Cretaquarium & City Tour!

Every Saturday from 7/4/2025 till 31/10/2025

Total Duration 6 – 7 hours approximately / Starting time 08:30 – 09:20 am – Ending time 15:45 – 16:45 pm / Stay in Aquarium 1 ½ hour, stay at Open Market 1 hour and 20 minutes, stay in Heraklion 2 ½ hours

Pick-up & drop-off service from Ammoudara, Analipsi, Anissaras, Chersonissos, Gournes, Gouves, Heraklion city center, Karteros, Kokkini Hani, Malia, Stalis

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Saturday market! A different excursion for those who want to experience the island’s everyday life.

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We start with a visit to the Cretaquarium. Here, you will see many sea creatures, from small fish and clams to big sharks and tuna, all living in the Mediterranean Sea. After the tour, you can relax and enjoy a coffee in the aquarium’s café before we head to Heraklion.

Next, we visit the biggest open-air market in Pateles. Here, many sellers offer a variety of products at great prices. You can find fresh fruits and vegetables, local herbs, clothes, and handmade goods while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the market.

We then stop at Liberty Square, in the heart of Heraklion. From here, you can explore the capital of Crete. Walk around and discover the history left behind by the Byzantines, the Ottomans, and the Venetians. You can admire the impressive fortress of Koules at the harbor, the Venetian Walls that surround the old town, and enjoy your coffee or lunch at one of the cafés in Lions’ Square. If you wish, you can also visit one of the city’s museums, the Municipal Library, the Art Gallery, or some of the beautiful Byzantine churches.

After this amazing experience, we return to our hotels.

Tour Schedule

The tour begins with a visit to the Cretaquarium, where participants will explore a diverse array of Mediterranean marine life. Located in Heraklion, the Cretaquarium Crete offers an immersive experience, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea. From the smallest clams to the largest sharks, visitors can marvel at the various marine species that call these waters home. The Cretaquarium Heraklion is not just an exhibition space but a center for marine research and conservation, making it a perfect start for a tour aimed at both education and enjoyment.

This tour operates every Saturday from March through October, ensuring that participants can enjoy the best that Crete has to offer during the prime seasons. The schedule is meticulously planned to provide a comprehensive yet relaxed experience. After spending an hour and a half at the Cretaquarium, the tour moves on to other attractions, ensuring a well-rounded experience.

The visit to the Cretaquarium is designed to inspire a sense of wonder and a deeper appreciation for the marine environment, perfectly aligning with the ethos of serving others by fostering environmental stewardship and awareness.

Cretaquarium Highlights

Visitors to the Cretaquarium will be captivated by the stunning array of marine exhibits that illustrate the Mediterranean’s vibrant underwater ecosystems. This renowned aquarium houses over 2,500 marine organisms, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the region. From the smallest clams to the majestic sharks and robust tuna, each exhibit is designed to educate and inspire.

The Cretaquarium’s layout allows guests to journey through various marine habitats, offering a dynamic, immersive experience. The thoughtfully curated exhibits highlight the complex and delicate balance within these ecosystems. Interactive displays and informative panels accompany each exhibit, ensuring that visitors not only observe but also understand the significance of each marine species and their roles in the underwater environment. After our tour, we can enjoy our coffee in the café of the building before we go to Heraklion

Pateles Open-Air Market

Pateles Open-Air Market, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, offers a unique shopping experience where dozens of peddlers present their merchandise at competitive prices. This market, is a bustling hub of activity that captivates visitors with its diverse array of goods. Shoppers can explore a variety of items ranging from fresh produce and local delicacies to handmade crafts and household necessities.

The market’s lively ambiance is not only a haven for bargain hunters but also a cultural immersion, providing an authentic glimpse into the daily life of the locals. Vendors, each with their distinctive wares, contribute to the colorful mosaic of this outdoor marketplace, engaging with customers and often sharing stories behind their products.

Heraklion City

Following the vibrant experience at Pateles Open-Air Market, the tour proceeds to the historical and culturally rich city of Heraklion, where centuries of diverse influences are evident in its architecture and landmarks. The city, which serves as the capital of Crete, boasts a rich tapestry of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Venetian legacies.

The tour provides ample opportunities to visit the imposing fortress of Koules at the harbor, the Venetian Walls that surround the old city, the city’s museums, including the Municipal Library and the Art Gallery. Additionally, guests can explore numerous Byzantine churches that dot the cityscape.

The Lions’ Square, with its plethora of restaurants and coffee shops, offers a perfect spot to relax and savor local cuisine or enjoy a refreshing beverage.

The Cretaquarium & City Tour offers an enriching blend of marine education, cultural immersion, and culinary exploration. Visitors gain insight into marine conservation at the Cretaquarium, experience local life at the Pateles Open-Air Market, and appreciate historical landmarks such as Koules Fortress and Liberty Square.

This comprehensive tour not only highlights Heraklion’s natural and cultural heritage but also provides diverse dining opportunities, ensuring a multifaceted and memorable experience.

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Cancellation policy:

For cancellation up to 2 days prior to arrival no cancellation fees

For cancellations 1 day prior to arrival 100% cancellation fees

Non-show 100% cancellation fees

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Notes:

1. For bookings 2 days before departure please contact us in order to check availability!
2. Please provide fullname, telephone number (country code included), e-mail and accommodation details (hotel name & address) upon booking.
3. Please arrive on time to the given pick-up point. Unfortunately, there is no option to wait for latecomers. In case of delay, missed pick-up, missed departure time, no refunds.
4. The travel agency reserves the right to alter or cancel any tour due to adverse weather conditions or insufficient passengers number or force majeure 12 hours prior to departure time with a notification to the traveler.