The Cretaquarium, also known as Thalassocosmos, is one of the largest and most modern aquariums in Europe and offers visitors a fascinating insight into the underwater world of the Mediterranean. It is located on the north coast of Crete, around 15 kilometres east of Heraklion, near the holiday resort of Gouves. Since its opening in 2005, the Cretaquarium has developed into an important educational and research centre and is one of the island's main attractions.
The Cretaquarium is architecturally impressive and has been designed to reflect the natural beauty and diversity of the sea. It covers an area of 6,000 square metres and comprises more than 60 different tanks, which together hold around 1.7 million litres of seawater. The pools vary in size and provide space for a variety of marine life, from small fish to large sharks.
The main attraction of the Cretaquarium is the wide variety of sea creatures that can be seen in the different tanks. Visitors can observe an impressive variety of fish species, invertebrates and other marine animals native to the Mediterranean. Highlights include:
- Sharks and rays: The Cretaquarium is home to several species of shark, including sand tiger sharks and nurse sharks, as well as various species of rays swimming in large, specially designed tanks.
- Tropical fish: In addition to the native Mediterranean species, there are also tanks with colourful tropical fish and corals that transport visitors to exotic underwater worlds.
- Jellyfish: The jellyfish tanks are a particular highlight, where the fascinating, floating creatures can be seen in softly lit tanks.
- Sea turtles: The aquarium is also home to several sea turtles, which live in a special tank and can often be seen feeding.
The Cretaquarium is dedicated to protecting the marine environment and educating the public about the importance of the marine ecosystem. It offers numerous educational programmes for schools and groups, including guided tours, interactive workshops and special events. These programmes aim to raise awareness of marine conservation and promote interest in marine biology.
The Cretaquarium is also an active research centre, carrying out projects in collaboration with the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) to study and protect the Mediterranean. This research includes studies on marine biodiversity, the health of marine ecosystems and the impact of climate change on the sea.
Visitor information
The Cretaquarium is open all year round and offers a variety of services and amenities for visitors, including a café, souvenir shop and barrier-free access. It is a popular destination for families, school groups and tourists looking for a day of discovery and adventure.
Special events such as night tours, where the underwater world can be experienced in a different atmosphere, and themed exhibitions provide additional incentives for a visit.