. It takes classic Greek flavors and gives them a more creative twist without feeling pretentious. Everything I ordered was beautifully presented and full of flavor.

It’s a nice option if you’ve already had plenty of traditional tavern meals during your trip.

Melissa Restaurant

Melissa was another restaurant I thought was worth visiting. The menu has a nice mix of Greek and Mediterranean dishes, and everything we ordered was fresh and well prepared. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a relaxed dinner after spending the day exploring the city.

None of these restaurants are enough of a reason to visit Heraklion on their own, but if you’re spending a couple of days here, they’re all places I’d happily recommend.

Where to Stay in Heraklion

If you’re visiting Heraklion the way I recommend, just for a night or two before moving on to the rest of Crete, you don’t need to overthink where to stay. Both of these hotels are in great locations for exploring the city on foot.

Ethereal White Resort Hotel & Spa

This is where I stayed during my visit, and I would absolutely stay here again. The rooms are modern and comfortable, but the highlight for me was the rooftop pool.

After spending the day walking around the city, it was the perfect place to cool off and relax before heading out for dinner.

Best for: Travelers who want a few extra amenities and a rooftop pool. Check Availability

DOM Boutique Hotel

If you’re looking to spend a little less without sacrificing quality, DOM Boutique Hotel is a great option.

It’s comfortable, well located, and makes a perfect base for a short stay while you explore Heraklion before continuing your trip around Crete.

Best for: Travelers looking for a stylish, comfortable hotel at a more affordable price. Check Availability

Are There Beaches Worth Visiting in Heraklion?

Yes, but I don’t think they’re the reason to visit Heraklion.

There are several beaches within a short drive of the city, including Ammoudara Beach, which is the closest and most popular option.

It’s a long stretch of sand with beach clubs, restaurants, and calm water, making it a nice place to spend a few hours if you’re already staying in Heraklion.

If you have a rental car, you’ll have even more options nearby.

That said, if you’re picturing the crystal-clear turquoise beaches that made you want to visit Crete in the first place, you’ll find much more impressive beaches elsewhere on the island. Places like Matala on the south coast or the famous beaches around Chania are in a completely different league.

If you’re only spending a few days in Crete, I wouldn’t choose Heraklion as my beach destination. I’d use it to see Knossos, enjoy the city for a day or two, and then head somewhere that’s known for its coastline.

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