free tour heraklion

Free Walking Tour Heraklion

Join Free Walking Tour Heraklion, starting at the bustling Lion’s Square, home to the iconic Morosini Fountain. From there, we’ll delve into the rich heritage of the island at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, before winding our way through the labyrinthine streets of the Old Town, where Venetian and Ottoman influences abound. Our adventure will take us to the imposing Koules Fortress, overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean, and the lively Central Market, where the flavors of Cretan cuisine beckon. Finally, we’ll marvel at the elegant facade of the Venetian Loggia, a testament to Heraklion’s storied past and enduring allure. Get ready to be captivated by the treasures and traditions of this enchanting city on the shores of Crete.

General information

Meet your guide at the Lion’s Square.

Tip only basis. You must tip your guide at the end of the tour. It is recommended to tip from 10 to 20 euros per person.

Booking this tour is mandatory

Free Walking Tour Heraklion – Itinerary

Free Walking Tour Heraklion will start at the iconic Lion’s Square (Plateia Eleftheriou Venizelou), a bustling hub adorned with the symbol of the city, the imposing Morosini Fountain. Gather beneath the watchful gaze of the Venetian lion as we embark on our adventure through Heraklion’s storied past and vibrant present.

Our next stop will lead us to the awe-inspiring Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to a vast collection of Minoan artifacts and treasures that offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient civilization that once flourished on the island of Crete. Marvel at intricately carved sculptures, exquisite pottery, and ancient frescoes that bear witness to the rich cultural heritage of this remarkable island.

From there, we’ll wander through the labyrinthine streets of the Old Town, where Venetian and Ottoman influences blend seamlessly with traditional Cretan architecture. Explore hidden courtyards, charming alleyways, and quaint cafes as we soak in the timeless ambiance of this historic neighborhood.

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Our journey will then take us to the imposing Koules Fortress, a majestic seaside fortress that has stood guard over Heraklion’s harbor for centuries. Climb its ancient ramparts and gaze out across the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean, imagining the countless ships that have passed through these waters over the centuries.

Continuing our exploration, we’ll venture to the bustling Central Market (Agora), a vibrant maze of stalls selling fresh produce, aromatic spices, and local delicacies. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Cretan cuisine as we sample traditional treats and mingle with the friendly vendors.

Our final destination brings us to the historic Venetian Loggia, a magnificent Renaissance building that once served as a meeting place for nobles and merchants. Admire its elegant facade and ornate decorations as we reflect on the rich history and cultural heritage that define Heraklion.

Frequent asked questions

What is the maximum of participants for the free walking tour in heraklion.

The maximum of participants is 15 people.

Can this free tour be done for one single group?

If you want a tour for only your group, please request a quotation for a private tour.

Can my children participate in this walking tour?

Of course, in Free Tour Heraklion everyone is welcome.

Do we see all the places listed in the itinerary?

The itinerary of this tour may change sometimes.

• You are here:  

Self-guided walking tour of Heraklion in Crete

I offer you to take a self-guided walking tour to get a feel of this vibrant city. Let’s start from Freedom Square, one of the busiest places in the city.

Plateia Eleftherias, or Freedom Square

The Venetian Walls

Archaeological Museum

The Venetian Loggia

St. Mark's Basilica

Liondaria, or Lion Square

Agios Minas Cathedral

Bembo Fountain

The Koules Venetian Fortress

Where to stay

I tried two five-star hotels during my stay in Heraklion, and I have no clear preference between them. Aquila Atlantis has a larger pool, but I enjoyed breakfast at GDM Megaron Hotel more. So the choice is yours.

Practical information

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What did you think? Have you visited Heraklion in Crete, Greece? I’d love to hear from you so please add your comments below.

• Posted by Anita on July 08, 2021

Author: Anita Sāne

About the author Anita is a part-time traveller, passionate photographer and a retired career woman from Latvia,  travelling mostly solo for more than 15 years.  She is a skilled travel planner who plans and executes her travels by herself. Anita wants to show you how to travel the world and open your mind to new  experiences. Follow her on Facebook ,  Instagram ,  Pinterest ,  Twitter  and Bloglovin .

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Heraklion Tours: Day Trips from Heraklion Crete

Heraklion is a popular place to spend a few days in Crete, as you can easily take excursions to see the rest of the island. Here's the best Heraklion tours and day trips from Heraklion to choose from.

Heraklion Day Trips

Most people heading to the Greek island of Crete will spend some time in Heraklion. Whilst there, it is possible to take a number of different tours to see other parts of the island.

Whether you want to walk the Samaria Gorge, visit Spinalonga, or explore archaeological sites, these day trips from Heraklion will help you experience more of Crete.

Heraklion Tours

In the list below, I've chosen 10 of the best day tours in Heraklion. If you are also interested in an Heraklion sightseeing itinerary, check out this guide on things to do in Heraklion later.

Day Trips from Heraklion

Here's 10 of the best day trips and excursions in Crete you can take from Heraklion.

• Knossos Palace Skip-the-Queue Entry with Guided Walking Tour

No visit to Heraklion or Crete is complete without spending time at Knossos. This amazing archaeological site is thought to be the very centre of the ancient Minoan civilisation. As you might expect, it is a popular place with tourists, and so this skip-the-queue tour along with guide makes perfect sense. Ideal for anyone with limited time in Heraklion or people who just don't like queuing (that's all of us really!), read on to find more about the Knossos day trip from Heraklion.

Day Tour of Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda & Plaka

This day trip from Heraklion offers unbeatable value for money. Unless you have your own transport, it's impossible to do this in one day yourself, and even then, you would need to know the timing of boats to Spinalonga. As a result, this excursion from Heraklion is a great way to see the island of Crete. Including pickup from your hotel, click through to find out more about this full day trip from Heraklion.

• Crete: Land Rover Safari on Minoan Route

Take a ride on the wild side during this 4WD tour of Crete. Follow an old Minoan trail, visit traditional villages, and enjoy amazing views from the Lassithi Plateau. If you ever wanted to really get away from the tourist trail, this Land Rover Safari in Crete is the way to go!

Heraklion Boat Trips: Afternoon Sailing Trip to Dia Island

Sailing between Greek islands is a memorable experience, especially so on this half day tour from Heraklion. Enjoy the journey, snorkel, swim, and tuck in to a tasty meal. If you want to find out more about experiencing life on the ocean waves in Greece, click through to read more about this boat trip in Crete.

• From Heraklion: Full-Day Gramvousa and Balos Tour

If the previous boat tour whetted your appetite for more sailing Crete tours from Heraklion, this one will take it to the next level! Picture crystal clear waters, a beautiful lagoon, and the chance to see the natural wildlife of Crete up close and personal. It isn't expensive either, especially considering it's a 12 hour boat trip. Read on to find out more.

Excursion from Heraklion: Chania, Lake Kournas and Rethymno Tour

This tour from Heraklion is ideal for people with limited time in Crete. During the day, you will get to see two other pretty towns which are Chania and Rethymno, as well as spending time at Lake Kournas. In addition to seeing some stunning landscapes, you will also have the chance to learn about the history of the area, take a ride in a pedalo and even go for a swim!

• Santorini: Full-Day Tour from Crete

If Santorini is on your bucket list and you can't get there any other way, this Santorini boat trip from Crete is the way to go. You'll get the views of a boat journey, have the chance to admire the stunning Cycladic architecture, and spend time at the two main towns of Fira and Oia in Santorini. Be prepared though... it is a long day!

• Samaria Gorge: Day Trip from Agia Pelagia, Heraklion & Malia

If you're after a little outdoor adventure during your vacation in Crete, this day trip to the Samaria Gorge from Heraklion should be top of your list. During the walk, you'll see a wild landscape as you walk through the majestic Gorge. I remember walking this as a kid with my parents, and loved it! Click through to find out more about this outdoor activity in Crete,

• Crete: Day Tour to the Island of Chrissi from Heraklion

There's a lot of competition when it comes to which island near Crete is the most beautiful. Chrissi island is a top contender, and I've actually got a separate article about it here on the blog. If crystal clear waters, a touch of paradise and Instagram moments to die for are your thing, you need to find out more about this tour right now!

• From Heraklion: Day Excursion to Elafonisi

Last, but certainly not least, is a day trip to Elafonisi from Heraklion. This is the most famous beach in Crete due to its incredible pinks sands. Whilst you can reach it on your own if you have your own vehicle, you might find it more convenient to take a day trip from Heraklion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Heraklion

These answers to commonly asked questions about Heraklion in Crete can help you plan your activities.

What are the best tours in Crete from Heraklion?

The 10 best tours of Crete from Heraklion are:

• Day Tour of Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos Elounda Plaka
• Heraklion: Afternoon Sailing Trip to Dia Island
• From Heraklion: Chania, Lake Kournas and Rethymno Tour

What are the best outdoor activities in Heraklion?

Popular sport activities in Heraklion include:

• Hiking / Trekking
• Scuba Diving
• Parasailing
• Helicopter tours

How many days do you need in Heraklion?

Three days in Heraklion (also known as Iraklio) is enough time to explore the city, appreciate its history, culture and cuisine, and also take a day trip to other parts of Crete such as the Samaria Gorge or Spinalonga.

Please pin this guide to Heraklion day trips

If you are a Pinterest user, why not pin this guide to day trips in Heraklion for later? This way you'll easily be able to find the best Crete tours from Heraklion again in the future.

Sign up for Free Greece Travel Guides

Did you enjoy this Heraklion travel guide, and are interested in more travel guides to Greece? Sign up for my guides below, and I'll send you out useful travel tips, advice, and guides so you can plan the perfect vacation in Greece!

More about Crete

You might also like these other travel blogs about Crete.

• Complete Crete travel guide
• Where to stay in Heraklion
• Do you need to rent a car in Heraklion?
• How much time do you need in Heraklion?
• Heraklion ferry port to Heraklion airport
• Transfers from Heraklion Airport to Rethymnon, Chania, and Beyond
• Heraklion Airport to Heraklion city center
• Palace of Knossos in Crete | Visit Knossos and enter the Minotaur’s lair!
• Crete sightseeing tours from Chania

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Visit Knossos

• Tour to Knossos

Visit Knossos – Extended Tour

Visit the museum of heraklion, visit knossos with your kids, knossos and the archaeological museum of heraklion, knossos – phaistos – gortyn, join a small group for your knossos tour, knossos – rethymnon – chania drop off, best of crete 3 days private round trip, book your tour, the concept of our website www.visitknossos.com is to make easy the booking of experienced and professional licensed guides / archaeologists, directly for your private tour and experience while on crete., welcome  to  visit   knossos, a website of tourist guides crete p.c – cretan tour experts boutique travel agency, organized by qualified professional licensed guides, specialized in private tours. ( registered trademark tgc  n254686 .). , our travel agency tourist guides crete p.c is a registered travel agency ( greek national tourism organization  gnto 1039 e 6000 02873 01),  organized by active professional experienced guides. we are also proud co- owners  of tourist guides aliance p.c, if a date is not available for a direct booking, contact us at [email protected], to find the best available time / appointment to avoid the crowds , book a private tour / licensed guide – archaeologist  for a tailor made experience., meet your qualified licensed guide – archaeologist  at knossos for a guided walking tour of the palace of king minos., make transportation arrangements – arrange arrival / departure  transfers – chauffeur service with a licensed guide.we have a team of associates with mini vans and mini busses, so feel free to contact us to hopefully accommodate your request, book private walking tours, wine tastings, culinary lessons, city tours, boat tours, archaeological sessions or seminars. ., transfers with a chauffeur / licensed guide – archaeologist, to maximize the experience and visit archaeological sites on the way …., private  guiding and transportation services upon request ( tours, transfers, for your group )., contact the guides directly  at [email protected] to arrange the ideal custom made itinerary for you and your friends or family  on crete.

• Join a small group – mini private tour  for an experience  with high standards – every day  at 17.00 – or contact us for other options available

We have realized, that many guests visiting Crete and mainly the prefecture of Heraklion, wish to visit the highlights of the Minoan civilization , the palace of legendary King Minos – Knossos and the new reorganized archaeological museum of Heraklion  (according to the reviews of the visitors , one of the best museums of Greece!). Our travel agency, Tourist Guides Crete P.C – Cretan Tour Experts Boutique Travel agency, focuses on how to make as easy as possible, the booking of a professional licensed guide in order to visit those two amazing archaeological highlights of the area of Heraklion . Book directly the services of a qualified licensed guide during your vacations on Crete and meet your qualified licensed guide at the desired site (main entrance of Knossos or main entrance of the archaeological museum of Heraklion). The service – to arrange an appointment and meet the qualified professional guide at the entrance of the desired site – can be arranged in many languages (English, German, Polish, Russian, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese) and of course upon request in other archaeological sites of the island (subject of availability/guide close to the requested area/site – send us an email at [email protected]).

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Covid19 free,  our personnel is fully vaccinated – and a strict protocol is followed to avoid transmission of covid.

TOURIST GUIDES CRETE P. C – CRETAN TOUR EXPERTS EOT REGISTRY No. MΗ.Τ.Ε 1039 E 6000 02873 01 mob. 0030 6976 497 675 – 0030 6981 86 86 72 PITSIDIA – CRETE 70200 HELLAS GEMH 149381427000 TOUR EXPERTS TOURIST GUIDES CRETE PRIVATE TOURS TRADEMARK N247056 – 5/01/2018 -1717/02-04-2018

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Frequently asked questions.

GuruWalk is an international community for pay-what-you-please walking tours that connects tourists with tour guides all around the world. Our mission is for you to be able to enjoy this type of tour in any place you can imagine.

The GuruWalk community is formed by "gurus" (local guides) who are open, attentive, fun people with great knowledge of the city and who will be your friends wherever you travel.

The other part of the community are the "walkers," or tourist who opt for this type of tour over the more traditional tours, who enjoy unforgettable experiences and most importantly, love to travel around the world doing guruwalks.

A "free walking tour" is a guided tour at a travel destination, where a local guide explains history, culture, and lifestyle. Currently, it is the first option that tourists choose when they visit a new city.

The concept can be a little confusing since "free" in English is a word that immediately makes you think free of cost. While becoming a part of the community, making a booking, or setting up a tour on the platform is 100% free, the traveler has to pay the guide at the end of the tour based on his experience. This concept is commonly referred to as a pay-what-you-please walking tour, because it empowers the client to pay based on their satisfaction with the tour and encourages the guide to always do their best.

At GuruWalk, we call them "guruwalks" so our walkers don’t get confused with the concept. Our intention is for them to understand the concept better and then give a fair remuneration to their Guru, so that we can all keep enjoying this type of tour all across the world.

Look for the city that you want to visit and then choose from all the guruwalks that are available, the different themed experiences, the different neighborhood and the various types of activities to find the best option for you. Book the tour for free through the online platform, receive the email confirmation with all the info and you’re ready to go!

All that’s left to do is show up to the guruwalk to enjoy and learn about other cultures in a fun and entertaining way. Don’t forget to tip your guru’s good work and have a great time.

The star question that the walkers always ask! You choose how much to give, you can take into consideration how satisfied you were with the tour and how much you can afford.

Our gurus are the best tour guides who are at it day after day, who are creating fun and entertaining tours so you can get to know the most important aspects of a city, they know a lot about the city you’re visiting and they’ll help you to have the trip of a lifetime.

This is why most walkers on GuruWalk generally give between 10 o 20€ per person, but as we said, you can choose to give more or less depending on your experience.

If you’d like to join our community of international gurus, all you have to do is click the link here. We’re waiting to get to know you!

Work as a free tour guide in GuruWalk .

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Heraklion Wine Tours

Best Experience Ever

Unforgettable  travel experiences  with a  positive  impact..

All Year Around

Knossos & wine tour experience.

Book and combine Knossos Palace Archaeological site with a winery visit with tastings including lunch at a local tavern in Archanes Village

Why Heraklion region

“heraklion region has the largest valleys of vineyards and olive groves on the island of crete. ”.

Crete boasts Europe’s, if not the world’s, most historic vineyard. Its enduring presence has left an indelible mark on the island’s productive and social life, evident through continuous documentation from early Minoan times to the present day. Archaeological and historical research validates its rich legacy. The vineyard stands as a living testament to Crete’s enduring viticulture heritage.

Why tour  with us

We are a hospitality-driven company offering bespoke private tours of Peza Valley and Dafnes Valley in the Heraklion Region. Each tour is customized and hosted by certified Guides with vast knowledge of wine and terroir. Our goal is to make the best possible experience for each of our guests. 

Uncharted Routes

Beautiful sceneries, excellent services.

Dafnes Valley Wine Tours

Experience an unforgettable day full of sun, nature, real people, and delicious varieties of native wines.

Peza Valley Wine Tours

Experience an unforgettable day full of sun, nature, real people, and delicious wines of indigenous varieties.

Travel & Discover

“unwind in nature’s embrace: discover the art of relaxation and pure enjoyment with a glass of exceptional wine”, check out all our experiences, the people who trusted us, are saying:.

Get a glimpse of what you can experience

Let us plan the perfect & relaxing day for you in Heraklion Valleys

Your sommelier guide will personally guide you through your day

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Romantic travel, enjoy the world with those you love.

Enjoy nature with a wine picnic in the heart of the vineyard .

Escape to the heart of Crete, Greece, for a unique vineyard experience. Under the shade of ancient olive trees, savor a guided wine tasting featuring Cretan wines and exquisite local cheeses. Immerse yourself in nature, culture, and culinary delights for an unforgettable journey.

A guided tour of the vineyards, cellar, and vine museum is included.

CHAMPAGNE & CAVIAR TASTING

Spoil yourself with a gourmet Champagne and caviar tasting, featuring our chef’s caviar collaboration and elegant accouterments. 

Sunset & bubbles

Champagne wishes & caviar dreams, preferred tour company of.

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'It feels inevitable at this point': A dominant Scottie Scheffler takes control of RBC Heritage

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If ever there was a week that the rest of the PGA TOUR thought it could get one over on Scottie Scheffler, it was this week.

Scheffler arrived at the RBC Heritage admittedly drained from an emotionally taxing Masters victory. He didn’t see Harbour Town Golf Links until Wednesday. His first time playing the front nine was during the first round.

Scheffler had already gone back-to-back once this year, winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard and THE PLAYERS Championship, but this was supposed to be the week. This was the week all the stress and energy of constantly being in contention would catch up; the tournament when Scheffler’s mind would assuredly be elsewhere, with his wife Meredith and their soon-to-be-born child back home.

Scheffler is proving circumstances and context don’t matter for him. The world No. 1 trailed by six shots after the first round and trimmed the deficit to three shots by the end of Friday. Then he carded a bogey-free 63 on Saturday that looked routine – expected, even. By day’s end, Scheffler was in first alone at 16-under, to nobody’s surprise. He is one round away from his fourth win in five starts.

Scottie Scheffler secures lead with birdie on No. 18 at RBC Heritage

A supremely talented group of chasers will hunt Scheffler. Sepp Straka is one back; Collin Morikawa is two behind. Masters runner-up Ludvig Åberg and Sahith Theegala are within three, with Patrick Cantlay and Rory McIlroy within earshot.

It might not matter. Not right now.

“I was going to say it's hard to go really low, but Scottie shot 8 or 9 (under) or whatever he did," Theegala said. “He doesn't count.”

It’s how it feels.

The normal rules don’t apply to Scheffler, and, although he plays the same course as his competitors, he has stood in a league of his own. There’s not much to suggest Sunday will go any different than Sundays of the last two months. Scheffler only elevated his performance when he was in this position. He co-led Bay Hill Club & Lodge after three rounds, then shot 66 on Sunday, the day's low round, to win by six. Scheffler tied the week's low round on Sunday at THE PLAYERS to come roaring back and win. And at Augusta National Golf Club last week, Scheffler stayed steady as the rest of the contenders fell victim to the Masters pressure, gliding to a four-shot victory.

“I think when I'm playing my best, sometimes it feels like I'm competing against myself a little bit out there, trying to keep pushing and stay as focused as I can,” Scheffler said. “I felt like the back nine Sunday last week was an example of that where I was just trying to keep pushing forward, pushing forward because the golf course is so challenging, anything can happen, and I wanted to build myself up a cushion.”

On the leaderboard, that cushion is just one stroke entering the final round. In the minds of the chasers, it’s likely more.

Scottie Scheffler's tidy approach leads to easy birdie at RBC Heritage

“I think we all expect him to play well, and there's nothing I can do about it,” said Åberg, who finished runner-up to Scheffler at the Masters. “All I try to do is focus on myself and make sure that I hit the shots the way I want to and then see where that takes me.”

“Yeah, it feels inevitable at this point,” said Patrick Rodgers, who is 13-under, three shots back. “His ball-striking is incredible. It's going to take -- for me to have a chance tomorrow, I'm going to have to play 18 great holes, and I'm looking forward to the challenge.”

To beat Scheffler, someone must put together a round that looked a lot like his third round. Scheffler made eight birdies and zero bogeys in a round that featured a bit of everything. He holed long putts, like his 36-foot birdie on No. 9. He also converted on six birdies from inside 10 feet. He birdied all three par 5s and two par 3s (both of which were among the five hardest holes of the day). Scheffler led the field in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee and Approach.

If Scheffler sounds unbeatable, it’s because he has been. Just one player has bested him since the beginning of March. He finished one stroke back of Stephan Jaeger at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, his lone defeat in this string of victories.

Nobody beat him through 54 holes in Hilton Head. Why will Sunday be any different?