Heraklion Cruise Port (Crete): Best Things to Do & Tips
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Heraklion cruise port is located on the north coast of Crete, right next to the island’s busy capital.
I visited Crete and Heraklion on a land vacation, and I was amazed by how much there is to see.
Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth-largest in the Mediterranean, full of history, culture, and stunning landscapes.
Heraklion (also spelled Iraklion) is the capital and largest city of Crete. Its roots go back to the Neolithic age, and it became the center of the Minoan civilization, one of the earliest in Europe.
Today, the port of Heraklion is the third busiest in Greece and one of the main ferry and cruise hubs in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about the port, along with the best things to do in Heraklion during a cruise stop.
Heraklion Cruise Port Overview
Heraklion’s port has two sides: the old Venetian harbour, marked by the Koules fortress, and the modern ferry and cruise terminal right next to it.
From the cruise terminal, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the harbour and the start of the old town.
The new cruise terminal is spacious and well-equipped, with free Wi-Fi, a tourist office for maps, luggage storage, a café, duty-free shops, car rentals, and ATMs.
Heraklion is also a busy ferry hub, with regular connections to Piraeus, Santorini, Thessaloniki, Corfu, and other Greek ports.
Getting Around Heraklion
🚶 Walking
Heraklion’s old town is about a 20-minute walk from the cruise terminal.
Most attractions are within walking distance, so you won’t need transport unless you’re visiting the Palace of Knossos, about 6 km (3.7 miles) from the port.
🚌 Bus
Heraklion’s main bus station (also known as Bus Station A, or Port Bus Station) is less than a 10-minute walk from the port, just across from the terminal.
- Green intercity buses run to Chania, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos.
- Blue local buses go around the city and also connect to Knossos and the airport.
The nearest blue bus stop is outside the GDM Megaron Hotel, about 10 minutes from the port. Check schedules on the KTEL local bus website and the KTEL intercity site
🚕 Taxi
A taxi rank is located right across from the terminal gates. Taxis are affordable, and if you’re traveling as a group, they’re often the easiest option.
🚌 Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
Open-top double-decker buses stop at the port and the Old Venetian harbour. You can check timetables and book tickets here.
🚂 Little Train Tour
A small white tourist train departs from the Old Venetian harbour, looping through Heraklion with 11 stops at major attractions.
🚐 Private Transfers & Shore Excursions
If you don’t want to worry about transport, book a private driver or join an organized shore excursion. Popular choices include Knossos, Heraklion’s old town, wine tours, or a beach break.
👉 See available Heraklion tours on Viator or GetYourGuide
🚗 Car Rental
Renting a car is a great way to explore beyond Heraklion. The E-75 highway, Crete’s only main highway, runs along the north coast and connects the city with Rethymno, Chania, and Agios Nikolaos.
Roads inland are regional, so expect narrower routes and slower driving.
👉 Compare Heraklion car rental deals
✈️ Airport
Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” is only 3 km (less than a 10-minute drive) east of the port. It’s the main gateway to Crete with year-round domestic and seasonal international flights.
The island’s second airport is in Chania, about 2.5 hours away on the west coast.
Practical Tips for Cruise Visitors
- Currency: Greece uses the euro (€). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
- Shopping & Dining: The best options are in Heraklion’s old town, about a 15-minute walk from the port.
- Parking: Both short- and long-term parking areas are available around the port.
- Beaches: Heraklion doesn’t have a city beach. The nearest is Ammoudara Beach, 6 km west of the port (about 15 minutes by taxi or hop-on hop-off bus).
- Navigation: Download Maps.me to have an offline map of the city on your phone.
- Weather & Beaches: Crete can be windy in summer, especially July–August. Beaches use a flag system: red (no swimming), yellow (caution), green (safe). Always check the forecast on Poseidon weather service.
- Hotels: If you’re staying overnight, compare Heraklion hotels to find a convenient option close to the old town or port.
Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide (E-book)
If you’re cruising the Med, check out my e-book with detailed guides to 45 ports, including transport tips and the best things to do in a day.
Top Things to Do in Heraklion on a Cruise Stop
If you only have one day in Heraklion, the Palace of Knossos is absolutely worth the trip, while the old town, Archaeological Museum, and Venetian harbour are all close enough to explore on foot.
And if you’d rather relax, head to nearby Ammoudara Beach for some sun and sea.
🏛️ Palace of Knossos
The Palace of Knossos is Crete’s most famous archaeological site and the heart of the ancient Minoan civilization.
Built around 2000 BC, it was the political and ceremonial center of the island and is often linked to the legend of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur.
The ruins were excavated in the early 20th century by Sir Arthur Evans, revealing a sophisticated society with its own writing system, advanced art, and trade networks.
Many of the artifacts found here are displayed in the nearby Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Knossos lies about 6 km (less than a 15-minute drive) from the Heraklion cruise port.
You can get there on a shore excursion, by taxi, hop-on hop-off bus, or the local Blue Line bus (#2) that runs frequently from the port area.
Tickets are sold separately from the museum, and booking ahead helps avoid long lines.
👉 Browse Palace of Knossos tours and tickets
🏺 Heraklion Archaeological Museum
A visit to Knossos isn’t complete without stopping at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
This two-story museum in the city center (about a 10-minute drive from Knossos and a 15-minute walk from the port) holds the artifacts uncovered during the palace excavations.
Inside, you’ll find famous Minoan frescoes, jewelry, pottery, figurines, and sarcophagi that bring the ancient civilization to life.
Plan at least 1–2 hours to explore, or even longer if you want to see everything.
👉 Check Heraklion Archaeological Museum tours and tickets
⚓ Old Venetian Harbour & Koules Fortress
Heraklion’s old port was once one of the most important harbours in the Eastern Mediterranean, especially during Venetian rule in the 13th–17th centuries, when it became known as “the other Venice of the East.”
From here, Crete exported wine, olive oil, raisins, cheese, and more across the region.
Today, the harbour is a lively marina filled with fishing boats and yachts, overlooked by the Koules Fortress.
This 16th-century Venetian citadel once guarded the entrance to the port and is now open to visitors for a small fee.
From the fortress, you can walk along the 2 km fortified mole to the lighthouse. Just be prepared with water, sunscreen, and a hat as there’s no shade.
🏙️ Heraklion Old Town
From the cruise terminal, it’s an easy walk along the seafront to the Old Venetian Harbour, and from there you can enter the old town via 25th of August Street.
This lively pedestrian street is the heart of Heraklion, filled with shops, cafés, and landmarks.
The old town is framed by massive Venetian Walls, and inside you’ll find a maze of pedestrian lanes with churches, squares, and plenty of places to eat. Highlights include:
- Church of Agios Titos – dedicated to Crete’s patron saint, once a 19th-century mosque.
- Church of Agios Minas – the largest church in Crete, with ornate iconography.
- Morosini Fountain (Lion Square) – the city’s central square, lined with cafés and restaurants.
- Venetian Loggia (Town Hall) – a beautifully preserved Venetian building just off 25th of August Street.
- Central Market (1866 Street) – a colorful street market selling everything from produce and spices to jewelry and souvenirs.
👉 Explore Heraklion old town tours and activities
🏛️ Heraklion Museums
Beyond the Archaeological Museum, Heraklion has several others worth exploring:
- Natural History Museum of Crete – On the seafront west of the port, with interactive exhibits, earthquake and tsunami simulators, and displays on Mediterranean wildlife.
- Historical Museum of Crete – A neoclassical building near the old harbour that covers 1,700 years of Cretan history, from early Christian times to the modern era.
- El Greco Museum – In Fodele village, about 35 minutes from Heraklion, this museum is set in the birthplace of Domenikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco), the famous Renaissance artist.
- Christian Art Museum – Focused on religious icons and artifacts.
- Museum of Ancient Greek Technology (by Kotsanas) – Hands-on exhibits showing the innovations of ancient Greek inventors.
👉 Check Heraklion museum tours and tickets
🏖️ Beaches Near Heraklion
Crete is famous for its stunning beaches, from Elafonissi to Balos Lagoon, but Heraklion itself doesn’t have a city beach.
Still, there are several great options within a short drive of the port:
- Ammoudara Beach – Just 6 km west of the port (about 15 minutes by taxi). A long sandy beach with tavernas, cafés, and kiteboarding.
- Agia Pelagia Beach – 35 minutes northwest of Heraklion, with clear blue water and a lively vibe.
- Lygaria Beach – Close to Agia Pelagia, about 30 minutes from the city, with full facilities and calm waters.
- Analipsi Beach – 25 minutes east of Heraklion, a laid-back spot with palm trees, water sports, and the Agia Marina chapel.
- Karteros Beach – 15 minutes east of town, an organized Blue Flag beach with golden sand, tavernas, and bars.
Always check the Poseidon weather service before heading out, as Crete’s winds can be strong and may restrict swimming.
👉 Browse Heraklion beach tours and activities
Wrapping Up
If it’s your first time in Heraklion, don’t miss the Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum.
With extra time, wander through the old town and Venetian harbour, and be sure to try some local dishes with a glass of Cretan wine.
For repeat visitors, a trip into the countryside is a great option; explore traditional villages, caves, or nearby towns like Agios Nikolaos, just an hour’s drive east.
👉 For more inspiration, check out my other articles on Crete:
FAQ About Visiting Heraklion Cruise Port
❓ Is Heraklion walkable from the cruise port?
Yes. The old town and Venetian harbour are about a 20-minute walk from the cruise terminal.
❓ How far is Knossos from the port of Heraklion?
Knossos is about 6 km (3.7 miles) from the port, less than a 15-minute drive. You can get there by taxi, local bus (#2 Blue Line), hop-on hop-off bus, or on a shore excursion.
❓ Can you explore Heraklion without a tour?
Absolutely. Many attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance of the port. Knossos is the only major site that requires transport.
❓ Are taxis available at Heraklion cruise port?
Yes. There’s a taxi stand directly across from the terminal gates. Taxis are affordable and convenient, especially for small groups.
❓ Does Heraklion have a beach near the port?
Heraklion doesn’t have a city beach, but Ammoudara Beach is just 6 km west (about 15 minutes by taxi or bus).
❓ Is the Heraklion Archaeological Museum worth visiting?
Yes, it’s one of the best museums in Greece and houses artifacts from Knossos and other Minoan sites. It’s a 20-25-minute walk from the port.
❓ What currency is used in Heraklion?
Greece uses the euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Helpful Resources for Heraklion Cruise Port
🌐 Useful Websites
- Find Heraklion Cruise Port on Google Maps
- Heraklion Cruise Ship Schedule
- Heraklion Port Authority
- Heraklion Tourism Office
- Local Weather Forecast
🚢 Ports Often Included with Heraklion
Planning a stop in Heraklion? These cruise ports are often part of the same Eastern Mediterranean itineraries:
- Piraeus (Athens) – gateway to the Acropolis and historic city.
- Rhodes – explore the medieval Old Town and Grand Master’s Palace.
- Limassol (Cyprus) – ancient ruins and coastal scenery.
- Santorini & Mykonos – iconic Cycladic islands with whitewashed villages.
- Istanbul (Turkey) – Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and bustling bazaars.
- Kusadasi (Turkey) – access to the ancient city of Ephesus.
- Chania (Crete) – another Cretan gem with Venetian architecture and a scenic harbour.
- Western Med Extensions: Naples (Pompeii & Amalfi Coast), Civitavecchia (Rome), Salerno (Capri & Positano), Palermo (markets & Arab-Norman heritage).
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Middle East, Australia & New Zealand
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