Cretaquarium

Welcome to Cretaquarium, officially known as Thalassocosmos, or 'The Sea World.' Located on the former US Air Force base in Gournes, just east of Heraklion, this facility is the largest and most modern aquarium in the…

We begin our journey in the Coastal Zone, which replicates the sun-drenched waters you likely saw on your way here. These shallow habitats are the most familiar to us, yet they are teeming with specialized life. …

Now, we move into the most dramatic part of the aquarium: the Open Sea tank, dominated by the sand tiger sharks. This massive exhibit is designed to give you a sense of the vastness and power of the Mediterranean’s top predators. …

Step into the Jellyfish Gallery, perhaps the most ethereal and visually stunning section of the aquarium. Here, the tanks are lit with shifting colors—pinks, blues, and purples—to highlight the translucent bodies of these…

We now descend into the darkness of the Deep Sea exhibits. The Mediterranean is one of the deepest seas in the world, with areas reaching over 5,000 meters. …

As we move back toward the light, we encounter the vibrant Mediterranean reefs. While they may not be as famous as tropical coral reefs, these temperate 'coralligenous' habitats are incredibly rich in biodiversity. …

We conclude our tour at the Interactive Touch Pools and the Education Center. This area is designed to bridge the gap between observation and experience. …

As you step back out into the bright Cretan sun, the cool, blue world of Cretaquarium will surely linger in your mind. We have traveled from the rocky shores of the Aegean to the deepest, darkest trenches of the Mediterranean,…