Things to do in Ayía Varvára

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.