Quick Facts
Setting: Urban
Population (core): 3.4M
Population (metro): 6.7M
Best time to visit: Year-round
Top Sights
Old Venetian Port of Chania
This harbor was built by the Venetians in the 14th century and has been a key spot for trade and defense. The area is known for its old stone buildings, a lighthouse, and a long sea wall. It’s a place where you can see a mix of different cultures and history just by walking around.
FREE
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
This museum is one of the most important places for anyone interested in ancient history. It holds the largest collection of Minoan artifacts in the world, showing what life was like thousands of years ago. The building itself is modern and easy to walk through, with clear displays and lots of information in English.
€12.0
/ Adult
Elafonissi Beach
This spot is famous for its soft, pink-tinged sand and shallow, clear waters. The area is actually a small island separated from the mainland by a lagoon, making it easy to walk across the water when it's low. The scenery is super chill, with sand dunes, rare plants, and turquoise sea all around.
Morosini Fountain
This fountain is a historic landmark built in the 17th century by the Venetians. It features four lions spouting water and is surrounded by detailed carvings and mythological figures. The spot has been a meeting point for locals for centuries and is a symbol of the city’s past.
CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos
This aquarium is one of the largest and most modern in the region, showing off the amazing marine life found in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a place where you can see hundreds of sea creatures up close, from tiny colorful fish to big sharks and rays. The building itself is designed to make you feel like you’re underwater, with huge tanks and cool lighting.
€12.0
/ Adult
The Knowledge of Locals
We search, vet and aggregate
every place you see on Happ
Open Happ
Knossos Palace
This ancient site is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site in the area and is considered one of the oldest cities in Europe. It was once the center of a powerful civilization and is most popular for its connection to the legendary Minotaur and labyrinth myth. The ruins show a complex layout with colorful frescoes, grand staircases, and advanced engineering for its time.
€20.0
/ Adult
Arkadi Monastery
This historic monastery is one of the most important landmarks in the area. It’s famous for its role in a major event during the 19th century, when hundreds of people chose to resist rather than surrender during a siege. The building itself is a mix of Venetian and Orthodox architecture, surrounded by peaceful courtyards and old stone walls.
€4.0
/ Adult
Rocca a Mare Fortress
This fortress stands right by the sea and was built in the 16th century by the Venetians. It was used to protect the city from pirates and invaders. The thick stone walls and towers are still in great shape, and you can walk around the top for awesome views of the harbor and city.
€10.0
/ Adult
Venetian Fortezza Castle
This fortress sits on a hill and was built in the late 1500s by the Venetians. It was designed to protect the city from pirates and invaders. The walls are thick, and you can still see old cannons and gates. The place is most popular for its massive stone walls and the amazing views over the city and the sea.
€4.0
/ Adult
Samaria Gorge National Park
This national park is a protected area known for its long gorge, wild landscapes, and rare wildlife. It stretches for 16 kilometers and is surrounded by high mountains and dense forests. The area is home to unique plants and animals, including the endangered kri-kri goat.
€5.0
/ Adult
Real-Time Logistics
Change of plans? No problem.
Happ lets you travel confidently
while enjoying the moment.
Plan with Happ
Vai Beach
This spot is famous for its huge palm forest, one of the largest in Europe 🌴. The area has soft golden sand and clear blue water, making it a chill place to relax or swim. The palm trees give it a tropical vibe that’s rare to find in this part of the world.
FREE
Agios Minas (St. Menas)
This cathedral is one of the largest in the country and stands out for its impressive size and beautiful architecture. Built in the 19th century, it serves as the seat of the local archbishop and is a central spot for religious celebrations. The building is dedicated to a well-known saint who is considered the protector of the city.
FREE
Rimondi Venetian Fountain
This old fountain is a cool piece of history built in the early 1600s by the Venetians. It’s right in the middle of the old town and has three lion heads that pour out fresh water. The spot is surrounded by stone columns and arches, making it look like something out of a history book.
FREE
Lychnostatis Open Air Museum
This open-air museum is all about showing how people lived, worked, and created things in the past. It’s set up like a traditional village, with old houses, workshops, gardens, and even a windmill. Everything is built using real materials and old-school techniques, so it feels like stepping back in time.
€8.0
/ Adult
Archaeological Museum of Chania | Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο Χανίων
This museum is all about ancient history and culture. It holds a huge collection of artifacts that show how people lived, worked, and created art thousands of years ago. The building itself is modern and spacious, making it easy to explore and learn.
€15.0
/ Adult
Watercity Waterpark Crete
This spot is a huge outdoor waterpark packed with slides, pools, and chill zones. It’s set up for all ages, so you’ll find wild rides, lazy rivers, and spots to just hang out. The place is known for its massive variety of water slides and fun water attractions.
€29.5
/ Adult
Richtis Gorge
This gorge is a natural trail that stretches from a small village down to the sea. It’s known for its lush greenery, cool shade, and a waterfall at the end. The path follows a stream, so you’ll hear running water and see lots of plants and wildlife along the way.
€3.0
/ Adult
Damnoni beach
This spot is known for its long stretch of soft sand and super clear blue water. It’s surrounded by green hills and has a chill, open vibe. The water is shallow near the shore, making it easy to swim or just float around. There are a few small places to grab snacks and drinks, but it never feels crowded.
Archaeological Museum of Sitia
This museum is all about showing off the ancient history of the region, with artifacts that go way back to the prehistoric and Minoan times. It’s a small but super interesting spot where you can see real pieces of the past, like pottery, tools, and statues that were found in local archaeological digs.
€5.0
/ Adult
Etz Hayyim Synagogue
This historic synagogue is the only surviving Jewish monument in the area, dating back to the 15th century. It stands as a symbol of resilience and remembrance, having been restored after decades of neglect. The building is a peaceful space, blending Venetian and Ottoman architectural styles, and serves as both a place of worship and a museum.
€4.0
/ Adult
Kazarma Fortress
This old stone fortress sits on a hill and has watched over the town for centuries. Built in the 13th century, it was once a military base and a safe spot for locals during attacks. The name comes from the Italian words for "the barracks," showing its long history with different rulers.
See more
See more
More Sights
Browse in Happ
Nearby Regions
Athens
NEW
Kavala
NEW
Rethymno
NEW
Thessaloniki
NEW
Volos
NEW
Oia
NEW
Patras
NEW
Vlychada
NEW
Heraklion
NEW
Fira
NEW
Pyrgos Kallistis
NEW
Rhodes
NEW
Santorini
NEW
Delphi
NEW
Akrotiri
NEW
Mykonos
NEW
Rhodes
NEW
Chania
NEW
Sitia
NEW
No app install needed*
Open in Happ!
Try out Happ!
*No app install needed
The traveller's pocket guide
Happ: Your all-in-one trip companionSave Your Favorites!
and use offline
Old Venetian Port of Chania
FREE
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
€12.0
/ Adult
Elafonissi Beach
Open in Happ
*No app install needed
Advance Arriva
Duration
Best Time to Visit
Cancel Before
Open in Happ
*No app install needed
Open
