1. Heraklion Archaeological Museum
One of the most important museums in Greece, home to the great collection of Minoan art: the Phaistos Disc, the bull-leaping fresco and the snake goddesses. Allow at least two hours. It is busiest in the late morning, so go early or after lunch.
2. Thirathen Museum: hear and play the music of Crete
Opposite St Minas Cathedral, in the heart of the old town, the Thirathen Museum of Traditional Music & Instruments is the city's museum of musical instruments. This is not a "look but don't touch" museum. A musician guides you through the collection and plays the instruments live: the Cretan lyra, the laouto, bagpipes and flutes, and reconstructions of ancient Minoan instruments such as the sistrum, the lyre of Apollo and the pandoura. You can try instruments yourself and even learn the first steps of a Cretan dance.
- Duration: about 40–60 minutes, guided tour in English or Greek; digital guide in German, French and Italian.
- Tickets: €10, reduced €6.
- Opening hours: Monday–Saturday, 9:00–15:30 in winter (16 September–30 April) and 9:00–17:00 in summer (1 May–15 September). Sundays only for events.
- Where: Plateia Riga Feraiou 9, opposite St Minas Cathedral.
It is a perfect rainy-day choice for families: children love the fact that the instruments are meant to be played.
3. Historical Museum of Crete
From Byzantine times to the 20th century, including the study of Nikos Kazantzakis and the only El Greco paintings on display in Crete. A good next step after the Archaeological Museum, to see the island's later story.
4. Natural History Museum of Crete
Interactive halls, an earthquake simulator and the animals and plants of the Mediterranean. Very popular with children. It is on the seafront, a short taxi ride from the centre.
5. St Minas Cathedral
One of the largest churches in Greece, with impressive iconography. Next to it stands the small old church of St Minas. Combine the visit with the Thirathen Museum across the square.
6. Cretaquarium (Gournes)
About 15 km east of Heraklion, one of the largest aquariums in the Mediterranean. Good for a half day with kids.
7. Coffee, raki and the 1866 street market
When the rain stops for a moment, walk along 1866 Street, the old market of the city, for herbs, cheese and honey, then warm up with a Greek coffee or a small glass of raki in a kafeneio near Lions Square.
