Kornarou Square (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Kornarou Square?
What makes it 66% Kids-Friendly: Kids enjoy street performers, donuts, climbing statue bases, and safe pedestrian space, yet there is no playground or toilets in the square, so visits should stay under one hour.
Positives:
- Child-friendly space: Pedestrian square allows kids to run safely away from traffic.
- Historic landmarks: Bembo Fountain and statue spark educational fun.
- Open-air performances: Weekend shows offer free entertainment for all ages.
Challenges:
- No dedicated restrooms: No public toilets; you may need to buy something at a café to use facilities.
- Limited shade at midday: Few shaded spots; pack hats and water in summer.
- Cobblestone surface: Stone paving can be slippery when wet or for unsupervised running.
What is Kornarou Square?
- A public square at the convergence of eight historic streets in Heraklion’s Venetian-era old town
- A focal point for three monuments: the 16th-century Venetian Bembo Fountain, an 18th-century Ottoman Sebil fountain building, and a bronze statue of the poet-hero Erotokritos
- A landscaped setting framed by mature plane trees and flanked by Venetian- and Ottoman-period buildings retaining original stone facades
What is so special about Kornarou Square for with kids?
- Free street performances entertain children near the fountain.
- Hands-on play at the bronze statue sparks imaginative fun.
- Local treats like loukoumades and ice cream delight young tastes.
- Pedestrian-only square under plane trees offers a safe play area.
- Nearby toy shops let kids choose affordable souvenirs.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This lets your family enjoy shows, snacks, and playful exploration at a relaxed pace.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Kornarou Square
Watch street performers:
Catch free puppet shows, magicians, and musicians near the fountain on weekend afternoons.
Tip: Arrive around 4 pm to secure a spot; bring a few coins in case you want to tip performers.
Play at the Erotokritos statue:
Kids can climb the low bronze statue base and imagine adventures with the poet-hero.
Tip: Supervise children closely on the marble base to avoid slips; best for quick photo ops.
Taste loukoumades and ice cream:
Treat kids to Greek donuts and fresh ice cream at Bombus Café on the square.
Tip: Order loukoumades with honey and cinnamon; ask for small scoops to try multiple flavors.
Refuel at shady cafés:
Stop at café bars around the square for lemonade, fruit juices, and light snacks.
Tip: Choose outdoor seating under plane trees for natural shade; share a sandwich to save cost.
Browse toy shops on 1821 Street:
Let kids pick a puzzle or doll from nearby toy stores as a trip memento.
Tip: Set a small budget of €5–12 per item to manage expectations.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Kornarou Square
- Time your visit: Come at 4 pm for cooler weather and puppet shows.
- Bring snacks and water: Pack drinks and light snacks to avoid café lines.
- Combine with toy shopping: Visit 1821 Street toy shops after performances to keep kids rewarded.
Reviews of Kornarou Square
Anna
Interesting building in the middle of the city a small pavilion, Not very clean because too many pigeons.
Yannis Antoniou
A fair rating would be 3.5 stars but there's no such option. The place is at a great location and the rooms that end with a 2 or 3 (e.g. 22, 23 on the second floor, 32,33 on the third, etc) are great, very comfortable, well organized, clean, and have good facilities (coffee maker, fridge, good running shower, etc). Avoid the other rooms as the building design in 2D is like a triangle and these ot...
Lya Saaek
A nice square with some small unknown old building and a crossing point for many buses. The most spectacular is the beautiful flowering trees!
Maria Viskaduraki
A busy square featuring a fountain and the statue of Erotokritos and Aretousa saying goodbye to each other. The square is named after Vincent Kornaros who wrote the well known poem of Erotokritos.
EU EU
Maybe too crowded for my taste, but a very good restaurant there, full of tastes and cheap, traditional dishes. I don't know the name, but follow that ( see photo of napkin) I saw preparing evening show decorees.
When is the best time to visit Kornarou Square (Heraklion, Greece)?
In summer, visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and enjoy more shade under plane trees.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Loukoumades and ice cream | EUR 10 |
| Drinks and snacks | EUR 12 |
| Toy shop souvenir | EUR 8 |
| Street performer tips | EUR 5 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 35 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Kornarou Square
Address: Heraklion 712 01, Greece
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About Kornarou Square
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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