If you want to get around Heraklion quickly, cheaply and comfortably, you can travel by tourist bus with unlimited stops. It is ideal for visiting the Archaeological Museum, the Venetian Walls and the Knossos Palace.
Carla Yaquer
9 min read
Heraklion | Sergey Kozak
Heraklion is the port capital of the island of Crete, and a trip to this destination is ideal for long, hot summers. During your stay you can visit the best local beaches, sample Cretan cuisine, explore the area's archaeological sites or opt for a sightseeing bus tour.
The sightseeing bus tour with free stops is a great option if you want to discover the city on your own. The itinerary is up to you, it is a versatile option with two routes covering the most important sites of Heraklion. You can go up to the first floor to feel the breeze on your face, or stay on the air-conditioned first floor.
The Heraklion Sightseeing Bus is available during daylight hours, so you can hop on and off as long as your pass is valid.
If you decide to take the red route it will take about an hour to complete, but you can also intersperse the journey with the blue route. The red route departs from the Port of Heraklion, while the blue route departs from the Apollonia Hotel, located near the Ammoudara area.
Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is one of the largest museums in Greece, so it's a must-see. You can take advantage of the city's sightseeing bus tour to stop by. Here you will learn more about the Minoan communities and their artistic representations.
Greece was very different from the way it is known today, in fact its ancient inhabitants were the first European community. They were known as the Minoans and their culture belonged to the Bronze Age, around 2000 BC.
In this museum you will also find the Disk of Festos, which is made of clay and has an inscription in Minoan signs that have not yet been deciphered. You will also see many works that use the legend of the Minotaur. It is a symbolic figure in Greek mythology, which narrates the revenge of the god Poseidon to punish the ambition and disobedience of King Minos.
Admission to this interesting museum costs around €4. It is located in the centre of the city, so during this stop you can visit sites in the surrounding area, such as:
Church of Agios Titos: it is located on 25 August Street. It is a Byzantine and Orthodox church, whose history contains important facts about the Roman Empire. It is very important for the Cretans, as St. Titus is known to be the patron saint of Crete.
The Venetian Lodge: a monument from the Venetian period, built in 1630, was formerly the meeting place for wealthy representatives of Heraklion.
Shopping Promenade: located in the centre, you will find a variety of shops with typical Greek objects.
Plaza des Lions: a lively square, with a variety of tavernas in the surrounding area. It is known for the Venetian fountain of the four lions.
Important! Remember to plan your planned stops in advance so you can make the most of your ticket.
Natural History Museum of Crete
The Natural History Museum of Crete was founded in 1980 and is responsible for protecting the flora and fauna of the Mediterranean. In particular, the species that thrive in Heraklion and on the island of Crete. There is a seismic table that functions as an earthquake simulator, which allows you to experience the sensations produced by this event.
There are multimedia rooms and interactive rooms, where you can experience life in sandy, wooded and desert ecosystems. In the live area, you can learn more about the Giant Dinotherium, an elephant that lived on the island in prehistoric times.
Before continuing your tour, be sure to stop by the optical illusions area, explore the ancient Greek ship and interact with the protected animals in the aquarium. Admission is around €5.
The Minoan Palace of Knossos
The island of Crete attracts hundreds of historians, captivated by the archaeological sites of Heraklion. One of the most important is the Minoan Palace of Knossos, which is located on the outskirts of the city and was built by the Minoan civilisation 2000 BC.
The façade retains its essence, but has been rebuilt after fires, tsunamis and earthquakes throughout history. You can wander through the Throne Room and the Queen's chambers.
You are also allowed access to royal chambers and the souvenir shop. It stays open until 5:00 p.m., so I recommend you prioritise this interesting stop. The entrance fee is around €6.
The Venetian Walls or Venetian Walls of Heraklion are easy to recognise as they surround the old town. It's a must-see and enriching stop, as it fuses the Byzantine and Venetian periods.
Open around the clock, they're ideal for getting the best views of the city. You can take pictures and visit sites in the surrounding area while waiting for the next bus. I suggest you go to:
Fortress Roca al Mar: it has an impressive structure, it was used by the Venetians as a kind of castle. Later, the Turkish Empire turned it into a prison. To learn more about its history, you can enter the museum where there is a collection of artefacts.
Venetian Bridges of Heraklion: this is one of the best places to watch the sunset, while enjoying the sounds of the Mediterranean coasts.
Heraklion Harbour: it is a very crowded place, but it is worth walking around the area. It is located away from the city centre, so I recommend you take advantage of the tourist bus ride to make this stop.
Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis
The tomb of the famous Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis is located on one of the walls of Heraklion. He had great contributions to modern Greek literature, that is why this monument is respected on the island of Crete.
The best way to book is online, so you can secure your trip around the city. Heraklion is known for its great social and cultural movement. It attracts tourists from all over the world, captivated by the beauty and secrets of the capital of the island of Crete.
There are several buses running through the city, which keeps the lines from becoming overcrowded and reduces waiting times. However, when you book your ticket online, you can take advantage of a cancellation policy that guarantees a full refund. Please note that cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
The length of the tour can vary, depending on the number of stops you wish to make. Some people complete it in four hours, while most people take a full day to take advantage of the convenience of the bus.
Remember that you can create your own itinerary, make stops for lunch, and hop on and off without limit. It's a great activity to share with the family, but if you have children you may need to adjust your itinerary as they tend to get tired on long journeys.
The Heraklion sightseeing bus pass costs from €15 per person, this price does not include entry to other local attractions. It is excellent value for money, as it runs for twenty-four hours and allows you to get around the city quickly.
Nightlife in Heraklion is varied and fun, you can experience a night of live music, visit the best bars in town or sample local food from street stalls. You can also walk around the harbour area, which is usually lit up all year round.
However, if you want to ride the bus late at night, be aware that the bus pass is valid for one day, but the buses do not operate at night. Their regular schedule is from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
However, the idea is to be able to tour Heraklion during the day, so that you can appreciate its colourful streets in detail. During the day you will have plenty of time to visit the monuments and attractions located near the stops.
If you are looking for a night time adventure, I recommend opting for the best Heraklion cruises.
One of the advantages is that the first floor is air-conditioned, ideal for hot summers when you just want to cool off.
This tour is ideal if you are short on time, or if you prefer to explore the city on your own. You can wander around as much as you like and stay at each stop for as long as you like. Children under the age of five are free, so it's a great option if you're looking for activities to do with children in Heraklion.
The best part is that you won't be left adrift, as it includes an audio guide in your own language. Additionally, the cost of the ticket includes a headset.
Another advantage of this bus is that it is easier to reach landmarks away from the centre. Public transport in Heraklion is good, but the lines do not cover the most distant points.
It is also cheaper to book a tour on the Heraklion Sightseeing Bus, as €15 will only cost you five rides per person on public transport. This tour allows you to visit more than ten sites, again it all depends on planning and time management.
This tour is also an excellent option if you are visiting Heraklion for the first time.
Low season: If you want to enjoy the low season, March, April, May, June and December are definitely the best months. Tourist crowds are low, you will feel like you are on a private tour.
Summer: If you want to take shelter from the heat, the best option is to take the tourist bus. Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated during the tour, as temperatures are in the high 30s and the humidity is stifling.
Meltemi wind season: The biggest drawback to travelling comfortably on the first floor of the bus can be the meltemi winds, which occur between June and August. Don't worry, you can stay on the first floor.
Rainy season: The rainiest months are November, December and January. Although you can travel on the first floor, it is more difficult to get around the city.
Make a list of the places you want to visit, this will save you time and make your journey easier. Planning is a must when visiting a city as iconic as Heraklion.
Don't lose your map, as it will help you locate your next stops.
After getting off at each stop, you have about an hour to catch the red line. You also have two hours before the blue line bus passes. Use this time to get to know your surroundings, but be on time at the stop so you don't miss the next one.
There are trained staff on board the bus, so you can ask for help if you have any questions.
Remember that you can combine the blue and red route, at no extra cost.
