Looking for a rainy-day activity in Crete or something for kids near Heraklion? CRETAquarium in Gournes is the biggest aquarium in Greece and part of the largest marine research complex in the Mediterranean.
We visited and here is the honest breakdown - what you see, how much time you need, and how to skip the 20-minute queue in summer.
CRETAquarium Admission - Free cancellation 24h, Reserve now & pay later
👉 Check availability on GetYourGuide - from €15
Product ID 246792 - 4.3/5 based on 1168 reviews, valid 1 day
What is CRETAquarium?
CRETAquarium, also known as Thalassocosmos ("sea world"), is a public aquarium located near the town of Gournes in Crete, 15 km east of the city of Heraklion. It is part of THALASSOKOSMOS park, the HCMR facilities, the largest marine research, technology and recreation complex in the Mediterranean.
The aquarium first opened in December 2005 and belongs to the family of large European aquariums. A 5000 square meter structure, it is both a research center (housing the Institute of Marine Biology & Genetics and the Institute of Oceanography) and an impressive aquarium with 60 tanks and over 100 viewing points.
- 60 diverse habitats representing Cretan seascapes - from Matala rocks (South Crete) to Vai seabed (North East)
- Over 2,000 sea creatures - sharks, jellyfish, sea turtles, stingrays, scorpionfish, clownfish
- More than 250 different species
- 100 observation points, open-topped shallow tanks for top view
Tickets & Opening Hours 2026
| Season | Hours |
|---|---|
| Summer (1 April – 31 October) | 9:30 - 19:00 daily |
| Winter (1 November – 31 March) | 9:30 - 16:00 daily |
How much time do you need? You will need approximately 1 hour to explore the Aquarium. With kids, calculate 1.5 hours.
Audio guide: You may rent an audio guide at the reception for 3€ with your choice of 9 languages.
Tip to avoid queues: It usually gets very busy in the summer between 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM and there can be long lines. Come at 9:30 opening or after 16:30. With the online ticket you don't wait in line for tickets - you go directly inside.
👉 Get CRETAquarium Ticket on GetYourGuide
What will you see inside?
The route goes from coastal zones to open sea, caves and deep water:
- Open Sea: Sharks circling, waiting to be fed
- Caves & Crevices: Stingrays and rock-like scorpionfish
- Shallow tanks: Get up close with jellyfish and schools of vibrant tropical clownfish through open-topped tanks
- Mediterranean landscapes: Tanks recreating Cretan underwater topography
It's fully air-conditioned - perfect for hot days or rainy days in Crete. Right on the beach, so you can combine with a swim after.
How to get there
You can visit the Aquarium by car or taxi in 25 minutes either from Heraklion, or from Malia and Hersonissos. Located at Thalassokosmos, Former American Base, Gournes, 71500 Heraklion.
Bus: Local bus from Heraklion to Gournes, 5 min walk.
Is CRETAquarium worth it?
YES if: you travel with kids, you need a break from beach, you love marine biology, you want an easy half-day from Heraklion/Hersonissos.
SKIP if: you expect a huge aquarium like Valencia or Monterey - it's medium size (1 hour). But for Crete standards, it's top organized and educational.
Value for money 4.2/5 - most visitors say "beautiful aquarium, great for all the family, worth going before peak time".
Final Verdict
For €15 and 1 hour, it's the best family activity near Heraklion. Book online to skip line, go early, rent audio guide if you want stories.
🎟️ Check CRETAquarium Availability →
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