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Sightseeing in Heraklion

A major landmark in the town is the old Venetian port, with its fortifications. The port is dominated by the Koules fortress, in which cultural events are today held. Look for the fortifications of the Martinego Bastion, where the tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis is to be found, overlooking the whole town. One point next to the old port where you must definitely stop to take some photos is at the old, vaulted shipyards.

A little further down in the square with the church of Agios Titos (Saint Titus), you will encounter the Venetian Loggia, a splendid Venetian mansion with galleries and in which the Municipal Council and some of the services of the Municipality of Heraklion are today housed. In 1987, the Loggia was honoured as the best-restored and conserved European monument.

Aside from the Venetians, the Ottoman Turks have also left their traces in various parts of the town, chiefly in the Ottoman fountains that can be found scattered around Heraklion. The purpose of the fountains during the Ottoman period was to supply water to the various districts and so the faithful could rinse their hands before prayers. Today, thirsty passers-by drink water from the fountains. The Fountain of Idomeneas, behind the Historical Museum of Crete, and the Fountain of Yenitsar Aga on Ikarou Street are the best known of the fountains that still survive in Heraklion today.

Look for Lions Square, where the basilica of St Mark is to be found, the former cathedral of Crete, which today houses the Municipal Art Gallery of Heraklion. The Fountain of the Lions, with the four marble lions that was built by the Venetian Governor of the island, Francesco Morosini, is one of the most important monuments in Heraklion. Nearby is the metropolitan church of Agios Minas (Saint Menas).

Heraklion gives the appearance of being one giant, open-air museum, which also has important museums that are definitely worth a visit. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum in Eleftherias Square is one of these, housing as it does many of the stunning treasures of the Minoan era (Xanthoudidou St & Hatzidaki St, tel.: +30 2810279086). In the Historical Museum of Crete (27 S. Venizelou St and 7 L. Kalokairinou St, https://www.historical-museum.gr) you can see exhibits from the Christian, Byzantine, medieval and modern periods of the island’s history, while in the Natural History Museum of Crete you can admire representative samples of the local flora and fauna.

Take a stop at the central market of Heraklion, where you will find shops with tourist goods, cheap clothes and shoes, fruit and vegetables, herbs, spices and cheese, as well as little cafes and restaurants.

The beaches of Heraklion

Amnisos, Agia Pelagia, Kali Limenes, Malia, Hani Kokkini (ideal for wind surfing), Palaiokastro, the Limenas peninsula and Ammoudara are just some of the most famous beaches of the region. A drive up to Matala, the one-time hippy refuge, with its amazing natural caves and blue waters, is a must.

Excursions to the surrounding areas

It is not possible for one to go to Heraklion without also taking a visit to the palace of Knossos, the place where Minoan civilisation, one of the greatest in human history, was born. The Minoan palace, built on Kefalas hill just 5 km south of the town, has traces of human presence dating back to the Neolithic period and was brought to light by Sir Arthur Evans. At the same time, the excavations also revealed the great technical knowledge of the Minoans in the field of construction. Apart from the architectural layout of this labyrinthine palace, what really impresses is the original sewer system of this complex. Dozens of myths, such as those of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth, accompany the royal palace to this day. The pottery, vessels, figurines and Linear B tablets uncovered by the archaeological excavations, as well as the original wall paintings, are today housed in the Archaeological Museum (tel.: +30 2810 231940, +30 2810226470, +30 2810226092)

The Minoan Palace of Phaistos lies 55 km south of Heraklion. Covering an area of 4.5 acres, Phaistos is the second largest palace complex in Crete. The famous Phaistos Disk was discovered in this city that flourished but was destroyed twice by earthquakes. This is a clay disk with 241 stamped symbols arranged in a spiral that archaeologists have still not yet been able to decrypt (tel.: +30 2892042315)

It is worth taking a stop at the village of Venerato to visit the historic monastery of Paliani. This monastery was built over the ruins of an ancient temple, as confirmed by the column capitals in its forecourt. Pride of place in the monastery is taken by the aged myrtle tree, in the trunk of which the icon of the Virgin Mary is said to have been found. The feast day of Agia Myrtia is celebrated on 23 September.

The wine festival is held every year in late July in the village of Dafnes, 18 km from the capital of the prefecture. Here visitors will sample not only the local wine but also the main local specialities: snails, rabbit with aromatic greens, pork and celery, pork baked in a wooden oven, kalitsounia and xerotigana (fried and curled dough strips).

Food and entertainment in Heraklion

Where to start in describing the food of Crete? In Crete you will sample the best possible versions of local dishes that have spread to the dinner tables of the whole of Greece: dakos (soaked barley rusk with olive oil, tomatoes and cheese), hare, the traditional kalitsounia (small pies filled with mizithra cheese or greens and mint), fresh fish; fried snails, roast goat and gamopilafo (boiled rice with various meats served mainly at weddings) are just a few of the choices that will captivate your palate forever.

In Heraklion the choices for an evening’s entertainment are almost endless: from bars with Greek and foreign music (in Korais St) and large mainstream clubs (along the coast), to places with traditional Cretan music (near Agios Minas).

Fans of rock, jazz and art music should go to Handakos Street, where there are alternative music venues with live music. Finally, all those who seek more low-key entertainment can visit the arts festival that is held on the island throughout the year.

Of course, there is always Hersonissos, located 28 km from Heraklion and known worldwide for its nightlife. Entertainment in Crete is not limited just to the nights, however. From midday onwards, you can enjoy some meze dishes washed down with tsikoudia in one of the ouzeri or meze restaurants of Heraklion.

Shopping

Fill your suitcases with the Cretan spirits of tsikoudia (a strong spirit, similar to ouzo) and rakomelo (a strong spirit, similar to ouzo with honey), aromatic herbs, raisins, Cretan cheeses and olive oil.

From the airport to Heraklion

After landing at Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis”, you can get to Heraklion town by taxi (the set fare is 20 euros) or by bus. The bus (lines 1 and 78) is cheaper but it also takes longer.

If you wish to explore the wider region, then it is best to hire a car from one of the car rental agencies that you can find in the airport. Fly to Crete with a spirit of discovery and on the wings of Olympic Air!