Cretan Music: Lyra, Laouto & Where to Hear It in Heraklion

The instruments

Cretan lyra. The heart of Cretan music. A pear-shaped, three-stringed bowed instrument, played upright on the knee. It carries the melody.

Laouto. A long-necked lute that keeps the rhythm and the harmony beside the lyra. Lyra and laouto together are the classic Cretan pair.

Mandolin and guitar. Common in many villages and in newer songs.

Askomantoura (Cretan bagpipe) and flutes. Shepherds' instruments, among the oldest sounds of the island.

Ancient roots. Minoan art shows musicians with the sistrum and the lyre, proof that music has been part of life in Crete for more than 3,000 years.

Mantinades and dances

A mantinada is a rhyming 15-syllable couplet, often improvised, about love, life and Crete. Cretan dances range from the slow, proud syrtos to the fast, leaping pentozali, the best known dance of the island.

Where to hear Cretan music in Heraklion

Thirathen Museum

In the city centre, opposite St Minas Cathedral. A musician guides you through the collection and plays the instruments live, from the lyra and the laouto to reconstructions of Minoan instruments. You can try them yourself and learn the first steps of a Cretan dance. About 40–60 minutes, €10 (reduced €6).

Book your visit

Festivals. In summer, many villages hold panigyria (feast-day festivals) with live music late into the night. Ask locally for dates.
Tavernas with live music. Several tavernas in and around Heraklion have live Cretan music, especially at weekends.

Courses

Staying longer? The museum also runs lyra and laouto lessons and instrument-making workshops.

Plan your visit: Tickets & opening hours · Raining today? See 7 indoor things to do in Heraklion.