Cretaquarium, also called Thalassocosmos, meaning sea world, is the best family attraction on Crete outside the summer season and one of the largest aquariums in the Mediterranean region. It stands on the coast at Gournes, east of Heraklion, and is run by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, which gives it a serious scientific side as well as plenty of fun. The tanks focus on the creatures of the Mediterranean Sea, from tiny seahorses, octopuses and colourful wrasse to moray eels, jellyfish, groupers, rays and sharks, shown in habitats that recreate rocky reefs, sea-grass meadows and the open sea. Large panoramic tanks let children stand face to face with big fish, and touch-screen displays and labels in several languages explain what you see. Extras include an audio guide and a virtual reality experience for an additional fee. Because it is indoors and open every day of the year, it is the obvious plan for a rainy or windy day, and it is close to the resorts of the north coast and easy to combine with Heraklion.
How it works: tickets are sold at the entrance and on the official website. The aquarium is open every day of the year, including holidays: from 1 November to 31 March the hours are 09:30 to 16:00, and in the summer season it stays open until the evening. Children under five enter free, and there are reduced tickets for children, students and seniors, plus a family annual card. The audio guide and virtual reality experience cost a little extra.
What to expect: the visit follows a one-way route through the galleries and takes about one and a half to two hours. It is fully indoors, accessible and well signed, with a café and a shop. Weekends and school-trip mornings can be busy, so a weekday afternoon is usually calmer.
Making the most of it: rent the audio guide if your children are old enough to enjoy the stories, and take time at the big tanks, where the sharks and rays are most active. Gournes is about twenty to thirty minutes from Heraklion by car or by the intercity bus towards Hersonissos, so it combines easily with a morning in the city or with the Knossos area.
What to expect
The experience
An indoor one-way route through galleries of Mediterranean sea life, from small reef fish and octopuses to sharks and rays in large tanks.
Best time
A weekday afternoon or any rainy or windy day; it is open every day of the year.
How long
About ninety minutes to two hours.
Tips
Remember the earlier winter closing time of 16:00, and add the audio guide for older children.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and anyone looking for an indoor plan near Heraklion on a grey day.
- Families
- Under-fives go free, and children love the sharks, seahorses and jellyfish; strollers are easy to use inside.
- Couples
- A relaxed, unexpected hour or two on a stormy day, followed by a seaside lunch on the north coast.
- Pair with
- The Heraklion Archaeological Museum for a full rainy-day plan, or Koules and the harbour on a drier afternoon.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours including travel from Heraklion.
Good questions
Is Cretaquarium open in November?+
Yes, it is open every day of the year. From November to March the hours are 09:30 to 16:00.
Where is Cretaquarium?+
It is at Gournes on the north coast, east of Heraklion. The drive takes about twenty to thirty minutes, and intercity buses towards Hersonissos stop nearby.
Is Cretaquarium good for young children?+
Yes, it is one of the best family attractions on the island. Children under five enter free and the route is easy with a stroller.
How long does a visit to Cretaquarium take?+
Most families spend around ninety minutes to two hours. Allow more if you add the virtual reality experience.
What kind of sea life is at Cretaquarium?+
The focus is the Mediterranean Sea, with octopuses, seahorses, jellyfish, groupers, rays and sharks. Displays explain the habitats and the research behind them.