Heraklion

Crete’s largest town is waiting for you to explore it!
A destination with great history, lively atmosphere and so many things for you to do all year round.
To see the available ferry routes from Piraeus to Heraklion go to justferry.gr. Compare cheap ferry routes to Heraklion online with Just Ferry.

What must you definitely do when visiting the town?

  • Begin exploring at Knossos, Minos’s palace and the most popular archeological site on the entire island.
  • Next up go to Phaistos palace, Minos’s brother’s palace which is the second biggest Minoan palace.
  • Koules, the Venetian fortress also known as “Fortress on the Sea” is located in the entrance of Chandakas, the old port.
  • Is it impossible not to visit Cretaquarium, one of the largest aquariums in Europe! Get to know the rare species and the phantasmagoria of the Mediterranean sea world.
  • See the imposing fountain with its four lions in the town center.
  • Visit the patron saint of the town, Agios Minas, in the metropolitan church devoted to him.
  • Walk around Archanes! A traditional village with old picturesque manors. Stroll around the cobblestone streets, feel the positive aura and historic atmosphere and then spend some time in the Archeological Museum, the Folk Art Museum and the Cretan History and Tradition Museum.

Where should you go swimming?

  • Agia Pelagia Central Beach: One of the biggest summer resorts in the northern part of the island.
  • Ammoudara: Organized beach with shallow waters and an immense shore.
  • Matala: A beach popular with 1970s hippies and artists. A unique sight with caves, golden sand, crystal-clear waters and magical tranquility.
  • Kaminaki: A perfect beach for scuba diving! With pebbles and a pristine seabed, accessible in two ways, by boat or through the canyon.
  • Psaromoura: Organized beach with fine pebble and blue-green waters.
  • Agiofarago: A beach with fantastic sand, emerald-green waters and rocks surrounding it. The easiest way to access it is by boat.
  • Aspes: A dreamlike landscape of wild natural beauty with black sand, deep-blue waters and steep rocks.
  • Potamos: Organized beach with huge a sandy shore and crystal-clear waters.

Extra tip:

If you are a nature lover, you can explore one of the many canyons around Heraklion or hike on famous Psiloritis.

Do not forget you cannot leave Crete without trying tsikoudia!

We cannot talk about the local cuisine enough, wherever or whatever you try will show you why Cretan dishes are in such demand.

Useful Telephone Numbers for Heraklion:

“Venizelio” General Hospital: 2813 406910
Heraklion CSC (Citizens’ Service Center): 2813 406307
Tourist Police: 2810 274046
Heraklion-Lasithi Bus Services: 2810 245019
Chania-Rethymno Bus Services: 2810 221765