Knossos Palace is a must see if you're interested in the history of the Minoan civilization and Bronze Age here in Crete. Beware that there are tour guides that will try to offer you their service and they charge quite a bit. We were told that the normal cost earlier in the day is €100 for a family of four. We were there later in the day, so our guide offered us a price of €70 and we negotiated down to €60. The tour lasted about an hour and ten minutes. Although tour guides give you the key details, you might want to supplement your tour with a guide book and walk through a second time. It just seemed like we missed some interesting details. There are very few plaques or signs that provide info about what you're seeing. Note: you can buy Combination tickets that are good for both the Archaeological Museum and the Palace, for up to three days. They cost €20 per person. Our children entered for free based on age and residence. Overall, I feel that this is a place to see once, so make the most of it!

For the history, this place is incredible! We walked right up and didn’t have to wait to buy tickets! If you are taking a stroller, it will be a challenge, so keep this in mind. It’s incredible and the history makes it worth the visit! It’s very well preserved and you can discover it at your own pace. Make sure to you take a look at the throne room. Guided tours are available right when you arrive, if of interest!

A beautiful place with a piece of history. I recommend buying tickets in advance at the Archaeological Museum, which thematically perfectly combines with the Minoan Palace (the price for a combined ticket for an adult is 20 euros). In the afternoon the place wasn't that crowded, with only occasional groups of people in the most interesting places.

We went on a Sunday, entrance is free on a Sunday. You need a guide or a detailed account of the site to get any real feel for it. The site has been quite brutally reconstructed and it rips the authenticity out of it. I appreciate it's a tourist location and it needs to create interest, just don't go there thinking you're going to see Ephesus or the Parthenon.

One of the most historic sites on the planet. Firstly you enter the park tickets are 8€ during off season btw Nov - March 21st. When you finish paying the entrance fee you are greeted by a guide, if you'd like a private tour for an additional cost you can partake but I choose the virtual tour. To use the virtual tour download the app at the gate, there should be a qr code present for you to do so.

This site is incredible, but I recommend arriving when it first opens to avoid crowds. I also highly recommend arranging for a tour guide that is familiar and trained in the Palace. There are informational signs, but having a guide makes the experience that much more interesting. There are a ton of peacocks that live here permanently as well as some very friendly cats. It's amazing to stand in rooms that are thousands of years old. A great destination for history enthusiasts.

The palace wasn’t either surprising nor extraordinary, at all, the tickets were quite expensive, I wouldn’t say it’s much worth it. We were definitely expecting something better than just a few renewed ruins, but after all it’s been built nearly 3 thousand years ago, which is really cool. If you have the time and money, I believe it’s worth taking a visit

Not a lot of reality left here. The museum has all of the statues, and the English Archaeologist recreated sections of the temple as he saw fit. Many sections were closed off today so you could not get to the whole site. The ruins in Athens are better preserved and more original in nature. Visit the museum!

An excellent experience for ancient history on Crete. Ticket booths and washrooms were organized and easy to navigate. Washrooms were very clean. Thankfully there are shady areas on site if you are visiting during the peak heat of the day. Very limited free parking adjacent to the entrance. Plan to spend around 1 - 2 hours max at the site.

A must-see if you're visiting Crete. There's lots to explore and take photos of. Depending on how much you like to explore, you could easily spend hours here. Highly recommend getting a tour guide if you're in a group. The guides usually hang around the entrance and usually charge around €100 for the tour.

Amazing piece of history! If you are a bit of a history buff, I would definitely recommend this place. Beautiful stunning views, whilst standing on ancient ruins, what could be better! Definitely buy tickets in advance, though, as there was a very long queue.

Beautiful place to visit, but we encountered at least 3 rude staff when we visited and was made to made to purchase a ticket for our 4 year old because we hadn't got out passports on us! (Make sure you have these on you as he should have been free entry). Beautiful surrounding scenery and you can arrange a guided tour.

This site is not the best ruins site I have ever visited. I personnally prefer much more Roma/Italy for ruins. However, I enjoyed discovering the site with kids. - Large touristic groups. - Entrance ticket 15.- Eur. - We have done the complete tour within 1.5hours with 2 small kids and taking our time.

The entrance is €15 for an adult, which is entirely warranted. If you're not going at a busy time, don't bother with buying tickets online, they are only more expensive. The palace is huge, expect to spend towards two hours. Definitely worth your time! I have added a few sample photos 📸, they are probably not representative.

Wonderful site good way to spend a morning or afternoon. Not as big as I was expecting and busy small passages that should be one way but people seem to be walking everywhere which makes it difficult to stop and enjoy the view .a lot was closed off like the royal rooms but very informative from our tour guide .definitely pre book a tour and we had tablets to get a 3d view .

To appreciate the monument, scale, technical achievement, history etc, we think you need to spend longer than the 1 hour most guided tours offer when combined with a day/1/2 day tour. We spent 2-3 hours walking around, sitting quietly and also eating our picnic lunch. Lots of online background info to help appreciate the site and history. Public bus from the central bus station every 15 mins. Buying tickets from the kiosk at the bus stop cheaper than on the bus. In some ways the most impressive structure, for me is the one most visitors will take for granted, the quadrangle/concourse.

Ancient archaeological sites are worth a visit, especially Knossos. Visited over 20 years ago, and recently returned during a family holiday on Crete. It is impressive how advanced the Minoan civilization had become. As one tours the site, either guided or self tour, the Palace and surrounding grounds are captivating. With a bit of imagination, Theseus, the Minotaur and Daedalus’ labyrinth almost come to life (if you like mythology!). Just a travel tip: During high season, there can be long lines and extra wait times to enter exhibits. It’s recommended to carry additional water and some good walking shoes.

Absolutely incredible! There is easy access parking next to some shops and food so if you're hungry or want a souvenir you are set. The actual site is amazing! A must see in crete.

Modern touch on ancient palace during restoration after discovery. because of the restoration, it's not good enough to register as a UNESCO cultural asset, but it's good for tourist.

The palace was a very unique place to visit extremely important in Europe and in the Mediterranean. The cost is eight euros per person. Be aware of the tour even though it was very informative. It was very expensive. We were told 50, and then after the tour started, the non sanctioned guide said another 50 at the end. Apparently, they're not part of the Palace staff.

My partner and I visited Knossos with another couple in early March 2024. In the parking lot, before the entance, we were accosted by locals charging 25 euros per person for a guided tour. We declined and discovered the site was well-signed in Greek and English. There was little chance of getting lost. The entrance fee was only 6 euros pp. We all found the site interesting and it was fun to explore. After reading many myths about the Minotaur, I was disappointed to not find the legendary labyrinth. An amorous peacock entertained us as we were leaving.

Situated 5 km south of Heraklion, the majestic Knossos Palace traces its origins back to the Neolithic era, with its most notable development phase occurring during the Minoan period. As the cornerstone of the Minoan civilization, Knossos Palace held significant importance and was highly esteemed. Present day visitors can meander through the captivating remnants of this ancient palace, offering history aficionados a wealth of insights. Its remarkably preserved state provides an enchanting window into the everyday life of the Minoans. Besides being an architectural marvel, Knossos was considered a mystical location by King Minos who, according to legend, purportedly kept the Minotaur within a labyrinth here. There are limited opening hours in the off season but if you go, you'll have the whole place to yourself!

Great museum and very beautiful items and displays. The only part I didn't like was that I paid full price for a ticket and the Greek/roman statue section was closed and I wasn't told when purchasing which I feel warrants a cheaper price. Takes a while to get around also and if you want to visit the place the artifacts are from (mostly Knossos palace) you can buy the dual ticket and get the number 2 bus. Well worth a trip to both.

This is a must visit museum! It is one of the best museums I’ve ever visited and it is the most important museum to learn about the ancient Minoan culture, history, artwork and artifacts. The selection of items were very extensive, and they were carefully curated both in Greek and English. It is also unique because these are not items you can find in other museums in the world. What’s so impressive to me was how carefully preserved these items were. Or perhaps some of these were carefully restored but one would never think that some were from 4-5000 years ago. I do notice that some people touch some of the artifacts which frustrated me. Perhaps it would be wise to section off some of those items so that they cannot be damaged. There is an app that goes with tours for the museum. However, I find the app a little bit confusing, but nonetheless, you can read up more on certain items carefully after your visit. This museum requires 3 to 4 hours at least to carefully see, and absorb all the information. I highly recommend visiting this museum.

The place is quite big. There are 2 floors. Plenty of exhibits. The customer service is excellent. The museum is in the heart of the city, so parking is somewhat difficult to find. In short, the place is good, but I have seen some better museums in my life.

An interesting, affordable (6 euros)museum that we completed in less than an hour. Watch for Ginger the resident cat who lures you in with her meowing affections and nips you when you fall for her wiles lol. It was nice respite from the pouring march rains. Staff were friendly and offered to store our bags of purchases. A no frills indoor cafeteria Should you need a drink or snack. They allow you to bring bottled water as you walk in the museum

A must have for your visit at Héraklion. Recommended to visit it before going to Kronoss. If you want to see everything clearly, prepare a bottle of water in the bag and the whole afternoon.

Absolutely loved going here ❤️. Why I haven't been here all these years, I'll never know (oh yes, covid came and we had lock downs). On a happier note, I took loads of pictures, it was all so fascinating. I think if anyone plans to go to Knossos Palace, it is a good idea to come here first. I wish I had, as my visit to Knossos Palace would have made way more sense, and I could have placed the objects I saw at the museum, that Knossos.

If you've been to the palace first, then it makes sense to see the museum. But otherwise it's just full of hundreds of clay bulls! But if you know the background then it adds the context as to why they're important. The staff are like boring lifeguards, we got told off so many times for pointing, getting to close to items on display, loitering, laughing to loudly & taking photos posing next to statue's where photos are allowed (see pictures attached)! So it took the fun out of being there.

This new archaeological museum has so much to see it's almost impossible to absorb everything in one visit. It's simply mind-blowing for all you history geeks out there. I don't remember the entrance fee but it wasn't much, less than 10 euros, I think. Go! Immerse yourself into it! Take enough time to really enjoy everything this beautiful museum has to offer.

Lovely museum with treasures and artifacts from Minoan civilization, from the Palace at Knossos and all over Crete. Well organised with ample air-conditioning. It takes about 2 hours for the whole museum. The statues at the last portion of the museum are stunning.

Breathtakingly beautiful exhibition. You'd question what happened to the human race for the past 5000 years, as ancient Greeks arguably make more modern, exquisite and imaginative art works! It's worth highlighting that the official mobile app of the museum is incredibly helpful - out of all the museums I've visited these years, including the British Museum and Athens Archeology Museum, I'd say this museum's app is the most clear, informative and easy to use one. Makes the visit a lot more guided.

Ein guter Ort um sich die Geschichte anzusehen. Man kann hier entspannt das Museum besuchen und es ist auch nicht so überladen. Wir haben eine Führung gebucht und das war sehr hilfreich. Kann ich nur empfehlen. Wir habeb uns dort mit Führung ca. 1,5 Stunden aufgehalten. (Translated by Google) A good place to see history. You can visit the museum here in a relaxed manner and it is not too cluttered. We booked a tour and that was very helpful. I can only recommend. We spent about 1.5 hours there with a guide.

Amazing collection of VERY ancient pottery, sculpture, metals works, burial items and art. So much of each type and many/most in beautiful condition! The galleries are laid out very well so that it's easy to follow the chronology, with helpful brief info cards for everything. I've been to a few, and this is a great mid-sized local museum. Astounding exhibits!

Great atmosphere, love that you can see how they decorated their Palace.

Absolutely stunning. I spent 3 hours and was amazed by the amount of artful pottery, jewelry and weapons produced by the Minoan. If you really want to understand what live was like 4000 years ago at the time if the Knossos palace you have to come here and dive into the fascinating history.

The Lux Local Organic Museum Do the Palace of Knossos before coming here, if you want to have a greater appreciation for the history and adventure that lead to many of these artifacts being featured in this museum. It is incredible that there is so much in this museum despite being up to 5,000 years old. My mind was blown that the ancient Greeks saw the Minoans as we see the ancient Greeks. This multi tiered layers of history and mythology have shaped the western world from sports to religion. A true local and healthy feast for the eyes, mind and spirit.

There is a combined ticket for visiting the museum and Knossos. We only found out about it after visiting Knossos. The museum was great! We really enjoyed the exposition and the layout. We felt that this is a must if you really want to get an idea of the artefacts found in Knossos and other archaeological sites. We rushed so we only had an hour, I wish we had at least 2.

This was a great place to visit. I bought a combined ticket to here and Knossos. There are so many artifacts here and it really takes you through the history of Crete. There's a lot of great information about the place. I could've spent a lot longer here but I went on my last day in Crete and was pretty tired. Would definitely recommend visiting.

Excellent museum with clear signs and really great exhibitions. The best thing to do in Heraklion. If you can, combine your ticket with going to Knossos. I’d recommend going there first to have context for your visit.

Pretty modern, clean and interesting museum. Highly recommend seeing the Knossos ruins beforehand (preferably with a guide) to get a better understanding of a lot of the items on display here and make the most of the experience. WARNING: Although taking pictures inside is allowed, it is not allowed to take them with any gestures, grimaces, etc. (peace signs / thumbs up) They don't seem to tell you this at the entrance, so a few people, including myself, got in trouble for it. (The staff ask you to delete the photos)

Very old-fashioned museum, 90s style, absolutely not interactive like other modern museums. Museum keepers are very mean to the tourists. They do not allow to pose for the pictures with the exhibits, and if you do, prepare, that the lady approaches you and demands to delete all the pics off your phone. As for the exhibits themselves: too much clay, all put together, no proper chronology. To understand what you see, you have to read the long descriptions in a rather small font. I do not recommend this place. There are better ways to spend 12 €.

We stopped in on our last day in Crete and were glad we did. The artifacts are incredible and the way the museum flows is thoughtful and logical. The BIGGEST downside, is that we happened to go the same day as a cruise ship so it was packed. The museum isn't very big so it was loud and at times difficult to get up to see the artifacts. The staff is great! Very friendly and knowledgeable. I would recommend getting a guide that knows where all the good stuff is and has some inside knowledge so you can better understand what you're looking at.

We bought our tickets on their website, choosing from 4-5pm. When we went there around 15:30 to be early, they told us it was closed, we showed them our tickets and still refused. The next day we went early in the morning and showed the lady who denied us the entry the day before if we could use the tickets and she said no, but we had the proof that the museum makes you select the time you’d like to visit (as every single museum in the world), she said it was for “statistics”, to this day, I will never find out what that meant. We had to beg security to let us in and we could finally appreciate this place. They urgently need to fix their website, we were not the only ones affected.

It's a very interesting museum with an overwhelming amount of ceramics, stamps, jewellery, and other treasures from the minoan period and Knossos. This is really what I missed when visiting the site of the Palace. There it could have been a great help to have the model on exposure together with just a few things from the museum, to make that visit more interesting and as a carot to visit the museum in town. I spent three amazing hours and knew a lot more about how skilled people were in those days. The pottery really blew my mind! So many different forms and minute decorations. Not speaking of the head of the bull! I really recommend visiting this museum!

If you like museums this one had a surprising amount of interesting items found in caves and ruins. Amazing to see.

I spent 2 hours walking round in detail the museum is circular so you won't get lost or miss anything with the great culture of Herklion and Crete with disabled access for upstairs. The museum was fantastic and detailed amount of ancient Greece and the hellenistic period that heavily influenced the daily modern day life it is a seek peak Into our past that is a do not miss

A super complete and instructive museum. The amount of historical items is amazing. Ancient Greek art, jewellery and history mix between the items of the museum.

We had prepaid combo tickets which were only €5 more than the price for Knossos with 3 days to use them. So glad we did. Lovely artefacts from Minoan sites giving a real insight into their lives which you don’t get from the site alone. Nice cool galleries with seating. A bit crowded.

6stars! Renewed display, and in a modern display.. I really loved it. I visited for the third time in the last 30 years.

Knossos Palace is a must see if you're interested in the history of the Minoan civilization and Bronze Age here in Crete. Beware that there are tour guides that will try to offer you their service and they charge quite a bit. We were told that the normal cost earlier in the day is €100 for a family of four. We were there later in the day, so our guide offered us a price of €70 and we negotiated down to €60. The tour lasted about an hour and ten minutes. Although tour guides give you the key details, you might want to supplement your tour with a guide book and walk through a second time. It just seemed like we missed some interesting details. There are very few plaques or signs that provide info about what you're seeing. Note: you can buy Combination tickets that are good for both the Archaeological Museum and the Palace, for up to three days. They cost €20 per person. Our children entered for free based on age and residence. Overall, I feel that this is a place to see once, so make the most of it!

For the history, this place is incredible! We walked right up and didn’t have to wait to buy tickets! If you are taking a stroller, it will be a challenge, so keep this in mind. It’s incredible and the history makes it worth the visit! It’s very well preserved and you can discover it at your own pace. Make sure to you take a look at the throne room. Guided tours are available right when you arrive, if of interest!

A beautiful place with a piece of history. I recommend buying tickets in advance at the Archaeological Museum, which thematically perfectly combines with the Minoan Palace (the price for a combined ticket for an adult is 20 euros). In the afternoon the place wasn't that crowded, with only occasional groups of people in the most interesting places.

We went on a Sunday, entrance is free on a Sunday. You need a guide or a detailed account of the site to get any real feel for it. The site has been quite brutally reconstructed and it rips the authenticity out of it. I appreciate it's a tourist location and it needs to create interest, just don't go there thinking you're going to see Ephesus or the Parthenon.

One of the most historic sites on the planet. Firstly you enter the park tickets are 8€ during off season btw Nov - March 21st. When you finish paying the entrance fee you are greeted by a guide, if you'd like a private tour for an additional cost you can partake but I choose the virtual tour. To use the virtual tour download the app at the gate, there should be a qr code present for you to do so.

This site is incredible, but I recommend arriving when it first opens to avoid crowds. I also highly recommend arranging for a tour guide that is familiar and trained in the Palace. There are informational signs, but having a guide makes the experience that much more interesting. There are a ton of peacocks that live here permanently as well as some very friendly cats. It's amazing to stand in rooms that are thousands of years old. A great destination for history enthusiasts.

The palace wasn’t either surprising nor extraordinary, at all, the tickets were quite expensive, I wouldn’t say it’s much worth it. We were definitely expecting something better than just a few renewed ruins, but after all it’s been built nearly 3 thousand years ago, which is really cool. If you have the time and money, I believe it’s worth taking a visit

Not a lot of reality left here. The museum has all of the statues, and the English Archaeologist recreated sections of the temple as he saw fit. Many sections were closed off today so you could not get to the whole site. The ruins in Athens are better preserved and more original in nature. Visit the museum!

An excellent experience for ancient history on Crete. Ticket booths and washrooms were organized and easy to navigate. Washrooms were very clean. Thankfully there are shady areas on site if you are visiting during the peak heat of the day. Very limited free parking adjacent to the entrance. Plan to spend around 1 - 2 hours max at the site.

A must-see if you're visiting Crete. There's lots to explore and take photos of. Depending on how much you like to explore, you could easily spend hours here. Highly recommend getting a tour guide if you're in a group. The guides usually hang around the entrance and usually charge around €100 for the tour.

Amazing piece of history! If you are a bit of a history buff, I would definitely recommend this place. Beautiful stunning views, whilst standing on ancient ruins, what could be better! Definitely buy tickets in advance, though, as there was a very long queue.

Beautiful place to visit, but we encountered at least 3 rude staff when we visited and was made to made to purchase a ticket for our 4 year old because we hadn't got out passports on us! (Make sure you have these on you as he should have been free entry). Beautiful surrounding scenery and you can arrange a guided tour.

This site is not the best ruins site I have ever visited. I personnally prefer much more Roma/Italy for ruins. However, I enjoyed discovering the site with kids. - Large touristic groups. - Entrance ticket 15.- Eur. - We have done the complete tour within 1.5hours with 2 small kids and taking our time.

The entrance is €15 for an adult, which is entirely warranted. If you're not going at a busy time, don't bother with buying tickets online, they are only more expensive. The palace is huge, expect to spend towards two hours. Definitely worth your time! I have added a few sample photos 📸, they are probably not representative.

Wonderful site good way to spend a morning or afternoon. Not as big as I was expecting and busy small passages that should be one way but people seem to be walking everywhere which makes it difficult to stop and enjoy the view .a lot was closed off like the royal rooms but very informative from our tour guide .definitely pre book a tour and we had tablets to get a 3d view .

To appreciate the monument, scale, technical achievement, history etc, we think you need to spend longer than the 1 hour most guided tours offer when combined with a day/1/2 day tour. We spent 2-3 hours walking around, sitting quietly and also eating our picnic lunch. Lots of online background info to help appreciate the site and history. Public bus from the central bus station every 15 mins. Buying tickets from the kiosk at the bus stop cheaper than on the bus. In some ways the most impressive structure, for me is the one most visitors will take for granted, the quadrangle/concourse.

Ancient archaeological sites are worth a visit, especially Knossos. Visited over 20 years ago, and recently returned during a family holiday on Crete. It is impressive how advanced the Minoan civilization had become. As one tours the site, either guided or self tour, the Palace and surrounding grounds are captivating. With a bit of imagination, Theseus, the Minotaur and Daedalus’ labyrinth almost come to life (if you like mythology!). Just a travel tip: During high season, there can be long lines and extra wait times to enter exhibits. It’s recommended to carry additional water and some good walking shoes.

Absolutely incredible! There is easy access parking next to some shops and food so if you're hungry or want a souvenir you are set. The actual site is amazing! A must see in crete.

Modern touch on ancient palace during restoration after discovery. because of the restoration, it's not good enough to register as a UNESCO cultural asset, but it's good for tourist.

The palace was a very unique place to visit extremely important in Europe and in the Mediterranean. The cost is eight euros per person. Be aware of the tour even though it was very informative. It was very expensive. We were told 50, and then after the tour started, the non sanctioned guide said another 50 at the end. Apparently, they're not part of the Palace staff.

My partner and I visited Knossos with another couple in early March 2024. In the parking lot, before the entance, we were accosted by locals charging 25 euros per person for a guided tour. We declined and discovered the site was well-signed in Greek and English. There was little chance of getting lost. The entrance fee was only 6 euros pp. We all found the site interesting and it was fun to explore. After reading many myths about the Minotaur, I was disappointed to not find the legendary labyrinth. An amorous peacock entertained us as we were leaving.

Situated 5 km south of Heraklion, the majestic Knossos Palace traces its origins back to the Neolithic era, with its most notable development phase occurring during the Minoan period. As the cornerstone of the Minoan civilization, Knossos Palace held significant importance and was highly esteemed. Present day visitors can meander through the captivating remnants of this ancient palace, offering history aficionados a wealth of insights. Its remarkably preserved state provides an enchanting window into the everyday life of the Minoans. Besides being an architectural marvel, Knossos was considered a mystical location by King Minos who, according to legend, purportedly kept the Minotaur within a labyrinth here. There are limited opening hours in the off season but if you go, you'll have the whole place to yourself!

Amazing place to visit, not just seaside which can be found around the coastal waters of Crete. The also have reptiles that have been handed over to them or left for them to care for. They are very educational as well with school trips and visits to schools in the local area. To also survive were others have not during the pandemic. Every time we come to Crete we always visit to see new and existing marine life and reptiles. A big thank you to John and his wife and the team for a marvellous job they do in running the place.

A fantastic small rescue centre for various fish, reptiles and other wonderful creatures. We had the opportunity to hold one of the snakes and to watch one being fed. There's lots of variety to see here, the staff are all very helpful and they do great work. We spent around an hour here, there is lots of information to read if you'd like to. €16 for 2 adults was agreeable considering it goes towards the care of these wonderful animals I won't ever get to see except in such situations!

We really enjoyed our visit, very interactive, hands on experience, the vivarium and aquarium inhabitants were well looked after and staff enthusiastic/passionate. Kids loved it and so did we.

A nice rescue place. It's possible to hold some animals and take photos with them. The staff is really knowledgeable and are happy to share their knowledge with the visitors.

Very enjoyable. Getting up close and personal with the reptiles was a highlight. Great value for money. They clearly care for the animals. Would recommend being there for 10.30 to see the turtle (Stephania) and the octopus being fed and the stories behind them. If you have 1-2 hours spare it's definitely worth it. The work they're doing is so admirable that we just had to leave a donation.

Nice collection of local fishes, reptiles. Not just an exhibition but can pet snakes, lizards and turtles in a small garden. There is no dedicated parking space but the road usually not crowded. Bank card payments are accessible

A great place where you can go, if you need a break from the sunshine. But you don't need that excuse at all. Brilliant experience for adults and children. Possibility to see fish, crabs, starfish etc. You will be welcomed by 25 year old tortoise who is walking freely around the place. You might enjoy holding white and yellow python or a gecko. All the animals are like pets It's good to support this place especially that the owner rescued lots of them and believe that he will find a room for more.

Great little aquarium and reptile sanctuary run by an incredibly kind and driven team. Multilingual information regarding the fish and reptile species on display makes a visit worthwhile regardless of your language. Many of the animals on display were rescued and all are taken care of with a great deal of dedication. If you're in Hersonissos or around the area it's definitely worth a visit.

Although small, this was a fantastic place to visit. The staff were extremely knowledgeable and genuinely cared for the animals! You could interact with the animals, watch them getting fed and hold some of the reptiles!! We spent about an hour here but it was absolutely worth visiting!! The entrance fee is used to look after the animals and rescue others!! If you're near it, visit!!

Soooo this place is nice and cute but tbh I don’t think peta would be happy with this. So it’s €10 to get in which is cheap. It’s a rescue centre which is great but a lot of the animals were in small cages and everything. There was a sea turtle who was blind just in this tiny pool not a lot of room. I just felt it wasn’t best for the animals there also was a boa snake just in a plastic container not a lot of room to move around. None of the animals had lots of space in their cages like not a lot of room. So next when you go to the back the have snakes and lizards you can hold which is okay but I guess the animals will get fed up when they are being held all day. There was a massive tortoise just in the corner not moving which was kind of depressing we were there for maybe an hour and it didn’t move once. Sea turtles everywhere even hiding behind everything which was a bit sad but a small area for all the animals. But that’s my opinion

Wonderful place! The owner is so nice to all visitors, he has great stories to share about how he rescue reptiles and his water turtle, who is blind. He feeds the animals in the morning and tells you the story about how the animals are being rescued and how he needs to take care of them. I was thrilled by his enthusiasm and passion for animals! Really great experience to see this live. You can even touch snakes and repriles and hold them in your hands.

Great little place with so much packed in. It’s a nice few hours to spend there- so many species of fish and wildlife etc that we wouldn’t get chance to see in the Uk. The owner is very knowledgeable and his staff are great! The kids loved the experience of holding the reptiles and learning about them.

A really lovely centre. Lots of amazing animals, some of which we could hold and touch, with friendly and knowledgeable staff. Despite being very small, we were there for a few hours. So much value for such a small entry fee. Thank you for rescuing and looking after the animals and teaching people about them!

What a great little place to visit. We could hold snakes and reptiles which was an unforgettable experience. Also, the fish there were very interesting. The tanks were clear and we could get some amazing pictures. The staff and the owners were very nice people. Highly recommend 5/5⭐

Cool place to see. Nice fish and reptiles. I was scared, but if you like snakes then you can take a photo and the crew will help you. Fishes are amazing and pretty. Also, turtles and tortoises or crabs. It is nice to see ocean life near you. Also, it doesn't take long to see everything, so you can easily go sunbathing or swimming before and after go see this place.

Amazing place, small and cozy. Very nice staff, you can see how they take care of the animals, how much love they give them. There are animals who were rescued and brought there. Our family had a very good time watching and petting the animals and listening to the explanations of the workers. Thank you very much for being so kind, you are doing a great job.

Very beautiful aquarium shows. We were with two young kids aged 1-2 y/o and they loved the displays, and so did the adults. Aquariums are from small size to quite a big one, with various fish, jellyfish, and even a small shark. Admission fee is 5-10 e. You can spend 1-2 hrs here and have a good time. In place Restaurant was under construction at the time, a small kiosk can be found outside. Arrived by car, plenty of Parking. Enjoy!!

A bunch of beautiful fish to see. I am just amazed of how good the tanks are cleaned its just remarkable. The staff are super friendly and nice just an amazing aquarium to see. Its quite big i was surprised myself and parking is right next door. The entry was 8€ per adault person and 6€ if you are a student it's definitely worth checking it out.

Lovely place to take the kids. Wasn't highly priced and was lovely and clean. We went out of season, so it wasn't busy, but there isn't much around, so you'll need to get transport back out. There is a dinosaur centre up the road but that wasn't open when we visited. Would definitely return.

Very nice aquarium. many things to see at a very nice location. it is not the aquarium of Barcelona or can be compare to any big aquariums, but for a small place like Crete - it is very nice.

It was totally worth the drive for this magnificent experience ! Our daughter who is almost 4 loved it and got fascinated by all the presented species in the aquarium ! For older visitors, the information available are quite rich and interesting. Definitely recommended if you spend your vacations in Crete ...

It was great honestly! It could have been better if there was a wider variety of fishes. Still had a lot of fun though!

A fantastic aquarium. Very clean premises and exhibit. First look might not flatter the visit but it really does worth it. It looks like the fish lives in a very healthy and protected home. Amazing views that my photos don’t justify. There is a gift shop, toilets, a cafe/restaurant and plenty of parking space.

Awesome place to spend half day with kids. The aquarium glasses were very clean which made us enjoy it more. Many species to explore also and a small shop at the end.

Such a nice place to relax from the busy world and dive into the life of the sea! I spent 3 hours of wonder looking at all these amazing creatures. The atmosphere is enhanced by calm, soothing music and plenty of possibilities to sit down and watch. The woman selling tickets is a wonderful and emphatic person that made my day! Thank you for your presence 🌸

I could have stayed there the whole day. I loved seeing all the different marine life. The place is well cared for and when I went it wasn't packed full of people. I took over 300 pictures. (Obviously NO flash photography allowed!!!) However as you can see from some of the pictures I took, you can get some wonderful photos. I will definitely be going again.

Not the largest aquarium, but a decent size none the less (people who say they did it in 20 minutes really don't care about fish). Some interesting species, including clown fish, puffer fish, sharks and stingray. The names of the fishes in the tank are indicated in a lot of different languages. Not too expensive. Overall, we had a nice time. Would recommend.

Was a really nice experience for us. Didn't wait a lot to get a ticket even if it was Sunday. There are a lot of species of fish, but it's a little bit to small, in my opinion. The price is 12 euro/person , kids having free. After the tour, for 5 euro+/person you can experience a Virtual Reality film. I recommand to go and visit it.

Love it!! Not very big we was there just over an hour so it was a nice break out the sun for a bit, lots of different fish amazing for young children, couples young and old and amazing for families, definitely recommend for a taxi from gouves was 10€

It's not as big as other aquariums we've been to but it has the basics you'd want to see including a somewhat big tank with big fish and a shark, octopus, jellyfish... The kids had a great time. It was well maintained and it had a gift shop and a small snack.

Wonderful place to see, with Kids or without. Its peaceful, even with a lot of people, the tour is pretty quiet with dark light. It is not takes a lot of time (about 1h30) but there is a beach nearby for the rest of the day.

Very interesting place to visit. You can find information and fish spices written in many languages. People with disabilities and their personal assistants get free tickets. Wheelchair accessible. We loved it. Totally recommend it.

A nice aquarium with a big variety of different sea species and fish. Next to every tank are signs in different languages with a picture and the name of the fish. Would definitely recommend going there!

It's a great effort from Hellenic Centre for Marine Research. We went there in Christmas and my 3.5 years old son had a blast. We will definitely return. Keep up the good work. I totally recommend.

Very nice place. It has A LOT of fish. I recommend it, kids will love this place.

Really enjoyed our visit to the aquarium. Interesting range of fish and marine life with excellent audio information in English. Friendly staff. Highly recommended for adults as kids alike!

For older kid the aquarium took about 1 hour but was great exhibits. Lots of learning opportunities to explain about the difference in Greece compared to elsewhere. Loved it.

Lots of large, interesting displays, easily accessible to children to see. Some seats on the way around. Jellyfish were beautiful to watch and sea horses very interesting. Toilets and cafe available. Food was ok but staff rude and offhand which is unusual for Crete.

We did rent a car to be in this beach, and pay €3 for the parking, and you can park just in front of the beach.

Even though touristic, it has kept its mysterious charm and feeling of «stuck in time ». The only place where you might still meet the first generation hippy. TODAY IS LIFE, TOMORROW NEVER COMES.

Amazing beach with beautiful caves next to it. A must see if you visit Crete!! Water is clean, safe but there are some big rocks in the water so careful swimming is a must. There weren’t enough parasols. There are many great cafes, restaurants and public toilets. You can come by car or bus. Parking is great. Lots of space and it’s only €3 p day.💙

Nice village at the south coast of Crete. Sheltered bay, perfect for water sport and swimming. Cool bars and restaurants at the bay.. Old caves at the cliffs, some hippies used them in the 70's.

Awesome area on the south side of Crete. It’s famous for its hippie built caves from the 1970’s which are marvels in their own right. There is a small 4Euro fee person to visit the caves but it’s worth it. Just make sure you have good shoes to climb as there are no real stairs to climb the upper levels of the caves. The beach itself is okish with quite a stony seabed and not so clear waters but the waters were warm and it was a very refreshing dip. There are numerous shops, cafes and restaurants nearby selling literally everything so that is also a nice walk around. One issue that we faced is that Matala is quite far from any nearby major cities. So you have to rent a car and drive around 80kms from Heraklion. The roads are well maintained though quite winding through the hills in the central region. Definitely worth a visit if you are in Crete.

Matala village with it's painted small streets is definitely a place to visit. The beach is near the village and after walking you can rest on the beach and visit the caves in nearby cliffs.

Matala has energy... Even if we went during spring... Again it was empty place...all Matala for us to enjoy.. beautiful scenery.. colourful corners of this small city.. and the vibe all around.. can't describe it more but this place has energy and vibe.. I don't know how it is during the season , during summer and when it is full of people.. what I saw during March I liked it..

Nice place to see what's was going on in the sixtees.Of course it's a bit difficult to get back to that feeling.

The beach itself is very nice but not better than many others on the isle. The whole set incl. the hippie caves (entrance costs a few EUR) and the nice restaurants as well as some shops (a bit touristic) makes the set.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5/5) Absolutely in love with Matala beach! 🏖️💛 From the moment you approach, you're greeted by the breathtakingly blue waters 🌊 and the intriguing sandstone cliffs with their ancient caves 🏞️. The beach is just the perfect blend of history, nature, and sunshine! ☀️ The water is crystal clear and inviting 🏊‍♀️. It's also perfect for snorkeling 🐠. There's something magical about diving into that sparkling sea and exploring its rich marine life. For those who prefer to relax, the soft golden sands are ideal for lounging and soaking up the sun 🌞. Away from the water, there's plenty to explore. The iconic caves, steeped in history, are fascinating. It feels like stepping back in time when walking through these awe-inspiring formations 🗿🕰️. The local cuisine here is also a real treat! 🥗🍲 Fresh seafood, delicious Greek salads, and exquisite local wines 🍷. Dining in the nearby tavernas with the sunset as your backdrop is an unforgettable experience 🌅. It's not just the natural beauty and historical intrigue that make Matala beach special. It's the friendly locals and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that make you feel at home away from home 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🤗. Overall, Matala Beach is a gem that offers a unique blend of relaxation, exploration, and fun! It's a place that stays in your heart long after you leave 💖. Can't wait to return! 🌴👣👜

Nice beach 🏝️! This area is also famous for Hippie🏝️ and has various shops for shopping, as well as many nice restaurants and bars. Although we didn't have a chance to dine here, I believe it must be a great place for an evening out! Next time for sure! 💞

Nice place to relax. Fair prices for sunbeds and an umbrella (set 8€- 2x sunbeds +1 umbrella) Clean,Water is nice, easy access. Little waves. Small Stone beach. Probably During high season overcrowded.

Matala beach has a dream scenery, it is splendid but it has the beach and water with many stones which are very annoying. We caught a windy day and the waves were quite big. anyway, it's worth visiting for the beauty of the place.

The beach is really nice! The sand is fine but in the water there are some slippy big rocks. The water is clear and it was pretty calm despite the fact that that week was windy on the whole island. You can also climb inside the wall.

One of the coolest beaches that we’ve visited in Crete so far highly suggest visiting. Lots of shops and restaurants on the beach, only 8 euros for two chairs and an umbrella! Very popular beach.

Amazing beach with beautiful caves (visit caves for a small fee) next to it. A must see if you visit Crete. Water is clean, safe but there are some big rocks in the water so careful swimming is a must. Waves are moderate and it’s fun for swimming. There weren’t enough parasols but we got the sun-bed and hid under a tree. There are many great cafes, restaurants and public toilets. You can come by car or bus. Parking is great. Lots of space and it’s only €3 per day. Come early to find the best spot on the beach and you’re gonna need a whole day for this adventure 🏖️

It's a very beautiful beach, although it gets really busy and the sunbeds are almost glued to each other, there are very few natural shades not a really good place for snorkeling but the view is amazing and it's perfect for sunset

Nice for a swim, and scenery, tavernas and coffee/bars. Beach gets really crowded and as it is a public beach you pay for the sun loungers and parasols unlike in some other places. But overall Matala is a great place to visit and stay!