What to do in Venerato

Activities, attractions and tours

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Top places to visit

1. Heraklion Port

Sit on a harbor wall at Heraklion Port and watch fishing boats bobbing on the sparkling Cretan waters. Visit the ancient fort that protected the harbor and see the old walls that have stood here for over 400 years. Sample local cuisine at one of the many restaurants near the water’s edge. Watch the coming and going of the small ferries that run between the Greek islands or book a passage on one and enjoy a daytrip away from the mainland.
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Heraklion Port which includes a marina

2. Palace of Knossos

Walk through the chambers of Minoan kings and queens at Knossos and marvel at the grandeur of the ancient buildings. Explore the labyrinthine layout and learn the story of what happened to the mythical architect, Daedalus. Take a tour to find out what treasures have been discovered here since excavations began.
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Take a tour around one of Europe’s most spectacular archaeological sites, where Greek myths have been made and great treasures discovered.

3. Heraklion Archaeological Museum

View over 5,500 years of pottery, artwork, tools and weapons when you visit Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Plan to spend time in the Minoan exhibit, which is widely acknowledged as being the best of its kind in the world. Discover Neolithic tools and statues, objects traded with the Egyptians and notable Roman artworks and frescoes too.
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Heraklion Archaeological Museum showing street scenes

4. Historical Museum of Crete

Pay a visit to the Historical Museum of Crete and chart the city’s fascinating past from early Christian times through to the modern day. View spectacular Byzantine artwork, visit the writing room of one of Greece’s most famous literary heroes and learn about the Cretan struggle for independence. See how the folk arts of the Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman periods have all influenced each other. Don’t miss the museum’s prize attractions: two paintings by the great Spanish Renaissance artist Doménikos Theotokópoulos, better known as El Greco.
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Historical Museum of Crete which includes street scenes

5. Koules Fortress

Stand inside Koules Fortress and look out across the Heraklion harbor just as sentries who guarded the city from attack over 500 years ago would have done. Visit the soldiers’ barracks and prison and see where the cannons were positioned to fire upon approaching enemy vessels. Don’t miss the impressive marble reliefs depicting St. Mark’s lion, the symbol of Venice, on three of the walls of the fortress.
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Koules Fortress showing heritage architecture and a castle

6. Heraklion Loggia

Visit the Heraklion Loggia and admire the blend of Ionic and Doric architectures that harken back to the time when the city was ruled by the Venetians. Imagine noblemen holding meetings in the columned halls or enjoying a performance in the open arcade area. Look for details such as the reliefs of lions and coats of arms and admire the excellent restoration on this ancient building.
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Heraklion Loggia featuring interior views and heritage architecture

7. Morosini Fountain

Stop in Lions Square and admire the beautiful carvings of Morosini Fountain. Imagine the locals nearly four centuries ago filling up their water carriers from the fountain’s lobes and watching as the water gushed from the mouths of the four lions that hold the central basin. Stop for a coffee or a meal in one of the many cafés that line the square and enjoy people-watching as locals and visitors alike make their way through Heraklion’s busiest square.
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Morosini Fountain showing a fountain

What to do in Venerato

Popular places to visit

Heraklion Port which includes a marina

Heraklion Port

4/5(104 reviews)

Spend an afternoon wandering around this ancient harbor and admiring the fortress and ancient walls or take a trip to one of the nearby islands.

Heraklion Port
Palace of Knossos

Palace of Knossos

4.5/5(83 reviews)

Take a tour around one of Europe’s most spectacular archaeological sites, where Greek myths have been made and great treasures discovered.

Palace of Knossos
Heraklion Archaeological Museum showing street scenes

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

4.5/5(57 reviews)

One of Europe’s most important museums has five millennia of Cretan history on display, including the exceptional Minoan exhibit.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Knossos Archaeological Site

Knossos Archaeological Site

4.5/5(30 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Knosos with a visit to Knossos Archaeological Site. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Knossos Archaeological Site
Historical Museum of Crete which includes street scenes

Historical Museum of Crete

4.5/5(24 reviews)

Trace the history of this ancient town through its numerous periods and discover traditional art and fascinating stories.

Historical Museum of Crete
Koules Fortress showing heritage architecture and a castle

Koules Fortress

4/5(20 reviews)

The prominent symbol of Heraklion, this imposing fortress by the harbor has protected the city for over 500 years.

Koules Fortress
Heraklion Loggia featuring interior views and heritage architecture

Heraklion Loggia

4/5(23 reviews)

Take a look around this stunning Venetian monument, also the site of the Heraklion town hall.

Heraklion Loggia
Morosini Fountain showing a fountain

Morosini Fountain

4/5(37 reviews)

Don’t miss this ornate fountain in Heraklion’s central square, which once brought daily drinking water to thousands of inhabitants.

Morosini Fountain
Natural History Museum of Crete

Natural History Museum of Crete

4.5/5(13 reviews)

Don’t miss the chance to learn about Crete’s unique natural environment at this excellent modern museum.

Natural History Museum of Crete

Frequently asked questions

Is Venerato worth visiting?
Whether you plan to experience the local charm and cultural highlights or sample unique foods and go on outdoor adventures, there are plenty of things to do in Venerato.
How do I spend a day in Venerato?
Start your day with a visit to Gortyna and Shrine at Anemospilia. Then, tour different areas of Venerato for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Venerato?
Don't leave without visiting Gortyna, ranked the top tourist attraction in Venerato.
Is three days enough to stay in Venerato?
Three days is plenty for a quick escape to Venerato — you'll tick off the main attractions and get a good feel for the place. But if you want to truly soak it all in, stick around for at least seven to ten days to explore the surrounding areas too.
What are some activities to do in Venerato with kids?
Whether you're travelling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a fun-filled itinerary makes a big difference. Browse our ideas for what to do in Venerato with kids.

What to do in Venerato for adults?
Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas is one of the main things to do in Venerato. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Venerato?
From checking out parks to wandering around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Venerato. If you need new ideas, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Shrine at Anemospilia is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their travelling adventures.