WHAT TO DO IN HERAKLION CITY

Crete is the biggest island in Greece with long driving distance but it combines literally everything. It is affordable with amazing beaches and crystal clear waters, insanely delicious food (super fresh products) authentic villages and so many things to do! Crete has 4 administrative regions:

1. Chania in West Crete
2. Rethymno in Central Crete
3. Heraklion in Central Crete
4. Lasithi on the East with Agios Nikolaos as its main city.

First step : Book your tickets to from Piraeus port (or another Greek port) to Crete island here: Ferryscanner.com

-Heraklion is a port city & the capital of Crete island. A big city with many permanent residents, and that’s why it is always lively! Stroll around the beautiful streets, the Old Town & at the waterfront. There are so many cute souvenir shops you can buy from, pedestrian streets and street artists.

-It is 45 minutes flight from Athens or 9-10 hours by ferry from the main port of the capital, Piraeus. You can book your tickets here: Ferryscanner.com Angel’s tip: A new airport is under construction but for now the airport is very close to the center of the city! 

-Car is necessary if you want to move around and see various parts of the city.

-There are so many places to visit & see:

• The Heraklion Archaeological museum in the city center. Angel’s tip: There is a combination ticket for this museum and Knossos palace at 2o euros.
• The Morosini Fountain (with the lions) at the center of Heraklion’s Old Town
• The Venetian Fort of Koules
• The Natural History Museum of Crete
• Beautiful churches like St Minas or Titos
• Watercity Waterpark if you want to have a fun day at the waterslides.
• Knossos palace (entrance 15€) , one of the most popular destinations in Crete located about 5 km south of Heraklion city. The palace (ruins now) was first built during the Neolithic period (6700-3200 BC) but it had its greatest expansion during the Minoan period. Knossos was the largest & most important palace of the Minoan civilization.
• The impressive Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos with 2,500 marine species (12€ general entrance)
• I visited a beautiful traditional village 15km from Heraklion city called Archanes! It is one of Crete’s most historical villages with nice houses & great food! I heard that Zaros village is nice as well.
  

  Archanes village

-Have wine tasting in the famous vineyards of the area like Angelakis, Boutaris, Mediterra, Paterianakis, Douloufakis, Lyrarakis etc

-During summer, you can visit many beaches around the area! Ammoudara, Kokkini Hani, Karteros Gouves and Hersonissos are a few close to the city. If you have time, take day trips to the beaches a bit further away that are worth it, like Agiofaraggo, Agia Pelagia, Matala, Listis, Potamos, Limanakia and Voulisma in Agios Nikolaos. Angel’s tip: I liked a lot “Cicada Seascape Experience beach bar” in Karteros and “Macrame” in Voulisma. 

-Have a day trip to Minoan Palace of Phaistos, Matala and Agios Nikolaos city.

-Food will not disappoint you anywhere! Examples of restaurants in Heraklion city: “Peskesi”, “Kafenio O Tempelis”, “Thigatera”, “Koukouvagia”, “Avli”, “Kouzeineri” for a variety of dishes // “Ligo Krasi ligo Thalassa” , “7 thalasses”, ” Ippokampos” for seafoood.  For more traditional, visit Athali and Koumos in Kavrohori village . Try local things & dishes like Ntakos salad, Apaki, snails(koxlioi), Staka, kalitsounia, Anthogalo, Antikristo, Skioufixta (pasta)…. Angel’s tip:  Don’t miss to try Raki, the famous strong alcoholic  beverage of Crete.

-You can enjoy nightlife in Heraklion to the fullest. You have so many choices to go for drinks, examples: Pagopoieio, Halavro, Guernica, Bitters bar, the Garden and Toucan open terrace.

-The weather in Crete is usually the warmest in the country due to its position! Crete is amazing from April to October but I love it during winter as well for a weekend.

 

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