As Crete’s largest city and capital, Heraklion has a modern cosmopolitan feel that combines rich history and landmarks and serves as an excellent base for those that seek to see everything on offer. After making the most of your time around the city center, we recommend a visit to the village of Gournes about 15 km east of Heraklion. Here you will find two of the most exciting attractions for families with children: the CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos & Dinosauria Park.
Dinosauria Park features life-size models of dinosaurs from different periods, including the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Velociratpros, and Triceratops. You can explore their habitats and learn more about how these extinct creatures lived while following the interactive trail with information boards and various activities. There is also a playground with a fossil hunt sandpit as well as swings and toys to keep kids engaged and entertained. For an extra fee, children will also enjoy the 5D cinema with dinosaur-themed films. An exciting and educational experience for the whole family.
To make a day of it, don’t miss the CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos, the only aquarium on the island and conveniently located near Dinosauria Park. In addition to being an excellent family activity, this is one of the largest aquariums in the Eastern Mediterranean and home to the research center for Marine Biology & Genetics and the Institute of Oceanography. During your visit, you will get the chance to discover different species of Mediterranean marine life, including sharks, sea horses, jellyfish, and corals, in more than 60 tanks. If lucky, you may also get a glimpse of Caretta Caretta turtles, an endangered species that often arrive at the aquarium injured and then released back to their natural habitat.
You can opt for audio guide devices or a tour with a personal guide that will answer your questions in more detail and provide extra pieces of trivia for the animals that live in the Mediterranean Sea.
There is also the option of a Behind the Scenes organized tour for super marine life enthusiasts. This is where you can learn and see the technology that goes into supporting the Thalassokosmos operations and the process of feeding and caring for animals.
After a full day of activities, we will return to Heraklion so you can take in more of the sights around this beautiful city.