Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
Greek
Time Zone
EET (UTC+2)
Best Time to Visit
Apr–Oct
Typical Duration
7-16 nights
Price Range
$615–$29,279 per person
Port Type
Port of Call
Tender Port
No
Gateway to Crete's ancient Minoan civilization and the famous Palace of Knossos, offering rich history and Mediterranean culture for cruise passengers.
Cruises that visit Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete
- cruises to Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete
- Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete sailings
- Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete cruises
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 7-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 7-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 7-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 7-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 7-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 7-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 7-night Silversea cruise
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 7-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 7-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 7-night Oceania Cruises cruise
Build Your Day in Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Knossos Palace
Lots to look at and explore, plenty of stuff to learn about.
Closed · Opens 8 AM Sun
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
The entire experience is well curated, and the exhibits are exceptional.
Closed · Opens 8 AM Sun
CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos
Aquarium focused on indigenous sea life
Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Sun
Morosini Fountain
Many activities, live music, many restaurants around.
Peskesi
You may need to reserve in advance as it is the best restaurant in Heraklio.
Venetian Fortress of Koules
Interesting exhibits and great views.
Closed · Opens 8 AM Sun
Heraklion Venetian Port
Very reasonable entry price.
JUMBO Heraklion
A variety of items, very cheap, free parking.
Closes soon · 9 PM
Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre
Very friendly staff and a fair price for a fun experience.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Talos Plaza
Nice affordable clothing shops and there is a starbucks
Open · Closes 11 PM
Mare Coffee Bar & Food
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No-contact delivery
Pasiphae Restaurant
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Saint Minas Holy Cathedral
A must-visit for art lovers and seekers of quiet wonder!
Temporarily closed
Natural History Museum of Crete
Some cool interactive things to do, including an earthquake simulation.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Sun
Acqua Plus Water Park
Olympic+ sized swimming pool gave plenty of space to cool of and relax.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Sun
Central Park
Dine-in·Takeout·No-contact delivery
BEER O'CLOCK
Good good, selection of finest greek beers and excelent service.
Antipodas
Lots of great dishes, knowledgeable staff, fantastic ambience.
Via Pastarella
Dine-in·Takeout
Apiri Greek Eatery
Arguably the best restaurant in Heraklion at this price range.
Georgiadis Park
One of the few green parks in Heraklion.
Ippokampos
Dine-in·Curbside pickup
Bembo fountain
Some painters sell their paintings close by.
ZARA
The prices are affordable and the quality is excellent.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Hacienda Experience
Amazing food and coffee, great service and cozy atmosphere!
Xalavro Open Bar
Super cocktails.... super DJ!!!
Petousis Taverna Heraklion
Dine-in·Takeout
Parasties
Dine-in·No delivery
Erganos
Dine-in·Takeout·No-contact delivery
Merastri
Good food but you can find better in heraklion and for a lesser price.
KOUZEINERI
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Kastella Seafood Restaurant
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery
Amalia's Kitchen
Amazing food and service with multiple gluten-free options.
Domes All Day Cafe Bar & Restaurant
Excellent cocktail, very good music and good people.
Historical Museum of Crete
A lovely museum with lots to take in and different exhibitions.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Sun
Museum of Ancient Greek Technology by Kotsanas
Lots of cool information and exhibits, and fun games to play upstairs.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Sun
Siga Siga
The atmosphere, the food, the service, best quality.
Μεζεδοπωλείο Η Αυλή
Dine-in
Closed · Opens 1:30 PM Thu
Agapi Beach Resort
Chic all-inclusive resort with 3 pools
Psaromoura Beach
The water here is amazing I really enjoyed to swim there.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Sun
Peninta-Peninta
Dine-in·No delivery
Venetian Walls of Heraklion
Nice but, nothing too interesting.
Athali Cretan Cuisine
Amazing service, delicious dishes, and incredibly friendly staff!
Kirkór (Bougatsa)
Very delicious bougata with icecream and greek coffee.
Vourvourladikon
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Chagiati
Dine-in·No delivery
Karavolas Square
Frankly cafe
The best place in Heraklion, Very friendly service and great atmosphere.
News Cafe
Reasonable prices, good variety of cocktails and food.
FIX
Cozy location, great aperitivo and cocktails, finger food was delicious too.
Venetian Loggia
Definitely make sure to check out the inner courtyard!
Chalali
An incredible dinner - it felt like a piece home-made Greek cuisine.
Herakleion Central Market
Beautiful, small shops, shoe shops, spices, clothes, foods and souvenirs
Closes soon · 9 PM
Chelidoni Beach
The water is perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Souroturi - Greek Local Restaurant
We had a wonderful meal, super attentive staff, excellent taste and variety.
Heraklion Lighthouse
Great for walkers, great to experience once
Εστιατόριο Πλάνη
Dine-in·Takeout
Sir Papafigos
We heard that Crete had the best food, and Sir Papfigos did not disappoint.
Cooking with love
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
Closed · Opens 1 PM Mon
Swing Thing
Master cocktails in a retro themed bar, great fun!
Mosaiko
Delicious Greek coffee, lovely service!!!
Fountain Karavola
Archipelagos Seafood Restaurant
Amazing Restaurant with uncomparable Service on Michelin Star Level.
Spora’
MUST EAT in Heraklion 10/10 fine dining at a reasonable cost
Lola
Dine-in
Almi family restaurant
I've never had pork tenderloin that tasted so juicy and tender.
The Bitters Bar
Excellent service, fantastic drinks and nice vibes
Guernica
Five star music, five star drinks, five star atmosphere.
Orgy Hungarian Restaurant
Great food at reasonable prices
La Brasserie
Amazing atmosphere, great cocktails!
Τζιράφ Coffee & Happiness
Delicious food, great coffee, and lovely service.
Route 66 Rock Bar
Good music good atmosphere .
Speira
Wonderful atmosphere, nice music, good drinks and food
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Toucan Skybar
Beautiful atmosphere, fantastic view, great service.
Stone Project
Very good place with great music, delicious drinks and amazing atmosphere!
Herbs' Garden
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery
ΚΙΝΕΖΙΚΟ ΠΟΛΥΚΑΤΑΣΤΗΜΑ2
chinese multi store cheap stuff, has everything
Closes soon · 9 PM
Kapilio
Lovely food, and healthy servings with an atmosphere that felt authentic.
Block62
So many famous brands of sports, casual, and more spacial clothes!
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Venetian Gate St. George
At times, it hosts exhibits of artistic, cultural, or historical content.
Irida Family Workshop
The shop has handmade replicas and other unique items.
Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Sun
Παραλία Ξεροπόταμος
Nice beach, not crowded, you can relax...
ZALO
They have a big variety of lovely things you might not find anywhere else.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Flying Circus Vintage
Visited the store while summer sales so prices were so affordable.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Fountain
Good landmark to direct to parking
Mayaba Store
Prices are ok
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Book Now - From Heraklion: Elafonisi Beach Day Tour with Pickup
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete
Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete, has established itself as a significant Mediterranean cruise hub, welcoming nine major cruise lines including Viking Ocean Cruises, Oceania Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises. With nearly 300 cruises calling at this port annually, Heraklion primarily serves as a port of call on diverse Eastern Mediterranean itineraries, with most voyages spanning seven nights and visiting destinations like Piraeus, Istanbul, Kusadasi, and Rhodes. The port experiences peak activity during the shoulder and winter months, particularly October through April, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking to explore the Eastern Mediterranean during optimal sailing conditions.
Once ashore, cruise passengers discover why Crete has captivated visitors for millennia. The renowned Minoan Palace of Knossos lies just minutes from the port, offering a fascinating glimpse into one of Europe's oldest civilizations, while the Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses treasures that bring ancient Cretan history vividly to life. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply seeking authentic Mediterranean charm, Heraklion delivers an enriching port experience that complements any Eastern Mediterranean cruise itinerary.
Once ashore, cruise passengers discover why Crete has captivated visitors for millennia. The renowned Minoan Palace of Knossos lies just minutes from the port, offering a fascinating glimpse into one of Europe's oldest civilizations, while the Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses treasures that bring ancient Cretan history vividly to life. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply seeking authentic Mediterranean charm, Heraklion delivers an enriching port experience that complements any Eastern Mediterranean cruise itinerary.
Cruise Lines at Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete
- Viking Ocean Cruises (209 cruises)
- Oceania Cruises (42 cruises)
- MSC Cruises (36 cruises)
- Explora Journeys (19 cruises)
- Silversea (14 cruises)
- PONANT EXPLORATIONS (11 cruises)
- Celebrity Cruises (10 cruises)
- Holland America Line (6 cruises)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (4 cruises)
Cruises Departing From Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete
Cruises Visiting Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete
Ship Schedule at Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete
Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete Location
Other Cruise Ports in Greece
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heraklion famous for?
Heraklion blends ancient Minoan ruins, Venetian architecture, and a vibrant port city culture.
When is the best time to visit Heraklion?
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer mild weather and lighter crowds.
What sights should I see near Heraklion?
Knossos Palace, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and nearby beaches are popular.
What is the best way to get around Heraklion?
Walk the compact city center or use buses and taxis for farther trips.