Full-scale ecosystems, quiet fossil hall and a thrilling earthquake simulator foster shared discovery; absence of food service limits a lingering romantic visit.
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can cover main exhibits and the earthquake simulator without rushing
Megadioramas:
Walk through four life-size panoramic scenes of Eastern Mediterranean landscapes.
Tip: Visit early to capture photos with soft morning light and fewer visitors.
Earthquake Simulator:
Experience a safe, realistic tremor and learn quake safety together.
Tip: Queue first thing after opening to avoid crowds and try different intensity levels.
Fossils Hall:
Admire the giant Deinotherium skeleton and other prehistoric fossils.
Tip: Spend extra time in the quieter side rooms for intimate views of skeletal details.
Living Museum:
Observe live Cretan reptiles, arthropods, and small mammals up close.
Tip: Look for active reptiles in mid-morning when they are most lively.
Multimedia Room:
Interact with touch-screens and short films on Crete’s geology and wildlife.
Tip: Challenge each other on quizzes and compare your scores after each module.
In summer, arrive before 10 AM to avoid heat and midday crowds. Check the museum’s website for rotating temporary exhibitions.
Explore These Activities
Jesse Kruijthof
The museum is interesting for sure, but the live animals that are kept there are sadly in bad and unhealthy conditions. Enclosures seem dirty and the water they have is dirty too with algae growing in the drinking water and it just seems sad overall. I can not understand why live animals are treated like this especially in a place that has "museum" and "university" on the building. Take care of y...
Mike S
Interesting museum but unfortunately the earthquake simulator was not open. Lots of stuffed animals on view but also some live ones. Spent about 1,5 hours there leaving a little wiser about Crete ( Greece) and its natural history. Worth a visit.
Marcus A.
Very informative. The stuffed animals look quite real. But what makes me very sad is that they exhibit live animals here. Half of the showcases are uninhabited or “Under Construction” because the animals are probably not doing very well here and are dying. Only freedom is species-appropriate!
johnkop4
Interesting museum if you want to learn about the nature of Crete and the Mediterranean, however the main exhibits have not changed in as long as it has existed. It is located in a unique building of Heraklion which used to be a factory. It is right on the seaside but it unfortunately has no accesible viewpoints or balconies. I think it is worth visiting at least once though.
Hannah's Adventures in Nature
The only reason this museum has 4 stars instead of 5 is because it's still undergoing renovations! Do not let this put you off though! Any nature lover visiting Crete should come to this museum. Everything is translated into English and it is jam-packed full of information and wonders to explore and look at! As you enter there is a long row of lockers that are free to use so you dont have to car...
Item | Cost (Approx.) |
---|---|
Admission for 2 adults | EUR 16 |
Museum guidebook | EUR 5 |
Coffee at nearby café | EUR 10 |
Total Estimated | EUR 31 |
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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Address: Κόλπος Δερματά, Leof. Sofokli Venizelou, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
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