Cretaquarium
Europe's largest aquarium showcasing 2,000+ Mediterranean species, from sharks to sea turtles, with interactive learning.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Cretaquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Europe's largest aquarium showcasing 2,000+ Mediterranean species, from sharks to sea turtles, with interactive learning.
"Spectacular, just check out the pictures. We decided to spend the time before our flight here and it was a great decision."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and skip the long queues by purchasing your Cretaquarium tickets in advance online.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy the convenience of a large, free parking area right at the aquarium entrance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Shark Encounters
Main Tanks
Witness impressive sharks gliding through massive tanks, a definite crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Mediterranean Marine Life
Various Exhibits
Explore over 2,000 species from the Mediterranean, from tiny seahorses to majestic sea turtles.

Interactive Touch Screens
Throughout the Aquarium
Engage with modern touch screens offering detailed information about each fascinating marine creature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Interactive Learning & Conservation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and skip the long queues by purchasing your Cretaquarium tickets in advance online.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy the convenience of a large, free parking area right at the aquarium entrance.
📱 Interactive Info Screens
Utilize the modern touch screens for detailed info on marine life, or use your phone for easy access.
🐢 See Sea Turtles
Don't miss the chance to see graceful sea turtles swimming in their dedicated habitat.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and skip the long queues by purchasing your Cretaquarium tickets in advance online.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy the convenience of a large, free parking area right at the aquarium entrance.
📱 Interactive Info Screens
Utilize the modern touch screens for detailed info on marine life, or use your phone for easy access.
🐢 See Sea Turtles
Don't miss the chance to see graceful sea turtles swimming in their dedicated habitat.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning underwater moments; the tanks offer fantastic photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cretaquarium for its well-maintained exhibits, impressive variety of marine life, and engaging interactive displays. Many highlight the cleanliness of the tanks and the informative nature of the aquarium, making it a great experience for all ages. Some note that booking tickets online is essential to avoid long waits.
"Third time coming here over the years and not once been disappointed. Lovely aquarium. Very informative and very updated now they have the new touch screens. The fish are well looked after. Its a lovely place. The tanks are impressive and just outstandingly clean. Will visit again."
JemD HOP
"We had tickets in advance for this and the entry was quick. It is a pretty sizable aquarium, if you take your time to look around you may need about an hour. At the exist there is a small gift shop where you can get a little something to remember the experience. Inside there are all kinds of fishes and it would take way too long to name them all so I will add some photos. Great place to visit, expecially with kids."
Ionut Raducanu
"Spectacular, just check out the pictures. We decided to spend the time before our flight here and it was a great decision. So many animals to see, for a great price. In total we spent about 90 minutes here and another half hour outside at the terrace under the trees."
Vlad Schnakovszki
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cretaquarium is located near Heraklion. You can drive and use the large, free parking area.
Alternatively, local buses often service the route, making it accessible without a car. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information on routes like the 'bus to Cretaquarium'.The official address for Cretaquarium (Thalassokosmos) is near Gournes, Heraklion, Crete, Greece. It's easily accessible from the main coastal road.
Yes, Cretaquarium offers a big, free parking area, which is very convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Taxis are readily available in Heraklion and can take you directly to Cretaquarium. It's a convenient option if you prefer not to use public transport.
Cretaquarium is a short drive from Heraklion Airport (HER), making it a great option for a visit upon arrival or before departure.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Cretaquarium tickets online through their official website (www cretaquarium gr) or at the entrance. Buying online is highly recommended to avoid long queues.
Ticket prices can vary, but visitors generally find the Cretaquarium price to be reasonable for the experience. Check the official website for the most current pricing information.
Information on discounts for children, students, or seniors is usually available on the official Cretaquarium website. It's always best to check their site for any available offers.
Cretaquarium opening hours typically vary by season. It's essential to check the official website (www cretaquarium gr) for the most accurate and up-to-date opening times before your visit.
Yes, Cretaquarium online tickets are available and highly recommended to save time. This allows you to bypass the potentially long queues at the ticket counter.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend about 1 to 1.5 hours exploring Cretaquarium, depending on how much time you dedicate to each exhibit and the interactive screens.
The main attractions include impressive shark tanks, diverse Mediterranean marine life, sea turtles, jellyfish, and interactive screens with detailed information.
Cretaquarium is very family-friendly and engaging for children, with many fascinating creatures to see and interactive elements to learn from.
While not always explicitly advertised, you can often find information about educational programs or special tours on their website. The interactive screens also provide a self-guided learning experience.
Take your time to explore each exhibit, read the information on the interactive screens, and don't rush. The layout is well-organized, guiding you through different marine environments.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Cretaquarium typically has a cafe or snack bar where you can purchase refreshments. For a full meal, you might need to explore dining options outside the aquarium.
Generally, bringing outside food and drinks into aquariums is discouraged. It's best to check their specific policy, but usually, you'll need to rely on their onsite facilities.
Onsite cafes usually offer snacks, light meals, coffee, and drinks. It's a good place to grab a quick bite during your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Cretaquarium, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the marine life.
The large shark tanks, the sea turtle exhibits, and the colorful jellyfish displays offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Avoid using flash, especially in darker exhibits. Try to get close to the glass for clearer shots and be patient for the perfect moment.
Video recording is usually permitted, but again, be mindful of any restrictions on flash or excessive noise that might disturb the animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Cretaquarium's Mission
Visitors can learn about the delicate balance of marine life through well-maintained exhibits and informative displays. The focus on conservation is evident, aiming to foster a greater appreciation and understanding of the underwater world. This educational aspect makes Cretaquarium a valuable experience for all ages, encouraging a sense of responsibility towards protecting our oceans.
Navigating Your Visit: Tickets and Timing
The Cretaquarium opening hours can vary depending on the time of year, so it's crucial to check their official website (www cretaquarium gr) for the most current information. Visiting on a weekday morning is often advised to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. The indoor environment also provides a welcome respite from the Cretan sun, making it a perfect midday activity.
Interactive Learning and Family Fun
While Cretaquarium is a fantastic destination for families, some travelers suggest that for toddlers who prefer more direct interaction, the Aquaworld Rescue Center might be a better fit, though parking can be more challenging there. Nevertheless, Cretaquarium's vast array of fish, sharks, and sea turtles provides endless fascination for younger visitors, making it a memorable outing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit