Archeological sites, Museums & Τhematic Parks in Hersonissos Municipality Crete

1. ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES,
MUSEUMS
& THEMATIC PARKS

3. What the destination offers

4. 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

5. 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 – 15:00pm
Tickets: Free entrance

6. 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

7. 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.
Latitude 35.29343,
Longitude 25.4915
Open: Everyday 08:00-15:00.
Last admission 14:45
Tickets: Full: €6, Reduced: €3
Telephone: +30 2897031597

8. Minoan Palace Nirou Chani
Minoan 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.
Latitude 35.3271,
Longitude 25.26061
Visiting hours: 08:00 -15:00,
except on Mondays
Tickets: Free admission
Telephone: +30 2810 762761

9. 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 35.32211
Longitude 25.39077

10. 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
Latitude 35.31849
Longitude 25.38918

11. 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

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

13. 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, 6977282197
Website: www.argirakio.gr
Latitude 3515276
Longitude 2514161

14. 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.
Latitude 35.26352,
Longitude 25.42267
Telephone: 0030 6973408091

15. 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 closed
Tickets: 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

16. 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 – 14:30
Ticket: General admission 5€, children up to 12
years free, students 3,50€, student tour 2€ (per
student)
Website: www.hersonissosmaritime.gr
Latitude 35.31841
Longitude 25.39155

17. 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-Saturday
11.00-14.00 & 16.00 -20.00
Tickets: Adults 4€, Concessions (pupils & students,
senior citizens) 3€ Children 12 and under
admission free
Website: www.historical-museum.gr
Latitude 35.30736
Longitude 25.38493

18. 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

19. 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 053920
Website: www.homo-sapiens-museum.gr
Latitude 35.21549
Longitude 25.46113

20. 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
Latitude 35.33235,
Longitude 25.28243
Visiting hours: 1st May – 30th October 9:30 – 21:00
1st November – 30th April 9:30 – 17:00
Ticket: General entrance fee (1/5 – 30/9) 9€, children
5 – 17 6€, children 0 – 4 free
Telephone: +30 2810 337788
Website: www.cretaquarium.gr

21. 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 33208
Website: www.dinosauriapark.com
Latitude 35.3267
Longitude 25.28776

22. 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 – 6:00pm
Ticket: General admission 22.95€, Kids 15.72€,
Toddler free
Telephone: +30 2815 000200, +30 2810 781317
Website: www.watercity.gr
Latitude 35.31032
Longitude25.25119

23. 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 – 11:30pm
Ticket: Free entrance
Telephone: +30 28970 29351 - 4
Website: www.starbeach.gr
Latitude 35.31032
Longitude 25.25119

24. Acqua plus Water Park
Latitude 35.28839
Longitude 25.36641
Opening hours: 10:00am -18:00pm
Ticket: Adults 27€, Children (5-12) 17€,
Infants (0-4) free
Telephone: +30 6944000044
Website: 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.

25. 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 29125
Website: 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.
Latitude 35.31721
Longitude 25.38924

26. 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
Latitude 35.30948
Longitude 25.26193

27. 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 – 20:00pm
Ticket: Adults 10€, Children 8€ (for more info
visit the website)
Telephone: 0030 2810 332107
Website: www.planetcrete.gr
Latitude 35.32815
Longitude 25.28827

28. Labyrinth Theme Park
The 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 - 20:00pm
Ticket: Adults - children (over 11) 10€, Children (4-11)
6€, Children 4 and under & Disabled free entrance
Telephone: +30 28970 29297, +30 6975903300/3
Website: www.labyrinthpark.gr
Latitude 35.29481
Longitude 25.35738

29. 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 & 23:00pm
Price 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
Latitude 35.32471
Longitude 25.38687

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