Koules Fortress (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Koules Fortress?
What makes it 45% Baby-Friendly: Babies may enter, and a standard restroom exists, but there is no changing table, steep stairs defeat strollers, and little shade on ramparts, making visits tiring and logistically awkward.
Positives:
- Partially accessible entrance: The wooden ramp makes it easier to bring a stroller into the main courtyard.
- On-site restrooms: Indoor toilets have private stalls where you can change or feed your baby.
Challenges:
- Uneven floors and stairs: Stone paths and steep steps beyond the ramp require a baby carrier.
- No changing tables: You must bring your own changing pad as there is no dedicated baby station.
What is Koules Fortress?
- A 16th-century Venetian maritime fortress guarding the entrance to Heraklion’s harbor
- Massive limestone bastions and ramparts rising from a man-made islet into the Aegean Sea
- A multi-level stronghold of vaulted casemates, gun batteries and former military chambers
What is so special about Koules Fortress for with baby?
- Enter via a wooden ramp suitable for partial stroller access
- Hunt for lion carvings to entertain your baby
- See historic cannons and prison rooms on the ground floor
- Use the short video screening to rest and feed your baby
- On-site restrooms provide private stalls for changing
Note: Koules Fortress is 45% Baby-Friendly. You may want to consider other Baby-Friendly Things to Do in Heraklion for a more suitable experience.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time to explore main rooms, climb the ramp, watch the video, and take breaks for the baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Koules Fortress
Ramp access entry:
Enter via the wooden ramp leading from the courtyard into the fortress.
Tip: Use a baby carrier past uneven floors beyond the ramp.
Lion-relief hunt:
Spot the three winged Lion of Saint Mark carvings on the walls.
Tip: Turn it into a game to keep your baby engaged in the carrier.
Explore cannons and dungeons:
See the restored cannons and the old prison chambers on the ground floor.
Tip: Stop at each room for short rests if your baby needs a break.
Screening room video:
Watch the short film on the fortress’s history and underwater finds.
Tip: Use this indoor break to feed or soothe your baby away from sun and wind.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Koules Fortress
- Bring a baby carrier: Use the carrier for steep ramps and uneven floors where strollers can’t go.
- Visit early: Arrive at opening to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures on the ramparts.
- Plan refreshment stops: Use the café inside or head to nearby marina cafés for snacks and shade.
Reviews of Koules Fortress
Zoltan Kovacs
A very nicely renovated and maintained fortress. Built during the Venetian Republic, the construction was completed in 1540, and then in 1669 it came under Ottoman control. The terrace offers a fantastic view of the sea and the city of Heraklion. It can be reached by walking for about 10 minutes from the city center. The entrance fee is 10 Euro/person, free for those under 25. I recommend it to ev...
Rusnac Nicolae
Here we have spent the most interesting part of our day! It is a very beautiful and extravagant fortress. For me this is a place where I would definitely come one more time in the future as it is very beautiful. For EU people that has no more than 25 years the entrance is free as for all the museums in Greece as I understood it!
João Duarte
Worth the trip and one of the best places to learn about the Battle of Crete. There is an entry fee that seems reasonable, and the place does actually take a while to explore. On the ground floor there is the main exhibition and on the top you see the walled structure with views towards the city and the sea. There is a nice coffee area there as well for a break.
Ralph Ellis
Worth the entrance fee of €10 to explore the incredible fortress. Great views from the top across the port of Heraklion. Lots of history inside with some great displays.
Liubov Gurina
Nice place to visit, great views from the top. For EU citizens born 2000 or later free entrance. In case you order something in the cafeteria on top, ask and check your receipts! We took two slush drinks (colored ice, see the picture), and were told it cost 10€, no receipt provided. When I checked my card transactions next day, they actually charged 13€ instead of 10! For that reason 4 stars only...
When is the best time to visit Koules Fortress (Heraklion, Greece)?
In summer bring hats, water and a portable fan for the baby on the ramparts. In cooler months dress in layers against the sea breeze.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult tickets (2 x €2) | EUR 4 |
| Cafeteria snack | EUR 6 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 10 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Koules Fortress
Address: Heraklion 712 02, Greece
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Koules Fortress (Heraklion)?
About Koules Fortress
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+30 281 024 355910 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, with baby
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with baby
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities