Views of Heraklion
Views of Heraklion

Free time in Heraklion, Heraklion

Spend some free time in Heraklion, one of Greece's most important cities, with its rich historical and cultural heritage.

Overview

Spend some free time in Heraklion, one of Greece's most important cities, with its rich historical and cultural heritage. For a long time, the city was protected from sea invaders by large walls. The city only recently opened up its waterfront promenade for locals and visitors to enjoy, therefore upgrading the city's aesthetics as a whole. Still, there's much to see and a lot to discover in the city, making it a hidden gem of sorts!

As this is a self-guided tour, you have full flexibility to adjust the schedule and stops according to your preferences. Upon booking, we'll provide you with all the practical information you'll need.

Read more about unique and interesting activities on Crete.

Know before you go

Recommended for
All ages
Group
Self guided

Itineraries with Free time in Heraklion

Crete & Santorini - 9 Days

This active island-hopping itinerary visits two gems in the Aegean Sea—both world-famous for different reasons. You'll start in Crete, largest of the Greek islands and home of ancient Minoan palaces and striking landscapes like canyons, gorges, mountains, and beautiful beaches. You'll then ferry over to the smaller volcanic island of Santorini and have three days to explore its whitewashed cliff-side villages with hiking, swimming, sea kayaking, and, of course, romantic sunsets.

Discover Athens, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 16 Days

Experience some of the greatest aspects of Greece and its islands on this 16-day tour. You'll start in Athens, traveling back in time with visits to the Acropolis and the Archaeological Site of Delphi. Explore the Cycladic islands next with a tour of Mykonos and neighboring Delos. Then it's off to Santorini for sunsets and a Caldera cruise, followed by the historic sites and traditional villages of Crete before you return to Athens.

Discover Greek Mythology and Archeology - 12 Days

Visit some of Greece's most important sites on this archeology and mythology tour, starting in the buzzy capital of Athens, atop the famous Acropolis Hill, and at the Temples of Delphi. Then head to the islands, stopping in Crete to explore Heraklion, Chania, and the Arkadi Monastery, followed by Mykonos and Santorini for prehistoric ruins. End your trip on the island of Delos where you'll walk the Terrace of Lions, then head back to Athens for one final day visiting the Temple of Poseidon and chasing the sunset along the Athenian Riviera.

Family Trip to Ancient Greece - 12 Days

This family-focused trip features all that Greece has to offer, but with a kid-friendly twist. Start in the bustling capital of Athens where you'll take an interactive language class and tour the incredible Acropolis, followed by an archeological tour and beach day in Nafplio. End the trip on the island of Crete, where you'll visit beaches, enjoy guided tours of historic sites, and become archeologists and artists in a simulated excavation and a mosaic-making class.

Historic Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 16 Days

This itinerary offers a chance to experience the rich history and mythology of ancient Greece from up close. Start in Athens with a tour of the Acropolis and the Parthenon, followed by an island-hopping adventure to historical sites in Mykonos, Delos, and Santorini. In Crete, you'll explore the Palace of Knossos and the Minotaur's labyrinth before returning to the mainland. Next, you'll learn about the Eleusinian Mysteries, visit the home of Helen of Troy at Mycenae, and see the best-preserved ancient Greek theater at Epidaurus. End your journey with a spectacular sunset at the Temple of Poseidon.