Heraklion, Crete - what to see and do?

[FunnymalsOnPop]

We're going to Heraklion, Crete, and would love some tips for things to see and do. Our dc are 10 and nearly 6. Thanks!

Knossos and the linked museum (it's a joint ticket I think).

As well as Knossos I would do a trip to Spinalonga and the Lassithi plateau.

Thanks for these suggestions. We're thinking of hiring a car for a couple of days - anyone done that? Any tips on what to do or NOT do?

Apparently Elafonisi is lovely.

We're in Crete now, near Chania, and it's baking hot. 38° and no breeze. I'd leave the ruins until later in the day.

We stayed near Reithymon and had a car. It was nice driving over the mountains to the south side of the island - the sea was calmer there too.

We go to Crete at least twice a year love the place.
Elafanosi is stunning but is over 200km from Heraklion so about a 3-4 hour drive.
Knossos is very busy and a bit meh (in my opinion). We prefered Apetra.
Yes to Spinalonga and Lassithi, Samaria gorge is amazing but a very long day and quite a hard walk.
If you avoid the strip Malia old town is very nice with some great resteraunts.

*restaurants

Thanks for this. We are in Heronissis, so reasonably close to both Knossos and Spinalonga. Anyone done an excursion to either of these places, or is hiring a car the best way to go? Loving the sun, and the food!