When you think about a summer vacation in Greece, islands like Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes often come to mind. For Armenian tourists, traveling to Greece is enhanced by its proximity and the convenience of direct flights from Yerevan to several destinations, including Crete. This means Heraklion for Armenian tourists is a top choice.
It’s not a surprise that the country’s warm climate, friendly locals, and diverse activities make a Greek holiday a favorite. There are also some pros like the proximity of the Heraklion airport to the city, it takes around 15 minutes to get downtown. Besides, any trip within the island will hardly take more than 3 hours by car.
Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is one of the destinations that offers a unique blend of historical and modern attractions. Known for its beautiful beaches, Heraklion is a city where ancient culture is literally found around the corner. In this blog, we will explore the top sites and activities that Armenian tourists can enjoy while visiting Heraklion.
Palace of Knossos
A must-see of any travel guide is the Palace of Knossos, a highlight of the Minoan Civilization. It was once the residence of the legendary King Minos and served as the administrative and religious hub of the region.
The palace is linked to famous myths, including the Labyrinth with the Minotaur and the story of Daedalus and Icarus. Built in two phases around 1900 B.C. and later from 1700-1450 B.C., it spans 22,000 square meters.
Tours guide visitors through the labyrinthine layout, revealing treasures and tales of ancient kings and queens. You can see here the Queen’s Suite with its dolphin fresco, the impressive Grand Stairway, and the Hall of the Double Axes. The palace is amazing and its every corner tells a story.
Plan to spend at least two hours exploring this remarkable site. Located just a short distance from Heraklion, the Palace of Knossos is open daily. The admission fee starts from 18 euros.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Greece is often described as an open-air archaeological museum. To dive deeper into its ancient civilizations, you should visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion which takes you on a journey through 5,500 years. It is one of the biggest and most important museums in Greece and Europe.
The museum houses the world’s largest collection of Minoan artifacts. You’ll find items from Cretan prehistory to the Roman era. The collection includes ceramics, stone carvings, seal engravings, and metal crafts. Highlights include the famous Phaistos Disc, the Snake Goddess figurines, and stunning Minoan frescoes.
The museum works every day and the general admission fee is 12 euros.
Tour Heraklion Harbor and Stop at Morosini Fountain
If you are tired of the museums, simply take a day off from historical sights and explore Heraklion. For example, start your day at the bustling Heraklion Harbor. Here, you can watch fishing boats and visit the ancient Koules Fortress. Stroll along the Venetian harbor and admire the historic walls and arches, remnants of Venetian monuments.
Next, head to Lion’s Square in the city center. This lively square is home to the Morosini Fountain, a beautiful structure built in 1628. Imagine locals centuries ago collecting their daily water from this beautiful fountain.
Wander through the narrow streets of Heraklion, discovering charming shops and hidden gems. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample local cuisine at a seaside restaurant near the harbor. Fresh seafood and traditional Cretan dishes await you. Must-try dishes include Dakos, a barley rusk topped with tomatoes, cheese, and herbs. There are also different pies called Kalitsounia containing local cheese and herbs. Crete is famous for its variety of cheeses and local wines that complement these dishes perfectly.
Heraklion for Armenian Tourists with Kids
Exploring a new country with kids can be a challenge, especially for little ones who are unlikely to share adults’ admiration for ancient historical sites. Of course, there are several aquaparks with dozens of slides. However, Heraklion has some other great spots for children that go beyond water fun.
Natural History Museum of Crete
The Natural History Museum of Crete is a must-visit for families. It provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the island’s unique natural environment. Kids will love exploring the different ecosystems of Crete and seeing local wildlife up close. Highlights include the Mega Dioramas, which showcase Greece’s diverse ecosystems, and the Live Museum, where you can see live animals native to the island.
Regular tickets cost 8 euros.
CretAquarium
This is another fantastic destination to hang out with family. CretAquarium features over 2,000 marine organisms, including sand tiger sharks, stingrays, lobsters, and jellyfish. The aquarium’s well-designed exhibits provide an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. It’s a great way for kids to learn about marine biology and conservation.
Tickets for adults cost 12 euros and 6 euros for kids above five.
Labyrinth Park
A great option for adults to relax and for kids to have fun is Labyrinth Park, just a 30-minute drive from Heraklion. The main attraction is the three-dimensional labyrinth, covering 1,300 square meters with pathways over 1km long. Kids can enjoy navigating the maze, exploring towers and bridges, and trying to find the hidden Minotaur. There are dozens of other activities such as electric quad bikes, archery, a pottery workshop, mini golf, a mini farm, horse riding, and an eco-garden.
Tickets for adults and children over 11 are 12 euros and 8 euros for children from 4 to 11.
How to Book a Tour to Crete from Armenia?
Planning a trip to Crete from Armenia can be an exciting experience. However, it’s often best to consult a reliable travel agency to ensure everything goes smoothly. Levon Travel is a trusted agency that can help you book your tour to Crete effortlessly.
Our experts will offer a variety of packages based on your budget and interests. We take into account every detail and can assist with flight, accommodation choices, car rentals, transfers, and local tours
With the help of Levon Travel staff, you can focus on enjoying the beautiful island of Crete.