Cretaquarium (Thalassocosmos)
Ενυδρείο Κρήτης
A large aquarium in Gournes showing about 200 Mediterranean marine species. The big shark tank and jellyfish gallery are the favourites of children.
The aquarium is run by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research and is one of the largest aquariums in the eastern Mediterranean. More than 60 tanks recreate Mediterranean coastlines, deep-sea habitats and seagrass meadows. Visitors can see sand tiger sharks, sea turtles, octopuses, seahorses and bioluminescent jellyfish. Admission is about 13 to 15 euros, and a visit takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Chinese-language audio guides can be rented. The aquarium is about 15 km from Heraklion, with city buses serving the site, and it is a good choice for families or a rainy day.
Opening hours
Summer approx. 09:30–21:00; winter approx. 09:30–16:30
Nearby sights
- Nikos Kazantzakis Museum
- Knossos Palace
- Lychnostatis Open Air Museum
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum
- Koules Fortress (Rocca a Mare)
- Church of Saint Titus
- 1866 Street Market
- Lions Square, Morosini Fountain & Venetian Loggia