Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Routes & schedules

Heraklion line

Hop on the Heraklion line for an unforgettable bus ride catching 12 top sights! Looking out the window, you’ll see the epic Knossos Palace with its ancient ruins, the imposing Venetian Castle Koules overlooking the harbor, and the treasure-filled Archaeological Museum. Enjoy open-top views while the audio guide spills all the history – perfect for history buffs and view seekers alike!

Schedule

• First bus: 9am from stop #1 (Port)

• Last bus: 5pm from stop #1 (Port)

• Frequency: Every 30 mins

• Popular stops: Knossos Palace, Archaeological Museum, Venetian Castle Koules, Kazantzakis Grave, Natural History Museum, Gate Of Jesus, Port

Ammoudara line

Step aboard for a journey through the sandy beaches and coastal bliss of Ammoudara! Explore six sites like the artistic wonders of Technopolis, where creativity thrives amidst an industrial vibe. Then wander over to Fitaki Megaron for a taste of local heritage. Finally, unwind at the crystal clear blue waters of Ammoudara beach.

Schedule

• First bus: 9am from stop #1 (Apollonia Hotel)

• Last bus: 4:30pm from stop #1 (Apollonia Hotel)

• Frequency: Every 60-75 mins

• Popular stops: Hotel Dolphin, Technopolis, Agapi Beach Hotel, Port, Fitaki Megaron

Please click here for a detailed map and boarding points.

Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Discover Heraklion on this 1-day hop-on, hop-off bus tour that includes two routes and over 18 stops across prime sights in the historic city of Heraklion with Byzantine and Ottoman influences. Explore Minoan ruins at Knossos Palace, visit the Archaeological Museum filled with Minoan artifacts, admire the Venetian Castle Koules, a sea-facing fortress, and enjoy Ammoudara Beach. The tour offers multilingual audio guides in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Greek, providing detailed insights into each site's history and significance. With open-top buses offering unobstructed views, guests can hop on and off as many times as they like throughout the day and even gain an extra free day to fully explore Heraklion’s landmarks and guided tours.

Explore Knossos Palace Minoan Ruins

Your tour stops at Knossos Palace where you will see the largest Bronze Age archaeological site in Europe, dating back to 7000 BC. Covering an area of approximately 20 acres, the palace is a complex structure with over 1500 rooms and features such as the Royal Road, Grand Staircase, and the Throne Room. Built around 1900 BC, Knossos was once the center of Minoan civilization and has been extensively excavated since 1878 by British archaeologist Arthur Evans. Visitors spend about two hours exploring this vast site, learning about its intricate frescoes depicting bull-leaping scenes and other mythological figures. What makes Knossos unique is not only its architectural grandeur but also the wealth of artifacts discovered here that provide insights into Minoan culture and daily life.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Heraklion city landmarks
• 1-day pass with double routes access
• Multilingual audio guides in 8 languages
• See Knossos Palace Minoan ruins
• Visit Archaeological Museum artifacts
• Admire Venetian Castle Koules fortress
• Enjoy Ammoudara Beach views and relaxation
• Access all stops without time limit

Perfect for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and families, this hop-on, hop-off bus tour provides unparalleled access to Heraklion’s historical sites. The flexible format allows you to delve into the Minoan ruins at Knossos Palace, marvel at the treasures housed in the Archaeological Museum, and appreciate the architectural prowess of the Venetian Castle Koules, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Crete's rich history while enjoying the convenience of multiple stops along both routes.