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Iraklion Cruise Port

Iraklion (heraklion), Crete
Iraklion, or Heraklion, is the largest city on the Greek island of Crete.

Ships in port today
No ships in port today
Safety rank
#706
of 1018 ports in the Europe
Today · high / low
91° / 66°
September normals
Iraklion (heraklion), Crete cruise port
Europe - Eastern Europe
Iraklion (heraklion), Crete
// Iraklion cruise port overview

The cruise port in Iraklion,
explained

Lat: 35.3°NLong: 25.1°ETimezone: Europe/AthensINTN code: IRA

Iraklion, or Heraklion, is the largest city on the Greek island of Crete. Located on the northern coast of the island, Iraklion is a bustling port city and the capital of the region.

It is home to a number of historical sites, including the Venetian fortress of Koules, the Archaeological Museum of Iraklion, and the Palace of Knossos. The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Iraklion is a popular tourist destination, with its beautiful beaches, stunning views, and unique culture. The city is also home to a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Carnival of Iraklion, which is celebrated in February.

Iraklion is a great place to explore, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty.

Ships visiting
9 lines
16 ships call at Iraklion
Peak passenger day
4,849
cruise passengers ashore
Excursions from
$23
per person · 200 tours
Most ships dock at
8:00 AM
arrival for 39% of calls
Average port time
10h
alongside, typical call
Excursions in Iraklion start at $23.
Browse Iraklion excursions
// Iraklion Cruise Deals

Price drops on cruises to Iraklion

217 cruises stop here in Iraklion during the next 12 months. The cruise price drops below represent the largest decrease in price against each Iraklion cruise's 90-day average.

Prices refreshed daily
Celebrity Infinity
Celebrity Infinity cruise ship
33% offbalcony
Celebrity Cruise Line

Celebrity Infinity, 7-night cruise departing Mar 15, 2027

Mar 15, 2027 · 7 nights
from: Barcelona
$157/ night
$1,102 total, 33% off was $1,656 avg
Celebrity Infinity
Celebrity Infinity cruise ship
30% offinside
Celebrity Cruise Line

Celebrity Infinity, 10-night cruise departing Apr 2, 2027

Apr 2, 2027 · 10 nights
from: Piraeus
$94/ night
$935 total, 30% off was $1,342 avg
Celebrity Infinity
Celebrity Infinity cruise ship
29% offinside
Celebrity Cruise Line

Celebrity Infinity, 10-night cruise departing Apr 23, 2027

Apr 23, 2027 · 10 nights
from: Piraeus
$105/ night
$1,050 total, 29% off was $1,471 avg
Celebrity Infinity
Celebrity Infinity cruise ship
27% offoceanview
Celebrity Cruise Line

Celebrity Infinity, 11-night cruise departing Apr 12, 2027

Apr 12, 2027 · 11 nights
from: Piraeus
$107/ night
$1,179 total, 27% off was $1,612 avg
Celebrity Infinity
Celebrity Infinity cruise ship
22% offinside
Celebrity Cruise Line

Celebrity Infinity, 11-night cruise departing Mar 22, 2027

Mar 22, 2027 · 11 nights
from: Piraeus
$85/ night
$937 total, 22% off was $1,195 avg
MSC Lirica
MSC Lirica cruise ship
20% offsuite
MSC Cruise Line

MSC Lirica, 11-night cruise departing Nov 4, 2026

Nov 4, 2026 · 11 nights
from: Marghera Venezia
$199/ night
$2,194 total, 20% off was $2,731 avg
MSC Lirica
MSC Lirica cruise ship
18% offinside
MSC Cruise Line

MSC Lirica, 11-night cruise departing Oct 24, 2026

Oct 24, 2026 · 11 nights
from: Venice
$110/ night
$1,210 total, 18% off was $1,479 avg
MSC Lirica
MSC Lirica cruise ship
17% offinside
MSC Cruise Line

MSC Lirica, 11-night cruise departing Dec 28, 2026

Dec 28, 2026 · 11 nights
from: Marghera Venezia
$156/ night
$1,711 total, 17% off was $2,055 avg
// Iraklion Cruise Port location

Where is Iraklion Cruise Port?

Iraklion (Heraklion) cruise port is located on the northern coast of Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. It is situated in the Gulf of Mirabello, just east of the city of Iraklion. The port is easily accessible by car, bus, or taxi, and is just a few minutes away from the city center. The port is also close to many of the island's attractions, including the Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, and the Venetian Walls.

General location
Europe
Category
Europe - Eastern Europe
Coordinates
35.34°N, 25.15°E
Time zone
Europe/Athens
Cruise port · 35.34°N, 25.15°E
Map data · OpenStreetMap
// Iraklion cruise port guide

What to do in Iraklion

A shortlist of places worth your hours ashore, grouped by the kind of day you want.

Your day ashore
You'll have about 10 hours in Iraklion. Most ships dock around 8:00 AM.
Median across 45 scheduled calls

Ways to spend the day

3 themes
Theme 1

Beach Activities

Iraklion is home to some of the best beaches in Crete. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities. There are also plenty of water sports to enjoy, such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of beach bars and restaurants to enjoy.

Theme 2

Exploring Ancient Ruins

Exploring the ancient ruins of Iraklion is a great way to learn about the history of the city. The ruins of the Venetian walls, the Koules Fortress, and the Palace of Knossos are all popular sites to explore. Visitors can also explore the ruins of the Minoan civilization, which date back to the Bronze Age. There are also many churches and monasteries to explore, as well as archaeological sites and museums.

Theme 3

Shopping and Dining

Iraklion is a great place to shop and dine. The city is home to a variety of shops, from traditional markets to modern malls. Visitors can find everything from souvenirs to clothing and jewelry. There are also plenty of restaurants to choose from, ranging from traditional Greek cuisine to international dishes. There are also plenty of bars and cafes to enjoy a drink or two.

Iraklion cruise port beaches

3 in our guide
A
Agia Pelagia Beach (illustrative photo)

Agia Pelagia Beach

Agia Pelagia Beach is a popular beach located just 10 kilometers from the Iraklion cruise port. It is a long stretch of golden sand, with crystal clear waters and plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. The beach is well-maintained and offers a variety of activities, such as beach volleyball, windsurfing, and jet skiing. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars nearby for a quick bite or a refreshing drink.

A
Amoudara Beach (illustrative photo)

Amoudara Beach

Amoudara Beach is a popular beach located just 5 kilometers from the Iraklion cruise port. It is a long stretch of golden sand, with crystal clear waters and plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. The beach is well-maintained and offers a variety of activities, such as beach volleyball, windsurfing, and jet skiing. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars nearby for a quick bite or a refreshing drink.

K
Karteros Beach (illustrative photo)

Karteros Beach

Karteros Beach is a popular beach located just 8 kilometers from the Iraklion cruise port. It is a long stretch of golden sand, with crystal clear waters and plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. The beach is well-maintained and offers a variety of activities, such as beach volleyball, windsurfing, and jet skiing. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars nearby for a quick bite or a refreshing drink.

// Iraklion fun facts

Cretan Cuisine

Cretan cuisine is renowned for its fresh ingredients and unique flavors. Iraklion is the perfect place to sample some of the best dishes the island has to offer. Popular dishes include dakos, a salad made with tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives; moussaka, a layered dish of eggplant, potatoes, and ground beef; and kaltsounia, a sweet pastry filled with cheese and honey.

Knossos Palace

Knossos Palace is the largest and most important archaeological site on Crete. It was the center of the Minoan civilization, which flourished from around 2000 to 1400 BC. The palace is believed to have been the residence of the legendary King Minos and the site of the mythical Labyrinth. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for anyone visiting Iraklion.

Venetian Harbor

The Venetian Harbor of Iraklion is a beautiful and historic area of the city. It was built by the Venetians in the 13th century and is still in use today. The harbor is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, and is a great place to spend an afternoon. It is also home to the Koules Fortress, a Venetian fortification that was built in the 16th century.

Iraklion cruise port shopping

3 in our guide
C
Cretan Art Gallery (illustrative photo)

Cretan Art Gallery

Cretan Art Gallery is a great place to find unique souvenirs from Crete. Located in the heart of Iraklion, this shop offers a wide selection of traditional Cretan art, from paintings and sculptures to handmade jewelry and pottery. The shop also has a selection of local wines and spirits, as well as a variety of traditional snacks and treats. The friendly staff is always happy to help you find the perfect souvenir to take home with you.

C
Cretan Souvenirs (illustrative photo)

Cretan Souvenirs

Cretan Souvenirs is a great place to find unique souvenirs from Crete. Located in the heart of Iraklion, this shop offers a wide selection of traditional Cretan products, from olive oil and honey to handmade jewelry and pottery. The shop also has a selection of local wines and spirits, as well as a variety of traditional snacks and treats. The friendly staff is always happy to help you find the perfect souvenir to take home with you.

K
Kouzina Cretan Products (illustrative photo)

Kouzina Cretan Products

Kouzina Cretan Products is a great place to find souvenirs from Crete. Located in the heart of Iraklion, this shop offers a wide selection of traditional Cretan products, from olive oil and honey to handmade jewelry and pottery. The shop also has a selection of local wines and spirits, as well as a variety of traditional snacks and treats. The friendly staff is always happy to help you find the perfect souvenir to take home with you.

// Iraklion Cruise Port Terminals

Which Iraklion cruise terminal will your ship use?

Your cruise line assigns the pier — here's what each one means for your day ashore.

3 piers in Iraklion
Pier 1 of 3

Agios Nikolaos Port

Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece

Agios Nikolaos Port is located in the town of Agios Nikolaos, about 40 kilometers east of Iraklion. It is a popular port for cruise ships, as it is close to many of the area's attractions. The port is equipped with modern facilities and services, including a passenger terminal, a cargo terminal, and a ferry terminal. It also has a number of restaurants, bars, and shops.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Agios Nikolaos Port)
Pier 2 of 3

Heraklion Port

Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Heraklion Port is the main port of Iraklion, Crete. It is located in the city center and is the main hub for cruise ships arriving in the area. The port is well-equipped with modern facilities and services, including a passenger terminal, a cargo terminal, and a ferry terminal. It is also home to a number of restaurants, bars, and shops.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Heraklion Port)
Pier 3 of 3

Rethymno Port

Rethymno, Crete, Greece

Rethymno Port is located in the town of Rethymno, about 70 kilometers west of Iraklion. It is a popular port for cruise ships, as it is close to many of the area's attractions. The port is equipped with modern facilities and services, including a passenger terminal, a cargo terminal, and a ferry terminal. It also has a number of restaurants, bars, and shops.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Rethymno Port)
Wi-Fi

The Iraklion (Heraklion) cruise port offers free wifi access to all passengers. The wifi network is called "Crete Cruise Port" and can be accessed by connecting to the network and entering the password provided at the port.

Safety

Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete is generally considered a safe cruise port. The port is well-monitored by the local police and security personnel, and the city is generally safe for tourists. However, as with any destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety.

Port address

Port of HeraklionHeraklion, CreteGreece

Iraklion cruise port car rental
AvisEuropcarHertzSixtThrifty

Piers are assigned by the cruise line — check your ship's docking notice the morning you arrive.

// Iraklion (heraklion), Crete cruise port excursions

Most Popular Iraklion Cruise Port Tours

200 excursions · book direct with the operator

Independent shore excursions in Iraklion (heraklion), Crete, booked directly with the operator who runs them. We flag the ones that guarantee you're back on board before the gangway lifts.

Best Iraklion shore tours

Curated from 200 · not a search result
// Weather

Iraklion Cruise Port Weather

Europe - Eastern Europe·30-year historical averages
Sep averages · Iraklion
76°
Avg · °F
Hot, mostly dry
High
91°F
Low
66°F
Rain
0.7 in
Excursions that suit this weather
// Year-round in Iraklion

Average monthly temperature and rainfall. This month is highlighted.

Avg temp °FRainfall in
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDECMONTHLY NORMALS · °F AND IN
// Iraklion cruise ship schedule

Iraklion Cruise Port Traffic Today

No cruise ships are scheduled in Iraklion today, Friday, September 18, 2026. Check the schedule for another date to see when ships are next due alongside.

Schedule updated

Planning around the crowds?

  • Iraklion cruise port schedule 2026, day by day
  • Slowest & busiest day analysis
  • Complete cruise line & ship visitor list
Iraklion Cruise Ship Schedule
// Keep exploring

Also on your cruise

81% of Iraklion cruises also call at one of these.

// Questions

Iraklion cruise port, answered

The things cruisers ask most before a day ashore in Iraklion.

Where is Iraklion cruise port located?

Iraklion (heraklion), Crete cruise port is located in Europe. Iraklion (Heraklion) cruise port is located on the northern coast of Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. It is situated in the Gulf of Mirabello, just east of the city of Iraklion. The port is easily accessible by car, bus, or taxi, and is just a few minutes away from the city center. The port is also close to many of the island's attractions, including the Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, and the Venetian Walls.

Is Iraklion a good cruise port to visit?

Yes, Iraklion (Heraklion) is a great cruise port. It is the largest city and capital of the Greek island of Crete, and is a popular destination for cruise ships. The city is home to a number of attractions, including the Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, and the Venetian Walls. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars to explore.

How safe is Iraklion cruise port for passengers?

Iraklion cruise port has a safety score of 7.8 out of 10, ranking #706 of 1018 ports in Europe. Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete is generally considered a safe cruise port. The port is well-monitored by the local police and security personnel, and the city is generally safe for tourists. However, as with any destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety.

What is the weather like at Iraklion cruise port in September?

In September, Iraklion cruise port has average high temperatures of 91°F (33°C) and average lows of 66°F (19°C).

How many excursions are available at Iraklion cruise port?

There are currently 200 excursions and tours available at Iraklion cruise port, covering everything from guided sightseeing and cultural experiences to water sports and adventure activities. Book in advance to secure your preferred experience.

What are the top things to do at Iraklion cruise port?

Iraklion cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Beach Activities, Exploring Ancient Ruins, Shopping and Dining. Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete is known for its rich history and culture. It is home to many ancient ruins, monuments, and archaeological sites, making it a great destination for those interested in exploring the past. The city also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and swimming. There are also plenty of beaches, restaurants, and shops to explore. Iraklion is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. No matter what you're looking for, Iraklion has something to offer.

Can I rent a car at Iraklion cruise port?

1. Avis: Avis is located just a few minutes away from the Iraklion (Heraklion) cruise port and offers a wide range of car rental options. They offer a variety of vehicles, from economy to luxury, and have a wide selection of extras such as GPS, child seats, and additional drivers.2. Europcar: Europcar is located just a few minutes away from the Iraklion (Heraklion) cruise port and offers a wide range of car rental options. They offer a variety of vehicles, from economy to luxury, and have a wide selection of extras such as GPS, child seats, and additional drivers.3. Hertz: Hertz is located just a few minutes away from the Iraklion (Heraklion) cruise port and offers a wide range of car rental options. They offer a variety of vehicles, from economy to luxury, and have a wide selection of extras such as GPS, child seats, and additional drivers.4. Sixt: Sixt is located just a few minutes away from the Iraklion (Heraklion) cruise port and offers a wide range of car rental options. They offer a variety of vehicles, from economy to luxury, and have a wide selection of extras such as GPS, child seats, and additional drivers.5. Thrifty: Thrifty is located just a few minutes away from the Iraklion (Heraklion) cruise port and offers a wide range of car rental options. They offer a variety of vehicles, from economy to luxury, and have a wide selection of extras such as GPS, child seats, and additional drivers.

What is the WiFi situation at Iraklion cruise port?

The Iraklion (Heraklion) cruise port offers free wifi access to all passengers. The wifi network is called "Crete Cruise Port" and can be accessed by connecting to the network and entering the password provided at the port.

Where is the cruise terminal at Iraklion cruise port?

The address of Iraklion (Heraklion) cruise port is:Port of HeraklionHeraklion, CreteGreece

What is the Iraklion Cruise Port cruise schedule?

There are no cruise ships scheduled at Iraklion today. Use the cruise ship schedule above to check Iraklion on any past or future date.

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