Heraklion Travel Guide – Attractions & Tours

Featured Lists

Heraklion's Essential Treasures

This collection highlights the historical evolution of Heraklion, from the Bronze Age ruins of Knossos to the massive Venetian fortifications that still define the city's perimeter. The list features 17th-century landmarks like the Morosini Fountain and the Venetian Loggia, alongside the vaulted shipyards at the old port. Significant religious sites include the 19th-century Agios Minas Cathedral and the Byzantine-era Saint Titus Church, while museums and archaeological sites like Anemospilia document the island’s Minoan and medieval heritage.

16 places

Jebulon / CC0

Crete's Archaeological Wonders

This collection centers on the heart of Minoan civilization near Heraklion, featuring the extensive Knossos Palace complex and its secondary structures like the Little Palace. Beyond the major ruins, it includes the Phourni necropolis, the Anemospilia temple, and the Minoan peak sanctuary on Mount Juktas. The list also highlights later historical layers, such as the Byzantine fortress of Temenos at Roka, the ancient city of Rhizenia near Prinias, and the Venetian-era Morosini aqueduct system that once supplied the city with water.

10 places

Moonik / CC BY-SA 3.0

Sacred Sites of Crete

This collection spans Heraklion's urban center and the surrounding rural landscapes, showcasing the evolution of Cretan religious architecture from Byzantine foundations to Venetian and Ottoman influences. Highlights include the Cathedral of Saint Titus, which houses the saint’s relic, and the 13th-century Basilica of Saint Mark. Beyond the city, the list features historic monasteries like Paliani, one of Crete’s oldest, and unique cavernous chapels built into the island's rugged terrain.

20 places

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

Crete's Outdoor Gems

Explore Heraklion's diverse outdoor landscape, ranging from the historic Mount Juktas, a significant Minoan religious site, to the sandy shores of Karterou Beach. This collection includes urban green spaces like Georgiadi and El Greco Parks, alongside professional sports facilities such as the Heraklion Indoor Sports Arena. For hikers, the list features peaks like Giristi, while local recreation is supported by community soccer fields and the repurposed grounds of the former city zoo.

11 places

Heraklion — Map

Climate & when to visit

Best time to visit: April, May, June, September, October, November

Select a month

Typical weather in January

Fair

15° (feels like 13°) · extremes 5°–19°
9° at night
14 rainy days
6 sunny days
4 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
17°C · too cold to swim
UV index 2 · low

Typical weather in February

Good

15° (feels like 13°) · extremes 6°–20°
9° at night
12 rainy days
8 sunny days
5 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
16°C · too cold to swim
UV index 3 · moderate

Typical weather in March

Good

18° (feels like 16°) · extremes 6°–24°
10° at night
10 rainy days
14 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
16°C · too cold to swim
UV index 5 · moderate

Typical weather in April

Great

21° (feels like 20°) · extremes 9°–28°
12° at night
6 rainy days
18 sunny days
9 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
17°C · too cold to swim
UV index 6 · high

Typical weather in May

Great

26° (feels like 25°) · extremes 13°–33°
16° at night
5 rainy days
22 sunny days
10 hours of sunshine per day
Comfortable humidity
Calm winds
20°C · cool for a dip
UV index 8 · very high

Typical weather in June

Great

30° · extremes 17°–36°
20° at night
2 rainy days
28 sunny days
12 hours of sunshine per day
Comfortable humidity
Calm winds
23°C · cool for a dip
UV index 9 · very high

Typical weather in July

Good

32° · extremes 20°–37°
23° at night
1 rainy day
31 sunny days
12 hours of sunshine per day
Humid air
Calm winds
25°C · warm for swimming
UV index 10 · very high

Typical weather in August

Good

31° (feels like 32°) · extremes 21°–36°
23° at night
1 rainy day
30 sunny days
11 hours of sunshine per day
Muggy, humid air
Calm winds
26°C · warm for swimming
UV index 9 · very high

Typical weather in September

Great

29° (feels like 30°) · extremes 17°–34°
20° at night
4 rainy days
25 sunny days
10 hours of sunshine per day
Humid air
Calm winds
25°C · warm for swimming
UV index 7 · high

Typical weather in October

Great

24° (feels like 25°) · extremes 13°–31°
17° at night
7 rainy days
17 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Comfortable humidity
Calm winds
23°C · cool for a dip
UV index 5 · moderate

Typical weather in November

Great

20° · extremes 10°–26°
14° at night
8 rainy days
8 sunny days
5 hours of sunshine per day
Comfortable humidity
Calm winds
21°C · cool for a dip
UV index 3 · moderate

Typical weather in December

Good

16° (feels like 15°) · extremes 7°–20°
11° at night
13 rainy days
5 sunny days
4 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
18°C · cool for a dip
UV index 2 · low

Climate data: NASA POWER + Copernicus ERA5-Land and ERA5 · 1996–2025

Practical information

Currency: Euro EUR € · Card payments · Widely accepted
Emergency numbers: 112
Electricity: Type C / Type F
230 V · 50 Hz

Languages: Greek
Tap water: Drink with caution
Driving side: Right
Calling code: +30

Learn more

Tours & Activities

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Heraklion

Featured Lists

Heraklion's Essential Treasures

Crete's Archaeological Wonders

Sacred Sites of Crete

Crete's Outdoor Gems

Heraklion — Map

Climate & when to visit

Typical weather in January

Typical weather in February

Typical weather in March

Typical weather in April

Typical weather in May

Typical weather in June

Typical weather in July

Typical weather in August

Typical weather in September

Typical weather in October

Typical weather in November

Typical weather in December

Practical information

Tours & Activities

Heraklion – Plan Your Days

Related destinations

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