Heraklion Old Town is Crete’s largest city and perfectly blends ancient history and modern culture. Enjoy strolling down the narrow streets, popping into local shops and taking in the historic sights. This part of the city holds the Venetian walls, Ottoman fountains and lively squares. Old Town Heraklion is the ideal place to visit any time of the year and a must-see destination when exploring the island of Crete.
Join us as we explore all the best places to visit in Heraklion Old Town.
History in the historic centre
The amazing thing about Heraklion is that the whole city is like a living museum, and its Old Town is exceptionally well-known for housing many sights. The city was founded by the Saracens in the 9th century and has been the battleground of many empires, including the Venetians and Ottomans. Each one of them has left its mark on the city that is still visible today through architecture and culture.
Koules Fortress
This Venetian fortress was built in the early 16th century and also is known as “Rocca a Mare“. It was built to protect the city from invasion and also served as a military base and prison. You can visit the fortress from Wednesday to Monday from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm in the Summer months. In the Autumn and Winter, timetables vary from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm/6:00 pm. The entrance fee is €4, and €2 for children and seniors. Inside the fortress, you will see many exhibits demonstrating its history, along with beautiful views of the harbour.
Venetian Loggia
This was a gathering place for Venetian nobility and was built between 1626-1628. Today, it serves as Heraklion’s town hall. It is a stunning building that showcases Venetian architecture, with arches and grande columns. It is free to visit, but please be mindful as it is a functioning city hall.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Known as one the most important museums in Greece, the Heraklion Archeological Museum is home to a large collection of artefacts from the Minoan civilization. Pieces in the museum range from the Neolithic era to Roman times. The museum is open daily but with a specific timetable depending on the season. Please check with the official website for exact opening hours. Admission fee is €12 and €6 for children, seniors and groups.
The Palace of Knossos
Located only 5 kilometres away from Heraklion Old Town, The Palace of Knossos is a must-see. It is the most significant site in Minoan history and is often referred to as Europe’s oldest city. In Greek mythology, it was believed that King Minos ruled here and kept a labyrinth with a minotaur.
You can reach the Palace of Knossos by car, taxi or bus, with a journey time of about 20 minutes. To take the bus, hop onto the number 2 bus from the main station in Heraklion and it will drop you off near the Palace’s entrance. Opening hours differ depending on the season: The Summer is open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm and in the Winter it’s open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. General admission is €15 and €8 for students and seniors. You can take advantage of combo tickets for The Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum for €20.
Don’t miss your chance to explore the grounds of the Palace and see the throne room, central court and Labyrinth. The Palace of Knossos is also famous for its vibrant frescoes found throughout the grounds.
Heraklion's Old Town markets and gastronomy
Within the Old Town of Heraklion, there are many local markets and eateries to try a taste of authentic Cretan cuisine. You can find plenty of fresh produce and ingredients at the Central Market, known as the Agora. Many locals and tourists come here to shop and browse a variety of local ingredients. The market is located on 1866 Street and is open daily from early morning to the afternoon. You can find fresh fruits, vegetables, local cheeses like graviera and myzithra, many cured meats, olives and honey. It’s the perfect place to pick up a local souvenir like dried oregano and thyme, which are staples in Greek cuisine.
If you are looking to taste some local flavours, within the Old Town you can find many delicious food options like souvlaki (skewers of meat usually served in a pita with tzatziki sauce), bougatsa (pastry filled either with custard or meat), and dakos (Cretan barley salad).
Nightlife and entertainment
Heraklion Old Town comes alive at night. There are a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues to enjoy. A favourite cocktail bar in Heraklion is Xalavro, found in Milatou Street, it has a chic setting perfect for starting the night. If you are in the mood to dance, try Jailhouse Booze House on Korai Street, with local DJs playing a blend of Greek and international music. If you prefer to experience traditional Greek music and dance, try one of the many tavernas located in the old city that offer dinner, drinks and live shows.
Getting around Heraklion
Luckily, getting around Heraklion and the Old Town is easy, thanks to its pedestrian-friendly layout and public transport options. Most of the Old Town is within walking distance from one point to the other, making it easy to explore on foot. But, if you want to venture out, Heraklion’s public transport system is affordable and straightforward. The city has a great bus system in place and offers routes from the Old Town to the Palace of Knossos.
You can even get around Heraklion by bike, as there are many rental shops available in the Old Town.
Plan your holiday to Heraklion Old Town
Heraklion Old Town is a captivating place to visit and is a great holiday destination for couples, friends and families. From exploring ancient ruins to trying local cuisine, it’s a must-visit destination when travelling to Crete. To make the most of your holiday and ensure the comfort of your trip, discover Oreo Travel and the many accommodation options available throughout the island of Crete.
