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Heraklion Prefecture
Heraklion
Things to Do in Heraklion
Castello del Molo (Koules)
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Castello del Molo (Koules)

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See all things to do
Castello del Molo (Koules)
4.5
1,207
#10 of 88 things to do in Heraklion
Historic Sites • Castles
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1-2 hours
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
535 within 3 miles
Kazoual Cafe & Restaurant
364
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • Greek
Kastella
1,896
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • Greek
Plani
353
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Greek
Paralia Seaside Restaurant
1,844
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • Greek
Cooking With Love
720
0.3 mi$ • Mediterranean • European • Greek
Ligo Krasi Ligo Thalassa
1,218
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • Greek
Ladokolla
576
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • European
Herb's Garden
627
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • International • Mediterranean • European
Amalias Kitchen
2,716
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Mediterranean • Greek
Ippokampos
1,325
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • Greek
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Attractions
68 within 6 miles
Old Venetian Harbor of Heraklion
628
0.2 miMarinas
Kotsanas Museum
162
0.2 miScience Museums • History Museums
Loggia
478
0.2 miHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings
Venetian Shipyards
32
0.2 miHistoric Sites
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
7,478
0.4 miHistory Museums
Agios Titos Church
802
0.3 miChurches & Cathedrals
Historical Museum of Crete
689
0.4 miHistory Museums
3 Dolphins Statue
1
0.2 miMonuments & Statues
Minoan Lines
176
0.3 miFerries
25th of August Street
112
0.4 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,207 reviews
Excellent
623
Very good
445
Average
118
Poor
14
Terrible
7
swisstraveller
Berne563 contributions
A must visit in Heraklion
The fortress is very impressive from the outside, and you can enjoy great views of it from different points in Heraklion, without visiting. But if you have a little time, I would definitely recommend visiting it from the inside - the entry fee of EUR 4 is well worth it. On the ground floor, you can learn a lot about the history of the castello and see things like canons, and amphores that Jacques Costeau retrieved whilst diving around here.

From the top floor you have amazing views.
Written October 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David D
Devon, UK17,578 contributions
Impressive old Fortress
Couples
Friday 28th August and we were sightseeing and exploring in Heraklion.

It is impossible not to see this massive 16th century Fortress which dominates the entrance to the Old Harbour.

We did walk up to the Fortress, had a look and continued walking along the harbour wall.

Visitors can go in and wander around and visit the museum inside. The entrance fee was €4 (some concessions available - bring ID). We did not go in.

Really nice walk along the harbour wall, see the Fortress, Old Harbour, Ferry Terminal and views looking back towards Heraklion. It is worth it.
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KrisD_pl
Warsaw, Poland7,695 contributions
Very interesting castle
The first castle was built there in 9th century by the Arabs, but the current structure was constructed by the Venetians in 16th century and expanded in next centuries.
The walls are almost 9metres thick at some parts, and the castle has three entrances. 26 rooms were originally used as barracks, a prison, storage rooms, a water reservoir, a church, a mill and a bakery. Nowadays it is restored, houses interesting exhibition. Very interesting visit, nice views.
Written August 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
andycoldham
Crawley, UK840 contributions
Awesome
This fort overlooking the harbour and the sea was built by the venetians, only 4 euro to get in, and it provides a fascinating insight to times long ago. The views from the ramparts are awesome, and keen photographers will have a field day amongst the castle memorabilia. It is easy to spend a couple of hours and as a Suprise bonus, the castle has very clean toilets.
Written September 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Deryn H
Waterlooville, UK2,222 contributions
Interesting find
This is a fantastic castle situated in the harbour. It was blowing a gale when we arrived and the high walls made a very good wind break. At €1 concession entrance it was well worth a visit. There were several levels to explore, some with sparse furnishings and one area I particularly enjoyed contained relics from the past including lots of 2nd century Roman amphora used to transport wine on board ships which were recovered from shipwrecks around the area. A fantastic insight into past living. There are quite a few steps to get up to the higher levels and two toilets.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GillR
Southend-on-Sea, UK59 contributions
castello de Molo
you dont have to be a history buff to enjoy walking round Castello del Molo. visit the roof to get panoraic views of Heraclion. A little disappointed as was charges full price for a 69 year old as England was no longer in the EU ?
Written August 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cruiser471292
32 contributions
Nice
Couples
It is a nice port. Nice view to the sea after arriving from the port. Careful drive is extremely important because the poice will fine you for almost everything. The city is not that nice, so we decided after a short walk to take the road and drive to the beaches.
Written August 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MariaS0raya
Greece404 contributions
Fortress Rocca a Mare and Jacques-Yves Cousteau...
Solo
The "Rocca a Mare" or "Castello a Mare" or "Koules" (turkish Su Kulesi) or "Castellum Comunis" ( 2nd Byzantine period) is a fortress located at the entrance of the port of Heraklion.

The Venetians built the fortress in order to protect the harbour. The old building was demolished and a new fortress (3.600 square meters) was built from 1523 to 1540. It has two storeys with 26 rooms used as barracks, a prison, a water reservoir....

The fortress Rocca a Mare was closed by the end of 2010 due to restoration programme and now it is open to the public and hosts cultural events....

Today the fort hosts an exhibition of the underwater research (1976) conducted by the famous oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau...... and the cannons of vessel "La Therese" of the French Fleet sunk in 1669.

Worth a visit..
Written May 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dirk W
Alexandra Headland, Australia5,110 contributions
Heraklion landmark
Couples
I cannot resist any castle or fortress ; and this one is a beauty. Additionally it is really easy to access and a pleasure too : the walkway to it and the pier further down is a gathering place for the young people of Heraklion, especially late afternoon. Good fun to watch it all and a wonderful seaside walk at the same time.
Written July 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BabyEvaTravels
Oslo, Norway1,342 contributions
2 Euros for lots of fun
If you are in Heraklion you must check out this. But be aware that there is a 2,2 km road each way, in the sun with no shade - so bring good walking shoes, sunscreen and water.
Written August 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Castello del Molo (Koules) (Heraklion) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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