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Home/Destinations/Heraklion/Heraklion in 3 days
3 days · Heraklion itinerary

Heraklion in 3 Days: The Complete Itinerary

Three days based in Heraklion lets you see the best of Crete. Here is how to spend three perfect days in Heraklion — with the best-rated tours and day trips to book for each.

At a glance

  1. 1Day 1: Knossos & old town
  2. 2Day 2: Lasithi & wine
  3. 3Day 3: Spinalonga or Chania
  4. 4Crete highlights

Day 1: the city

Tour Knossos, the museum and old town.

Day 2: inland Crete

Visit the Lasithi plateau and a winery.

Day 3: Spinalonga or Chania

See the island fortress or the Venetian towns.

Book the experiences in this itinerary

Top-rated tours for exactly what this plan recommends in Heraklion — prices per person.

Knossos Palace, Museum & Rethymno city Private Tour from Chania
Chania
Knossos Palace, Museum & Rethymno city Private Tour from Chania
5.0(86)·10 hours
from$617/ person
via Viator
Wine & Olive Oil Tour with lunch at the White Mountains
Chania
Wine & Olive Oil Tour with lunch at the White Mountains
5.0(74)·7–8 hours
from$171/ person
via Viator
Private Greece Agios Nikolaos Bus Coach Tour Experience
Heraklion
Private Greece Agios Nikolaos Bus Coach Tour Experience
5.0(14)·30 min–2h 30min
from$86/ person
via Viator
PRIVATE-Zeus’ Birthplace - Knossos-Olive oil Factory-Old Villages
Crete
PRIVATE-Zeus’ Birthplace - Knossos-Olive oil Factory-Old Villages
5.0(74)·8h 30min
from$137/ person
via Viator
PRIVATE TOUR - Winery+Olive Oil Factory-Old Traditional Villages
Heraklion
PRIVATE TOUR - Winery+Olive Oil Factory-Old Traditional Villages
5.0(29)·7h 30min
from$343/ person
via Viator
Spinalonga, Plaka, Elounda, Agios Nikolaos & Olive Mill | Private
Heraklion
Spinalonga, Plaka, Elounda, Agios Nikolaos & Olive Mill | Private
5.0(34)·7–8 hours
from$98/ person
via Viator
Chania Old Town & Top Sights | From Heraklion, Rethymno & Chania
Heraklion
Chania Old Town & Top Sights | From Heraklion, Rethymno & Chania
5.0(34)·6–10 hours
from$111/ person
via Viator
Private Guided Tour to Knossos Palace, Arch. Museum & Heraklion
−9%
Heraklion
Private Guided Tour to Knossos Palace, Arch. Museum & Heraklion
5.0(24)·6–8 hours
from$576$640/ person
via Viator

Heraklion in 3 days — FAQ

Is 3 days enough to see Heraklion?
Three days is ideal — Knossos and the city on day one, the Lasithi plateau on day two, and Spinalonga or Chania on day three, using Heraklion as a base to see the best of Crete.
What is the best day trip from Heraklion for 3 days?
Spinalonga is the most atmospheric, Chania the most beautiful Venetian town, and the Lasithi plateau the most scenic countryside; all are superb from Heraklion.
How do I plan a 3-day Heraklion itinerary?
Spend day one at Knossos and the city, day two in the Lasithi plateau, and day three at Spinalonga or Chania, booking the longer trips ahead.

Explore more in Heraklion

Palace of KnossosOld Town & FoodWine & Villages