Heraklion Tourism (2024) - Greece > Top Places, Travel Guide

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9 Days / 8 Nights

Greece Package to Athens, Santorini, Mykonos an...

Athens(2N) → Mykonos(2N) → Santorini(2N) → Heraklion(2N)

$ 1,806

8% off

$1,649/person

5 Days / 4 Nights

Crete Tour Package - Palace of Knossos

Gouves(3N) → Heraklion(1N)

$479/person

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"Wine Region Of Crete"

Heraklion Tourism

The fourth largest city in Greece, Heraklion or Candia is located in the east of Crete island which is 200 miles south of Greece mainland. Heraklion is the most popular city of Crete as it is also its capital. It is a lively town with some stunning beaches and also a known town to enjoy activities like hiking, diving and windsurfing. The city is known for its two archaeological sites - Knossos Palace and Phaistos Palace, which are located nearby.

Boasting the remains of 300 years old Minoan civilization, Heraklion is home to a well-preserved Venetian wall, some Byzantine churches and a 15th-century fortress. Along with rock climbing and horseback riding, one can also try sailing and other water sports. The city's beach area, Amoudara, features a 3 km sandy strip with plenty of cafes, hotels and bars. The strip also showcases a modern-day cinema and an open-air theatre. The city has a pretty busy harbour and airport, as it is the first stop for travellers coming to Crete.

The city's centre is still guarded by the Venetian wall and includes seven bastions. Heraklion is surrounded by sea from the north and the south. Hence the regions are fringed with some of the most stunning beaches like Matala beach, hippies paradise, Agia Pelagia and Malia.

Must Know Before You Travel to Heraklion

Airport Transfers: Take KTEL buses to the city centre from the departure area located in the east of the terminal.
Connectivity: Heraklion is well connected with the rest of the Crete by two separate KTEL-operated lines for Western and Eastern Crete.
Sightseeing: Major sights in Heraklion can be visited on foot. Mopeds and motorcycles are also popular. Tickets for public buses are available in small shops, kiosks, and automated machines at some selected bus stops, and on buses. Tickets are costlier on the bus. Buses for Knossos, Rethymno, and Chania are available.
Taxis: Taxis can be booked online or by dialing (2810 210 102).
Parking: For travelers in cars, park your cars in paid parking, as the parking system in Heraklion is vague and unclear. Defaulters can be charged as much as 80 Euros.
Combined Tickets: A combined skip-the-line ticket (available online) for the Archaeological Museum and the Palace of Knossos can be bought for EUR 39
Opening Hours: Shops operate between 10:00 to 12:00 AM. Restaurants and cafes open from around 7:00 AM to close by 12:00 AM. Nightclubs open around 6:00 PM to stay open till the early hours.
Where to Stay: The main town and Agia Pelagia are the most popular choice to stay among tourists. To stay in a beach resort, choose Hersonissos or Malia. Stay in Malia, Stalis, and Hersonissos to experience the nightlife, while Ahia Pelagia, Matala, and Lentas are perfect for Families.

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Things To Do In Heraklion

CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos

Old Town

Knossos

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Historical Museum of Crete

Koules Fortress

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Top Hotels In Heraklion

GDM Megaron, Historical Monument Hotel

Heralkio City Centre

9.4 (2831 reviews)

$ 150 onwards

Kipos Boutique Suites

9.4 (1837 reviews)

$ 60 onwards

Ethereal White Resort Hotel & Spa

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$ 248 onwards

Pnoe Breathing Life - Adults Only

9.4 (219 reviews)

$ 397 onwards

Unique Blue! Resort and Villas Adults Only

9.3 (358 reviews)

$ 267 onwards

Dimargio Luxury Hotel & Spa

Heralkio City Centre

9.3 (292 reviews)

$ 282 onwards

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Explore Related Destinations

Crete

Chania

Hersonissos

Malia

Rethymno

Agios Nikolaos

More on Heraklion Travel

Shopping in Heraklion

Shopping in Heraklion offers a vibrant experience with a mix of modern stores and traditional markets. The city center, especially around Eleftherias (Freedom Square), is a bustling area where you can find popular international brands like Zara, Marks & Spencer, and Jack & Jones. Start your shopping journey from Dikeosinis Street, which has recently been pedestrianized, making it more pleasant to explore. For a variety of gift shops, jewelry, and hats, head up 1866 Street through the bazaar, which leads you to Kornarou Square. From there, continue to 1821 Street for upscale boutiques, toy shops, and sportswear stores. If you need a break, the cafes around Theotokopoulos Park offer a perfect spot for lunch. For more shopping, Dedalou Street has clothes, books, and gifts, while 25th August Street and Kalokerinou Street are ideal for more diverse options, including tourist gifts and additional clothing stores. Don't miss visiting the spectacular Agiou Minas Cathedral nearby, which is surrounded by more shops and cafes.

Nightlife in Heraklion

Heraklion, the capital of Crete, offers a vibrant nightlife that complements its rich historical heritage. In Heraklion Town, you can enjoy a variety of dining options, from fine restaurants serving local and international dishes to traditional taverns offering authentic Cretan flavors. For a lively night out, head to the town center, where you'll find numerous bars and upbeat clubs. Tourist-friendly areas like Stalida and Hersonissos are also packed with nightclubs, ensuring a fun experience for everyone. For a more relaxed evening, visit theaters, cinemas, or local restaurants with live traditional music. During the summer, seaside establishments are particularly popular, offering lively atmospheres and stunning views.

History of Heraklion

Heraklion was known most notably as the center of the Minoan civilization. The city grew around the ancient palace of Knossos, which dates back to the Bronze Age and is renowned for its architectural and cultural significance. Throughout history, Heraklion has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans, each leaving their mark on the city's architecture and culture. The Venetians fortified Heraklion with impressive walls and a harbor that still stand today. Over the centuries, Heraklion evolved from an ancient hub to a vibrant modern city, blending its rich historical legacy with contemporary life.

Suggested Itinerary for Heraklion

Day 1: Start your day by having breakfast at one of the cafes on the central square with a view of the Venetian fountain. Head towards 25 August street to make your way to the port while enjoying the view of neoclassical buildings like the Venetian Loggia and churches like Agios Titos. Explore the Venetian square fortress, Koules, at the waterfront and head towards the open market on 1866 Street to buy some souvenirs. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion post afternoon and enjoy your evening wandering around and drinking in taverns or pubs at Milatou, Meramveliou, and Aretoussas streets.

Day 2: Start your day with breakfast and head towards Hersonissos to explore its tranquil shore alongside beautiful bays and coves. Visit the nearby picturesque hamlet of Koutouloufari before leaving for your stay at Heraklion.

With spare days on the Heraklion trip, you can plan day trips to the hippie town of Matala, explore the Heraklion Wine Region, or visit the Minoan palace of Malia.

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How to Reach Heraklion

How to Reach Overview

Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is well-connected and can be reached by various modes of transportation.

How to reach Heraklion by flight

Flights to Heraklion: Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" (HER) is the second busiest airport in Greece. It receives flights from major Greek cities like Athens and Thessaloniki throughout the year, operated by Olympic Air, Aegean Airlines, and Sky Express. The flight from Athens to Heraklion takes about 45 minutes.

During the summer months (April to October), the airport also welcomes numerous charter flights from several European cities. Upon arrival, you can take a taxi to the city center, which is about 5 km away and costs around €15. Public buses also run from the airport to the city center, with tickets costing approximately €1.70.

How to reach Heraklion by road

You can drive from Chania to Heraklion, which takes about 2-3 hours along the northern coast of Crete. The route is scenic and passes through Rethymno, a charming port city.

How to reach Heraklion by bus

KTEL operates regular buses between Chania and Heraklion, making stops in Rethymno and other towns. Bus tickets can be purchased in advance or at the bus station.

How to reach Heraklion by waterways

From Athens (Piraeus Port): There are daily ferry connections between Piraeus Port in Athens and Heraklion, operated by Minoan Lines and ANEK Lines. Ferries typically depart in the evening (around 21:30 - 22:00) and arrive in Heraklion early in the morning (around 6:00). The trip takes about 6-8 hours. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the busy summer months. Ferries offer various seating options, including designated seats and cabins. The ferry ride is scenic, offering views of the Aegean Sea and some of the Cyclades islands.

From Santorini: Ferries from Santorini to Heraklion are available, with both high-speed and regular options. High-speed ferries take about 2 hours, while regular ferries take around 6 hours. During the winter months, only regular ferries operate. Tickets can be booked online, and it's possible to bring a car on board. Food is typically available for purchase on the ferry.

From Other Islands: There are ferries from Heraklion to almost every Greek destination with multiple daily ferry departures during the summer season. Blue star ferries run to Piraeus, while Golden star ferries connect Heraklion to Santorini, Naxos, Ion, Tinos, Paros, Andros, Mykonos, and Rafina. There are other ferry lines that run to Milos, Sitia, Kasos, Karpathos, Chalki, Diafani, Anafi, and Rhodes. Some connections, like the one with Santorini, operate year-round.

Local transport in Heraklion

From the Port: Most city hotels are within walking distance from the port of Heraklion. Taxis are also available, costing around €10 for a short ride to any city hotel.

Public Bus Service: Heraklion has a well-developed public bus system. Urban blue buses serve the city and nearby suburbs, including the airport and the archaeological site of Knossos. The green intercity buses (KTEL) connect Heraklion with other towns and villages across Crete. Bus tickets and schedules vary, so it's advisable to check the latest information online or at the bus terminals.

NOTE: The Bus service is divided into lines depending on the destination.Buses stop on the bus stops only when the proper signal is given by the traveler by raising the arm. The costs of the bus tickets bought on the bus are more than the same bought from the bus station.

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Heraklion Photos

Heraklion old Town is known for its waterfront with a venetian fortress.

Rocca Al Mare, the Venetian fortress, surrounds Heraklion's inner harbour.

The Venetian fortress of Rocca a Mare or Koules fortress is located at the entrance of the city.f

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