Over the years through a series of earthquakes and disasters, the original buildings tumbled to ruins. Another great option is the fish market on 1866 street. You'll most likely come across this historic church as you walk the pedestrian zone of Heraklion. Carry on past the western edge of Amoudara and youll come to the majestic Almiros Gorge, at the entrance of which is the Almiros Wetlands, a green oasis against Cretes arid landscape. Many travelers said that the shark tank in particular is a can't-miss spot in the aquarium. Indulge in a half-day cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island! Inside these quiet chambers are historical artifacts like old cannons, amphora (pots), and stone carvings. Here are a few suggestions on where to stay in Heraklion, Greece. I love aquariums! Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities. At about the halfway point, some interesting tile work adorns the breakwater. There are also plenty of water sports to enjoy, such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing. GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel: This luxurious hotel was built in 1925 and is a listed building. First, you must brave winding roads and harrowing mountain passes to get there. MON 24 TUE 24 region-id="pin-13"; Heraklion lives up to its status as the capital of Crete, offering a wealth of holiday fun, archaeological treasures, wonderful Cretan food and a wide selection of beaches. Address: Xanthoudidou 1, Heraklion, Crete. Let's explore the best things to do in Heraklion: 1. Cretan cuisine is traditionally Greek where moussaka and mezze of stuffed vine leaves, tzatziki dip, and meatballs abound. It is a hugely popular travel destination. Alternatively, you could book a cheaper taxi through Welcome Pick-Ups for just 16 EUR which includes up to four travellers and four pieces of luggage. The most recent took place in 1856 and the Agios Titos had to be rebuilt from scratch. 52 Spectacular Things to Do in Heraklion (Region), Crete - The Tiny Book AcquaPlus is situated 30 kilometers from Heraklion and just five from Hersonissos. Situated just 20 kilometers south of Heraklion, the museum is a popular excursion from the city. Galaxy Iraklio Hotel: If youre looking for a dash of luxury, this 5-star hotel is a great option, featuring 2 gourmet restaurants along with a wellness center. The archaeological site of Knossos is open daily from 8.00 am to 20.00 p.m in the summer months and from 8.00 am to 15.00 pm in the winter. Displays have information in multiple languages. Check them out below. The last stop of the tour is in Agios Nikolaos, with time for shopping or a coffee. Private Full-Day Knosos-Lasithi Plateau-Cave of Zeus from Heraklion. Things to Do in Heraklion. Heraklion taxi robbery second time. The beach features a stunning mixture of white and pink sand that gives a beautiful contrast to the clear blue water of the sea. If you do get turned around, don't despair: The area isn't huge, and once you see the Venetian Fortezza or the harbor, you can easily regain your bearings. This is a fun way to explore, and the activity even includes photography so that youll never forget this awesome day. Plus, your ticket will include entry to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Are you up for some action on the water? By Woodshopguy. Morosini Fountain (Lion's Fountain) A Venetian monument which recalls the 4 centuries long rule of Venice in Crete before the long siege and finally fall. One way to get in touch with Cretes ancient history is to take a trip into the ancient, hilly landscape to the south of Heraklion. Case in point, Old Town Rethymnois simply beautiful. Come with U.S. News on a tour of The Langham, Boston. Heraklion is a multifaceted seaside city in Crete that embraces both past and present. I cant believe I havent been to Greece yet, I should consider to visit as soon as possible! . Love the sea life at the aquarium and the museum finds. Koules Fortress went up between 1524 and 1540 and took the place of an earlier fort built after the Venetians first took Heraklion in the 1200s. 2023. 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. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. 6. Now it houses the town hall. Happy travels. When you book a hotel or tour that we link to, we may earn a commission. Check out this car rental in Heraklion for various transport options. Fast or slow, you're going to want to get an early start to beat the heat and the crowds (about 1,000 people make the hike every day during high season). The rooms are incredibly comfortable and well-designed, and they offer 24-hour room service. 1 Day in Heraklion: What To Do in the Cretan Capital Popular things to do. For a quicker option, you might want to take a taxi from Heraklion Airport to the city centre as this takes just 10 minutes. Amoudara Beach has six kilometers of gorgeous sand and six Blue Flag areas. Also of note are the colorful stained-glass windows. They were built by the Venetians in order to protect the city from the Turks. Dating from the late 19th-century, this is the largest church in Crete, and it's renowned for its extensive religious iconography. 1. If the wind is up, this is one of Crete's most popular spots for kiteboarding. If you are planning to visit here and the ancient Palace of Knossos, buy a combined ticket for the two at 16 which is valid for 3 days. while more leisurely paced walkers can spend up to eight hours in the gorge. You might also be interested in: The best places to stay in Crete. This cruise packing list includes all the essentials plus the items you didn't know you needed. 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. Know your airline's carry-on luggage size restrictions before you fly. You'll find this museum (also known as the Archaeological Museum of Iraklio) in central Heraklion. Most venues are open pretty late. Star Beach is very exotic looking as it is fringed by palm trees and offers good water sports and so does Gefyri Beach, which lies close to the harbor at Hersonissos. Heraklion is the largest city in Crete and the 4th largest city in Greece. Get a quote below! Click here for more information and book your day trip to Santorini. Hours are seasonal. A model measuring 4 x 4 metres also shows how Heraklion looked during Venetian times. The Venetian ruling class, who oversaw the construction of the imposing Fortezza in the late 16th century, hoped it would protect Crete against an Ottoman invasion. 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. The Most Incredible Things to Do in Heraklion at Night! Come with U.S. News on a tour of the Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston. The food and shopping options in Old Town are seemingly endless, but the maze-like streets can be perplexing. Welcome to Greece Travel Ideas. Closed on Mondays, Koules Fortress is open from 8.00 am until 3.00 pm during the winter and 8.00 am until 8.00 pm in the summer. 68. It is a centre of culture, history, and tradition, where the old and the new come together, creating the ideal destination for holidays. The Morosini Fountain played an important role in providing drinking water to the citizens of Heraklion. Id love to visit those archaeological sites! TOUR TO KNOSSOS PALACE Do you love history? Its loud and lively chaos is a must-have experience when visiting the capital of Crete, and it is frequented by long-term travelers and tourists alike. It goes back to 961 AD and was ordered by the emperor Nikephoros II Phokas after the island was retaken by Byzantine forces. Sailing. This minimalist, self-sufficient apartment comes with a patio and an outdoor area perfect for a barbecue party. What you see today are the ruins of a palace, built around 1600 BC, centering on a spacious paved courtyard and beautifully located on a sunbaked hillside backed by the rugged heights of Mount Psiloritis overlooking the deep blue Libyan Sea. Although at first sight, it isnt as picturesque as Rethymnon and Chania after exploring it you will discover that there are a lot of things to do and see. They range from more international feels with vast cocktail and liquor selections, to more authentic Mediterranean dives with live Greek music and flowing ouzo. Get off the beaten track and spend a full eight hours discovering the Minoan path by Land Rover. He was born in the humble village of Fodele, set amid orange groves 28 kilometers west of Heraklion. Located in the heart of the Old Town is the Loggia, which today operates as Heraklion's town hall. Also on show are paintings, manuscripts, vestments and wooden sculptures. A few metres from the Morisini Fountain is the grand portico of another monument from Heraklions Venetian era. Situated on the north coast, Heraklion is the capital and largest city on the Greek island of Crete. It is believed that Domnikos Theotokpoulos (El Greco) was one of the pupils. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. Today, the Fortezza plays host to a range of cultural events, including the Rethymnon Renaissance Festival. It was built to provide the locals with water. The Natural History Museum of Crete. The Loggia is closed to visitors, but you can look around the arcade on the ground floor. Greece in general was on our short list for next year, but we are going to Germany instead. 2018. the price was 10 e, A taxi driver charged me 15. You can get a sense of Cretes wildlife and ecosystems in highly detailed Mega-Dioramas, and see the islands fish, insects and reptiles for yourself in the terrariums and aquariums at the Living Museum. Phaestos was abandoned around 1400 BC, the same time as Knossos, and archaeologists still have to find a good explanation why. On the action-packed August 25th Street, Agios Titos is the oldest church in the city and is dedicated to Saint Titus, Cretes first bishop. On the boat trip, you may well spot dolphins or marine turtles swimming in the clear water. Also known as Palm Beach, Vai Beach is mainly known for its stunning landscape. The most notable monument along the harbor is the 16th-century Venetian Fort of Koules. The high breakwater stops the prevailing winds, so it can be still and humid and there is no respite from the sun. Heraklion Crete - Complete Travel Guide | Discover Greece Cathedral of St. Minas. Recommended tour:Archaeological Museum of Heraklion: Guided Walking Tour. Be sure to eat your fill of the flaky pastries filled with cheese and honey at the Bhougatsa Cafes in Lion Square. Click here for more information and to book a day trip to Spinalonga and Agios Nikolaos. Youll get a closer look at the marine life in the Mediterranean sea; maybe youll even spot barracudas or dolphins if youre lucky! Im Chrysoula, born and raised in Athens, Greece. This is where the Venetians repaired their ships. There are a number of other popular markets dotted all over the city. Particular highlights include two paintings from the 16th century: The Baptism of Christ and the View of Mt. If it's open, take a look inside the church and be sure to look up to see the chandeliers. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in July. Things to do in Heraklion, Crete. If you're an animal lover, traveling with kids or just looking to kill some time, the Cretaquarium should be on your list. If you prefer your adventures on land, there are tour companies running horse riding and rock climbing excursions. The minaret was pulled down in 1920, and the church was given an Orthodox renovation in 1925. The park is divided into two linked areas one for adults and one for children. There are excellent displays detailing the Battle of Crete during the Second World War (1941). Again I thought "that all I need to know about Heraklion taxi" is that there is a line taxi from airport to bus station. The BEST Crete Tours and Things to Do in 2023 - GetYourGuide Thanks for visiting! Tobias Hautekiet 21 May 2023 View Heraklion gives you city and island life in one. Best Free Things to Do in Heraklion Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Food & Drink Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Sights & Landmarks Nightlife Nature & Parks Museums Traveler rating & up Good for Free Entry If you're going to visit during the summer, travelers also strongly recommend arriving early to avoid crowds and beat the intense afternoon heat. 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. Today, visiting the Minoan Palace of Knossos is one of the top things to do in Heraklion. The fountain features a high octagonal pedestal that is supported by four lions which gave the square its name. General Info About Heraklion, Crete. Among the relics inside is the skull of St Titus, which was originally taken back to Venice in the 17th century, but has now been returned to the church. Here are s." Thank you for sharing and for the awesome pictures. Sofias House: This family-run hotel is a favorite for its clean, modern rooms and signature customer service. Despite the challenge, many fawned over the beauty of the gorge. Head west to one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete. Over the centuries the city has been controlled by the Byzantines, Moors, Venetians and Ottomans before joining modern Greece in the 20th century. Other beaches worth visiting are Agiofarago Beach and Malia Beach. If you're going to visit during the summer, travelers also strongly recommend arriving early to avoid crowds and beat the intense afternoon heat. Natural History Museums. 46. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, while those seeking the sun can soak up the rays along the island's sandy coasts. According to legend, it was also home to the mythical Minotaur of King Minos. Other extraordinary works include the Snake Goddess figurines, the bee pendant from Malia, the mesmerising bulls head rhyton from Knossos and a huge array of decorative weapons, pottery, frescoes, clay figurines and gold jewellery. Heraklion has had a wall of some kind since the First Byanzatine Period beginning in the 4th century. One of its members, Domenikos Theotokopoulos (1541-1614), went on to become a world-class artist, better known as El Greco. Access is generally near a gate, and once on top of the walls, your views out over the Old Town and surrounding areas are impressive. Things To Do In Crete (Greece Travel) by Jonny Duncan. We've taken ours through rivers, jungles, and cities and they're still alive and kickin'. Tickets are 6 EUR and a combination ticket, which includes admission to the Palace of Knossos, is 10 EUR. The Koules fortress is the symbol of Heraklion, and it dominates the entrance of the Venetian port. Crete isnt a stranger to seismic activity, and was the epicentre of an infamously destructive earthquake in the year 365 AD: At the Seismic Table you can experience an earthquake for yourself and get some facts about the science behind them. Many recent visitors suggested shelling out for a guided tour the palace's history and mythology will really come to life. Did you know that Crete has been producing wine since Minoan times? The site was discovered by Minos Kalokairinos in 1878 and the excavations started in 1.900 A.D by the english archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans and his team. You can carry on along the mole, past the fortress to look back at the enormous cruise liners in the modern port. St Marks Basilica was built as soon as the Venetians conquered the city in the 13th century and is dedicated to their patron saint. Courtesy of Mustang_79/Getty Images/iStockphoto. With a succession of foreign occupiers, Crete's history is complicated but fascinating. If you want to fill in the gaps and find out what came after the Minoans, this museum has a complete timeline for the island beginning in the 4th century AD. 76. You will also find the church of Agios Theodoros Trichinas, a Greek Orthodox chapel built in 1899 after Turkish rule ceased, at the site. 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.

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