What to do in Ayía Varvára

Activities, attractions and tours

Ayía Varvára Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Ayía Varvára has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Ayía Varvára, 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 to Ayía Varvára 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.

Places of interest in Ayía Varvára

Ayía Varvára is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Ayía Varvára, and make it a breeze to explore Ayía Varvára and 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 holiday 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 to Ayía Varvára, 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 in Ayía Varvára.

Ayía Varvára attractions

Ayía Varvára 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 in Ayía Varvára to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Ayía Varvára.

Looking for things to do in Ayía Varvára 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 of Ayía Varvára 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. Happy trails!

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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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Heraklion Port showing a marina

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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Columns in the Palace of Knossos

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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Heraklion Archaeological Museum showing street scenes

4. 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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Historical Museum of Crete which includes street scenes

5. Koules Fortress

Stand inside Koules Fortress and look out across the Heraklion harbor just as sentries who guarded the city from attack over 500 years ago would have done. Visit the soldiers’ barracks and prison and see where the cannons were positioned to fire upon approaching enemy vessels. Don’t miss the impressive marble reliefs depicting St. Mark’s lion, the symbol of Venice, on three of the walls of the fortress.
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Koules Fortress showing a bay or harbour

What to do in Ayía Varvára

Popular places to visit

Koudoumas Monastery

You can find out about the history of Gortyna with a visit to Koudoumas Monastery. Amble around the area's beaches or experience its museums.

Koudoumas Monastery

Museum of Messara

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Museum of Messara in Ambeloúzos. Discover the mountain views in this quaint area.

Museum of Messara

Rouvas Gorge

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Explore the great outdoors at Rouvas Gorge, a lovely green space in Gortyna. Discover the mountain views in this culturally rich area.

Rouvas Gorge

Trypiti Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Trypiti Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Gortyna. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Trypiti Beach

Gortys

Learn about the local history of Gortyna when you spend time at Gortys. Discover the mountain views in this quaint area.

Gortys

Hermitage of Agios Efthymios Nivritos

You can learn about the history of Gortyna when you stop by Hermitage of Agios Efthymios Nivritos. Stroll along the beaches or experience the area's museums.

Hermitage of Agios Efthymios Nivritos

Canyon Saint Sava

You can take time to visit Canyon Saint Sava during your travels to Gortyna. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Canyon Saint Sava

Elygiá

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Elygiá during your trip to Gortyna? Amble around the area's beaches or experience its museums.

Elygiá

Trafoulás

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Trafoulás during your trip to Gortyna? Amble around the area's beaches or experience its museums.

Trafoulás

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Ayía Varvára

Tempels des Pythian Apollo.

Gortyna

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.