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City in Crete, Greece
Photo: C messier, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Heraklion (Greek: Ηράκλειον, Irákleio) or Iraklio is the major city and capital of Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. Its archaeological museum holds the remains of the 4000-year-old Minoan civilization, which centred on the nearby palace of Knossos, with its Minotaur legend. The city has several Venetian and Byzantine churches and the biggest in East Mediterranean well-preserved Venetian wall and harbour fortress from the 15th century.
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Houses the most important and representative finds from Minoan civilisation and excavations across the island of Crete. Highlights include statues of the Snake Goddess, the Bull-Leaping Fresco, the Phaistos Disk, and Minoan seals and jewellery. Also includes a number of finds from Classical Greek and Roman periods.
If you see just one ruin on Crete, see Knossos (in Greek it’s Κνωσός, stress is on the second syllable). The site is fairly compact, and much of it is accessible with restricted mobility. But 30 minutes will do it. It is one of six Minoan Palatial Centres to be listed as a world heritage site.
Rocca a Mare
Koules (Greek: Κούλες) was built by the Venetians in the 16th C. From the parapet, enjoy the view towards Dia Islet, where Jacques Cousteau found many sunken remains of Cretan sea trade.
The Fortifications of Heraklion are among the most impressive Venetian defensive works in the Mediterranean, encircling the old city of Heraklion. Built between the 15th and 17th centuries, their massive walls and bastions helped the city withstand a 21-year Ottoman siege—the longest in history—before falling in 1669. Much of the circuit survives today and can be walked, offering sweeping views and access to key monuments like the harbour fortress.
Covers the story of Crete from the Byzantine era to the present day. It includes material on World War II and the German occupation, which was displayed in the “Museum of the Battle for Crete and National Resistance” until it closed.
Greek: Λότζια
An elegant city meeting place, built in 1628.
Lions Square; Greek: Λιοντάρια
Agios Minas Cathedral
(Greek: Άγιος Μηνάς)
(Greek: Άγιος Τίτος) Known for housing the skull of St. Titus.
(Greek: Αγία Αικατερίνη Σιναϊτών).
(Greek: Βασιλική Αγίου Μάρκου).
(Greek: Άγιος Πέτρος Δομηνικανών).
The Natural History Museum of Crete shows the natural environment of the Eastern Mediterranean area with a special emphasis on Greece and Crete.
This museum in the village of Myrtia (Varvari), 20 km south of Heraklion, focuses on Crete's most prominent modern intellectual figure.
The biggest aquarium in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Open-air Cretan folklore museum.
Το Καφενείο του Καγιαμπή
Old fashioned tavern with traditional Greek dishes.
καφενείον ο ντόκος
Tiny place next to the fish market with delicious mezedes to accompany your beer or raki.
Μαγειρεύοντας μέ Ἀγάπην
ΧΟΒΟΛΗ
Καφενείο Ο Λάκκος
Lost in a maze of small streets where different street artists have decorated the walls of the houses, Lakkos is particularly nice in the summer.
Παγοποιεῖον
(Ice-Factory)– A "quirky" restaurant and cafe/bar, at St Titus square, by the church. You can sit outside and enjoy the setting, or you might be tempted by the dramatic decor to sit inside. The food is excellent, and the menu different and interesting.
Ιππόκαμπος
Seafood and fish tavern by the sea side, popular with the locals.
The name has been inspired from the traditional Cretan herbs. Offers a spectacular view of Heraklion's Venetian fortress and Cretan Sea. Opens from early afternoon and serves fresh fish and salads accompanied by local aperitifs and a variety of fine wines. Later in the afternoon there is special coffee and tea arrangements, fresh fruit juices, ice cream and cocktails.
Μεζεδοπωλείο Η Αυλή
Down an alleyway, in the cozied-up courtyard of a nondescript building. You know they are serious when the menu (and the sign) is in Greek only. Don't worry; the owner's daughter speaks perfect English and will sit down with you to explain the choices. A big selection of seasonal mezedhes and a smaller one of main dishes; all are super-fresh and most are local. No house wine; there's a board with today's by-the-glass, and of course a free raki with dessert. Hard to call it a hidden gem, since tourists obviously have discovered the place and are leaving ridiculously glowing reviews all over. They are right.
Read the online reviews before booking: fairly disgusting and not for the faint hearted.
An excellent family-run hotel in Karteros, about 7 km east of Heraklion beyond the airport. (On bus route to Ag Nik with hourly buses.)
Good value, friendly atmosphere, very helpful staff. Rooms from €30-55 with discounts during low-season. Centrally located in a quiet part of the city. Nice views from the balcony.
This hotel is walking distance to the port and very close to the bus station. Double €70. A good option if staying near the port and walking distance to the centre. It is also a 25-min walk from the airport and the directions are simple: Remain on Ikarou Ave until you see the hotel on the left. Staff are helpful and speak fluent English
Centrally located in a quiet area.
This 5-star spa resort is on the sandy beach of Amoudara, west of Heraklion. Tennis courts and 3 outdoor pools are featured amidst its 40,000-m² garden.
4-star accommodation within a modern, friendly environment with panoramic views of the Venetian fortress.
By boat
The principal ferry route is from Piraeus, the port for Athens. These ferries mostly sail overnight, leaving in each direction around 21:00 to dock next morning at 06:00.
By road
By car
Traffic in Heraklion is bad and parking is worse. You can see the main central sights on foot, and take the bus for Knossos, Rethymno and Chania. You hardly need a car for your trip.
By taxi
Lots of taxi ranks in all the main locations, downtown and at the airport and ferry port. Usually they're looking for trade and will spot you before you spot them.
By motorbike
Even though Crete is the biggest Greek island, it is still easy and quick to get around it by motorcycle.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Heraklion · International · HER
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