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Experience the best of Heraklion

Curated by Headout, this collection features the city’s top-rated tours, iconic attractions, and unmissable things to do.
Loved by over 55 million guests worldwide

Top experiences

10 Top experiences
Slide 1 of 12, Guests exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace in Crete.
Guests exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace in Crete.
Family exploring Knossos Palace ruins in Crete, Greece.
Bulls Horns sculpture at Knossos Palace, Crete, with ancient fresco in background.
Knossos Palace frescoes and columns, Crete archaeological site.
Woman using phone with audio guide near brick wall.
Knossos Palace frescoes and ruins in Crete, Greece, with visitors exploring the site.
Knossos Palace fresco with dolphins and geometric patterns, Crete archaeological site.
Knossos Palace ruins with stone rooms and stairs in Crete, Greece.
Bull-leaping fresco at Knossos Palace, Crete, depicting ancient Minoan ritual.
Knossos Palace stone wall with red column in Crete, Greece.
Antique Minoan vases with rope patterns at Knossos palace ruins in Greece.
Ancient artifacts and replicas at a market near Knossos Palace, Crete.

Knossos Palace Archaeological Site Tickets with Audio Guide

Explore at your pace
from
€27
Slide 1 of 7, Statues and sculptures inside Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete, Greece.
Statues and sculptures inside Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete, Greece.
Bull's Head Rhyton at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance with banners displaying sculptures and frescoes.
Phaistos Disk with ancient symbols in Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
Bronze Age tools displayed in Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete, Greece.
Ancient ivory lion head artifact at Heraklion Museum, Crete.
Ancient pottery with spiral designs in Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, Crete, Greece.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum Admission Tickets

Explore at your pace
from
€27
Slide 1 of 11, Knossos Palace ruins and Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance in Crete.
Knossos Palace ruins and Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance in Crete.
Guests exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace in Crete.
Knossos Palace interior with frescoes and red columns, Crete.
Minoan frescoes displayed in Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete, Greece.
Man with headphones listening to an audio guide in a museum exhibition.
Ancient storage jars inside Knossos Palace, Crete, showcasing Minoan pottery design.
Knossos Palace ruins with red columns and fresco in Heraklion, Crete.
Bull-leaping fresco at Knossos Palace, Crete, depicting ancient Minoan ritual.
Bull's head rhyton from Knossos at Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Phaistos Disc at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete, with visitors in the background.
Fresco of a Minoan figure at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.

Combo: Knossos Palace & Heraklion Archaeological Museum Tickets with Audio Guides

Explore at your pace
€59
Slide 1 of 10, Guided tour group exploring Knossos Palace Archaeological Site in Crete.
Guided tour group exploring Knossos Palace Archaeological Site in Crete.
Knossos Palace fresco and red columns under blue sky, Crete, Greece.
Woman exploring Knossos Palace with self-guided audio tour in English, French, and Italian.
King's chamber of Knossos with frescoes and stone throne, Crete, Greece.
Woman using phone with audio guide near brick wall.
Visitors taking a selfie at Knossos Palace, Crete, with ancient fresco and columns in view.
Visitors exploring the ruins of Knossos Palace in Crete.
House of the Frescoes with vibrant dolphin paintings in Knossos, Crete.
Souvenirs depicting ancient Greek artifacts at Knossos Palace site.
Bull-leaping fresco with two women and a man at Knossos Palace, Crete.

Knossos Palace Archaeological Site E-Ticket with Audio Tour

Explore at your pace
from Original price€35
€31.50

10% off

Slide 1 of 7, Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance with banners displaying sculptures and frescoes.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance with banners displaying sculptures and frescoes.
Ancient artifacts displayed at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.
Visitors examining artifacts at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete, Greece.
Fresco of a Minoan figure at Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Man with headphones listening to an audio guide in a museum exhibition.
Phaistos Disc exhibit at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.
Minoan artifacts displayed in Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete, Greece.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum Admission Tickets with Multilingual Audio Guide

Explore at your pace
from
€27
Slide 1 of 9, Guests exploring Knossos Palace ruins with frescoes and columns in Crete.
Guests exploring Knossos Palace ruins with frescoes and columns in Crete.
Woman exploring Knossos Palace with self-guided audio tour in English, French, and Italian.
Throne room at Knossos Palace with stone seat and frescoes.
Knossos Palace ruins with stone rooms and stairs in Crete, Greece.
Visitors exploring Knossos Palace ruins in Heraklion, Crete, with iconic red columns.
Knossos Palace ruins with red columns and ancient stone structures in Crete, Greece.
Ancient stone structures and trees in the yard of Knossos Palace, Crete.
Knossos Palace ruins surrounded by lush greenery, Crete, Greece.
Group of tourists at Knossos Palace, Crete, with ancient ruins and fresco in the background.

Knossos Palace Small Group Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

Free cancellation
1 hr 30 mins
from Original price€99
€89

10% off

Slide 1 of 11, Knossos Palace interior and Heraklion hop-on hop-off bus tour in Crete, Greece.
Knossos Palace interior and Heraklion hop-on hop-off bus tour in Crete, Greece.
Guests exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace in Crete.
Family exploring Knossos Palace ruins in Crete, Greece.
Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off bus with tourists near a cruise ship.
Tourists enjoying Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with sea view and map.
Knossos Palace frescoes and ruins in Crete, Greece, with visitors exploring the site.
Knossos Palace fresco with dolphins and geometric patterns, Crete archaeological site.
Antique Minoan vases with rope patterns at Knossos palace ruins in Greece.
Heraklion tourists discussing with guide near Hop-On Hop-Off bus.
Group of tourists at Heraklion harbor with Venetian fortress in the background.
Lion fountain detail in Heraklion, Crete, on a sightseeing bus tour.

Combo (Save 5%): Knossos Palace Archaeological Site Tickets + Heraklion Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Explore at your pace
Original price€47
€44.65

5% off

Slide 1 of 14, Knossos Palace ruins with red columns and fresco in Crete, Greece.
Knossos Palace ruins with red columns and fresco in Crete, Greece.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance with banners displaying sculptures and frescoes.
Enetiki Loggia in Heraklion city center with people walking nearby.
Tour group with guide at Knossos Palace, Crete, viewing ancient frescoes.
Passengers seated inside an air-conditioned tour bus.
Woman reading map at Knossos Palace ruins, Crete, Greece.
Aerial view of Rethymno city with Fortezza Castle and the Mediterranean Sea in the background.
Knossos Palace ruins with surrounding landscape in Heraklion, Crete.
Knossos Palace ruins with stone rooms and stairs in Crete, Greece.
Phaistos Disk with ancient symbols in Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
Bull-leaping fresco at Knossos Palace depicting acrobats and a bull.
Antique Minoan vases with rope patterns at Knossos palace ruins in Greece.
Knossos Palace interior with frescoes and red columns, Crete.
Knossos Palace ruins surrounded by lush greenery, Crete, Greece.

From Chania: Knossos Palace & Heraklion Guided Day Trip with Hotel Pickup

Free cancellation
12 hrs
€43
Slide 1 of 9, Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off bus with tourists near a cruise ship.
Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off bus with tourists near a cruise ship.
Tourists enjoying Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with sea view and map.
Group of tourists at Heraklion harbor with Venetian fortress in the background.
Heraklion tourists discussing with guide near Hop-On Hop-Off bus.
Heraklion Venetian Fortress on the waterfront under a blue sky.
Lion fountain detail in Heraklion, Crete, on a sightseeing bus tour.
Visitors exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace in Crete.
Beach with sun loungers and umbrellas in Heraklion, Crete, with mountains in the background.
Heraklion marina with yachts and cityscape, part of the Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour.

Sights of Athens: Heraklion Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Free cancellation
Explore at your pace
€20
Slide 1 of 14, Catamaran sailing in Heraklion with passengers enjoying an onboard chef experience.
Catamaran sailing in Heraklion with passengers enjoying an onboard chef experience.
Heraklion marina with boats and historic city wall, Crete, Greece.
Catamaran interior with kitchen and dining area, Heraklion cruise experience.
Catamaran cruise in Heraklion with guests relaxing on deck, enjoying the sea view.
Chef engaging with guests on Heraklion catamaran cruise, showcasing onboard dining experience.
Guests enjoying fresh watermelon and pineapple on Heraklion catamaran cruise.
Man jumping into the sea near a pink flamingo float with two people on a Heraklion catamaran cruise.
Group enjoying Heraklion catamaran cruise in life vests with scenic coastal backdrop.
Couple enjoying champagne on Heraklion catamaran cruise with scenic ocean view.
Paddleboarding at sunset during Heraklion catamaran cruise experience.
Couple relaxing on Heraklion catamaran with drinks, enjoying all-inclusive cruise experience.
Couple enjoying champagne on a Heraklion catamaran cruise at sunset.
Heraklion catamaran cruise with yachts in turquoise bay near rocky coastline and white chapel.
Aerial view of Dia Island surrounded by blue sea, Crete.

All-Inclusive Heraklion Top-Rated Catamaran Cruise with Chef Experience

Free cancellation
5 hrs 30 mins
€120
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We research and organise all unique experiences - from tickets to tours to special combos - so you get all the choices without the clutter.

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Each experience is thoughtfully organised to give you maximum availability, great value and an easy way to choose.

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Visiting Heraklion, a Thriving Cultural Hub in Greece

Heraklion, also known as Iraklio is the largest city of Crete, known for its sandy beaches, intense nightlife, and amazing cuisine. Like most other Greek cities, Heraklion also offers Venetian harbors, narrow cobblestone paths, classical architectural marvels, towering churches, and museums. Heaven for archaeology enthusiasts and curious minds alike, Heraklion has much to offer in terms of its remains and historicity.

The ruins of Knossos and the remains of the Koules fortress are the oldest historical sites in Heraklion. Knossos is Europe’s oldest city and is situated right outside Heraklion. Having been colonized multiple times, the city has many stories to tell and has emerged as an important cultural repository of Greece in modern times. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses several Minoan artifacts and ancient relics. Read on to know more about Heraklion day tours, Heraklion tour tickets, how to reach there, how to spend time in Heraklion, and other bits of information that will help you plan your visit.

Why Visit Heraklion?

Heraklion tours
  • Ancient Remains: The Fort of Koules and Old Town are incredible remnants of the olden days that deserve your attention. Make sure to visit Knossos which houses archaeological remains from the Bronze Age. 
  • Keepers of Historical Artifacts: No Heraklion tour can be completed without visiting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the Natural History Museum of Crete, and the Historical Museum of Crete.
  • Doric Architecture: The Doric structure of the Cathedral of St. Minas and Agios Titos Church still evokes reverence from centuries past.
  • Gorgeous Beaches: Make sure to visit the Malia, Matala, Hersonissos, and Agia Pelagia beaches in Heraklion. Their gorgeous aquamarine shades will soothe your soul. 
  • Delectable Cretan Cuisine: A Heraklion tour will also feature incredible and homely Cretan cuisine. Think delectable seafood prepped with olive oil and garnished with tomatoes picked off the garden. 
  • Quiet Getaway: Heraklion is quite underrated as compared to the other islands, hence if you are looking for a quiet island to unwind, Heraklion is the place for you. 

Plan Your Visit to Heraklion

Heraklion tours
  • Guided Tours: Every historical site, like the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Knossos City, and Ruins of Koules has audio-guided tours to help you understand the essence of the city better. 
  • Photography: You can click pictures everywhere except the sections in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum that have a ‘no photograph’ sign. 
  • Wheelchair Accessible: All 27 halls of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum is wheelchair accessible. There are ramps at the main entrance and you can ask for wheelchairs free of charge. The Knossos city may have stony patches where wheelchair maneuvering is difficult, however, there are guards and people there to help you through. 
  • Toilets: The first floor of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum is connected to the elevator and has wheelchair-accessible toilets. The Knossos City and Koules Fortress also have clean toilets. 
Heraklion tours
  • Choose Early Hours: It is recommended that you visit the Knossos Palace early in the morning or late afternoons, as after 11 AM, the parking areas are almost always fully booked. 
  • Comfortable Shoes: To explore the Knossos Palace, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Ruins of Koules, you have to walk a lot. Wear closed and comfortable shoes. 
  • Carry Sunscreen: There is very little shade in these historical sites. Please wear sunscreen or sunglasses, wear light clothing, or carry a hat. 
  • Opt for Guided Tours: To deeply understand the colonial history and Heraklion culture, it is best to book an audio-guided tour. You also have the option of listening to the recording after the tour is over. 
  • No Mobiles: Mobile phones are forbidden inside the Archaeological Museum. 
  • Use the Cloakroom: There is a backpack depository on the ground floor of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, where all your bags and luggage should be deposited.  

All Your Heraklion Tours Questions Answered

A. Booking Heraklion Day tour tickets online is the best way to unlock great deals and discounts.