How to Spend 3 Days in Heraklion
With three days in Heraklion (aka Iraklio), you can discover the area’s 4,000 years of history, savor the local cuisine, wander landscapes like the Samaria Gorge—and even visit another island.
Venetian Walls
Free admission
The basics
Discover one of the most obvious relics of Crete’s Venetian past during a visit to the city walls that surround the Old Town of Heraklion. Learn about how the Venetians ruled Crete for over 400 years and how scholars and artists thrived in the city during this time period. Several city tours include a stop at the Venetian Walls including sightseeing tours, history tours, food-focused tours, and private tours.
Things to know before you go
- The Venetian Walls in Heraklion are a must-see attraction for history buffs and families seeking educational experiences.
- The best views of the city and the walls can be seen from the Martinego bastion.
- Climbing stairs is required to explore the city walls; they are not easily accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to get there
The Venetian Walls stretch for more than 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) surrounding the Old Town. Exploring the walls is a popular activity for travelers in Heraklion. Most visitors arrive via guided tours, on foot, or via public transportation by bus. There is also limited parking at the port for visitors that arrive in rental cars.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The most popular time of year to visit Crete is from May to October with peak season in the summer months. Travelers who would like to avoid the summer crowds and hot temperatures might want to plan a visit during the spring or fall months.