Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Museum · Heraclião, Creta
Museu de História Natural de Creta
University of Crete museum about the nature of the eastern Mediterranean, in a former power company building on the seafront, with dioramas, a life‑size prehistoric elephant and an earthquake simulator.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Museu de História Natural de Creta
The Natural History Museum of Crete belongs to the University of Crete and occupies the old power station of the city, a restored industrial building on the seafront west of the harbour. It presents the flora, fauna and geology of the eastern Mediterranean, with a focus on Crete and the Aegean islands.
Life‑size dioramas recreate the island’s environments, from shore to mountains, with animals such as the Cretan wild goat (kri‑kri) and the bearded vulture. One of the most photographed exhibits is the Deinotherium, a prehistoric relative of the elephant that once lived on Crete, reconstructed at full size. The museum also has an earthquake simulator that reproduces historical tremors from the region, and a discovery area for children, with live animals and activities.
It’s a good visit for families and those travelling with children, and a different complement to the city’s archaeology and history museums.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one to one and a half hours.
Best time
On very hot or rainy days, and at any time: the museum is usually quiet. For families, the morning is better, when the children are rested.
How to get there
It is on avenida Sofokli Venizelou, on the seafront, about a 15‑minute walk from the old port heading west and a few minutes from the Museu Histórico de Creta.
Tip
Combine it with the Museu Histórico, on the same avenue. The earthquake simulator runs sessions at set times; ask at the entrance when you arrive.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museu de História Natural de Creta
Is the Natural History Museum of Crete good for children?
Yes. It has life-size dioramas, an earthquake simulator and a discovery area with live animals and activities for children.
What is the Deinotherium on display at the museum?
A prehistoric relative of the elephant that lived in Crete millions of years ago, reconstructed at full scale from fossils found on the island.
Where is the museum?
On the waterfront of Heraclião, on Sofokli Venizelou Avenue, in a former electricity company building, near the Museu Histórico de Creta.