Museums in Heraklion

Known as the largest town in Crete, Heraklion is home to remarkable museums and ancient sites, all being part of the Cretan history that begins from antiquity. The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion impresses with its outstanding collection of findings from excavations in Knossos, Phaistos, Gortyn, Aharnes, Matala and other regions. The museum also features exhibits from the Minoan civilization as well as a vast collection of traces from the Neolithic period including ceramics, pottery, sculptures from the Hellenistic period, statuettes, rings, coins and other findings from the ancient tombs.

The Historical Museum of Heraklion is dedicated to the Cretan culture where you can see an interesting collection of artifacts, frescoes, icons, portraits and many other findings from the Minoan sites. The finds are arranged in a chronological and thematical order offering visitors the chance to discover the rich Cretan heritage.

The beautiful basilica of Saint Ekaterini houses the interesting Byzantine collection of various manuscripts, frescoes, and Byzantine icons. If you travel to Myrtia village, you shall pay a visit at the museum dedicated to Nikos Kazantzakis, one of the most famous Greek writers. El Greco Museum is also an ideal stop for the lovers of art who will admire a great collection of the painter's works.

Heraklion provides excellent facilities for children as well like the Cretaquarium which is the largest aquarium of the Mediterranean. There you can see the rich marine life, the outstanding landscapes and rare sea creatures. Likewise, families can also visit Aqualand water park, a place that protects the sea animals and hosts a vast collection of reptiles.