Experts' Choice Award Heraklion Archaeological Museum
What the experts agree on
Crete's essential museum houses the world's finest Minoan art collection, with spectacular treasures from the Palace of Knossos and other archaeological sites spanning 4,000 years of civilization.
Fodor's "Standing in a class of its own, this museum guards practically all of the Minoan treasures uncovered in the legendary excavations of the Palace of Knossos and other monuments of Minoan civilization." Full review
Frommer's "Many of the most spectacular objects are from Knossos; the rest, from other sites on the island." Full review
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To avoid the tour groups in high season, plan to visit very early, late in the day, or on Sunday.
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"Reopened in 2014 after a long renovation, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is Crete’s outstanding jewel." Full review
U.S. News & World Report8.0
"The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a must-see in Crete — and all of Greece, even — for its extensive collection of Minoan art." Full review
Frommer's "The world’s greatest museum of Minoan art exhibits many of the finds from the Palace of Knossos and other monuments of the Minoan civilization that thrived in Crete some 4,000 years ago" Full review
Independent "Visitors hoping to see the Minoan treasures in northern Crete's Heraklion Archeological Museum experienced outside temperatures of 44.5C. Heraklion may hold the famous Phaistos Disc, a..."
Independent "The Minoan civilisation put the island on the map in the Bronze Age, leaving behind ancient palaces, temples and exquisite artworks (don't miss Heraklion's archaeological museum)"
Rough Guide "Showcasing treasures from the Minoan Civilisations, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum is regarded as one of the most important museums in Europe"
Rough Guide "The Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses the world's best collection of Minoan artifacts"
Condé Nast Traveler "Often, tour companies partner a tour of Knossos (do it early in the morning or at sunset to avoid summer heat) with a guided visit to the The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, where you..."
