Visiting CretAquarium is one of the best things to do in Crete with kids. Along with the nearby theme parks, it’s one of the main family attractions on the north coast of Crete, on the road between Heraklion and Hersonissos.
My son and I made a full day of it, visiting both CretAquarium and Dinosauria Park, a short walk away. In this guide to CretAquarium I’ll show you what there is to see, fishy photos and all. And I’ll explain where it is, how to get there and other places to visit nearby.
What To See At CretAquarium
CretAquarium Thalassokosmos is a large government-funded aquarium showcasing the marine life around Crete, and also across the Mediterranean Sea.
It is big, with around 60 tanks, some of which are massive. The environment is wonderful for humans, with air conditioning taking the edge off the punishing summer heat outside. And it’s all topped off with some rather good ethereal and ambient music – a personal thumbs-up from me on that one.
The tour begins in the depths of the Mediterranean. In this section light is kept low to re-create the conditions where the various creatures – including the stingrays and red scorpionfish. We particularly enjoyed seeing the underside of the stingray, with what resembles a human face near its mouth.
You then progress to the open sea, which was the most exciting part of the visit for many kids we saw. They loved seeing the sand tiger shark weaving its way around the tank. They are quite small creatures, but it’s amazing to se them up close. As my son said, multiply their size a few times and you’ve got something as scary as a great white shark – something to steer well clear of!
The following section includes coastal areas, which of course includes marine life you’re likely to find if you go snorkelling in Crete. This includes remarkable sea anemones, lobsters and the captivating little one pictured with a brown-spotted back and transparent belly.
My favourite section included the jellyfish tank – this was one of the few times I had ever been this close to these remarkable creatures. They glowed blue in the light, their ghostly umbrella shapes an astonishing sight.
The final section includes various tropical fish including the yellow tang and the blue tang. The latter is recognizable to many as Dory, the forgetful character in the Finding Nemo movie. Some of these fish have migrated to the Mediterranean from the Red Sea via the Suez Canal.
GOOD TO KNOW: You can wander back and forth through the aquarium as many times as you want, but once you pass through the exit, that’s your lot. We got to have a second look as we had to re-enter to retrieve my son’s sunhat, and the staff were very understanding and helpful.
Where Is CretAquarium In Crete
CretAquarium is located in the village of Gournes 9 miles (14 km) east of Heraklion. It’s a short drive or walk off the old national road (where buses stop) and the new E75/90 road which runs most of the way across the north coast of Crete.
How To Get To CretAquarium
If you travel by bus to CretAquarium, be aware that the Aquarium is a 10-minute walk from the nearest bus stop. There is some shade from trees during the afternoon.
Gournes is on the main Heraklion-Hersonissos-Malia-Agios-Nikolaos bus route. Alight at stop number 9 whichever direction you’re travelling in. Follow the street Odos Eirinis (next to the school with brightly painted railings) – there is also a brown tourist sign for CretAquarium on the corner.
After 250 metres, take the second right turn, then the next left. Gournes Animal Shelter will be on your right. Then continue down the street until you reach CretAquarium, around 500 metres down the hill on the left.
For bus timetables, check out the KTEL-Herlas website.
If you’re driving to CretAquarium, you need to get onto the old national road at Gournes. If you’re travelling on the new road (E75/90), take the Gournes / Gouvon exit, and take the first left off the slip road onto the old national road.
From there, drive around 800 metres, passing Dinosauria Park on your right. Then turn right at the bus stop (number 9), continue down Odos Eirinis, and take the sixth right turn as you approach the beach. The road then loops around, continuing up the slope to CretAquarium. There is a choice of three car parks as you reach the junction outside.
CretAquarium Tickets
An adult ticket costs €12.
Children aged 5 to 17 pay €6 each.
Children aged 4 and under can visit for free.
And you can book your CretAquarium tickets here.
CretAquarium Opening Hours
The Aquarium is open daily from 9.30 am to 7.00 pm during the summer season (April to October).
And it’s open from 9.30 am to 4.00 pm in the winter season (November to March).
Other Places To Visit Near CretAquarium
CretAquarium is right next to Gournes beach, so if you’re up for a dip in the sea or a lounge under an umbrella, you don’t have far to walk at all.
My son and I combined our visit to CretAquarium with a trip to Dinosauria Park, a 10-15 minute walk away next to the main road between Heraklion and the main resorts.
We had a great time there. We got to wander among around 50 life-size dinosaur figures, from roaring carnivores with teeth the size of bananas to a gentle but massive diplodocus (or was it an Argentinosaurus?). They also have a ‘dinosaur hospital’ where a miniature raptor emerges from its egg. They’re very cute when they’re that size!
There is also a Planetarium, Planet Crete, next door to Dinosauria, but unfortunately we didn’t have time to visit it. The same goes for the Water City water park, which is also near Gournes.
Visiting CretAquarium Crete – Final Thoughts
I hope you have found my CretAquarium guide helpful. My son and I enjoyed our visit to CretAquarium, and it’s somewhere the Little Man has said he’d like to revisit next time we’re in the area.
CretAquarium is one of many family attractions in this busy part of the north Crete coast. We visited on a day trip from Malia, which was very easy, with a 45-minute bus journey each way.
There are plenty of things to do in Malia, from exploring the best of the Malia beaches (don’t miss Potamos Beach and Stalis Beach) and Malia Old Town. Lychnostatis Open Air Museum, between Hersonissos and Malia, is also worth an hour or two of your time.
As for Hersonissos, there is a wide choice of Hersonissos beaches, but the best – Sarantari Beach and Gefyri Beach – are a mile or so north of the town. And life goes by a good deal slower on the hillside villages of Old Hersonissos, Piskopiano and Koutouloufari a mile or two inland.
I strongly recommend spending one day in Heraklion at some point during your holiday in Crete. The main reason for most people to stop in Crete’s capital is visiting Knossos palace, the ancient Minoan site on the southern outskirts of the city.
I also suggest visiting Heraklion Archaeological Museum, where most of the artefacts from Knossos (and many others from all over Crete) are held.
Take a look at my guide to the best things to do in Heraklion for more tips on places to see in this fascinating, but much overlooked, city.
David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times. David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.