archaeological sites, museums & Τhematic parks in hersonissos municipality crete

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES,MUSEUMS

& THEMATIC PARKS

What the destination offers

ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES

➢Archeological site of Amnisos➢Archeological site of Chrisolakkos➢Minoan Palace of Malia➢Minoan Palace Nirou Xani ➢ Roman Fountain of Hersonissos➢ Roman theatre of Hersonissos➢Ancient Quarries

Archeological site of Amnisos

This Minoan settlement is located in between Kokkini Chani village and Karteros village, on the west side of Paleochora hill. Nearby the sea was also found a Minoan port, buildings and an outdoor archaic sanctuary where Zeus was worshiped. On the eastern side of Paleochora hill, a Minoan villa is located of 1600 pch with frescoes depicting blossoming lilies. One of the largest temples of ancient Crete lies in the form of ruins in the west side, where the sanctuary of Zeus Thenatas used to be.

Latitude 35.33131, Longitude 25.20714

Visiting hours: Everyday 8:30am – 15:00pmTickets: Free entrance

Archaeological site of Chrysolakkos

Near the archaeological site of Malia Minoan Palace there is the beautiful Potamos beach. At the east side of the beach, a begins that joins the beach with Sissy village. The length of the path is about 5 Km. The path passes near the sea and the walk is very nice. About 700 meters away from the beach, near the path, you arrive to the archaeological site of the Chrysolakkos necropolis. The site has a fence around and it is not visit able. But the place is not so large so you can see inside. The Protopalatial cemetery at Chrysolakkos, was a tomb complex with small rectangular spaces that served as mortuary chambers. The famous bee pendant of Malia was found in one of these.

*Non visitable area Excavations in progress

Minoan Palace of Malia

This Minoan Palace is situated 3 kms east of Malia town and is the third most significant known Minoan Palace after Knossos and Faistos. It is known for its strategic port, nearby and moreover for its characteristic large central courtyard, the centerpiece of the complex, the stairwells, the skylights, polythira, monumental facades and on each side rooms for specific functions.


Open: Everyday 08:00-15:00. Last admission 14:45

Tickets: Full: €6, Reduced: €3

Telephone: +30 2897031597

Minoan Palace Nirou ChaniMinoan Palace of Nirou is located just minutes away from Kokkini Chani village in the Municipal Unit of Gouves. It is known for its almost square two storey villa covering an area of 1000 square m as well as 40 rooms, built next to the sea. A large number of ceremonial vessels were found and it was suggested that it was a centre for making votive objects for export and possibly housed a major ancient religious leader. It was built during the 16th century BC.


Visiting hours: 08:00 -15:00, except on MondaysTickets: Free admissionTelephone: +30 2810 762761

Roman Fountain of Hersonissos

The Romans were the first invaders of Hersonissos and during their occupation built a large aqueduct as well as an amphitheater, a harbor and a fountain. The surviving Roman fountain has mosaics depicting fishermen and it is near the east end of the harbor.

Latitude 35.32211Longitude 25.39077

Roman theatre of Hersonissos

The portico was unique, having curved ends with an internal colonnade. It was 83 m long and 30 m wide. Although there was an entrance from the portico to the postscenium (the area behind the stage) and thence to the stage, the main access to the theatre was by the staircases leading to the parodoi and thence to the cavea, which had only a single zone of seats. Around the outer side of the retaining wall of the cavea ran the stoa usual in Roman theatres. The surviving feature of the theatre is the retaining wall of the cavea, made of concrete 0.75 m thick and approximately 3 m high.

*Non visitable area Excavations in progress


Ancient Quarries

Shortly after the church of Agios Georgios in Anissaras there is a large quarry with at least two periods of operation. The digging out begins superficially and continues underwater up to the opposite island. Within a thirty metres width of the seabed there are evident traces of tools, mining levels, contours of extracted blocks and blocks with circumferential grooves dating from the Minoan era.

Latitude 35.337184, Longitude 25386549

➢Argirakio Ethnological War Museum➢ Folklore Museum of Mochos➢ Lychnostatis Museum➢ Permanent Exhibition of Maritime History➢Menelaos Parlamas Museum

MUSEUMS

Argirakio Ethnological War Museum

The Argirakio War Ethnological Museum was founded by Michalis Argirakis, in memory of his parents Ioannis and Kalliopi who were martyrs at the fight for freedom during the Second World War. The rich collections that the benefactor collected through years of effort, include important documents and statements of witness from the battles of the Cretan warriors against their opponents during the Second World War, as well as from the Great Resistance that followed in Crete. Also exhibited at the museum are items of laographical and ethnological interest from modern Cretan popular culture, as well as personal belongings of heroes and martyrs of faith and country.

Telephone: +30 2810 771501+30 210 2630400, 6977282197Website: www.argirakio.gr

Latitude 3515276 Longitude 2514161

Folklore Museum of Mochos

The Folklore Museum of Mochos is in Agios Georgios square. This two-storey house has been divided into two thematic entities. Downstairs is displayed the Cretan traditional house and on the top floor are presented objects and tools of traditional occupations.


Telephone: 0030 6973408091

Lychnostatis Museum

A Cretan open-air Museum Lychnostatis was created in order to inform, educate and promote visitors to Cretan folk cultural heritage through its outstanding collection of folk tradition and ethnology, nature, environment, as well as Cretan folk art and pre-industrial technology.

Latitude 35.3067 Longitude 25.41117

Visiting hours: Daily 09:00 - 14:00, Saturday closedTickets: Adults 5€, Students 3€, Children (4-12 years' old) 2€, Groups (more than 10 persons): telephone contact Extra services: Audio-guide 2€, Films 1€, Guided tours 1€Telephone: +30-28970-23660

Permanent Exhibition of Maritime History

The Maritime Collection of Hersonissos is the result of a long time effort to collect and sort items related to maritime history. The collection presents a variety of exhibits related to a range of maritime areas. Particular emphasis is placed on presenting Greek, and not only, antique maps from the 16th century to the early twentieth, rare books and nautical aids from the same period, nautical instruments and tool from the late 17th century until the mid 20th.

Opening hours: 1st April – 30th October 09:00 –21:00 1st November – 30th March 10:00 – 14:30Ticket: General admission 5€, children up to 12 years free, students 3,50€, student tour 2€ (per student)Website: www.hersonissosmaritime.gr


Menelaos Parlamas Museum

The Menelaos Parlamas Museum of Rural Life was founded by the Society of Cretan Historical Studies in 1988. It is housed in a restored 19th-century stone-built olive mill in the traditional village of Piskopiano, 3 km south of Limin Hersonissou. The Museum collections are accompanied by abundant visual material and modern digital media, allowing visitors to access extra information and documentation on each exhibition unit. The Museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities and has a small shop in the reception area. In the outdoor areas of the Museum, visitors can enjoy the panoramic view of Hersonissos Bay from the veranda.

Visiting hours: Monday-Saturday11.00-14.00 & 16.00 -20.00Tickets: Adults 4€, Concessions (pupils & students, senior citizens) 3€ Children 12 and under admission freeWebsite: www.historical-museum.gr


Thematic Parks

➢Homo Sapiens Museum➢ Cretaquarium➢Dinosauria Thematic Park➢Watercity Water Park ➢ Starbeach Water Park➢Acqua plus Water Park➢Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Centre➢Anopolis Handicraft Park➢ Planet Crete Planetarium ➢ Labyrinth Theme Park➢Open Air Cinema

Homo Sapiens Museum

At the 45th kilometer of the road from Heraklion to Lasithi plateau, at the most beautiful spot of the road leading to Dikteo Andro, there is a thematic park called “Homo Sapiens Museum” presenting the evolution of human from the caves to the moon. At the location except from your visit at the thematic park, you can also find places to rest or eat and a souvenir shop.

Visiting hours: Daily 8:00 – 8:00 Telephone: 2897 053920Website: www.homo-sapiens-museum.gr


CretAquarium

Crete Aquarium building complex is located in the grounds of the former American Base at Gournes, a village within the Municipal Unit of Gouves. It offers the visitor a magical and spectacular insight into the Mediterranean underwater sea life. A vast number of sea species and organisms, animals and rare plants are exhibited in 60 tanks with a total amount of 1.700.000 litres of sea water. The Aquarium is home to 2000 sea animals and 200 different species


Visiting hours: 1st May – 30th October 9:30 – 21:00 1st November – 30th April 9:30 – 17:00Ticket: General entrance fee (1/5 – 30/9) 9€, children 5 – 17 6€, children 0 – 4 free Telephone: +30 2810 337788Website: www.cretaquarium.gr

Dinosauria Thematic Park

The Dinosauria Park started as an idea in 2013. There were hosted 30 different dinosaur species from all periods of the Mesozoic era and other prehistoric animals.In the large family of dinosaurs new species were added and new sections. In the space for creative activities, all become children again, trying to find as many dinosaurs may in tidal area, and playing various "dinosaur games" made in space. For the visitors there is the opportunity to watch themed films released in 5D and 7D Cinema.

Opening hours: 10:00am to 18:00pm Tickets: Adult Ticket 10€, Child Ticket (4 -12) 8€, Child under 4 free, Disabled Adult free, Disabled Child free Telephone: (0030) 2810 33208Website: www.dinosauriapark.com


Watercity Water Park

At Watercity Waterpark the enjoyment of the water element is fully maximized! Experience the wide range of water games and feel like a kid again! Play without fear, feel the coolness and experience unforgettable moments of relaxation. From the first visit, you will realize that our environment is family friendly. In addition, the staff is always at your service, ready to satisfy your requirements, ensuring that you will have a stay even more pleasant.

Opening hours: 10:00am – 6:00pmTicket: General admission 22.95€, Kids 15.72€, Toddler freeTelephone: +30 2815 000200, +30 2810 781317Website: www.watercity.gr

Latitude 35.31032 Longitude25.25119

Starbeach Water Park

Star Beach is one of the first and most famous seaside fun parks in Europe. Established in a specially arranged area of 4 acres in the most beautiful spot of Hersonissos, Star Beach currently offers the best and most exciting moments of summer to you and your family. All with completely free entrance, really low prices and a welcoming and friendly temperament that only Star Beach can offer.

Opening hours: 10:00am – 11:30pmTicket: Free entrance Telephone: +30 28970 29351 - 4Website: www.starbeach.gr


Acqua plus Water Park


Opening hours: 10:00am -18:00pmTicket: Adults 27€, Children (5-12) 17€, Infants (0-4) freeTelephone: +30 6944000044Website: www.acquaplus.gr

ACQUA PLUS is by far the most popular water park on the island of Crete, for twenty years now it offers great fun and good service to more than 100000 satisfied clients per year, is situated 5km from Hersonissos and only 30km from the city of Heraklion. The water park is split in to two section connected to each other. The one section is for adults and includes a large number of extreme slides with high adrenaline and the other section for children. It is famous as the first water park in the Balkan region. The gorgeous garden is the most impressive area of this water park.

Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre

Opening hours: 1st April until 30th October,Monday to Saturday 10:00am – 17:15pm Ticket: Adults & Teenage Children 6€ - Young Children 4€Telephone: +30 28970 29125Website: www.aquaworld-crete.com

Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Centre is located at Hersonissos Port and hosts native reptiles found in Crete, as well as non-native ones often because previous owners are no longer able to look after them.


http://www.aquaworld-crete.com/

Anopolis Handicraft Park

Anopolis Handicraft Park is an area close to Anopolis where many crafters have established their workshops. They produce pottery, metal objects, glass, clothes, jewelry and any kind of souvenirs. Anopolis Handicraft Park to reach the area, you go to Kokkini Chani and then drive uphill towards Anopolis village and Water City water park. Before reaching the village you have to turn left to find the area of the artists’ workshops.

Opening hours: 9:00am – 17:00pm


Planet Crete Planetarium

Since the beginning of time Humans, have been staring at the night sky. Wondering, dreaming, imagining what could possibly be out there. Planetarium is a way of communicating astronomy with everyone. Over the centuries, and especially during the 20th century, scientists and companies, modernized the idea of the planetarium. Today, planetariums can be found in many cities around the world, and people of all ages can learn about the unique science of astronomy.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00am –15:00pm, Saturday/Sunday 11:00am – 20:00pmTicket: Adults 10€, Children 8€ (for more info visit the website)Telephone: 0030 2810 332107Website: www.planetcrete.gr


Labyrinth Theme ParkThe Labyrinth Theme Park is a family destination park with numerous interactive activities and attractions. The main theme of the park is the Labyrinth, but there will be plenty of other things to do as well! Enjoy the variety of video viewings on the Minoan Civilization shown throughout the day in the projector room. Participate in a round of Mini-Golf, or allow the children a turn on the many quad bikes available! There is an Eco-Garden for nature lovers with Cretan aromatic herbs, local fruit and vegetables and many flowering plants, all labeled in many languages.

Opening hours: 10:00am - 20:00pmTicket: Adults - children (over 11) 10€, Children (4-11) 6€, Children 4 and under & Disabled free entranceTelephone: +30 28970 29297, +30 6975903300/3Website: www.labyrinthpark.gr


Open Air Cinema

Creta Maris Beach Resort established the first open air cinema “Cine Creta Maris” in Hersonissos 42 years ago, offering the most pleasant memories to local and international audiences. On Thursday, June 15th 2017 the re-opening begins, enabling residents of the wider region and tourists to enjoy the best summer movies in a comfortable and pleasant environment.

Daily show time: 20:30pm & 23:00pmPrice list: Adults 8€, Special category (child up to 12, seniors 65+, unemployed) 5€, Group 6€Contact details: Creta Maris beach resort Telephone: +30 28970 27000


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archaeological sites, museums & Τhematic parks in hersonissos municipality crete

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