Heraklion harbor and the Koulés Fortress were built by the Venetians. The Venetian coat of arms with the Lion of St. Mark is still visible on the external walls, and archaeological finds are displayed indoors. The walkway along the battlements is particularly beautiful and offers a breathtaking view of the harbor.

The Palace of Knossós, one of the largest Minoan palaces, is said to have been the former seat of King Minos. And today, you can see more than just the 3,000-year-old walls. Parts of the labyrinth complex that were reconstructed in the early 20th century under the supervision of British archaeologist Arthur Evans are also open to visitors. Critics refer to it as an “archaeological Disneyland” because of the imaginative interpretation of the excavations and the uncertain archaeological evidence upon which the reconstruction was based. However, this makes the complex all the more intriguing to visit, and it is highly recommended, even for laypeople.

The Morosíni Fountain at Platia Venizelou is one of Heraklion’s landmarks. The fountain was donated to the city in 1628 by the Venetian governor Morosíni. It has eight basins adorned with mythological figures, mythical creatures and sea dwellers. The upper basin is supported by four lions, earning it the nickname “lion fountain.”

The Basilica Agios Markos was constructed in 1239, making it the oldest Venetian religious building in the city. The building was used as a mosque for several centuries before being converted into an event and exhibition space. Today, it is home to the municipal art gallery, which hosts rotating exhibitions of primarily modern Greek artists.

The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion houses the most important collection of antiquities in Greece, after the National Museum in Athens. Relics of the Minoan culture that are up to 7,000 years old can be viewed in the 20 rooms of the exhibit, which are laid out in chronological order. A complete renovation of the museum was completed in 2014, and the new exhibition vividly presents archaeological finds from sites like Knossós, Festós and Agía Triáda and explains them in terms that all visitors can understand.

The Natural History Museum teaches visitors about the natural landscape of the eastern Mediterranean. The modern exhibits consist primarily of enormous dioramas. There are also aquariums and terrariums full of living creatures. One major draw is the earthquake simulator in the basement, where visitors can experience seismic events of different strengths.

Visitors to the CretAquarium experience Crete’s underwater world. The aquariums are home to groupers, red coral, spiny lobsters, rays, turtles and even sharks. It’s also a fantastic experience for families with small children, because the tanks are set up so that the little ones can see everything too. A nice restaurant is also part of the complex.

A trip to Samaria Gorge is the highlight of any Crete vacation. For experienced hikers, there’s an 18-kilometer route between vertical rock faces up to 600 meters high. And if that seems too ambitious, a good alternative is the four-kilometer walk from Agia Roumeli to the “iron gate,” the Sideroportes, which is the narrowest passage in the gorge. An information hotline with weather conditions and current opening hours is available at tel.: +30–2821/06 71 79.

The Bay of Karteros, with its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, is located approximately seven kilometers east of Heraklion. Most of the visitors here are Greek, but tourists are equally welcome, of course. There’s a beach bar, a number of tavernas, and shops and restaurants in town – it’s a great place for a day trip.

Alongside olives, wine is one of the most important agricultural products in Crete. The grapes are often grown on family farms, and the families press the wine themselves. The Douloufakis Winery in Dafnes is one of these traditional farms, and it’s the perfect place for visitors who want to experience the process first-hand. The town is a 15-minute drive from Heraklion. Visits and wine-tastings must be booked in advance, but short-notice bookings are also accepted.

Swell is a top spot for gourmets. It offers a relaxed, elegant atmosphere directly on the water, with expert service and a menu that truly does justice to the delicate Mediterranean flavors of Cretan cuisine. A large selection of Cretan wines is also available.

7 Thalasses (English: The Seven Seas) is a restaurant that primarily serves fish and seafood dishes. The meals are both a culinary and visual delight, and the restaurant itself is also a feast for the eyes: It has a wonderful, imaginatively designed garden. Here’s a tip: The Cretan white wines are a true revelation.

The colorful bar is an especially popular meeting spot for young people; it serves traditional Greek cuisine with an international flair. A large selection of tapas is also available. The good location near the central marketplace makes the restaurant a great jumping-off point for nighttime partiers.

Avli is a family-owned and -operated restaurant mainly frequented by locals, who usually follow the chef’s recommendations when ordering. It serves traditional Greek cuisine. The picturesque courtyard is a quiet, shady place to sit.

Merastri offers an excellent selection of high-quality Greek dishes. The homemade pasta and the fava – pureed peas with olive oil and onion rings – are especially popular.

This bar and café is located across from the Venetian Loggia. Naturally, swing is at the top of the agenda here, although the music selection isn’t strictly limited to the classics of that genre. Guests enjoy the quality of the cocktails and the expertise and friendliness of the staff.

This bar is decorated like a speakeasy, an American bar from the prohibition era of the 1920s and 30s. Then as now, here as there, the bartender mainly pours hard liquor. The bar is known for its excellent cocktails, including a few award-winning creations.

Pagopoieion used to be a cold storage facility – and its name means “ice house” in English. The carefully restored building preserves the charm of the old industrial architecture and is home to a restaurant with a bar. It hosts regular cultural events such as art exhibits, readings and small concerts.

Where most people saw nothing but a ruin, the founders of Xalavro Open Bar saw an opportunity to try out a bold new dining concept. Their motto is: Outdoors is the new indoors. Since 2013, this unusual open-air location has become a popular spot for young people to meet for coffee, music or a drink.

The name says it all: This bar’s specialty is bitters, mixed drinks that are made with alcoholic preparations of herbs and spices. Pure sophistication! For guests who find bitters too adventurous, the menu also offers less exotic items such as wine or beer.