Heraklion
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
One of Europe's great museums, with the most important collection of Minoan art. The finds come from Knossos, Phaistos and sites across the island.
Must see: The Phaistos Disc and the Knossos frescoes
Crete · Museums
Crete's museums
Where the island keeps its treasures, from ancient sculpture to the objects of everyday village life.
Essential
Start with these two
Heraklion
Historical Museum of Crete
Traces Crete from early Christian times to the 20th century, with Byzantine icons, Venetian sculpture and folk life.
Must see: Two original paintings by El Greco
More to explore
Across the island
Archaeological Museum of Chania
Chania
Finds from western Crete spanning the Neolithic to Roman periods, displayed in a modern building.
Must see: Minoan clay tablets and Roman mosaics
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna
Eleftherna (Rethymno)
A site museum beside the excavations of ancient Eleftherna, with finds from the ancient city's necropolis.
Must see: Geometric and Archaic period grave goods
Cretan Ethnology Museum
Vori (Heraklion)
A thoughtful museum of traditional rural life: farming, weaving, architecture and music.
Must see: Reconstructions of village crafts and tools
Natural History Museum of Crete
Heraklion
Run by the University of Crete, it covers the island's geology, wildlife and ecosystems. Good for families.
Must see: The earthquake simulator and Cretan dwarf mammoth
Opening hours change seasonally. Check with each museum before visiting.