Free Things to Do in Heraklion That You Will Truly Enjoy!

Discover a world of culture, history, and relaxation with these incredible free things to do in Heraklion that will make your visit both memorable and budget-friendly!

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Crete on a Budget: Free Things to Do in Heraklion

No matter whether you are on a strict budget or not, it’s always great to save a few bucks, isn’t it? The city of Heraklion has so many things to offer and — believe me — some of them will not cost you a cent! So, check out these things to do in Heraklion for free, or for a very small fee. You will learn more about the city and enjoy the best of it without spending a fortune!

Visit the Churches in Heraklion

One of the best ways to learn about Heraklion’s heritage is through a visit to some of the churches, monasteries, and cathedrals that you’ll find in the region. Spend some time admiring the beautiful interiors and the precious masterpieces sheltered inside some of Heraklion’s religious buildings.

SAINT MARK’S BASILICA
The former Saint Mark’s Basilica is an imposing Venetian building that currently houses the Municipal Art Gallery of Crete and offers both permanent and temporary exhibitions of famous Cretan artists. 

You can spend up to two hours enjoying the works of great masters that captured the scenes of everyday Cretan life, as well as landscapes, religious events, and much more. The entrance to the building is free of charge.

AGIOS MINAS CATHEDRAL
Don’t overlook the Cathedral of Agios Minas, the largest and most important cathedral on the island and the Seat of the Archbishop of Crete and the largest cathedral on the island (and among the biggest ones in Greece). It features amazing mosaics, astonishing murals, and golden chandeliers that won’t let you be indifferent!

The church was built from 1862 to 1895, however the works were interrupted between 1866 and 1869, the years of the Cretan Revolution. A few steps from the main entrance, you can also spot a small, ancient also dedicated to Agios Minas.

AGIOS TITOS
Last, but not least, take some time to explore the Church of Agios Titos. The place was first built as a mosque in the 19^th century, which explains its unusual form for an Orthodox church. 

Right opposite the church, there is a big square where locals usually gather, behind the building, there’s a lovely garden ideal for a short break during a hot sunny day.

SAINT PETER AND SAINT PAUL MONASTERY
A unique monastery unexpectedly located in the center of Heraklion, built during the first years of the Venetian rule (around the 12th century). It was originally the katholikon of a former Dominican monastery.

During the Venetian domination, the monastery became the final resting place of important citizens, however, when the Ottoman Empire conquered the island, the temple was made into a mosque and a minaret was added to the structure, just as many other churches in Crete.

>> If you want to explore other impressive churches, drive west to the nearby village of Fodele, (about 30 minutes from Heraklion) to admire a great example of Byzantine art, the gorgeous Byzantine church of the Panagia. Here, you can also visit the El Greco Museum

Discover Heraklion’s Architecture

You can easily call Heraklion an open-air museum as it features some really unique buildings, most of them free to see. Let’s take a look at some of them

ARESNALS & VENETIAN WALLS OF HERAKLION
The fortifications of Heraklion were first were built in Byzantine times but totally rebuilt by the Venetians, This historic landmark withstood the longest siege in history, which lasted 21 years, before the city of Candia fell to the Ottoman Empire in 1669. Heraklion’s fortifications are largely intact and are some of the best preserved Venetian fortifications in Europe.

The Arsenals are located south of the Koules (Fortress). These vaulted elongated were used by the Venetians to manufacture, repair or kept their vessels. Next to Arsenals there was a salt storage and a large water tank.

Located on top of Martinengo Bastion, the highest point of the Walls of Heraklion, it is also possible to visit Nikos Kazantzakis’ tomb, the final resting place of one of the most important Greek writers of all times.

MOROSINI FOUNTAIN
Relax by the iconic Morosini Fountain and discover all the nearby streets with great examples of Venetian and Ottoman Architecture. Located at Eleftherios Venizelos Square (usually known as Lions Square), Morosini Fountain or Liontaria is a Venetian fountain built 1628 by General Francesco Morosini during the Venetian Rule.

It main furpose was to bring water to the city center from Mount Giuchtas. The fountain features eight cisterns and is decorated with lions and other mythological creatures .

VENETIAN LOGGIA
Walk along 25th of August street to visit the Venetian Loggia, a building that has been perfectly restored to showcase its past glory. You can also visit some of the areas inside to check where the offices of nobles were used once upon a time. 

Considered among the most picturesque Venetian monuments on the island, the Loggia was build by Francesco Morosini in 1628. It was here where aristocrats and rulers would discuss and agree on matters regarding the social, financial and commercial aspects of the city. The building combines Dorian and Ionian architectural stiles while it is inspired on the buildings designed by Palladio, the prestigious Renaissance architect from Padua (Venetian Republic).

BEMBO FOUNTAIN & TURKISH SEBIL
A few steps from the street market on 1866 Street, two interesting structures will call your attention, the first of them is known as the Hatsi Ibrahim Agha Sebil. This was a public fountain (sebil) usually built on the street made for passers-by who could bless the builder (usually an important or rich Turk) after drinking water.

In the same area, you can check the Venetian Bembo Fountain (built in 1554) which was named after the Venetian Governor (Provveditore Generale) of Heraklion Gianmatteo Bembo. The fountain features a small basin and the headless statue of a Roman official and has Venetian coats of arms.

ROCCA A MARE
Of course, you cannot miss a walk along the seafront and admire the ancient Rocca a Mare (known as Koules during the Turkish Era), a Venetian castle at the entrance of the old port built by the Republic of Venice in the early 16th century.

The fortress features wide walls (about 9 meters thick in some sections) and three entrances. The fortress also features barracks, a prison, storage rooms, a water reservoir, a mill and a church.

Heraklion Free Walking Tour

This is a unique opportunity to learn about the interesting and inspiring stories of the city’s past and present. The tour is completely free, and you will also access some areas without any fee. Get in touch with them via mail: 1618freetour@gmail.com.

Eat Your Way Through the Central Market

Visiting a street market is a perfect opportunity to feel the local atmosphere, it is something free to do in Heraklion but be careful, it might be tempting to start buying some of the delicious fresh products you will see on display! Check the wide selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, homemade cheese, wine, olives, and much more.

The entrance is free but I can’t guarantee that you won’t spend some Euros there! It’s really difficult to resist the temptation of buying at least some of all that deliciousness. But here is a tip: Ask to try the food. You will be surprised but is a common practice to try everything even if eventually you won’t buy anything. And believe me, after such a sumptuous sampling session can easily finish up with a full belly.

The Market is open daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visit the Archeological Museum and Knossos for Free!

Yes, you read it right! These two major landmarks in Heraklion can be visited for free on specific dates. Here is the list, check if you’re visiting the city on those days or plan accordingly!

• 6 March (in memory of Melina Mercouri)
• 18 April (Monuments Day)
• 18 May (Museums Day)
• The last weekend of September(European Heritage Days)
• 28 October (National Holiday in Greece)
• Every first Sunday of the month between November 1st and March 31st

Carefully check your schedule… maybe you’ll be lucky to plan your visit on one of these days.

Discover the Villages in the Region (One of the Most Interesting Things to Do in Heraklion!)

Nothing better than embarking on a road trip and discovering the picturesque villages near Heraklion. This is an unforgettable experience to witness everyday Cretan life and feel like a local. Take these places into account when planning a road trip:

AGIOI DEKA
Check this picturesque village is located in the green Messara plain. It features colorful stone houses as well as a small church with some delicate and refined wooden iconostasis.

Get in Touch with Nature: Go Hiking

AGIA ANASTASIA GORGE
Why not check this small but very picturesque gorge not far from Heraklion? The gorge is named after the cavernous chapel of Agia Anastasia in the same area. Here, the water leaking from the roof of the cave is considered to have healing properties and to work miracles.

Always check with locals to learn about events and festivals that might be going on at the time of your visit. They can be cheap and valid entertainment ways to have fun in Crete, especially in summer! Ready to discover Crete on a budget?

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How to to Explore Heraklion on a Budget

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