museum
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
One of the greatest museums in Europe, housing the world's finest collection of Minoan art and artifacts from Crete's Bronze Age palaces.
1 km · about 5 min drive
EuropeGreeceCrete
Irákleion
Crete, Greece · Europe
About Irákleion
Irákleion is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Vassilies, 4km from Palace of Knossos.
Irákleion is in Crete, Greece, with about 140,000 people. You drive on the right here. The nearest town is Vassilies, about 6 km away.
Where to Stay in Irákleion
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Irákleion?
Within an hour or so of Irákleion: Heraklion Archaeological Museum (1 km), Palace of Knossos (4 km), CRETAquarium (13 km), Spinalonga Island (54 km).
Are there any good drives near Irákleion?
The nearest famous roads are Kourtaliotiko Gorge Road.
Where is Irákleion?
Irákleion is in Crete, Greece, about 6 km from Vassilies.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 137,154
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- Greece
- Region
- Crete
- Timezone
- Europe/Athens
- Coordinates
- 35.3279, 25.1434
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in Greece
Tourist police (English-speaking): 171.
Full driving guide for GreeceTags
Worth the detour from Irákleion
4 notable places within an hour's drive.
ancient ruins
Palace of Knossos
The largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and ceremonial center of the Minoan civilization, associated with the myth of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur.
4 km · about 5 min drive
landmark
CRETAquarium
Mediterranean-focused aquarium in Crete showcasing the rich marine biodiversity of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
13 km · about 25 min drive
castle
Spinalonga Island
A fortified islet off Crete with Venetian ramparts, once a leper colony, now one of Greece's most atmospheric historical sites.
54 km · about 60 min drive
Driving roads near Irákleion
- 63 kmKourtaliotiko Gorge RoadCliff-hugging Cretan road descending through the Kourtaliotiko Gorge toward Preveli, with vultures wheeling overhead, springs in the canyon floor and Libyan Sea views at the exit.
Driving in Greece
- Drives on
- the right
- Petrol
- ~€1.88/litre
- Motorway tolls
- ~€7.00/100km
When to drive here
April to October
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