Heraklion is a typical Greek city. Heraklion has numerous sights to visit Heraklion tower by Jnos Korom Dr. The best beaches near Heraklion include Ammoudara beach which is just 5 km away from Heraklion, and Palaiokastro beach 8 kms away. Nevertheless, you must not miss Heraklions main tourist attractions. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'happyfrogtravels_com-leader-2','ezslot_9',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-happyfrogtravels_com-leader-2-0');Chania has a fantastic city beach. It's a good place from which to take day trips to other parts of the island. Is Heraklion worth visiting. In ancient times, Heraklion was the port of Knossos, where the Minoans, Europe's oldest known civilization (they lived on Crete between 2700 BC and 1450 BC) traded gold, ceramics, and saffron. Though we really wanted to go to Crete, we never had the time; until now. It houses many of the artefacts found at Knossos and other Minoan sites in Crete including this famous and undecipherable clay disc shown below. It has a fascinating history stretching back thousands of years, as you can see from our first choice of attractions in Heraklion. Loggia interior | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. Today, after much hard work and persistence, the walls have been restored to their former glory, and today are a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike to walk and explore. Some of the best are around Mount Pachnes, the highest of the White Mountains. Revies by OffHotels Users. - See 7,437 traveler reviews, 7,339 candid photos, and great deals for Heraklion, Greece, at Tripadvisor. Hi! The city's landmark is the 16th c. Koules fortress in the westernmost side of the old . This is a shame, as there's lots of interesting things to discover in Heraklion. } The stone building is located on the port and is one of the most photographed and visited places in the city. Take into consideration when touring the site that some slightly over-imaginative reconstruction from the early 20th century has taken place. We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). The same can be said about Chania and Heraklion. Be sure to grab a window seat. The place is pretty much alive and real! When we arrived we were treated like royalty by the uber. Triopetra beach is best known for the three rocks found there, rising at the edge of the peninsula, hence its name. Heraklion is the heart of Crete and is essential in understanding Greek and European history. It will be of enormous help when we visit later this month.Best travelling wishesDory, Hi Dory,Thank you for your comment. Lets take a look at both cities. In Heraklion, most like to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos. Your email address will not be published. You will feel the rhythm of the city conquer you. Several buses a day connect them in about 3 hours. Some of the oldest archaeological remains in the world are a step away. Buses are frequent and go to many other places. The Old Town of Heraklion has close to 1,000 shops, many of which are found in the extensive maze of pedestrian-only streets. You can find it around a 10 minute walk away from the Old Harbor. For that, you must walk a couple of minutes north to a lovely beach. For more details, check here Astoria Hotel Heraklion. One of the points of interest you may come across when walking the walls, is the tombstone of Nikos Kazantzakis. I am Milos, architect, photographer, and full-time traveler. Some of the best things to do in Heraklion can be, well, a little outside the city itself. The Palace of Knossos | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. We strongly recommend arriving in one city and leaving from the other. In front of the church is a lovely square. The best sunsets in Chania are here, on a sidewalk overlooking the sea. This 4.6-kilometer return walk takes you out into the sea and provides great views back towards the city and mountains in the distance. Cant remember what day! Since then, weve been traveling extensively around the country, both on the continent and the islands. You'll see religious icons, stone carvings, ceramics, textiles, and folk costumes from the Byzantine, Venetian, and Turkish periods, as well as somber space dedicated to the Cretan Resistance Movement and those who lost their lives during WWII. Sifnos or Serifos in the Cyclades (Greece) - Which One to Visit? Both have a lively local population, but Chania is more touristy. Stretching more than 160 miles and with an extraordinary Minoan heritage, Crete is the largest and most visited of the Greek islands. Gorgeous Venetian palaces surround the mosque. Chania is famous around Crete and Greece for its incredible architecture. To the east, youll Agia Triada, the ruins of a small Minoan palace. Perhaps if we ever do work out what it says, we will learn more about life in Minoan times! This narrow street is full of vendors, with wares piled high and spilling out onto tables. M. Merkouri, Skafidaras, Crete 714 14, Greece Read Reviews of Amounda Bay Hotel Sponsored Hugo - A Dream Place 15 reviews Koroneou 26 "Delicious dishes" 19/10/2021 "A dream place to eat!" 19/10/2021 Particular highlights include two paintings from the 16th century: The Baptism of Christ and the View of Mt. Today, visiting the Minoan Palace of Knossos is one of the top things to do in Heraklion. The Morosini Fountain played an important role in providing drinking water to the citizens of Heraklion. It is easy not to get lost since the port and the fortress are great orientation points. It's an ideal place to orient yourself as you explore the warren of streets in the surrounding area. This world-class museum is Heraklion's principal tourist attraction, apart from the actual site of Knossos, and lies in the eastern part of the old town. There are also a number of museums and galleries in Rhodes that are worth visiting. The latter is a good choice for families, as it's sheltered from northern winds and there are no beach bars pumping out loud music. Is Heraklion worth visiting? The walks consist of two sections: the main waterfront stroll, running along the sea from east to west; and the breakwater walk, which extends out past the historical fort. You can find beaches to the east and west of the city." As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Other good options are Rethymnon, with a similar atmosphere to Heraklion, but smaller, and the scenic city of Chania. Heraklion - Things to Do Heraklion Archaeological Museum Heraklion Archaeological Museum 7,506 Reviews #5 of 88 things to do in Heraklion Museums, History Museums Xanthoudidou & Hatzidaki Sts, Heraklion, Crete 710 02, Greece Open today: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Save Guided Tour to Knossos Palace & Heraklion 18 Book in advance from $30.55 per adult There are many restaurants, bars and nightclubs, while the old town, El Dahar, is home to traditional Egyptian coffee shops and souks. If you are wondering whether to go to Santorini or Mykonos, you are lucky. Chania Region is known for its wonderful hiking routes. For more details, check here Atrion Hotel Heraklion, Kastro Hotel Heraklion Another hotel that is recommended for its excellent location and facilities, guests comment happily on the friendly staff and lovely breakfast. In fact, Heraklion itself, as we can see it today, was founded in 824. Add your answer Posting guidelines More questions about this property 2 Answers Is the hotel high rise what is a good number to request over a year ago Chania is the only city in the region. Your email address will not be published. Likewise, you wont believe the number and quality of the restaurants that dot the city. The other side is home to restaurants that overlook this beautiful stretch of sand and the turquoise waters of the bay. Heraklion, the island's capital was once home to an important Minoan civilization and has seen the likes of Venetians and the Byzantines. I enjoy visiting places of worship of all faiths. Once again, you can arrive in Heraklion and leave from Chania (or vice versa). Heraklion is well known for its lovely subtropical climate. "@type": "Answer", Both Chania and Heraklion have gorgeous cathedrals, picturesque old towns, numerous restaurants, and lots of places to shop. This one is housed in an impressive building which is inspired by neoclassical architecture and built in the early 1900s. Outside the city be sure to visit the Orthodox monastery of St. George, which is located amidst beautiful countryside, as well as the jewel of all the archaeological sites in Greece the ruins of Knossos. Hotels and other amenities are located in the town, back from the beach, although restaurants line the edge of the beach and one entire side of the bay. Hotels near Lampogialo - Rage Room, Heraklion on Tripadvisor: Find 15,610 traveller reviews, 25,098 candid photos, and prices for 600 hotels near Lampogialo - Rage Room in Heraklion , Greece. The resort is big and spoiling, beautiful nature and stunning views. With a population of 173,450 people, Heraklion is not only the largest city on the island of Crete, but also the fourth largest city in Greece after Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras. The city is located on the north coast of the island and is home to the archaeological site of Knossos, which is believed to be the site of the ancient Minoan palace of Knossos. Each is worth at least a half-day visit, but we found the heart of Crete in the small towns.Apr 27, 2021. If you're interested in Ancient Greek mythology then this impressive structure should definitely be on your sightseeing itinerary for Heraklion. . Its the third-largest city in Crete and the one with the best city beach. There's also an earthquake simulator inside the museum! With the famous site of Knossos close by, museums, art exhibitions, and lots of places to eat, Heraklion is a good place to stay and then explore more of thee surrounding area." All the restaurants are worth a visit and booking the day . Some consider it the oldest city in Europe. "acceptedAnswer": { Heraklion, the island's capital was once home to an important Minoan civilization and has seen the likes of Venetians and the Byzantines. There are a number of Heraklion tours you can choose from, ranging from group food tours to private food tours. Learn how your comment data is processed. To get there, you can walk north along the port and loop around the fortress and marina. Sunny day in Heraklion by Francesco Sgroi. In fact, we don't really know what they called themselves It's only us that refer to them as Minoans! Both Chania and Heraklion have gorgeous cathedrals, picturesque old towns, numerous restaurants, and lots of places to shop. This circular object was found at the archaeological site of Phaistos, home of another Minoan palace. Is Heraklion worth visiting? "text": "Dine out at one of the many bars and restaurants, have cocktails with friends, visit a nightclub to dance the night away or catch live music. Dedicated to the patron saint of Heraklion, the Cathedral of St. Minas is an impressive building located in the Old Town. There are plenty of things to do in Heraklion, and so the city is definitely worth visiting. Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catharine. One of the most popular tourist destinations is the seafront city of Agios Nikolaos. Whether you want to rent a paddle boat or watch the locals surfing on Eisbach - a visit to the English Garden, the largest park in Munich, is always worthwhile. Hey I would like to live here one day even though I have never visited my longs to be in Greece keep in touch .kind regards Julie Margaret sutton.. "acceptedAnswer": { Consequently, out of the two best beaches near Heraklion, we strongly recommend Amoudara. Though it is a nice semi-bay sandy beach, its next to the airport, so we do not recommend it. At this huge modern aquarium, you can see 2,500 marine species from the underwater world of the Mediterranean, swimming around in 1.7 million liters of seawater. As mentioned above, outstanding architecture dots the city, so lose yourself in its leafy streets. As you approach the city, you notice two distinct sections: the modern one, on the slope of the hills, and the old, on the coast. Phaestos is another magnificent Minoan palace, which some people prefer to Knossos, as it is unrenovated and more atmospheric. Considered by many to be Crete's best-preserved Venetian building, this impressive structure is free to enter and worth a quick look. Your email address will not be published. Heraklion is the capital of Crete and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece. Across the road but fronting the harbor are the Venetian Arsenals, easily recognizable by the stone facade and huge archways. In Heraklion, most like to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos. Required fields are marked *. I only wish I had found it first when I was researching Crete! Though Heraklion has several impressive buildings, it pales in comparison to Chania. Heraklion is also a major commercial center . Nearby is a wonderful area of narrow streets lined with restaurants with patios, as well as interesting shops. Located in the heart of the Old Town is the Loggia, which today operates as Heraklion's town hall. }] Elafonisi is the most spectacular place (but there are fewer options for accommodation, dining etc.). If historical ruins, gorgeous beaches, and delectable Cretan cuisine call to you, Heraklion will be one of your best trips. A lovely on-site caf with outdoor seating serves quick bites and cold drinks. This museum and archeological site holds the remains of one of the most important Minoan civilizations on Crete. From EUR649. Winters are short and mild, sometimes rainy. Only five minutes from downtown Heraklion is Ammoudara Beach. In ancient times, Heraklion was the port of Knossos, where the Minoans, Europe's oldest known civilization (they lived on Crete between 2700 BC and 1450 BC) traded gold, ceramics, and saffron. There are no beaches in Heraklion city proper. Heraklion is the largest city on the Greek island of Crete, and an entry point for most visitors to the island. If the wind is up, this is one of Crete's most popular spots for kiteboarding. Walk along 25th of August Street to get to the impressive Saint Titus Church, the Morosini Lions Fountain, the Venetian Loggia, and the Archaeological Museum. Magnificent 3,500-year-old frescoes from Knossos, including Prince of the Lilies and Bull-Leaping, are on display at this museum. To take the breakwater walk, head towards the ancient Koules Fortress and keep going. Both Chania and Heraklion have gorgeous cathedrals, picturesque old towns, numerous restaurants, and lots of places to shop. Likewise, its the one with the most spectacular archeological sites in Crete. The Crete Historical Museum is another one to add to you itinerary. Ancient architecture in Heraklion by deepstereo. The jewel of Heraklion is its fantastic Old Town. The shops, restaurants, and cafs are literally everywhere in the Old Town. The island is one of the culinary hubs in the world so if you decide to visit the city of Heraklion dont miss to enjoy its great culinary wealth. Both airports are close to each citys center and served by public buses and taxis. The other two famous beaches in the Heraklion Region are Hersonissos and Malia, some 20 miles (30 km) east of the city, on the northern shore. The most notable monument along the harbor is the 16th-century Venetian Fort of Koules. "name": "Is Heraklion worth visiting? For us, the best hotel is the GDM Megaron Hotel, built in 1925 and registered as a National Monument. The views from the site are spectacular, and in summer, it catches a blissful cool breeze. Within its walls you can find a number of old buildings (some of them real historical monuments under the open sky), centuries old churches and narrow winding streets. Chania is often thought to be the prettier town of the two, but undoubtedly Heraklion has more things to see, especially with top attractions such as the Palace of Knossos. The vibrant Old City is of most interest to visitors, and it's worth taking some time to see. They will tell you at the Hotel reception. . "@type": "Question", This is the place to people watch and mingle with the locals. It was originally connected to a 14-kilometer aqueduct and brought water to the city from the slopes of Mt. Some consider Balos the best beach in Chania, while others Falassarna, or Frangokastelo. Find out more here about thePalace of Knossos. The first people appear on the beach in April even if the water is still cold. SHOP MY REVERSIBLE TRAVEL CLOTHING LINE: https://livmorethelabel.com/BEST THING TO DO IN HERAKLION GREECE - Is It Worth Visiting In CRETE? Juktas. This museum traces 1,700 years of history on the island, from early Christian times to the modern era. No, we have not forgotten Knossos, the best archaeological site in Crete. Overlooking the Libyan Sea, 67 kilometers southwest of Heraklion, Matala is one of the most visited resorts on Crete's remote south coast. Required fields are marked *. Even if you don't take a food tour, at least make sure you sample some of the local delicacies on offer in Heraklion! Nothing can compare to its pink sand, thousands of blues and greens, and relaxed atmosphere. The bus station is in the center, next to the Old Town, so the magic begins as soon as you exit the bus. This is where the Venetians repaired their ships. You dont need to worry about a thing. Heraklion is safe for you to travel to. Legend says that the palace was built by King Minos, and it must have been one of the most impressive buildings in Minoan Crete. Greece Island Hopping - Meet Us There. The number of restaurants and coffee houses in the Old Town is surprising, so foodies and coffee lovers will be in heaven. The city is located in the central parts of the northern coast of Crete and is a centuries-old historical center. The main destination of the day is the idyllic site of Elafonissi: the marvelous "pink" beach and the small lovely islet just off the coast, connected with a shallow reef. That said, if you have to choose between Heraklion or Chania, we strongly recommend Chania. Surrounding the old town are the Venetian city walls. Why you should visit Heraklion? Located in among the narrow streets and alleys, you'll find lovely restaurants, hidden patios, and retail shops selling pretty much anything you can imagine. The outstanding nearby beaches, shopping, and great dining will make you want to linger here. Choice include luxury hotels, budget hotels, and everything in between! It has a beautiful waterfront area with seaside restaurants, several important museums, and lovely squares where you can easily spend an afternoon in a street-side cafe. Hurghada is a beach resort town stretching some 40km along Egypt's Red Sea coast. Would you like even more travel information about Greece? With a succession of foreign occupiers, Crete's history is complicated but fascinating. Dine out at one of the many bars and restaurants, have cocktails with friends, visit a nightclub to dance the night away or catch live music. . The Old Town is pretty impressive too, a mix of Greek, Ottoman, and Venetian architecture. The Fontana Morosini is found in Eleftheriou Venizelou Square, but the locals call it Lions Square or Lion for short. Whatever your interests are there are plenty of activities for you to enjoy. The trip from Athens to Chania lasts approximately 8 hours. 73,292 views Oct 18, 2018 1K Dislike Share Save Gabriel Traveler 543K subscribers Walking through the streets of Heraklion. Heraklion Archaeological Museum: Worth visiting - See 7,400 traveler reviews, 7,273 candid photos, and great deals for Heraklion, Greece, at Tripadvisor. Not much hiking is planned.There will be 2 of us (we are retired) for the first few days then will be joined by two other family members in their early 30s.We will be traveling from Germany.Your advice for locations and lodging informations will be greatly appreciated. https://happyfrogtravels.com/where-to-stay-in-crete-best-hotels-cities-and-beaches/, Koh Yao Yai Island: Things to Do, Where to Stay and How to Get, Visiting Sambor Prei Kuk Temples in Kampong Thom Province, Where to Stay in Marseille: The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods, Where to Stay in Ao Nang: The Best Beaches and Other Areas, The Best Books About Greece: From History to Art, 10 Reasons to Travel to Greece Now (in 2022). International destinations to both cities include Germany, England, and France. The summer season lasts until the late October, sometimes even until the late November. We are talking about a history that goes back thousands of years! } The region of Heraklion has a colorful palette of beaches. Ferryhopper is the best place online to check for different routes and prices. In most of the year the grass is yellow because of the dry and hot weather and only in winter everything is green and covered with spring flowers. A visit to the Natural History Museum of Crete is an ideal thing to do for families. We werent expecting much and were so pleasantly surprised! There are a number of Heraklion hotels to choose from in the city center and surrounding area. Tourist Maker 2022. The pedestrian streets inside the old city section of Heraklion are perfect for aimless wanderings. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions visitors have when planning things to do in Heraklion. Incredible views out to sea and over the harbor towards town can be had by climbing the stairs to the roof. "@type": "FAQPage", Nothing compares to Chania. Start planning Church of Saint Titus reviews TripAdvisor traveler rating 807 reviews Google 4.7 By Senioronabudget The church is a church. This Heraklion travel guide shows you how to visit Knossos, walk along Venetian castle walls, where to try the local food and more! "text": "Despite what you might read, Heraklion has no beach itself due to the various structures, walls and fortifications. His paintings are noted for their intense color and drama, and you can see several reproductions of his works here. Heraklion is an easy-to-reach destination. Whether you plan to base yourself in Heraklion for your entire vacation, or just want to spend a night or two before moving on to a road trip around Crete, there's plenty to see and do. Inside, its pedestrian-only streets are lined by aristocratic buildings, churches, and boutiques, and open onto leafy squares with fountains and busy cafs. If you're looking for a photo opportunity as you wander around the city, you'll stumble across the Lion's Square sooner or later. Heraklion is the capital of Crete, Greece. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'happyfrogtravels_com-leader-1','ezslot_6',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-happyfrogtravels_com-leader-1-0');The city is simply stunning, impeccably clean, and with a wonderful atmosphere. However, Cretes most famous natural spot is Samaria Gorge, on the southern coast of the Chania Regional Unit. The reason is that the city is one of the largest in Greece, and it has a lively port as well as one of the most important airports in the country. "@context": "https://schema.org", . "@type": "Answer", "name": "Which is better Chania or Heraklion? They also have lots of people, traffic, construction, and other drawbacks that come with large cities. Amoudara is a long wide sandy beach popular with the local Heraklion crowd. No visit to Heraklion would be complete without seeing the Palace of Knossos and you should include it in your Heraklion sightseeing itinerary. During the summer months, the archaeological museum is open from 08.00 20.00. I'm really not sure why, as Matala is over an hour away by car! Once you exit the city, youll find yourself in the middle of some of the best natural places in Crete. We've arrived by cruise today and wanted to explore Crete a little, s. Can you put a burrito wrapped in foil in the oven? "@type": "Question", Whether you actually need to buy anything or not, you should visit here for a half hour or so as part of your Heraklion sightseeing itinerary. The Old Town area of Heraklion is surrounded on three sides by massive Venetian Walls that tower above the surrounding city. More importantly, it doesnt cost you anything extra. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'happyfrogtravels_com-leader-4','ezslot_13',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-happyfrogtravels_com-leader-4-0');In Chania, we strongly advise you to stay in the Old Town. The large shady arcade under the arches is a great place to escape the intense summer sun. Its on the southern shore of the island, where most of the best beaches in Crete are. Heraklion is the largest city of Crete and one of Greece's major urban centres. Daves Travel Pages has a number of affiliate links placed within the travel blog. Its just some 3 miles (5 km) from Heraklion center so you can take a public bus. All Rights Reserved. Mina, which is nice from the outside but just amazing from inside. We, Greece is our favorite country in all of Europe. 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