What to do and see in Heraklion Prefecture, Crete: The Best Nature & Parks

February 19, 2022 Mikaela Didonna

Heraklion (Greek: Περιφερειακή ενότητα Ηρακλείου) is one of the four regional units of Crete. The capital is the city of Heraklion.
Restaurants in Heraklion Prefecture

1. Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre

7 Filikis Eterias Hersonissos Port, Hersonissos, Crete 700 14 Greece +30 2897 029125 [email protected] http://aquaworld-crete.com/
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,418 reviews

Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre

Aquaworld - Crete's first Aquarium - opened in Hersonissos in 1995 - near Bus Stop 20. It features local sea life and reptiles from Crete and from all around the world. Most of the animals are rescued or are unwanted pets which have found a new home at Aquaworld. Our philosophy is simple - bring people and animals closer together and, inevitably, people will begin to respect and care more about the animals! YOU MUST WEAR MASKS TO VISIT!

Reviewed By CLAIREDERBY1 - Derbyshire, United Kingdom

Easy to find and in walking distance from my hotel the palmera hotel. Friendly and informative staff. Aquarium small but well kept. Reptile area very good and staff very helpful. Was also able to hold a snake. Well worth a visit for 8 euro. I would definitely recommend

2. Ecologiko Parko Giouchta

Archanes, Crete Greece
Excellent
92%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 12 reviews

Ecologiko Parko Giouchta

3. Lake of Almiros

Gazi, Crete 715 00 Greece
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Lake of Almiros

4. Cretaquarium - Thalassocosmos

Gournes, Crete 71003 Greece +30 281 033 7788 [email protected] http://www.cretaquarium.gr
Excellent
50%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,543 reviews

Cretaquarium - Thalassocosmos

Crete’s aquarium, Cretaquarium, opened in December 2005. Belonging to a large European family of aquariums, the Cretaquarium offers its visitors the unique chance to plunge into the great marine world of the Mediterranean. From the big hunter sharks to the tiny seahorses, the sensational jellyfish, the diversity of marine life is set off against underwater Cretan seascapes such as the rock formations at Matala( South Crete)and the sea bed at Vai(North East Crete).

Reviewed By alfad902 - Stockholm, Sweden

Amazing experience, nice aquarium with sharia and sea turtles a lot to see and do. Also a walk around the museum can be interesting. Didn’t try the food, But next time.

5. Red Sand Beach (Kokkini Ammos)

Matala, Crete 702 00 Greece
Excellent
58%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 967 reviews

Red Sand Beach (Kokkini Ammos)

Reviewed By XeniaWestb - Helsinki, Finland

We found this beach accidentally when coming to see Matala, and decided to follow the path and take a hike to this beach. Amazing hike thru the mountain, breathtaking views on the way. It takes about 30 min to get tot he beach from the parking, but so so worth it! Hidden beach, with only one “Mojito” bar in the entire beach away from all the touristy vibe. It is a nudist beach, so be prepared. Water is AMAZING, so clean and you can swim forever. One of the best beaches in Crete for sure.

6. Matala beach

Matala, Crete Greece http://www.visitmatala.com
Excellent
49%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,158 reviews

Matala beach

Reviewed By 79jelenap

Absolute must see when in Heraklion or Rethimno region, as this beach has so mich to offer. First, the beach itself - sandy, shallow water just for couple of meters, followed by clean, blue, calm see where you have a wide bay to swim around. At the very beach beside sunbeds and umbrellas there are trees in which shade you can spread your towel and hide from the midday sun. Then there are several cliffs from which you can safely jump and dive into water, that is neither hot nor cold. Further you will see the caves that used to be Minoan graves and later shelters of those who wanted peace and solitude. Last but not least, there is wonderful, picturesque village with market, shops, restaurants and bars where you can savour local flavours and dishes. It is live and vibrant the whole day long :) this beach is absolute winner this year.

7. Stalis Beach

Beach Road, Stalis, Crete 700 07 Greece
Excellent
59%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,796 reviews

Stalis Beach

Reviewed By LouandMark2012 - Surbiton, United Kingdom

Lovely clean beach, my daughter loved playing in the sand and swimming in the sea, clear water and lots of water sports for you to enjoy x

8. Komos Beach

Pitsidia, Crete Greece http://www.visitmatala.com/komobeach.php?lang=en
Excellent
47%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 328 reviews

Komos Beach

Reviewed By JetBoy12 - Oxted, United Kingdom

The beach is not really near any major city an is a good drive from the North of the island. This was our rest stop at the end of the day and it was well worth it. Not as commercial as some of the other beach's which made it nice. Large white sandy beach. At the Eastern end there is a bar and food as well as a WC. Plenty of chairs for hire as well as lots of space on the beach. In the middle is the nudist area with a number of different groups. Families. Couples a few singles and a bit further on more gay guys. Plenty of space between people and great swimming with fish around. No the day it was the best nude beach we went to in that week.

9. Ligaria Beach

Agia Pelagia, Crete Greece http://villa-wild-pear.com
Excellent
50%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 504 reviews

Ligaria Beach

Reviewed By philbo45 - Heraklion, Greece

Ligaria Beach is a somewhat lesser-known cousin of its neighbor Agia Pelagia. Tucked away in a safe cove, this fantastic seaside resort town/beach is perfect for lapping up the Cretan sun, practicing watersports, or just partying and resting in island tranquil style. You'll find numerous fine tavernas, villas and other accommodations, and plenty of shops to buy suntan lotion in. The crystal shallow waters are idyllic, the views spectacular, and the fun is guaranteed. Highly recommended.

10. Episkopi Beach

Episkopi, Crete 84006 Greece
Excellent
56%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 100 reviews

Episkopi Beach

Reviewed By HimaniB - London, United Kingdom

30 mins from Rethymno Perfect for kids with shallow waters & a clean beach. Handy restaurant & enough parking

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