Heraklion Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Bernard Gagnon (CC BY-SA 3.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Graham Rusher, Frank Groening, Alex H, Antonio Mazza, Lizzy & Tommy · via Google Maps
- Country:
- Greece
- Coordinates:
- 35.3403° N, 25.1344° E
About Heraklion
History enthusiasts and cultural explorers will find Heraklion an exceptional cruise destination. The city is home to ancient Knossos Palace, a major centre of the Minoan civilisation dating back to approximately 2000–1350 BCE, often considered Europe's oldest city. The greater area has been continuously inhabited since at least 7000 BCE, making it one of the oldest inhabited regions in Europe.
Attractions within walking distance
Most major sights are clustered near the port. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum (0.3 km away, rated 4.7) holds extensive Minoan artefacts and is one of Greece's most significant collections. The Venetian Fortress of Koules (0.5 km) and Venetian Walls of Heraklion (1.0 km) showcase the city's medieval heritage, whilst the Morosini Fountain (0.2 km) is an iconic Renaissance landmark. The Heraklion Venetian Port (0.3 km) offers picturesque harbour views and historical context.
Exploring the city
Visitors can also visit the Heraklion Lighthouse (2.4 km) for coastal views, the Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos (0.4 km) and Kornarou Square (0.5 km). Heraklion is the fourth largest city in Greece and the largest city in the Greek islands, with a municipal population of 179,302. Cruises to Eastern Mediterranean & Greek Islands often include calls at nearby ports including Athens, Alexandria and Corfu.
Heraklion, Herakleion or Iraklion, is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete and capital of Heraklion regional unit. It is the fourth largest city in Greece, and the largest city in the Greek islands, with a municipal population of 179,302 (2021) and 211,370 in its wider metropolitan area, according to the 2011 census. The greater area of Heraklion has been continuously inhabited since at least 7000 BCE, making it one of the oldest inhabited regions in Europe. It is also home to the ancient Knossos Palace, a major center of the Minoan civilization dating back to approximately 2000-1350 BCE, often considered Europe's oldest city. The palace is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece, second only to the Parthenon in terms of visitor numbers.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Heraklion on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Martin Pavel · via Google Maps Museum
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
4.7 (37,118) 0.3 km from port
Museum displaying artifacts from the Minoan age, plus Cretan art, sculptures & archaeological finds.
Near: Parasiris Pharmacy (22 m) · Capsis Astoria Heraklion (67 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 1:00 – 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- 5 · “One of the best museums in Greece. Very modern, the curation is amazing, info is very clear. The vastness of…” — Haris Krikelis
- 5 · “I recommend this museum. Its best to come here before visiting Knossos to know more about Minoan civilization. A massive…” — Urszula Urbańska
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Photo: Банко Митев · via Google Maps Fountain
Morosini Fountain
4.5 (27,362) 0.2 km from port
Bustling, taverna-lined square centered on a 1600s Venetian fountain with 4 water-gushing lions.
Near: Phyllosophies (Liontaria) (21 m) · Priceless Pharmacy Lydaki Olga (46 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Morosini Fountain is not just the center of Heraklion — it is the reason the city once survived. Built in…” — Aivaras Lileika Mythographer
- 5 · “An historical site and community hub in Heraklion. Cool vestige of 17th century construction now surrounded by vibrant restaurants and…” — Monica V
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Photo: maurizio culatti · via Google Maps Fortress
Venetian Fortress of Koules
4.6 (12,082) 0.5 km from port
This restored fort built by Venetians in the 16th century has dramatic views & artifacts on display.
Near: Nikos Kitsikis's bust (172 m) · Natur elia (320 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- 5 · “A beautiful piece of both maritime and land-based history in one place. Due to a lack of time, I didn't…” — PaliHornak
- 5 · “Don’t miss the chance to see this sea fortress in Heraclion. It is very well preserved and the exhibition will…” — S Gk
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Photo: CIA sekvencia · via Google Maps Historical landmark
Heraklion Venetian Port
4.6 (9,386) 0.3 km from port
Centuries-old port popular for walks & sunset views, sheltered by a Venetian-built coastal fort.
Near: Seasun (30 m) · Cafe Marina (68 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Lovely to see all the boats. The Venetian architecture is amazing. Lots still intact. We went on a yacht trip…” — Laura Cullen
- 5 · “Great experience at Heraklion Port. The facilities are good, boarding was straightforward, It’s a lively gateway to Crete .Would happily…” — Miray FZ
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Fortress
Venetian Walls of Heraklion
4.5 (1,541) 1.0 km from port
Preserved defensive city walls dating to the 1400s, with a walkway on top offering scenic views.
Near: Pantokrator Venetian Portal (81 m) · Piraeus Bank (90 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “my favorite place so far! Do visit it in April, it's full of flowers!” — Emily Mat
- 5 · “Though disgracefully unattended, the walls of Heracleion remain massively impressive, and an enduring landmark in world history as far as…” — George Syros
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Scenic point
Heraklion Lighthouse
4.5 (1,036) 2.4 km from port
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “What a lovely highlight of my solo walk! During my trip to Crete I strolled all the way out to…” — Minas Avlonitis
- 5 · “It’s a fun walk there, definitely worth to get to the end cause at the end you can climb the…” — Viola Miller
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Memorial
Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos
4.5 (642) 0.4 km from port
Near: Venetian Gate St. George (33 m) · Énastron (108 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “The original statue of the Greek president stands in the middle of the square，In the middle of the city square.” — Anna
- 5 · “The statue of an old prime minister of Greece . The small square around has alot place to sit and…” — Manos Kornarakis
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Tourist attraction
Kornarou Square
4.3 (565) 0.5 km from port
Near: Bembo fountain (34 m) · Hotel Olympic Heraklion (45 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Nice little square with some historical pieces Some nice restaurants and shops around it, and this is a taxi waiting…” — Julio Schilders
- 5 · “Maybe too crowded for my taste, but a very good restaurant there, full of tastes and cheap, traditional dishes. I…” — EU EU
Map of Heraklion and nearby attractions
Best time to visit Heraklion
Cruises to Eastern Mediterranean & Greek Islands mostly sail april to October.
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Cruises calling at Heraklion
Deals update daily — see all Eastern Mediterranean & Greek Islands cruises.
