Things to do in Paliani

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Paliani must see attractions

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.
Learn more
Heraklion Port showing 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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
Historical Museum of Crete featuring 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.
Learn more
Koules Fortress showing a castle and heritage architecture

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.
Learn more
Heraklion Loggia showing interior views and heritage architecture

Black Friday Sale

Limited-time deals: Save up to 50% on select hotels.
Book now

Recommended things to do in Paliani

Number of things to do
108
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Heraklion: Palace of Knossos 3D Virtual Audio Tour by Tablet: $8
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Paliani

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Paliani? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Paliani

Heraklion Port showing a marina

Heraklion Port

4.5/5(139 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(126 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(100 reviews)

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

Heraklion Archaeological Museum
The Throne Room of Knossos, Crete island, is the oldest throne room in Europe, it was built during the 15th century BC for ceremonial purposes.

Knossos Archaeological Site

4.5/5(27 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Knosos when you stop by Knossos Archaeological Site. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Knossos Archaeological Site
Historical Museum of Crete featuring street scenes

Historical Museum of Crete

4.5/5(48 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 a castle and heritage architecture

Koules Fortress

4.5/5(44 reviews)

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

Koules Fortress
Heraklion Loggia showing interior views and heritage architecture

Heraklion Loggia

4.5/5(11 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(43 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(33 reviews)

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

Natural History Museum of Crete

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Paliani

Heraklion which includes general coastal views

Heraklion

Frequently asked questions

Is Paliani worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor adventures, there are loads of great things to do in Paliani. Be sure to experience the area's mix of cool sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Paliani?
Start your day with a visit to Shrine at Anemospilia and Gortyna. Then, explore other parts of Paliani for local dining and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Paliani?
The top tourist attraction in Paliani is Gortyna, so don't forget to include it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Paliani?
If you only want to see the leading attractions, three days will be a good amount of time for an escape to Paliani. Book for a week or longer for the chance to really appreciate the local vibe, visit nearby highlights and discover a few hidden gems.
What are some activities to do in Paliani with kids?
Deciding what to do in Paliani with kids has never been simpler. Whether you have little ones or teenagers, there are many family-friendly sights and activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Paliani for adults?
Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas is one of the main things to do in Paliani. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Paliani?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Paliani. If you need new ideas, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Shrine at Anemospilia is a must for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing adventures.