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Koules (Greek: Κούλες) the Venetian castle in the harbour of Heraklion, landmark of the city

Heraklion (Greek Ηράκλειον, also transliterated as Heraklio, Iraklion or Irakleio) is the major city and capital of the largest Greek island, Crete. Its Archaeological Museum holds the remains of the 3000-year old Minoan civilization, which grew around the nearby legendary palace of Knossos (of Minotaur fame), as well as Byzantine churches and a well-preserved Venetian wall and fortress from the 15th century.

Understand

Heraklion (or Herakleion, Iraklio, Irakleion) is the capital of Crete and an industrialised city of around 155,000 residents. The modern city is densely populated and traffic-choked, at first overwhelming the visitor. However, in recent years, things have begun to change and efforts are being made to bring out the beauty of the city's rich cultural history. Strolling along the coastline, the city wall, or down a park can reveal various historical remains of potentially immense interest to the watchful eye. The knowledgeable visitor will be able to trace the past under the urban sprawl of the present. The core of the city is still enclosed and defined by the Venetian wall, which includes seven outjutting bastions. In the southernmost of these, the Martinengo Bastion, is the grave of Nikos Kazantzakis standing on a windswept hilltop with its moving inscription, "I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free."

Climate

Heraklion has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry with clear skies. Dry hot days are often relieved by a system of seasonal breezes. Winters are mild with relatively little rain and rare frosts.

Get in

Located in the middle of the island, all roads lead to Heraklion. Heraklion has a busy harbour and very busy airport and usually is the starting point of travels to Crete and nearby islands.

By plane

There are daily flights from Athens airport and other major Greek cities by Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines. The recently established Athens Airways also connect Heraklion with Athens. During summer, Sky Express flies to several Aegean islands.

From April till early November charter airlines fly directly to Heraklion from many European airports.

By bus

Heraklion is connected with the rest of Crete by regular bus lines operated by two KTEL companies [1], [2]. The coaches are modern, comfortable and air-conditioned. Fare is reasonable.

There are two bus stations in Heraklion:

  • 1 Bus station A (near the Heraklion port), ☏ +30 2810-245020. The main station used by lines to/from other prefectures (Chania, Rethymno, Lasithi) and lines to the eastern part of Heraklion prefecture. 
  • 2 Bus station B (at the Chania Gate (Chanioporta) at the west border of old city), ☏ +30 2810-255965. Used mainly by lines to/from the southern part of Heraklion prefecture. 

By boat

There are ferries from:

By car

Hiring a car is easy, as long as you have your driving licence with you. Gas stations often close around 21:00, particularly in villages. Most petrol stations expect you to pay cash - they serve you, so you can choose for them to fill the tank or put in fuel to a cash value. On the National Highway, there are service stations, but they are often 50 km or so apart - make sure you fill up with fuel before bank holidays and Sundays when you may have more difficulty finding an open station. Also, remember that you need a written authorization of the car rental company to travel with the car in a ferry.

Get around

By bus

You can use public city bus network to get around Heraklion but you have to figure out the line to your destination. There are usually no routes or schedules posted at the bus stops. Buses do not stop at bus stops, unless you signal the driver by raising your arm. Orange ticket (A zone whole, B zone students) costs €1.10, blue ticket (B zone whole) costs €1.50, all tickets have a QR code, directing to Astiko KTEL website.

When you get on the bus, hold the bottom half of your ticket in your right hand. The bus driver will take the top half (side with number value of ticket) and the two of you will rip it in half. Tickets are available inside buses with increased prices (2 & 2.5 € respectively)

  • Line 1 goes to/from the airport
  • Line 2 takes you to/from Knossos
  • Line 7 goes to Amnissos
  • Line 8 goes to FORTH
  • Line 12 takes you to TEI

See

Landmarks

  • The Minoan Palace of Knossos, ☏ +30 2810 231940, +30 2810 226470, +30 2810 226092, +30 2810 224630, fax: +30 2810 241515, . Winter: Daily 08.30-15.00 Summer: 08.00-19.30. Knossos (Greek Κνωσός, the accent is on the second syllable) is the site of the most important and best known Minoan palace complex in Crete. It is located some 5 km (3 mi) south of Heraklion. According to tradition, Knossos was the seat of the legendary Cretan king Minos. The palace is also connected to other legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur, as well as the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Excavation has revealed that the site was continuously inhabited from the Neolithic period (7000-3000 B.C.) until Roman times. Full ticket: €6, Reduced: €3; Special ticket package: Full: €10, Reduced: €5, valid for: Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Knossos Site. (updated Mar 2015)
  • Koules, the Venetian castle in the Harbour (Greek: Κούλες). It is a long walk out to the end of the pier which extends past the fort, but it offers nice views out to Mediterranean and back to the harbour.
  • Venetian Walls (Greek: Τείχη). It takes over an hour's stroll to circumnavigate the city walls, stretches of which have been turned into parkland. It is frequented by people running and walking dogs.
  • Loggia (Greek: Λότζια)
  • Morosini Fountain (a.k.a. Lions Square) (Greek: Λιοντάρια)
  • St Minas Cathedral (Greek: Άγιος Μηνάς)
  • St Titus Church (Greek: Άγιος Τίτος)
  • St Catherine of the Sinaites Church (Greek: Αγία Αικατερίνη Σιναϊτών)
  • St Mark's Basilica (Greek: Βασιλική Αγίου Μάρκου)
  • Dominican Church of St Peter (Greek: Άγιος Πέτρος Δομηνικανών)

Museums and Galleries

2nd-century AD statue of Pan from Argyroupoli, Crete in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum
  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum, 2 Xanthoudidou St, ☏ +30 2810-224630, +30 2810-280370, fax: +30 2810-332610. 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 famous Bull-Leaping Fresco, the enigmatic and mysterious Phaistos Disk, and Minoan seals and jewelery. Also includes a number of finds from Classical Greek and Roman periods. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the world's great museums, embodying a whole splendid vanished culture. At least two hours should be allowed to see it, and it could easily take longer. For those seriously interested in that culture, it will be worthwhile to make two visits to the museum, one before, and one after, visiting Knossos and other Minoan sites: seeing the museum first will enhance your understanding of the sites, and after seeing the sites, you'll be better able to understand the artifacts in the museum when you return. (updated Mar 2015)
  • Museum of the Battle for Crete and National Resistance - Recounts the tale of Cretan and Allied resistance against Nazi invaders in World War II.
  • Museum of Natural History, University of Crete, S. Venizelou Ave, fax: +30 2810 324366. 
  • Historical Museum of Crete, 27, Sofokli Venizelou Ave. /7, Lysimachou Kalokerinou St., Tel: (++30) 2810 283219, 288708, [3].
  • Lychnostatis, ☏ +30 28970-23660. Su-F 00:00-14:00. Open-air Cretan folklore museum. €4,50. 
  • CretAquarium Thalassocosmos open June-September 9:00-21:00 October–May 9:00-19:00 tel Reception: +30 2810-337788 Bookings: +30 2810-337888, fax: +30 2810-337882 [4], the biggest aquarium in the Eastern Mediterranean. Located about 14 km east of Heraklion on the National Road (signposted) or by Cretan Intercity Bus (tel +30 2810 246530); for more information call the Reception number, above.
  • Nikos Kazantzakis Museum. Open daily from 09:00-19:00 (Mar-Oct); 10:00-15:00 (Nov-Feb), €3, tel +30 2810-741689, in the village of Myrtia (Varvari) 15 km. south of Heraklion, directions on the museum's web site [5] focuses on Crete's most prominent modern intellectual figure.

Do

  • Heraklion Summer Arts Festival - from June to September
  • Amoudara the city's beach area; a 3 km strip of sandy beach, lots of cafes, bars and hotels and the site of "Technopolis", a modern multiplex cinema and open-air theatre.
  • Horseback riding, experienced and amateur riders can ride at the beach of Karteros, or take riding lessons at Ippikos Omilos Hrakliou, located 6 km east of Heraklion, in Karteros.
  • Rock climbing, locals and visitors can climb a 15 m rock at the suburb of Karteros, east of Heraklion. Safety equipment is provided
  • Water fun, at the nearby Water City and Aqua Plus water parks.
  • Sailing (Heraklion Sailing Club ~ Ιστιοπλοϊκός Όμιλος Ηρακλείου Tel:2810242120 - email: istiopl@her.forthnet.gr) - take sailing lessons, enjoy sailing trips, Charter a yacht and discover the Aegean islands. Located in the former premises of the port refrigeration plant, East of the Port Authorities.

Learn

  • The University of Crete is the leading higher education institution on the island of Crete. The University was established in 1973 and operates under the supervision of the State. The seat of the University is in Rethymno, with Heraklion hosting the School of Sciences and Engineering and that of Health Sciences.

Buy

  • Visit the central open market in Meidani square and buy mountain herbs, spices and folk natural remedies.

Eat

Budget

Throughout most of the downtown, it is easy to find cheap tavernas (ταβερνα) offering full meals for under €20 for two people (eating alone in Crete would be a bizarre affair.) A strict budget can be met by sticking to the supermarkets which provide the usual array of fruits, vegetables and cheese for modest prices (€5/day is quite feasible.) Central cafes serve the local breakfast treat bougatsa, a local pastry with cottage cheese, served with honey, or cinnamon and sugar. Also available are the usual complement of pastry shops for standard meals such as spanakopita (spinach pie) and various cheap deserts.

Mid-range

  • Heraklion Sailing Club (Greek: Istioploikos or Ιστιοπλοϊκός), ☏ +30 2810 22 8118. Heraklion Harbour. Classic seafood restaurant facing the Venetian Castle. Specialities include charcoal grilled fish, seafood salads, clams, and the award winning mussel risotto. Located in the former premises of the port refrigeration plant, east of the Port Authority. Sailing Club membership is not required for the restaurant. 
  • Pagopieion (Ice-Factory) is a "quirky", very different 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.
  • Herb's Garden (The Roof Garden of Lato Boutique Hotel) The name has been inspired from the traditional Cretan herbs. Offers a spectacular view to 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.

Drink

  • Raki, also known as Tsikoudia, is the trademark of Cretan day and night life, a strong clear drink similar to Grappa in Italy or Orujo in Spain. It is made out of the 'must' of grape skins and twigs after the local production of the white wine. It doesn't taste like aniseed, as opposed to the Turkish raki. Most raki is 80 o proof, about the strength of most vodkas, but some are much stronger. It's often served in small glasses after dinner with a plate of fruit or other dessert.
  • Cretan Wine: Try the distinctive Cretan wine, produced in the island for at least 4000 years. Labels: Sitia, Peza Union. The Cretans themselves drink so called 'open' wine, straight out of the barrel, like fresh white wine, and the sometimes very old dark rusty red wine, a bit like port. Typical Cretan wine varieties are Marouvas and Kotsifali (both red wines).
  • Alimeli, Alikarnassos (near the main road ikarou), ☏ +30 2813 009281. From 07:00 to 00:00. Sweets, crepes, waffles, ice cream. 

Sleep

Budget

There are two hostels in Heraklion. Both are situated in the city centre, a 10-minute drive from the airport and a 5-minute drive from the port. One can go there by taxi. The taxi fare from the airport to the hostels at the city centre should cost less than €10, and from the port less than €6.

  • Heraklion Youth Hostel, Vironos 5, ☏ +30 2810 286281. Seriously, read the online reviews before booking. Not for the faint hearted. Fairly disgusting hostel. 
  • Prince of Lillies Hotel, Old National road, Karteros, ☏ +30 2810 381645, fax: +30 2810 381644, . Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 12:00. An excellent family-run hotel in Karteros, about 7 km outside Heraklion. (On bus route with hourly buses.) Cost €25 for a double room with balcony in December 2011. Double 25-60€. 

Mid range

  • Mirabello Hotel, 20, Theotokopoulou, ☏ +30 2810 285052, fax: +30 2810 225852, . 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. 
  • Life Hotel, 50, Ikarou Ave, ☏ +30 2810 243090, +30 2810 343088. 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 downtown. It is also a 25-min walk from the airport and the directions are simple: Remain on Ikarou Ave until you see the the hotel on the left. Staff are helpful and speak fluent English 

Splurge

Connect

Free WiFi provided by municipality, and some cafes. 3G & 4G networks are also available

Stay safe

Road safety is wanting and generally the attitudes of all road users are poor and reckless. For pedestrians, there are haphazard pavements, usually entirely obstructed by parked cars and bikes, meaning the road itself has to be used by pedestrians. Other roads lack pavements. Road crossings for pedestrians do not seem to be recognized by motorists, making crossing difficult in busy roads. Drivers and bikers may even drive through junctions when the "green man" is indicating it is safe for pedestrians to cross. The bikers seem to be the worst, usually wearing no helmet and happily talking on a mobile phone or reading a text message while driving. Sometimes bikers ride on the pavements, and expect pedestrians to move out their way.

There are many stray cats and dogs in the city. The dogs can often be seen in small packs, and may bark and growl but do not attack if they are left alone.

Cope

Heraklion can seem traffic-choked, polluted and crowded with chain-smokers at times. A visit would not be advisable for those very sensitive to cigarette smoke (e.g. asthmatics), as smoke is everywhere.. Even no smoking rooms in hotels are likely to have the smell of cigarettes drift from the corridor or the window. Fortunately anywhere near the sea front there is a refreshing mild sea breeze.

Go next

This city travel guide to Heraklion is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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