Sample the wine routes of Heraklion

Where there’s culture, there’s wine … and vice versa. So while you’re visiting the vineyards, make sure you explore other highlights of Heraklion. 

Koules Fortress and Venetian Walls  

Once protecting Heraklion’s harbour, Koules is one of Crete’s most impressive Venetian fortifications. Dating from the 13th century, it was used as everything from a storehouse and officers’ quarters to a prison by the Ottomans. It is a classic example of Venetian architecture, with vaulted ceilings and thick walls that acted as a breakwater within the harbour. 

The Morosini Fountain  

There’s a double pleasure in heading to Lions’ Square – or Leondaria, as it’s colloquially known – to see the four water-spouting lions built by the Venetians in 1628. As well as once serving as a principal water source for the city’s residents, the detail of the stone carving is sublime, with figurines from Greek mythology, nymphs, sea monsters and dolphins. But so too is this square, right in the heart of the Old Town, a wonderful place to grab a coffee and just take in Heraklion’s special atmosphere.

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

Visiting the city’s world famous  Archaeological Museum takes you on a journey through 5,500 years of history – all the way from Neolithic to Roman times. Recently renovated, it has gathered exhibits from all over Crete, most notably from Knossos and other Minoan palaces. Amongst the treasures are the Bull Leaper’s fresco and Figurines of the Snake Goddess, found at Knossos, and the Phaistos Disc.

Knossos

You can’t visit Heraklion and not head to the Minoan Palace of Knossos. This was the largest palace of the oldest civilisation in Europe. Enough said! Indeed, the first palace on this site dated from around 1700BC, eventually replaced by the current structure whose elaborate design reflected the great Minoan civilisation at the height of its power.