Elafonisi is the most spectacular place (but there are fewer options for accommodation, dining etc.). Most of them are in the Old Town proper and close enough for you to discover walking. "@type": "Answer", The pedestrian streets inside the old city section of Heraklion are perfect for aimless wanderings. 30 Best Things to Do in Thessaloniki (Greece), The island is one of the culinary hubs in the world, The Beginners Guide to Living on the Ionian Islands, Greece, 15 Best Things to Do in Kalamata (Greece), 21 Best Things to Do in Zakynthos (Greece), 21 Best Things to Do in Kefalonia (Greece), 20 Best Things to Do in Skopelos (Greece). You can find beaches to the east and west of the city. People say Heraklion is perfect because summers are great for the beach and winters are perfect to stay long hours outside enjoying the mild temperatures. What we liked the most is that Chania is a real city, not built for tourists and Disneyesque. It's a good place from which to take day trips to other parts of the island. Buses from the Old Town leave every 15 minutes for Knossos during the summer season, making it extremely easy to visit. Heraklion is only 30minutes by bus and 15 minutes by taxi to Knossos, a Bronze Age archaeological site and Europe's oldest city. 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. Summers are very long and the months of July and August are very hot and heavy. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions visitors have when planning things to do in Heraklion. The most pleasant time to walk around is in the evening. Greece Island Hopping - Meet Us There. This building was started in 1862, and work continued for 33 years until its completion in 1895. Pros: Only 25 minutes drive from Heraklion airport The staff are amazing, really, all of them are very nice and always eager to help and willing to give you the best service possible so the feeling is amazing! Start planning Church of Saint Titus reviews TripAdvisor traveler rating 807 reviews Google 4.7 By Senioronabudget The church is a church. Also on display are artifacts from the Palace of Knossos. Heraklion, Crete, Greece 1,715,413 * [2,000,000] Property Details Bedrooms: 20 Bathrooms: 23 Plot size: 2400 m 2 Habitable space: 1150 m 2 Features Pool Sea View Airconditioners Restaurant BAR Walking distance to the amenities Parking space Full Description Suggested for sale is a fully functional hotel of 20 rooms in Heraklion, Crete. 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. 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. No visit to Heraklion would be complete without seeing the Palace of Knossos and you should include it in your Heraklion sightseeing itinerary. All Rights Reserved. You will step back in time while enjoying luxurious hotels and incredible restaurants. 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.. The biggest university in Crete is in Rethymno, so its fun and upbeat. The city is located in the central parts of the northern coast of Crete and is a centuries-old historical center. 1866 Street in Heraklion | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. Is Heraklion worth visiting? The most notable monument along the harbor is the 16th-century Venetian Fort of Koules. However, may not be of interest to everyone. This Heraklion travel guide shows you how to visit Knossos, walk along Venetian castle walls, where to try the local food and more! "name": "Which is better Chania or Heraklion? Considered by many to be Crete's best-preserved Venetian building, this impressive structure is free to enter and worth a quick look. Built in the 16th century at the entrance to the old port, this impressive fortress formed part of the defensive network at Heraklion. This is a shame, as there's lots of interesting things to discover in Heraklion. 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. Knossos Royal Palace Map - Attractions (Historical), The harbor in the Old Town of Heraklion | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. Both Chania and Heraklion have gorgeous cathedrals, picturesque old towns, numerous restaurants, and lots of places to shop. Both have a lively local population, but Chania is more touristy. Which is better Chania or Heraklion? However, Rethymno and Agios Nikolaos are two of the best places where to stay in Crete. According to most local residents, the pride of Heraklion is the cathedral St. They include Heraklion Archaeological Museum in Heraklion an appealing road-trip destination just 20 miles away. In front of the church is a lovely square. Some of the best things to do in Heraklion can be, well, a little outside the city itself. Once again, you can arrive in Heraklion and leave from Chania (or vice versa). Heraklion, the island's capital was once home to an important Minoan civilization and has seen the likes of Venetians and the Byzantines. The bus station is in the center, next to the Old Town, so the magic begins as soon as you exit the bus. Heraklion is the heart of Crete and is essential in understanding Greek and European history. }, { A visit to the Natural History Museum of Crete is an ideal thing to do for families. However, you are in Greece, so you will enjoy comfortable sunbeds, umbrellas, delicious coffee, and a peaceful environment. The disc appears to be covered in writing, which remains undecipherable to this day. That said, you can spend days discovering gorgeous houses hidden amongst its leafy streets. As you probably know, island hopping around Greece is extremely popular and totally worth it. The Crete Historical Museum is another one to add to you itinerary. One of the points of interest you may come across when walking the walls, is the tombstone of Nikos Kazantzakis. The number of restaurants and coffee houses in the Old Town is surprising, so foodies and coffee lovers will be in heaven. During the summer season the flights between Crete and various destination through Europe are quite common. Across the road but fronting the harbor are the Venetian Arsenals, easily recognizable by the stone facade and huge archways. As you probably know, we moved to Greece a couple of years ago. Sunny day in Heraklion by Francesco Sgroi. "text": "Despite what you might read, Heraklion has no beach itself due to the various structures, walls and fortifications. We traveled from Rethymnon to Chania City by bus. If historical ruins, gorgeous beaches, and delectable Cretan cuisine call to you, Heraklion will be one of your best trips. The best place to stay in Elafonissi is the grand Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family: perfect facilities, unbeatable location, and wonderful views. 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). Even if you don't take a food tour, at least make sure you sample some of the local delicacies on offer in Heraklion! Most of the interesting and worth visiting places in Heraklion and its surroundings are churches, chapels and monasteries, but there are also some exceptions. Leaving the city of Heraklion, you get into another world quiet, clean, smelling of summer and heat. Thus, you can go from one to the other on the same day. During high season flights operate to other international destinations, so be sure to check beforehand. Heraklion Archaeological Museum: Worth visiting - See 7,400 traveler reviews, 7,273 candid photos, and great deals for Heraklion, Greece, at Tripadvisor. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); On this travel site, you'll find detailed guides and tips on traveling to Greece, as well as bikepacking blogs about cycling around the world. "Copyright Dave's Travel Pages (c) 2005- - 2022 ". A fascinating day out for kids and adults alike, it has 32 vast glass tanks displaying everything from hunter sharks to minuscule seahorses, jellyfish, turtles, lobsters, and octopus, all in beautifully-lit turquoise sea water against a backdrop of rocks, sand, and seaweed. } Is Heraklion worth visiting? With a succession of foreign occupiers, Crete's history is complicated but fascinating. Do not miss to visit and make some occasional picture of the Venetian Lodge (this is a real Venetian treasure in the heart of the Greek city). Discover the best things to do in Heraklion in Crete, and start planning an unforgettable trip. The historical museum of Crete contains exhibitions which detail the extensive history of the island from the early Christian times of the Byzantine era through to Ottoman rule and beyond. Remember that Rethymno is in the middle, so be sure to stop. The best place to stay in Matala is Nikos Hotel. Each is worth at least a half-day visit, but we found the heart of Crete in the small towns. ThePalace of Knossosis the most famous archaeological site in Crete. 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. Heraklion grew up around the sea, and still today, the old town focuses on the harbor. 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. However, Cretes most famous natural spot is Samaria Gorge, on the southern coast of the Chania Regional Unit. It has been rebuilt and repaired many times over the centuries since it was first constructed in the 10th century. We werent expecting much and were so pleasantly surprised! You may find the following travel guides about Crete useful in your trip planning. When the weather is warm, you'll almost always find a lively scene of locals and tourists enjoying the surrounding cafs and ice-cream shops. The tour around the city may take you to Byzantine churches, Venetian walls, and fortresses, or Archaeological Museum. This narrow street is full of vendors, with wares piled high and spilling out onto tables. Today, the site of Knossos in Crete is a controversial one. Its the third-largest city in Crete and the one with the best city beach. The Fontana Morosini is found in Eleftheriou Venizelou Square, but the locals call it Lions Square or Lion for short. For more details, check here El Greco Hotel Heraklion, Castello Hotel Heraklion With open plan family rooms, the Castello could be a good choice for families looking for hotels in Heraklion. There are no beaches in Heraklion city proper. Sun beds and umbrellas are free to use if you purchase drinks or food from one of the roaming waiters. This is the option you'll want to choose if you want to stop for a bite to eat or learn a bit about the island. Be sure to visit also the Orthodox Church of Agios Titos, which has a typical Byzantine appearance. "@type": "Answer", Today, visiting the Minoan Palace of Knossos is one of the top things to do in Heraklion. If you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere and stunning scenery . Heraklion town is worth only for its castle and the port. In addition, an entire floor is devoted to stuffed animals that live or once lived around the Mediterranean Sea. As you probably have heard, the island of Crete is one of the places in the world with the most delicious fruits, vegetables, cheese, olives and wines. Theotokopoulos moved to Spain in 1577 and lived and worked there until his death. Stretching more than 160 miles and with an extraordinary Minoan heritage, Crete is the largest and most visited of the Greek islands. He was perhaps the most influential writer in Crete and even Greece, most famous for Zorba the Greek. Some of Heraklion's best seafood restaurants, an ancient fortress, museums, and amazing views are what you'll find here. This is an active church with regular services and is also the seat of the Archbishop of Crete. Heraklion's Old Town is an excellent place for sightseeing and getting a feel of the local culture. Likewise, you wont believe the number and quality of the restaurants that dot the city. Located in front of the port, this absolutely gorgeous building was meticulously updated to include modern-day amenities. What we do know, is they were one of the most powerful and influential bronze age cultures, and had established trade routes throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Please pin this guide on places to visit in Heraklion for later. Heraklion offers some of the best archaeological remains in the Mediterranean. The jewel of Heraklion is its fantastic Old Town. Granted, Chania and Heraklion are the most famous cities in Crete. | Read 44,801-44,820 Reviews out of 44,994 He has stayed in the world's best and worst hotels, in over 150 countries, from Shangri-La to Travelodge, in Hyatts and hostels. We always use it and love it! Since then, weve been traveling extensively around the country, both on the continent and the islands. Buses are frequent and go to many other places. The capital city of Heraklion is home to many of Crete's most popular tourist attractions, including the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Heraklion Fortress. Though it is a nice semi-bay sandy beach, its next to the airport, so we do not recommend it. Required fields are marked *. In fact, Heraklion itself, as we can see it today, was founded in 824. Consequently, out of the two best beaches near Heraklion, we strongly recommend Amoudara. Other good options are Rethymnon, with a similar atmosphere to Heraklion, but smaller, and the scenic city of Chania. Heraklion is a typical Greek city. Heraklion is the capital of the Heraklion Regional Unit, the most populated one out of the four in Crete. One of the must-see frescoes is located in the dome, showing Christ Pantocrator. Heraklion is the largest city on the Greek island of Crete, and an entry point for most visitors to the island. Particular highlights include two paintings from the 16th century: The Baptism of Christ and the View of Mt. The closest beach to the east of the city is Karteros Beach. It was originally connected to a 14-kilometer aqueduct and brought water to the city from the slopes of Mt. Situated right on the waterfront and just down from the Historical Museum, this is an impressive modern museum that showcases the best of Crete. Begin your walk at the Venetian Port and climb a small hill that offers fantastic views. Small to medium sized waves, perfect for bobbing about in, are usually common here as is a cooling breeze. I've seen many guides on things to do in Heraklion feature beaches such as Matala. Today, the stone cottage where he was born is a museum. Displays have information in multiple languages. They have a couple of splendid villas too. Get the ticket that includes a visit to the Archaeological Museum in the city. 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. - See 7,437 traveler reviews, 7,339 candid photos, and great deals for Heraklion, Greece, at Tripadvisor. There is a large market there too! If it's windy, be sure to watch out for sea spray from the waves crashing against the rocks. Is Heraklion worth visiting? Its just some 3 miles (5 km) from Heraklion center so you can take a public bus. For more details, check here Irini Hotel Heraklion, Astoria Hotel Heraklion Located next to the archaeological museum in Heraklion, the Capsis Astoria is one of the most well known hotels in the city, and has a lovely rooftop pool. OffHotels owner Stefan travels around the globe visiting every theme and water park for his site 'The Theme Park Guy'. How do I embed a video clip into PowerPoint? This is where you'll find the Fontana Morosini, an ornate Venetian fountain with four lions with water gushing from their mouths. Visitors can go rock-climbing, sailing or even take a day to cool off in the water park. Exploring Crete: For ideas on how to spend your time and what to see on this beautiful Greek Island, see our guide to the Top Tourist Attractions on Crete. Some consider Balos the best beach in Chania, while others Falassarna, or Frangokastelo. 2022 Happy Frog Travels - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. Its on the southern shore of the island, where most of the best beaches in Crete are. 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. Since its so small, it may be fully booked so we also recommend the Vilelmine Hotel, on the main plaza. Erivolos is an attractive set of apartments run well by its hosts in a superb setting. Required fields are marked *. The Chania Regional Unit is the westernmost administrative region in Crete (there are four). Today, the fortress has been restored and opened to the public. The waterfront stroll starts at the breakwater and runs east to the traffic roundabout past the ancient Venetian arches and west to the Natural History Museum. There's several choices of boat tours from Heraklion you might take. Knossos is a Minoan complex, built by a civilisation that pre-dated what we have come to know as the ancient Greeks. The cathedral is usually open, so take a few steps inside and gaze up at the impressive frescoes on the walls and ceiling. The romantic feeling is hard to describe in words. That said, if you have to choose between Heraklion or Chania, we strongly recommend Chania. Most people agree that Cretes best beaches are in the south. It is easy not to get lost since the port and the fortress are great orientation points. Mina, which is nice from the outside but just amazing from inside. To the west of the harbor, the scenic promenade stretches along the sea and is lined with seafood restaurants. A block from the port, look for the Orthodox Cathedral on the main plaza. Incredible views out to sea and over the harbor towards town can be had by climbing the stairs to the roof. Popular day trip tours that will help you experience the real Crete include: Day Tour of Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda & Plaka, From Heraklion: Afternoon Sailing Trip to Dia Island, From Heraklion: Full-Day Gramvousa and Balos Tour, From Heraklion: Chania, Lake Kournas and Rethymno Tour, Samaria Gorge: Day Trip from Agia Pelagia, Heraklion & Malia, Crete: Day Tour to the Island of Chrissi from Heraklion, From Heraklion: Day Excursion to Elafonisi. They offer super comfy and clean rooms, a lovely garden, and impeccable service. This museum traces 1,700 years of history on the island, from early Christian times to the modern era. To us, the best hotel is the Domus Renier Boutique Hotel: 9 luxurious suites in a historic mansion you will never forget. You can find it around a 10 minute walk away from the Old Harbor. You can easily spend a morning or afternoon strolling around the Old Town, seeing the sites and soaking up the atmosphere. You can rent your umbrella and sunbed from your favorite one. One of the biggest attractions is the massive and deserving respect fortress Castello del Molo. Golden sand and clean, clear waters backed by tavernas await the sun starved. Student Travel to Santorini , Greece During a Semester Abroad. The aquarium is located at a former American military base in Gournes, 13 kilometers east of Heraklion. 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. A lovely on-site caf with outdoor seating serves quick bites and cold drinks. There are, however, closer beaches to Heraklion itself. There are also a number of museums and galleries in Rhodes that are worth visiting. Going to Crete from Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Syros, Milos, and Tinos is a brilliant idea. Is Heraklion worth visiting? Heraklion Archaeological Museum: Worth a visit! Unlike places like Plakias, where tourists tend to spend several days or more, Matala is more of a day-tripping destination and does not have much by way of seaside accommodation. The mix between Ottoman, Greek, and Venetian architecture will blow your mind away. The trip from Athens to Chania lasts approximately 8 hours. They last from December till March. To the east of the port, youll find the Venetian City Walls and the Castle. May and October also make a fine time to visit Heraklion with a bit warmer weather. Powered By WordPress | FT Directory Listing. }, { If you're interested in Ancient Greek mythology then this impressive structure should definitely be on your sightseeing itinerary for Heraklion. Some of the oldest archaeological remains in the world are a step away. We strongly recommend arriving in one city and leaving from the other. . Take note that you cannot bathe in the heart of the Old Town. 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. To the east, youll Agia Triada, the ruins of a small Minoan palace. The best places to stay in Heraklion are in the Old Town. The journey there takes you through the mountains and close to a lake, an area known for hikes. 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. Nondescript buildings from the 60s onwards coexist with outstanding historic ones. His paintings are noted for their intense color and drama, and you can see several reproductions of his works here. You will find numerous small cafes and craft shops to buy lovely souvenirs. Chania is famous around Crete and Greece for its incredible architecture. In winter, however, the schedule is quite different. Be sure to check out the Snake Goddess, a glazed ceramic figurine of a lady holding two snakes, dated 1600 BC, and the Phaistos Disk, a clay disc bearing a curious spiral of symbols from around 100 BC. The building is bright and air conditioned, and makes for a good escape from the mid-day heat in Heraklion. The vibrant Old City is of most interest to visitors, and it's worth taking some time to see. We, Greece is our favorite country in all of Europe. Winters are short and mild, sometimes rainy. "@context": "https://schema.org", Cant remember what day! "@type": "Question", Heraklion is the capital of Crete and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece. The best way to travel to Sitia from Agios Nikolaos is by taxi or private transfer. In the 16th century, Heraklion was home to an important school of religious icon painters. We've arrived by cruise today and wanted to explore Crete a little, s. At the tip of the port, you will find the Lighthouse of Chania, built by the Venetians in the 16th Century but reconstructed by the Egyptians in the 1820s. Climbing to the top, you will have some of the best views out over Heraklion. Heraklion has numerous sights to visit Heraklion tower by Jnos Korom Dr. Today, visiting the Minoan Palace of Knossos is one of the top things to do in Heraklion. Each is worth at least a half-day visit, but we found the heart of Crete in the small towns. "@type": "Answer", Palace of Knossos is also within close reach. Things to Do in Heraklion Popular things to do Day Trips Cultural Tours Historic Sites 4WD Tours Skip the line Tickets Wineries & Vineyards City Tours Historical Tours Churches & Cathedrals Hiking Tours Cooking Classes History Museums Culinary Tour Dining Experiences Points of Interest & Landmarks Sporting Events Airport & Hotel Transfers Several flights a day connect Athens to Heraklion and Chania. } 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. 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. Then, all of a sudden, the Minoan civilisation collapsed. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'happyfrogtravels_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_8',130,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-happyfrogtravels_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');On the other side of the port, you will find the Archaeological Museum and the Venetian Fortress beneath the Salvatore Bastion. There are plenty of things to do and explore in the city. Occupying a prominent position on the waterfront of Heraklion, the Koules Fortress is an impressive Venetian fortress dating from the early 16th century. Nothing can compare to its pink sand, thousands of blues and greens, and relaxed atmosphere. { For more details, check here Atlantis Hotel Heraklion, Irini Hotel Heraklion Modern rooms, friendly staff, and a supermarket over the road make the Irini a good choice for couples. They also have lots of people, traffic, construction, and other drawbacks that come with large cities. 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. The Old Town is pretty impressive too, a mix of Greek, Ottoman, and Venetian architecture. If you've arrived after a long flight or ferry ride and would like to stretch your legs, a stroll along the waterfront is a great idea. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. }, { Official site: https://www.nhmc.uoc.gr/en, Cathedral of St. Minas | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. The best sunsets in Chania are here, on a sidewalk overlooking the sea. 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. Some of its most notable landmarks include 16th-century Koules Fortress, Jesus Gate and the Venetian City Wall. No other country in the old continent has such, Thank you for a wonderful, informative and interesting article. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. A vast monumental palace, with four wings built around a spacious central courtyard, Knossos is believed to have been the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos. They will tell you at the Hotel reception. Destination Guide Heraklion is a typical Greek city. You dont need to worry about a thing. The place is pretty much alive and real! Fishing boats line the shore, where a walkway runs along the waterfront. June is a great time to visit Crete and Chania is the best choice.I would suggest two locations: Falassarna is an easier option (more hotels and places to visit). The average daytime temperature in the height of summer is over 29C, reaching 40C during the periods of heat waves, which come from the Sahara desert. But this city, the island's capital and chief port, is full of history and attractions in and around the Old City. We fell in love with Rethymno. Anyway, you can still reach the island with ease, including by ferry from Athens. You could also take the bus, but the schedule can be confusing, and the ride itself is quite long. Fans of historic churches will want to be sure to swing by the impressive Cathedral of St. Minas. The Old Town area of Heraklion is surrounded on three sides by massive Venetian Walls that tower above the surrounding city. The summer season lasts until the late October, sometimes even until the late November. Most of it is pedestrian, so you will enjoy its beauty in peace. Is Heraklion worth visiting. Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catharine. Morosini Fountain | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. As mentioned above, outstanding architecture dots the city, so lose yourself in its leafy streets. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'happyfrogtravels_com-box-4','ezslot_3',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-happyfrogtravels_com-box-4-0');On the other hand, Heraklion is more authentic, for lack of a better word. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the most important museums in Greece, if not Europe. If you have enough time, do yourself a favor and go to both places. In fact, it is one of the best beaches in Crete, Greece, Europe, and the World. However, in the vicinity of the city of Heraklion, especially to the west, you will find beautiful beige sand beaches and wonderful places to walk along the coast enjoying the dark blue colour of the Mediterranean. Phaestos was abandoned around 1400 BC, the same time as Knossos, and archaeologists still have to find a good explanation why. At the front of the cathedral near the altar is a massive chandelier. The Old Town of Heraklion has close to 1,000 shops, many of which are found in the extensive maze of pedestrian-only streets. The only reason why you should decide between Chania or Heraklion is time constraints. 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. Take note that both cities are on the north shore of Crete, Chania to the west and Heraklion to the east. 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. Do you agree with TUI's 4-star rating? I think this location is more attractive than most that are nearby. Dave's Travel Pages is an essential resource for planning trips to popular destinations like the Greek islands as well as preparing for adventures in off the beaten path destinations. Everything is in great shape and you feel safe while walking about. Despite what you might read, Heraklion has no beach itself due to the various structures, walls and fortifications. Dating from the late 19th-century, this is the largest church in Crete, and it's renowned for its extensive religious iconography. " After Easyjet cancelled our flight , we stayed her overnight and adored it. 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. Perhaps if we ever do work out what it says, we will learn more about life in Minoan times! The walls stretch for approximately 4.5 kilometers. Heraklion, also known as Iraklio is the largest city of Crete, known for its sandy beaches, intense nightlife, and amazing cuisine. They also have lots of people, traffic, construction, and other drawbacks that come with large cities. Nearby is a wonderful area of narrow streets lined with restaurants with patios, as well as interesting shops. Everywhere you see olive and citrus trees and the feeling is like in a dream. From there, walk searching for Saint Nikolaos Church, a Venetian church with an Ottoman minaret. No, we have not forgotten Knossos, the best archaeological site in Crete. Matala was made famous by the hippies in the 1960s, who lived here in the caves at the end of beach, including Joni Mitchell, who even wrote about it in the song Carey. Inside, its pedestrian-only streets are lined by aristocratic buildings, churches, and boutiques, and open onto leafy squares with fountains and busy cafs. Also of note are the colorful stained-glass windows. Sign up for my free Greece travel guides below. Fun activities for children and adults include an earthquake and tsunami simulator. Dedicated to the patron saint of Heraklion, the Cathedral of St. Minas is an impressive building located in the Old Town. Chania vs Heraklion for trekking: Chania is located near the famous Samaria Gorge, an amazing 15km walk down to the beach of Agia Roumeli. the famous archaeological museum of heraklion, the central market, morozini fountain, and marvellous neoclassical buildings of the 25th of august street are all just a short walk away, and numerous shops, restaurants and bars are to be found right outside the hotel.totally renovated in 2013, the guest rooms and suites offer plush bedding, Santorini or Mykonos in the Cyclades Which One to Visit? Sitia is a beautiful town in eastern Crete that is definitely worth a visit! Each is worth at least a half-day visit, but we found the heart of Crete in the small towns.Apr 27, 2021. The lobby is a masterpiece, and the pool up on the terrace, a dream. Destination Guide Day 19 Ephesus (Kusadasi) Wed 20 Sep 2023 On Turkey's western Aegean coast is Kuadasi, a beach town named after the nearby Gvercinada Island, which resembles a bird's head. Greek Islands. Tickle your tastebuds, and join this Foodies Feast Tour in Heraklion. Make sure you try out the illusion exhibit for a mind-bending experience. If you are on the hunt for the perfect souvenir from Crete, head to the pedestrian-only 1866 Street, known as the Central Market. Although excavations show that there was a palace here as early as 2000 BC, what you see today dates mainly from 1450 BC. The island of Crete has a lot to offer, and so it can be tempting to skip over sightseeing in Heraklion itself. Take note that you cant stay on the beach proper, but just a short walk away. Though Heraklion has several impressive buildings, it pales in comparison to Chania. Triopetra beach is best known for the three rocks found there, rising at the edge of the peninsula, hence its name. Chania Region is known for its wonderful hiking routes. It lies 62 kilometers south of Heraklion, just a 15-minute drive from Matala. 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. Choice include luxury hotels, budget hotels, and everything in between! If you decide to visit Knossos without a guide, I would suggest it's a great idea to visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion first. Both Chania and Heraklion have gorgeous cathedrals, picturesque old towns, numerous restaurants, and lots of places to shop. Unlike many other cities in Greece, especially on the Greek Islands, Heraklion is a quite busy place during the winter season. Some people even think that the palace is the labyrinth itself! One of the biggest attractions is the massive and deserving respect fortress Castello del Molo. 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. The square in front of the church is leafy and green with several small cafs featuring patio seating. We are talking about a history that goes back thousands of years! Chania is the only city in the region. It has a fascinating history stretching back thousands of years, as you can see from our first choice of attractions in Heraklion. Its better to go to Amoudara Beach, approximately 6 kilometers to the west of the city. If you have no room in your bags, don't worry, even luggage to transport all your new purchases is available. Ready to treat yourself? Visiting Heraklion, a Thriving Cultural Hub in Greece. The best beaches near Heraklion include Ammoudara beach which is just 5 km away from Heraklion, and Palaiokastro beach 8 kms away. 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