[2025 Heraklion Attraction] Travel Guide for Rocca a Mare Fortress (Updated Jul)

After six years of restoration, the symbol of Heraklion was reopened in August 2016. The symbol is the fortress-museum of the 16th century, which the Venetians called Rocca al Mare.The exposition of the museum tells about the history of the building and milestones in the history of the city. The collection of exhibits includes ancient amphoras, Venetian cannons and other finds found by Jacques Cousteau in 1976 near the island of Dia. The special atmosphere of the fortress is given by the subdued light penetrating through the old cannon holes. Address: Koules Fortress, Heraklion 712 02, Greece. #bucketlistreboot #greece

｜Crete~Greece is more than just Santorini. Crete is a leisurely island that combines the romance of the ocean with the rich history. ✈️Transportation: plane or ferry (70€ per person, buy three get one free). In order to save time, we chose the night boat (four beds in one room, Piraeus-Heraklion) and chose a plane for the return trip. We saw the sunset and sunrise on the night boat. We wanted to watch the stars on the sea, but we were too tired, so we went to bed early! ❗️Transportation on the island is inconvenient, don’t ask the B&B owner to help you find a car. Our B&B owner helped us find a black car. 🍮Food: Restaurants on the island only open after 12 o'clock. We didn't pay attention at the time and were looking for a restaurant everywhere. Later, we were taken in by a beautiful and kind coffee shop owner. The coffee and bread were great! 🏛️【Knossos Palace Ruins】Europe's oldest mysterious labyrinth 🎫Tickets 6€｜Museum ticket 15€ ⏰About half day tour time 💡Check-in point 1️⃣The Legend of the Labyrinth: The prototype of the labyrinth that imprisoned the Minotaur in mythology, with thousands of intricate palaces and stairs made of alabaster, you can still feel its grandeur today. 2️⃣Replica of the "Bullfighting" mural: The original is in the museum, but the replica here gives a glimpse into the Minoan people's unique "bullfighting" sport (not killing, more like dancing with the bull). 3️⃣Red giant columns and lighting design: inverted cone-shaped columns correct visual errors, and the open door and window design allows sunlight to fill the palace. The architectural wisdom of the Minoans is amazing. 😃You can try local fruit wine at the souvenir shop outside the scenic area. The enthusiastic shop owner may give you small gifts. We got five glasses of orange juice. Thank you, Brother Chania! 🏛️【Heraklion Archaeological Museum】Travel through 4000 years of civilization code! 🎫Tickets 12€｜Combination tickets are really a good deal ⏰About half day tour time 🔍Treasure of the Museum 1️⃣ "Parisian Lady" mural: The noble woman on the fragment has exquisite makeup, curly hair and red lips, and is jokingly called the "pioneer of fashion" by archaeologists. 2️⃣ The original "Bullfighting" mural: very dynamic, revealing the religion and rituals of the Minoan civilization. 3️⃣Linear A clay tablet: The mysterious text that has not yet been deciphered bears witness to the unsolved mystery of the earliest civilization in Europe. ❗️If time is tight, it is recommended to visit the mural exhibition hall on the second floor first, where the essence of Minoan art is located. 🏰【Heraklion Fortress】Venetian sea fortress! We didn't go in here, we just took a look at the port from a distance. I really like to relax in the harbor and enjoy the comfortable sea breeze. 🏝️A random beach The next day, the weather was not very good 😫. Since I was cheated by a black car driver, I have no means of transportation. So we randomly found a wild beach that could be reached by bus. It turned out that we are P type people. The sea water is very clean and clear, and listening to the sound of the waves is very healing! When I was leaving, I stumbled upon the flower wall and took a photo that I could use as my profile picture.

Heraklion, a beautiful city on the island of Crete, Greece, attracts countless tourists with its rich historical sites and fascinating natural scenery. From Athens, you can take the Blue Star ferry to Heraklion. After the ferry arrives on time, walk along the yellow line on the ground for about 10 minutes to reach the city center. It is recommended to choose a hotel with 24-hour reception so that you can store your luggage after disembarking and explore the city easily. Heraklion has many attractions, and the Heraklion Fortress is a must-see. This Venetian-style fortress not only has a long history, but is also a great place to watch the sunrise and the sea. In addition, the Archaeological Museum is also a must-see, where you can see artifacts from the Minoan era and Cretan artworks, making you feel like you have traveled back to that glorious era. If you are interested in historical sites, then the Palace of Minos is a must-see. Although the tour may be difficult, the historical stories carried by the ruins are definitely worth exploring. In addition to historical sites, Heraklion's city center is also full of charm. Wandering around the city, you can find many interesting places, such as Orthodox churches, fountains, and markets. The friendly dogs and cats here add a touch of warmth to the city. In Heraklion, take your time to savor the history and culture of the city. Whether you are strolling through the ancient streets or sitting by the sea watching the sunset, you can feel the unique charm of the city.

🌿 Heraklion, the most charming city on Crete, is home to the ancient Minoan civilization and a blend of Venetian and Mediterranean romance. Whether you're a history buff or a foodie, Heraklion is worth a visit!🔥 📍Must-visit Attractions 1️⃣ Knossos Palace 🏰 Recommended: ★★★★★ One of the oldest sites in Europe, this is the legendary home of King Minos and the Minotaur's Labyrinth. The complex palace ruins and colorful frescoes will transport you back to the glory days of the past. 📸Best photo spot: In front of the red columns! 2️⃣ Heraklion Archaeological Museum 🏺 Recommended: ★★★★★ If you want to learn more about the history of Crete, this is a must-visit. The museum's treasures, the Bull-Leaping Fresco and exquisite Minoan gold jewelry, are a testament to the island's glorious past. 3️⃣ Old Venetian Harbor ⚓ Recommended: ★★★★☆ At sunset, this is one of the most romantic places to take a stroll. The shimmering sea reflects the ancient Venetian lighthouse, and every photo is postcard-worthy! 4️⃣ Koules Fortress 🏰 Recommended: ★★★★☆ This seaside fortress from the Venetian era is a testament to Heraklion's history. Climb the walls for a view of the blue Aegean Sea, and feel the breeze on your face as time stands still. 5️⃣ Morosini Fountain ⛲ Recommended: ★★★★☆ Located in Lions Square in the city center, this is an iconic landmark. Surrounded by cafes, it's the perfect place to enjoy a Greek coffee and soak up the laid-back Southern European vibe. 🍽️ Food Recommendations 💛 Dakos - Greek "tomato bread," a perfect combination of olive oil, tomatoes, and feta cheese, refreshing and delicious! 🍖 Cretan Lamb Stew - Tender lamb stew with authentic spices, a true taste of Crete! 🐟 Grilled Squid - Fresh seafood with a smoky flavor, unforgettable! 🍷 Greek Wine - Crete has a long history of winemaking, and we recommend trying the local Assyrtiko white wine! 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations 🛏️ GDM Megaron, Historical Monument Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A classic 5-star hotel in the city center with great views and attentive service. 🛏️ Galaxy Iraklio Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect for business and leisure, with spacious rooms and a hearty breakfast. 🛏️ Ibis Styles Heraklion Central ⭐⭐⭐ Affordable and conveniently located within walking distance of major attractions. 🌟 Tips ✅ Transportation: Most attractions are within walking distance, and renting a car is a great way to explore the rest of Crete. ✅ Weather: The summer sun is strong, so bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Winters are mild but rainy, so bring an umbrella! ✅ Language: Greek is the main language, but most businesses can communicate in English. Heraklion is more than just an ancient city. Its food, scenery, and unique culture are intoxicating. If you love exploring ancient ruins or just want a relaxing trip to the Aegean Sea, you'll love it here! 🌊✨ Pack your bags and start your Greek adventure! 💙

👍️Recommended reason: The nearby Knossos labyrinth is a must-visit to understand the beginnings of ancient Greek civilization. 📅Travel guide: 1-5 days, in-depth slow travel 🍜Food guide: The small restaurants here are good and inexpensive 🏨Accommodation guide: Homestay 💗Other tips: Heraklion is not a beauty at first glance. The airport is old, and the buildings in the old town are simple cement structures without much character. The churches are not grand enough, with only the occasional fountain and Venetian-style building reminding people of its recent European heritage. The biggest attraction in the old town is the 16th-century Venetian-built sea fortress Rocca a Mare Fortress, which extends about 2 kilometers into the sea, forming a harbor. Although grand, it is somewhat monotonous. Walking at night is a good choice, but compared to other harbors, it is not particularly special. If you only stay for one or two days, you won't have a deep impression. However, if you stay for a week, go shopping at the local supermarket, take a morning walk by the sea, and have a beer at a local tavern in the evening, the feeling will be completely different. You will discover the quietly blooming paintings and food on the street corners, and the rich soul beneath the simple exterior. In most European cities, as long as you leave the affluent areas and well-maintained tourist zones, the walls are covered with graffiti, most of which are messy drawings and curses, more shocking than the small ads in our country. In Athens, except for the affluent areas near the Acropolis, other neighborhoods are not spared from graffiti. But Heraklion is an exception. We stayed in a homestay in the south of the old town, with many crisscrossing alleys. A few steps and a turn, you will encounter beautiful murals on the walls, jumping into view under the cover of flowers. Some originally dilapidated walls, painted green, with a window added, a tree planted, immediately become different.

#summerdestinations This summer, I spent some time at Heraklion Port in Crete, and it was a wonderful experience. Located in the heart of Heraklion, the port is free to explore, and it offers a mix of history, culture, and stunning sea views. I loved walking along the Venetian Walls and visiting the Koules Fortress, which stands proudly at the entrance to the port. The fortress, with its thick stone walls and sweeping views of the Aegean Sea, is a must-see and costs only €4 to enter. The area around the port is bustling with activity, from fishing boats to ferries heading to other Greek islands. There are also plenty of cafes and tavernas nearby where you can enjoy fresh seafood with a view. After exploring the port, I wandered through Heraklion's old town, visiting the vibrant markets and historical sites like the nearby Knossos Palace. Heraklion Port is the perfect spot to soak up the local vibe and enjoy some of Crete's rich history. #HeraklionPort #Crete #VenetianFortress #SummerInGreece #ExploreHeraklion #GreekIslands #SeaViews #TravelGreece #CretanCulture #IslandLife