The Herakleion Archaeological Museum is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece, and among the most important museums in Europe. It houses representative artefacts from all the periods of Cretan prehistory and history, covering a chronological span of over 5,500 years from the Neolithic period to Roman times.

The singularly important Minoan collection contains unique examples of Minoan art, many of them true masterpieces. The Herakleion Museum is rightly considered as the museum of Minoan culture par excellence worldwide.

The museum, located in the town centre, was built between 1937 and 1940 by architect Patroklos Karantinos on a site previously occupied by the Roman Catholic monastery of Saint-Francis which was destroyed by earthquake in 1856. The museum's antiseismic building is an important example of modernist architecture and was awarded a Bauhaus commendation. Karantinos applied the principles of modern architecture to the specific needs of a museum by providing good lighting from the skylights above and along the top of the walls, and facilitating the easy flow of large groups of people. He also anticipated future extensions to the museum.

The colours and construction materials, such as the veined polychrome marbles, recall certain Minoan wall-paintings which imitate marble revetment. The two-storeyed building has large exhibition spaces, laboratories, a drawing room, a library, offices and a special department, the so-called Scientific Collection, where numerous finds are stored and studied. The museum shop, run by the Archaeological Receipts Fund, sells museum copies, books, postcards and slides. There is also a cafe.

A sandy beach in front of the little village of Kalamaki. Along the beach you will find restaurants and cafes.

The monastery was founded in the 16th or 17th century and has a long history. It is located in a lush and verdant landscape.

Today the monastery is deserted, but there is a museum of ecclesiastical documents, vestments, etc.

After leaving the monastery, the visitor can reach on foot the beautiful beach of Preveli.

This Minoan city was one of the two ports of Phaistos. This small in size but also important archaeological site is located next to the beautiful beach of Kommos.

The beach of Matala has been occupied since ancient times. The settlers back then carved a set of caves in the soft rock of the mountain. During a period these same caves were inhabited by hippies who made them famous worldwide. The beach provides umbrellas and sunbeds. In the village there are tourist shops, restaurants, cafes and bars.

A beautiful beach with pebbles and a small natural bay on the eastern side. West of the beach are the rocks from which it got its name. The beach has sunbeds, umbrellas and a small tavern.