What to do in Ayía Varvára

Activities, attractions and tours

Ayía Varvára Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Ayía Varvára has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Ayía Varvára is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Ayía Varvára to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Ayía Varvára Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Ayía Varvára.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Ayía Varvára attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

Authentic Crete in Winter: Minoan Farm, Winery and Monastery

Authentic Crete: Minoan Farm, Winery and Monastery

CA $71
per adult
Authentic Crete: Minoan Farm, Winery and Monastery
Cooking Lesson in Heraclion by Baxes

Cooking Lesson in Heraclion by Baxes

CA $161
per adult
Cooking Lesson in Heraclion by Baxes
Authentic Soapmaking Experience & Tour in Crete | by Helleo

Authentic Soapmaking Experience & Tour in Crete | by Helleo

CA $24
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Authentic Soapmaking Experience & Tour in Crete | by Helleo
Matala and Zaros Crete Hidden Treasures

Matala and Zaros Crete Hidden Treasures

CA $104
per adult
Matala and Zaros Crete Hidden Treasures
Heraklion: Horse Ride in the Cretan Mountains

Heraklion: Horse Ride in the Cretan Mountains

CA $112
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Heraklion: Horse Ride in the Cretan Mountains
Pottery Classes

Koumoulia Ceramics / Pottery Classes

CA $145
per adult
Koumoulia Ceramics / Pottery Classes
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Top places to visit

1. Heraklion Port

Sit on a harbor wall at Heraklion Port and watch fishing boats bobbing on the sparkling Cretan waters. Visit the ancient fort that protected the harbor and see the old walls that have stood here for over 400 years. Sample local cuisine at one of the many restaurants near the water’s edge. Watch the coming and going of the small ferries that run between the Greek islands or book a passage on one and enjoy a daytrip away from the mainland.
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A marina with numerous boats docked, a stone wall, and buildings in the background.

2. Palace of Knossos

Walk through the chambers of Minoan kings and queens at Knossos and marvel at the grandeur of the ancient buildings. Explore the labyrinthine layout and learn the story of what happened to the mythical architect, Daedalus. Take a tour to find out what treasures have been discovered here since excavations began.
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An ancient temple with red columns and a stone base, set against a dramatic sunset sky.

3. Heraklion Archaeological Museum

View over 5,500 years of pottery, artwork, tools and weapons when you visit Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Plan to spend time in the Minoan exhibit, which is widely acknowledged as being the best of its kind in the world. Discover Neolithic tools and statues, objects traded with the Egyptians and notable Roman artworks and frescoes too.
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A museum entrance with large glass windows and informational banners.

4. Heraklion Loggia

Visit the Heraklion Loggia and admire the blend of Ionic and Doric architectures that harken back to the time when the city was ruled by the Venetians. Imagine noblemen holding meetings in the columned halls or enjoying a performance in the open arcade area. Look for details such as the reliefs of lions and coats of arms and admire the excellent restoration on this ancient building.
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A grand architectural corridor with ornate columns and arches, leading to a bustling street.

5. Historical Museum of Crete

Pay a visit to the Historical Museum of Crete and chart the city’s fascinating past from early Christian times through to the modern day. View spectacular Byzantine artwork, visit the writing room of one of Greece’s most famous literary heroes and learn about the Cretan struggle for independence. See how the folk arts of the Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman periods have all influenced each other. Don’t miss the museum’s prize attractions: two paintings by the great Spanish Renaissance artist Doménikos Theotokópoulos, better known as El Greco.
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A historic yellow building with a modern glass extension, a street with cars and a motorbike, and a clear blue sky.

What to do in Ayía Varvára

 

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Frequently asked questions

Is Ayía Varvára worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to enjoy the cultural attractions and local charm or sample unique foods and go on outdoor adventures, there's no shortage of things to do in Ayía Varvára.
How do I spend a day in Ayía Varvára?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Museum of Messara and Hermitage of Agios Efthymios Nivritos. Then, check out different parts of Ayía Varvára for tasty eats and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ayía Varvára?
Don't leave without checking out Museum of Messara, rated the top tourist attraction in Ayía Varvára.
Is three days enough to stay in Ayía Varvára?
If you only want to see the most popular sights, three days will be plenty of time for a break in Ayía Varvára. Book for a week or longer for the chance to truly appreciate the local vibe, visit nearby highlights and explore off the beaten path.
What are some activities to do in Ayía Varvára with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our ideas for what to do in Ayía Varvára with kids.

What to do in Ayía Varvára for adults?
Adults of all ages will find plenty of things to do in Ayía Varvára. Whether you're into history, art, outdoor activities or just love discovering new destinations, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Ayía Varvára?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Ayía Varvára is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can visit without getting your cash out. Hermitage of Agios Efthymios Nivritos is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.