Rocca a Mare Fortress is a must-visit tourist attraction in the city of Heraklion. Located at the end of the pedestrian street in the old port area, it offers a unique experience for visitors. The entrance fee is affordable, and the views from the fortress are breathtaking, especially during sunset.
The fortress, built by the Republic of Venice in the 16th century, is remarkably well-preserved and provides insights into the history of Crete. The walls are thick, and there are several rooms containing artifacts and information about the fortress's past. The large roof terrace offers panoramic views in all directions.
However, it is important to note that the fortress is closed on Tuesdays, so plan your visit accordingly. The staff can sometimes appear weary of tourist attention, but they are generally friendly. It is advisable to visit early in the day to avoid crowds and the midday heat.
Exploring the fortress and reading about its history is a fascinating experience. The information boards are available in both English and Greek, making it accessible to a wider audience. The walk along the walls, overlooking the sea and the city of Heraklion, is about a mile long and offers a refreshing breeze.
Overall, Rocca a Mare Fortress is a significant historical site that shouldn't be missed when visiting Heraklion. Its affordable entrance fee, stunning views, and rich history make it a worthwhile destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Address:
Heraklion
Phone:
+30 281 024 3559
06.09.23
Phil
Good little place to visit for a stroll out along the walls. To enter the fortress itself is a few euros. And if you have a student card you can get in cheaper too. Has an interesting history and timeline. The day we visited there was a fantastic bre.. Read more »eze off the sea which was quite something when looking out from the fortress into the wind.
The walk out to sea around the fortress along the wall is about a mile and offers a sea view of Heraklion.
04.09.23
Keith
Cool on a hot day! Very thick walls, with a number of rooms containing artefacts and details of the history. Large roof terrace with good views in all directions. Only 4 Euros entry.
22.07.23
Marin
Other than Tuesday, when visiting always read the signs, as sometimes the second floor is closed and without it the visit to the fortress is pointless. The staff are kinda tired of tourist attention and a lot of screaming and whistling was on ... the.. Read more » fortress itself wasn't anything special, but the view is fine. Don't trust the "sunset" reviews - they closed at 19. Best hours for visitors are 17-18 in my view.
Did not even take pictures of the ground floor - it's very dark and hard to even read the info signs.
30.05.23
Catalin
If you visit the city of Heraklion, you have to see this important tourist attraction.
It's easy to get there - the fortress is located right in the city's old port, at the end of the pedestrian street, in an area full of bars, restaurants.. Read more », and souvenir shops.
The entrance fee is cheap, and the view is splendid, especially at sunset.
28.05.23
Georges
A word of caution. Don't plan your visits on a Tuesday because this is the day that the fortress is closed. Otherwise, come in and take a long walk on the wave breaker after you finish your visit. There are great views on the city. The fortress .. Read more »is historically important, so take your time exploring it. Another practical suggestion is to come in as early as possible - the fortress opens at 8:30 AM - to avoid crowds and to escape the noon heat.
19.05.23
Dilip
We toured the fort and read up on the history. Fascinating! Well worth the time and admission. The fort is remarkably well preserved. Great view of the harbor, city, and sea.
23.04.23
Luke
This is a must see visit for only 4 euros a person. It is full with history from Ancient Greek times. It felt a privilege to be able to experience it first hand. The information boards have English and Greek.
Staff are also very friendly.
25.03.23
ieva
The site is worth visiting. The entry fee was not €2 as mentioned in previous reviews, but €4 p/p (April 2023).
The fortress was built by the Republic of Venice in the early 16th century and is still in good condition today. Upon entrance,.. Read more » you have access to the high rectangular section (the roof) and a slightly lower semi-elliptical section (entrance level). The place has many information boards to read up about the fortress and the history of Crete. Highly recommend visiting.
09.11.22
Christina
Quite interesting, costs 2 euros to get in (Nov), takes about 15 min to do the whole inside of the fort. You can walk to the lighthouse and the mermaid sculpture too.
19.10.22
Craig
Much of the town was flattened during WW2 but lovely historic old town, the fortress is well worth a visit. Incredible place full of history and great value for a few Euro - kids go free and discount for the older EU generation. Sadly not for us BREX.. Read more »IT Brits ☹️
08.10.22
G
This is a great location to spend a few hours and learn about the history of Crete. The fort is very easy to find and well maintained. The location is full of artifacts and has lots of information regarding the site and its uses. Well worth a visit i.. Read more »f you go to Crete.
12.09.22
Leri
One of the best historical places i’ve seen in a while (I haven’t seen any historical things in my lifetime…) but to be fair it was a beautiful castle. I would visit it again.
26.08.22
Cosmin
It's a nice point of interest in Heraklion, worth visiting. Close to the main commercial street which makes it a nice evening out for a family or a couple. The view from the top of the Rocca a Mare is very beautiful and it's a nice spot to .. Read more »spend some time enjoying the view and recharge your batteries.
18.08.22
Radu
One of the first sights that draw your attention when you arrive in Heraklion, it's q very nice to walk by and also to visit inside. With a very rich history, it has been renovated to both bring it to it's former glory but also to host a pi.. Read more »ece of physical and visual gallery that will transport you a few hundred years into the past. The stories on the walls are a nice addition, while the objects dug up from the near by see make the experience an extraordinary one. And do not forget to visit the terrace: it will give you a 360 view of the surroundings.
13.08.22
Ali
Wow such a beautiful site to visit and see in person! Can’t believe I was able to stay right there and see it everyday. Free to walk to, but you have to pay to enter the inside, which didn’t look that crazy so I decided not to go inside!
31.07.22
Simon
Insane views and some great history, you could literally walk the same footsteps as the guards and take in the panoramic scenes. A small entry fee for a whole lot of history. Bring water however as it can be a little toasty!
25.07.22
Alicia
Great place to learn more about the interesting history of this fortress and Crete in general. Very stroller and wheelchair accessible. Lots of space and the perfect spot for young children. Well worth the 4 euros.
02.07.22
Shawn
Really cool place to visit. It was nice to see history and the location is easy to get to. I highly recommend as a stop on the tour of the city. There is history and views that can't be over looked!
04.06.22
Thomas
An impressive fortress from days gone by. It has many artefacts and lots of information with regards to the fortress itself and the history of Heraklion. The views from the top of the fortress are fantastic, it's also a great place to cool off i.. Read more »n the vast cavernous rooms inside!
14.05.22
Amanda
Venetian fortress in the Harbor - interesting history inside and gorgeous views from up top on the ramparts all around. Inexpensive (4 Euros/person) but worth it for the views alone.
23.04.22
Antonio
Beautiful Castle in the old harbor of Heraklion. Extraordinary example of the Venetian period in the city. Inside you can find very interesting temporary exhibitions. The view from the top of the Castle is very beautiful especially if you look at the.. Read more » sea. Definitely a place to visit if you are in the capital of Crete.
03.09.21
Bowen
Beautiful historic location and definitely worth a visit if you're in Heraklion. The price for a ticket is 4 euros. They provide some information in English about the location and different times, which was an interesting read. Though the exhibi.. Read more »tion further inside I was most interested in was unfortunately almost completely in Greek. With the addition of a proper English translation you could definitely spend some more time inside. Nevertheless I recommend checking out this place as it's beautiful and so is the view from the top of the fortress.
03.09.21
Viera
I have very much enjoyed the visit (entry 4e). Wonderful views of the harbor & sea, history exhibition, refreshing wind blowing through the windows... The fortress is beautiful ?
12.08.21
Ryan
A great place to visit, especially for those who love history! Cool historical items inside and great explanations on the history of the Fortress. Be aware they are closed on Tuesday.
10.07.21
Sijmen
It was a beautiful place to be. U can have a good view to the sea
05.07.21
Mikolaj
The Rock requires your attention. The location is impressive and gives some understanding on Venetian strategy and skills. The museum is well maintained and offers interesting exhibition (part of it in Greek only ). Views are spectacular and worth ta.. Read more »king time and four euros. If you want to try before you buy take a tour from the outside first and then decide for yourself.
31.05.21
Pavol
Amazing place! I love fortifications and this one gave me great understanding of the Venetian military architecture.
Unfortunately there was not so much information inide, so read about the place before you go there to get maximum of your visit.
24.05.21
Eric
Zues called.... He said you need to stop being concerned if this trip is any good..... Because it is! Absolutely amazing!!! Come walk through history and enjoy something REAL. Ok?
14.05.21
Heiko
Very interesting exhibition. The side has been well reconstructed. Recommended the visit
21.02.21
Rooz
It’s a historic fortress right at the marina, an ideal place to spend a few hours and watch the sunset while taking a stroll by the sea.
20.01.21
N
perfect spot if you're a history lover. I love the history and the view of the city and sea, however I found a lot of basic info to be lacking. There were plenty of text blurbs all over inside detailing historical battles and found shipwrecks, .. Read more »but I couldn't find any info on how the fortress was used in the past. I wanted to know what each of the rooms were, how they've been used over time, in what year was the fortress last used, etc. Maybe a guided tour would have been more informative, I just wish that info had been on the plaques. but all. in all , was good.
08.10.20
Eliza
A really excellent exhibit, and very interesting, but there are about 80+ deeply technical paragraphs throughout. I would still highly recommend it, as it gives a VERY thorough background on Heraklion in general, but just consider it more a full muse.. Read more »um rather than a quick pit-stop. It took us about 1.5-hours(!) to get through everything.
24.09.20
Tasos
Port authority have put concrete blocks and bars in the opposite side but generally is ok for a peacefull walk.
17.09.20
Gilad
It’s a nice place but not justify a walk / drive just to see it
11.09.20
Darrin
Beautiful place, although on the day we visited we only walked around the outside, late in the day, we did not have the chance to go inside, will do that on our next visit.
Still you could sense the history and historical information, a must do wal.. Read more »k , along with the harbour and old town.
08.09.20
Christoph
Nice place 4 € each person.
Attention: I get a warning from 4 of the 5 housekeeper's.
Try on the roof the wall, to look down the ocean and you will see what I mean ;)
05.09.20
Yiannis
The fortress is great, and the restoration and history behind also. I would give 5 stars if the people working here were a bit more smiley and friendly. Not fair to generalise, maybe these 2 ladies had a bad day...
03.09.20
Steven
Amazing fortress. Very well preserved. Entrance is cheap also so its worth a visit.
31.08.20
Soizic
Very cool history and excessively beautiful view of the sea
22.08.20
Debbie
Lovely to walk around and read its history
10.08.20
Ante
Nicely organized, clean, well preserved fortress. Staff professional, taking great care for all Covid measures. Overall not the best value for money.
30.07.20
Riccardo
Small fortress at Heraklion port worth a visit. The exhibition is well organized and the view is amazing.
24.07.20
Asma
The museum staff are so nice here and they explain the history of the sight very well.
4.6 / 82
