The Crete Aquarium is located 15 kilometers east of the city of Heraklion, in a town called Gournes. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore the Mediterranean Sea and observe hundreds of fish species and thousands of aquatic life forms housed in 32 tanks with a total of 1.6 million liters of seawater.
It is a global underwater exploration to discover the various forms and colors of the Mediterranean seabed and to learn about the behaviors and needs of its inhabitants.
The Crete Aquarium, officially opened in December 2005, is a unique site for research, education, and culture, as well as a curious attraction for the general public. It aims to promote and disseminate knowledge of the Mediterranean marine environment, the conservation and study of habitats, and the inhabitants of our sea, including fish, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, and plants. Founded by employees of the Institute of Marine Biology of Crete, now incorporated into the Hellenic Center for Marine Research, it uses the knowledge of specialists in the field and research technology developed over the last 20 years.
The Crete Aquarium complex, with ample parking, is easily accessible from all parts of Crete, thanks to well-studied road signs. In addition to visiting the tanks (equipped with 300 square meters of windows for observing marine species), slide shows, and abundant educational materials, there are numerous opportunities in the surrounding area to complete the day by visiting other important cultural sites or the well-equipped beaches on the north side of the island.
Located a short distance from the international airport “N. Kazantzakis”, the city of Heraklion, the famous tourist resort of Malia, and the archaeological site of Knossos, the Crete Aquarium also has a bar and restaurant inside. Furthermore, just 100 meters from the aquarium, there is the opportunity to swim on a large sandy beach.
The Crete Aquarium is open every day of the year, including during holidays and summer vacations. The large aquarium can be visited from May to September from from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm and from October to April from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.
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