Iraklion

In 1937, an airport opened 5 km from the center of Heraklion, on the seashore, which still serves as the main air gateway to Crete. In terms of passenger traffic, it is second only to Athens. The airport is named after Nikos Kazantzakis and receives flights from cities in Greece and Europe.

After leaving the terminal, you can take a bus to Heraklion and find yourself in the capital of Crete in just a few minutes. You can also order a taxi at the airport or use the services of car rental companies. By the way, due to the distance, taking a taxi will not hit your wallet hard - you can get there faster and more comfortably than by bus.

If you are traveling to Heraklion from Agios Nikolaos, Rethymnon, or Chania, all you need to do is buy a ticket for the intercity bus that connects the cities of Crete with the capital.

In Heraklion, there is a large port. It receives ferries from the Athens port of Piraeus, connecting the city with the islands of Anafi, Karpathos, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, and Rhodes.

Heraklion is a small city, but crisscrossed with dozens of streets. To avoid getting lost, it's better to download map apps to your smartphone in advance. At the same time, all the main attractions of the capital of Crete are located within a radius of 2-3 km from the Koules Fortress, which adorns the port of Heraklion.

In Heraklion, you can get around the city on foot or by public transport - the bus route network is well developed. There are also car rental companies, but parking may be problematic.

Throughout the centuries, Heraklion has been located at the crossroads of civilizations. Many different rulers have governed the city. And each era brought something of its own to its appearance. Here is what you can see in Heraklion:

• Koules Fortress - a massive structure in the city port. It guarded the entrance to the city from the sea. The fortress was built by the Venetians in the 13th century, and the earliest mention of Koules dates back to the early 15th century. By the way, the name of the fortress is Turkish. During the time of the Ottoman Empire, Koules was rebuilt several times. Today, it is a landmark of Heraklion. Cultural events and exhibitions are held within the fortress grounds.
• Heraklion Archaeological Museum - one of the largest and most important in Greece. It houses the world's largest collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilization. The museum's collection includes frescoes and findings from the palaces of Knossos, Phaistos, Zakros, and Malia. Here you can see ancient statues, exquisite jewelry, objects of funerary cult, ceramics, coins, and tools.
• St. Catherine's Church - built in the 16th century as part of a monastery. The church was accompanied by a school where many prominent figures of Crete received education. Among them, it is said, was El Greco. After the arrival of the Turks, the church was converted into a mosque and regained its original appearance only in the 20th century. Today, the Church of St. Catherine houses the Ecclesiastical Museum of Heraklion. It features works of the Cretan icon painting school: rare icons and frescoes. Ecclesiastical vestments are also on display.
• Church of Saint Titus - one of the most important and oldest in Heraklion. Records indicate that the church was built in the 9th-10th centuries. However, it was destroyed by an earthquake during the Ottoman rule and rebuilt as a mosque. In the 20th century, the minaret was removed, and today the Church of Saint Titus is an active Orthodox church.
• Nikos Kazantzakis' Tomb - the burial place of one of the greatest writers of 20th-century Greece. During his lifetime, his works were heavily criticized by the church. Therefore, Kazantzakis found his final resting place outside the cemetery grounds: he was buried near the city walls of Heraklion. The famous inscription on his tombstone reads: "I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free."
• Venetian Monuments - there are many in Heraklion. But the most notable are the Loggia building from 1620 and the fountain with lions from 1628. Both monuments were created during the Venetian governorship of Crete by Francesco Morosini.

In the surroundings of Heraklion, there is also a lot to see. And many sites hold great significance for the history of Greece:

• Knossos Palace (5 km from Heraklion) — an impressive legacy of the Minoans, occupying an area of 20,000 m². Knossos was the largest of the Minoan palaces and is adorned with magnificent frescoes. The palace was destroyed several times and lost its former significance. Over time, the original frescoes were moved to the Heraklion Museum, and copies were put in their place. Excavations of the palace began in the 20th century under the direction of Arthur Evans. Today, Knossos is one of the most visited and popular sites in Crete.
• Phaistos (57 km from Heraklion) — one of the 4 major palaces of the Minoan era. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the palace continued to exist even after the disappearance of the Minoan civilization. It was here that the famous Phaistos Disc was found. The vast area of Phaistos, in addition to its architectural significance, attracts visitors with beautiful views of the mountains.
• Gortyn (56 km from Heraklion) — the ruins of a prosperous settlement from Minoan times. It overshadowed the glory of Phaistos and has provided archaeologists with many discoveries. Within the area of Gortyn, you can see the Roman Odeon, the Church of St. Titus, remnants of pagan temples, and the famous Gortyn Law Code — a set of laws inscribed on a stone wall.
• Nikos Kazantzakis Museum (16 km from Heraklion) — located in the village of Myrtia. The museum preserves the legacy of the writer: his manuscripts, personal belongings, letters, photographs, and first editions of books.

Heraklion is synonymous with endless leisure opportunities. After all, nearby there are seaside resorts, water parks, and destinations for day trips. And the shopping and nightlife in Heraklion are undoubtedly the best in Crete.

Active recreation

Located 10-15 minutes drive from Heraklion are the resort towns of Agia Pelagia, Kokkini Hani, Gouves, Hersonissos, Stalida, Malia, and Amoudara. Each of them offers water activities on their beaches, ranging from water skiing to windsurfing. The northern coast of Heraklion is popular among diving enthusiasts. Diving clubs operate in Agia Pelagia, Ligaria, and Hersonissos, providing equipment rental and services of experienced instructors.

Shopping

Heraklion is perhaps the best city in Crete for shopping enthusiasts. Stores are scattered throughout the island's capital. And especially abundant in the area of Lion Square and on Dedal Street. People come to Heraklion to buy clothing, shoes, and accessories from popular global brands, Greek-made fur coats, local cosmetics, and souvenirs.

The main shopping street in Heraklion is considered to be 1866 Street. Here you can find not only shops but also the central market of the city, which appeared during the Turkish occupation. In Heraklion, there are several shopping centers and department stores, but the selection there is modest - it's better to just take a walk along the central streets of the city.

A wide selection of perfumes, products, and goods of Greek origin awaits you at the Duty Free shop in Heraklion airport. Therefore, you can buy everything you need at the very last moment.

For Kids

Heraklion is a great find for families with children. After all, in the vicinity of the city, there are attractions that many travel tens of kilometers to see:

• Aquaparks Bravo in Amoudara, Watercity in Anopolis, Acqua Plus in Hersonissos. All of them have dozens of slides of varying complexity for adults and children.
• Cretaquarium - the largest aquarium in the Mediterranean, home to 2500 inhabitants of the oceans and seas from around the world.
• The Lychnostatis Open Air Folklore Museum - here you can see traditional Cretan items such as a windmill, olive press, weaving and pottery workshops.
• Labyrinth Theme Park, where you can navigate the Minotaur's labyrinth, visit a mini farm, play mini-golf, experience a real ceramic workshop - in short, have a fun time with the whole family.

Nightlife

Nighttime Heraklion is noisy, lively, and vibrant. Life here doesn't stop even after midnight. The city center is home to a large number of bars, pubs, and clubs where you can dance to tracks from the best European DJs or relax while enjoying cocktails and lounge music. For those who want to spend the evening in a traditional Cretan atmosphere, there are taverns with national cuisine and melodies performed by local musicians.

The best bars in Heraklion are located on Korai Street - a parallel street to the commercial street of Dedal. In the area of 1866 Street, you can often find traditional taverns, while on Handakos Street, you can find literally everything: from rock bars to ouzeries and clubs for fans of Latin American music.

Excursions

Heraklion is not only a popular destination for excursions but also an excellent starting point for day trips. For example, to the island of Dia, which is located near the shores of Heraklion. Boat trips to Dia island last 4-8 hours. It's an opportunity to fish, snorkel, and swim in the crystal-clear waters near Dia island. Another popular cruise from Heraklion is to the island of Santorini.

History and nature enthusiasts can enjoy excursions from Heraklion to the Knossos Palace, to the east of Crete with a visit to the island of Spinalonga, a trip to the holy sites of the Heraklion region or to the Festos Palace, and an exciting journey to the Lassithi Plateau.

Choosing a hotel in Heraklion depends on the purpose of your visit to the city. If you want to experience the rhythm of the Cretan capital and explore all the sights, it is worth choosing a hotel in the center of Heraklion. If you want to combine a beach holiday with sightseeing, you can stay in one of the nearby resort towns and travel to Heraklion by bus or taxi.

Most of the city hotels in Heraklion are up to 3 stars. There are few five-star hotels here. The price range for accommodation in Heraklion is wide. And it is quite possible to book a room in the heart of the city, just a few steps from the Koules Fortress, without overpaying. The main rule is to book in advance, as during the peak season Heraklion experiences a large influx of guests from all corners of Europe.

Heraklion is a dynamic and multicultural city. And this is always a bonus for those who are in search of gastronomic experiences. After all, the city's cuisine is not limited to the pages of traditional tavern menus. In Heraklion, there are pizzerias, steakhouses, cafes, fine dining restaurants, and even Chinese eateries.

And yet, in the capital of Crete, first and foremost, you want to get acquainted with the local dishes:

• dakos - a famous Cretan appetizer that can replace a full meal. It is a barley rusk drizzled with olive oil and topped with juicy tomatoes, feta cheese, and aromatic herbs;
• kalitsounia - Cretan pastries with cheese, sometimes with the addition of sesame seeds or cinnamon;
• Cretan salad - similar to Horiatiki salad, but instead of feta, a soft cheese resembling cottage cheese is added;
• moussaka - you simply can't leave Heraklion without trying the traditional casserole with meat and eggplants;
• mezze of fish appetizers - the best way to try several dishes made from the gifts of the sea.

By the way, gastronomic tours are popular in Heraklion. Accompanied by a guide, you can visit the city's best restaurants, bakeries, authentic food markets, and cooking classes.

• Stores in Heraklion usually operate on the following schedule: open from 9:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00 or 22:00. However, in busy tourist areas, many stores may not close for siesta.
• In July-September, the municipality of Heraklion holds the Summer Arts Festival. For three months, the city is filled with vibrant events in the fields of music, theater, cinema, and dance. During this time, it is worth keeping an eye on the program: exhibitions, concerts, and performances are organized as part of the festival. The events take place in various venues, including city parks, concert halls, and the Kazantzakis Garden Theater, where tickets can be purchased.
• Pharmacies in Heraklion are a place where you can receive first aid, medical advice on choosing medications, or have your blood pressure measured.
• Unlike Chania and Rethymno, there is no clearly defined Old Town in Heraklion. Historical landmarks are scattered throughout different streets. Therefore, it is best to explore the city with a navigator or map to not miss anything interesting.