How to spend top weekend in Heraklion - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

Exciting Tour of the Kules Fortress

Take a walk near the Kules Fortress during daylight hours. It has protected Heraklion from invading the Turkish military in the past. You will take a breath of fresh air and enjoy the amazing view of the sea. After that, you will go up to the fortress. You will look at the passing ships and ferries. You can get to Kules from 9 am to 3 pm on any day of the year.

Have Fun in Water City

Aquapark Water City is an open-air water park in Hersonissos. It is located 15 kilometers from Heraklion. It is open to the public every day from 10 am to 6 pm from the beginning of April until the end of October. You will pay 25 euros for the entrance ticket. You can have a fun day here. You will drift along a "slow" river, sitting on a large yellow inflatable pillow. You will also make a descent from 30 slides. Some of them are closed. You will have the opportunity to swim in one of the 13 pools.

If you want more thrills, then jump into the water from a bungee or try a steep slope. It is designed for pair skating. You should also visit a special tube, swim in the pool with waves reaching a height of 1.5 meters, and ride on the hydraulic pipe. You will feel a free fall here. You can also take advantage of the breathtaking rides "Little Cyclone", "Black Hole" and "Red Hole". Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Water and Underwater Entertainment

If you want diving, go to the beaches Trafalis and Palekastro. They are located near Heraklion. You can also visit the village of Agia Pelagia. There is a diving center here. There is a small island Diya 12 kilometers from the city port. You will get here in a small boat. You will pay 10 euros. You will admire the beauty of the underwater world by scuba diving or snorkeling here.

You can also go water skiing and canoeing in the surrounding area of Heraklion. You will go windsurfing, conquering the waves. They are constantly present on the coast in the northern part of Crete due to the wind. The beaches of Linoperamata, Amoudara, and Malia are the most suitable for this type of active recreation. There is a water entertainment center here. You will visit the windsurfing school here.

Conquer the Gorges of Heraklion

There are many picturesque gorges in the vicinity of the city. Therefore, if you like extreme outdoor activities, then try to conquer at least one of them. Samaria is the most famous gorge. It can be visited from the beginning of May to the end of October. The entrance fee is 5 euros. You will take the bus from Heraklion and get here in 3.5 hours. The length of the route that you have to overcome is 18 kilometers. The time of its passage will be from 4 to 8 hours. The duration of the trip will depend only on the speed of your walk.

You will see colorful rocks, centuries-old pines, beautiful flowers, and rapid water flow during a hike. You will also take wonderful photos. You will relax on the shores of the Libyan Sea when you completely pass the gorge. However, if you do not want to take a long walk, then take a short route. It starts from Agia Roumeli and ends at the narrowest point of the gorge – Sideroportes.

Tour of the Cave of Zeus

The beautiful cave of Zeus is located in the mountains near Heraklion. It also called Diktaean Cave. You will have to climb the trail on foot to get into it. This will require some physical effort from you. You can also go this way on a donkey. Don't forget to bring a jacket and shoes that don't slip. It is quite humid and cool inside the natural attraction. Once inside the cave, you will walk 800 meters under the illuminated stone vaults. You will look at bizarre stalactites and stalagmites of different colors and shapes, including the "Mantle of Zeus". You will also admire a small underground reservoir.

Ride a Horse

If you leave Heraklion by car, you will reach Hersonissos in 15 minutes. You will rent a horse at the Finikia riding center here. You will go for a walk along the picturesque seashore. You will enjoy the beauty of nature and communicate with a graceful animal during it. You will ride along the coast and get to the village. You will get acquainted with the traditions of the villagers and taste the local cuisine here.