Heraklion Prefecture Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)

Located οn the southern side of the Aegean Sea, Crete is the biggest of all Greek islands. Its beauty, though, is even bigger than its size! Let us paint the scene: Just imagine enthralling natural beauty meeting rich culture and worldwide famous gastronomy, to create the most dreamy holiday paradise! The island is separated in 4 prefectures: Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, and Lassithi. The mythical Crete island is one of the most popular Greek destinations, thanks to its unreal Crete beaches, its amazing historical sites, such as Knossos Palace and Spinalonga islet and its mesmerizing natural landscapes. Not to mention Chania town and Heraklion town some of the biggest towns in Crete, which boast a magnificent medieval architecture. Honestly, wandering around their warren of romantic alleys will make you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time! Crete Greece is, hands down, one of the most magical Greek islands! #mynovgetaway #mynovgetaway

Promise me, you must visit Greece at least once in your lifetime!

Greece, the country of ancient ruins, boasts sun-drenched coastlines, azure skies, and the warm Aegean Sea. It is filled with passionate music, delicious cuisine, and thrilling activities, a place brimming with vibrant culture. Must-visit attractions: ① Mystras, Laconia: This former Byzantine capital and fortified city is spread across steep hillsides, surrounded by lush olive and orange trees, and is one of the oldest cities in the world. ② Ancient Mycenae, Argolis: Perched atop a hill backed by majestic mountains, the somber and grand ruins of ancient Mycenae stand, the homeland of the legendary Greek king Agamemnon who commanded the Greeks during the Trojan War. ③ Knossos Palace: The Knossos Palace is the most famous historical site on Crete Island, located 5 kilometers south of Heraklion city. It was the magnificent capital of Minoan Crete, offering an evocative environment, with impressive ruins and entertainment activities. ④ Temple of Apollo: As the center of ancient Delphi, the Temple of Apollo on the hillside was the place where pilgrims listened to the prophecies of the god Apollo. The Sacred Way is the path leading to the central temple of Apollo in the complex. In ancient times, this path was lined with treasuries and statues, creating a magnificent spectacle.

Crete, Greece

🖼️ Crete and Santorini are the two most compared holiday destinations in Greece. The first day in Santorini was amazing, but it got a bit boring on the second day. Crete, on the other hand, was full of surprises all the way. 🛥️ We took a ferry from Santorini to Crete, rented a car in Heraklion, and returned the car at Chania Airport, which was very convenient. Although the ferry is good, the dock management is a disaster, so it is recommended that those who take the ferry must ask in advance which gate the ferry will dock at. 🧉 On the first night in Crete, we were first amazed by the enthusiastic waiters, and then amazed by the large amount of food and cheap meals! 🗺️ The two most worthwhile places to visit in Crete are: 1. Heraklion It is the capital of Crete and the birthplace of the Minoan civilization: I recommend everyone to visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the ruins of the Palace of Knossos (both of these attractions are free on Saturdays) 🏛️ Although the Archaeological Museum is not large, it has a large collection of items spanning 5500 years, making it one of the most important museums of Minoan civilization in the world. The only downside is that there is no audio guide. 💍 There is a small jewelry shop directly opposite the museum, which is the most tasteful jewelry shop I have visited on the entire island, but I forgot to take a picture. It's the first shop on the left when you cross the road from the museum, you won't miss it. 🛕 The ruins of the Palace of Knossos are in the suburbs of Heraklion, and not much of the original palace remains. There is a wooden model of the palace (Figure 8) in the Heraklion Museum, which is very impressive. I suggest everyone to visit the Heraklion Museum first, and then go to the ruins of the Palace of Knossos. 2. Chania Chania is the second largest city on Crete, and the locals recommended us to visit, saying that the architecture is very special. When we arrived in Chania, we found out that these were Venetian buildings, and Chania is a small Venice. The city center and the old town are very good for strolling. 🌄 We drove for 1.5 hours on a mountain road, and arrived at the famous pink beach with fear and trepidation, but it was not as good as the legend, probably because we arrived at the beach relatively late, so we could only see a little bit of the pink beach. It is recommended that those who have brought swimsuits and are not afraid of the sun can leave Chania earlier, and it is a good time to arrive at 2 pm. 🏨 Accommodation If you are in Chania, I highly recommend an Airbnb called Michalis Stonehouse. It is the best experience we have had in all the homestays we have stayed in Greece. In addition to the beautiful house and the exclusive parking space outside the door, the host also thoughtfully provided us with cereal, condensed milk, bread, ham, cheese, and local rose wine. It is a very warm homestay.

Knossos Palace

Knossos Palace is a truly incredible ancient site that is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Greek history and culture. Located on the island of Crete, this magnificent palace was the center of the Minoan civilization, which flourished between 2600 BC and 1400 BC. The palace has been painstakingly restored and reconstructed over the years, and visitors can now explore its many rooms, corridors, and courtyards

Heraklion

Getting There - by bus number 1 it is only about 15 minutes from the airport! to Heraklion! ticket is Euro 1.10. there is also a day ticket for unlimited trips on all routes for only 5 Euros Attractions - Venetian Wall, Old Town, Fort, Knossos archaeological sight, Tito’s church Hotels - Castello City Hotel 4* Euro 46 including breakfast on 5th floor with a wonderful view over the city and the deep blue Mediterranean sea Food & Restaurants - try gyros which is chicken meat, onions, tomatoes, cucumber on a yoghurt sauce at any Greek restaurants in the city center Shopping - in the old town there are many souvenir shops

Crete, Greece

🖼️ Crete and Santorini are the two most compared holiday destinations in Greece. The first day in Santorini was amazing, but it got a bit boring on the second day. Crete, on the other hand, was full of surprises all the way. 🛥️ We took a ferry from Santorini to Crete, rented a car in Heraklion, and returned the car at Chania Airport, which was very convenient. Although the ferry is good, the dock management is a disaster, so it is recommended that those who take the ferry must ask in advance which gate the ferry will dock at. 🧉 On the first night in Crete, we were first amazed by the enthusiastic waiters, and then amazed by the large amount of food and cheap meals! 🗺️ The two most worthwhile places to visit in Crete are: 1. Heraklion It is the capital of Crete and the birthplace of the Minoan civilization: I recommend everyone to visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the ruins of the Palace of Knossos (both of these attractions are free on Saturdays) 🏛️ Although the Archaeological Museum is not large, it has a large collection of items spanning 5500 years, making it one of the most important museums of Minoan civilization in the world. The only downside is that there is no audio guide. 💍 There is a small jewelry shop directly opposite the museum, which is the most tasteful jewelry shop I have visited on the entire island, but I forgot to take a picture. It's the first shop on the left when you cross the road from the museum, you won't miss it. 🛕 The ruins of the Palace of Knossos are in the suburbs of Heraklion, and not much of the original palace remains. There is a wooden model of the palace (Figure 8) in the Heraklion Museum, which is very impressive. I suggest everyone to visit the Heraklion Museum first, and then go to the ruins of the Palace of Knossos. 2. Chania Chania is the second largest city on Crete, and the locals recommended us to visit, saying that the architecture is very special. When we arrived in Chania, we found out that these were Venetian buildings, and Chania is a small Venice. The city center and the old town are very good for strolling. 🌄 We drove for 1.5 hours on a mountain road, and arrived at the famous pink beach with fear and trepidation, but it was not as good as the legend, probably because we arrived at the beach relatively late, so we could only see a little bit of the pink beach. It is recommended that those who have brought swimsuits and are not afraid of the sun can leave Chania earlier, and it is a good time to arrive at 2 pm. 🏨 Accommodation If you are in Chania, I highly recommend an Airbnb called Michalis Stonehouse. It is the best experience we have had in all the homestays we have stayed in Greece. In addition to the beautiful house and the exclusive parking space outside the door, the host also thoughtfully provided us with cereal, condensed milk, bread, ham, cheese, and local rose wine. It is a very warm homestay.

Heraklion Archaeological museum

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Greek history and culture. The museum is home to an impressive collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilization, which was one of the earliest and most advanced societies in the Mediterranean region. The museum's exhibits are well-organized and informative, and the displays are accompanied by clear and concise explanations in English.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum - Greece

This magnificent museum is one of the largest and most important in all of Greece. The two-story renovated building from the 1930s, which was awarded the international Bauhaus Prize, houses priceless artefacts spanning 5,500 years of the island's history, from the Neolithic and Minoan periods to Roman domination. Rooms are marked with different colors, and showcases with exhibits are arranged both in chronological and thematic order with descriptions in English. A visit to this museum will greatly enhance your knowledge of the rich history of Crete. I highly recommend. Address: Archaeological Museum, Heraklion, Greece. #bucketlistreboot #greece #museumquest

Best sight in Eastern Kreta

Getting There - Bus no. 2 from City Center Heraklion, about 20 min. Drive, ticket price Euro 1.10. On the way back the kiosk next to the bus stop sells the tickets Attractions - Greek ruins, entrance fee summer: 15 Euros Hotels - none nearby Food & Restaurants - some restaurants on main road and a nice one inside the sight Shopping - some souvenir shops on the main road

Knossos Crete Greece 🏛️

#timetotravel My visit to the Knossos Archaeological Site in Crete was like stepping into the labyrinth of ancient history. Located just south of Heraklion, this Minoan palace complex unveiled the secrets of a once-thriving civilization. Walking among the ruins, I felt a connection to the myths and stories that have echoed through time. The restored frescoes and intricate architecture showcased the Minoans' advanced culture. The site's location in the serene Cretan landscape added to its allure. While the visiting hours might vary, a visit during the day offered a chance to explore the fascinating remnants of this ancient palace. Knossos was more than an archaeological site; it was a journey to the heart of an enigmatic civilization, an experience that left me awestruck by the legacy of the past.

Crete, Greece

🖼️ Crete and Santorini are the two most compared holiday destinations in Greece. The first day in Santorini was amazing, but it got a bit boring on the second day. Crete, on the other hand, was full of surprises all the way. 🛥️ We took a ferry from Santorini to Crete, rented a car in Heraklion, and returned the car at Chania Airport, which was very convenient. Although the ferry is good, the dock management is a disaster, so it is recommended that those who take the ferry must ask in advance which gate the ferry will dock at. 🧉 On the first night in Crete, we were first amazed by the enthusiastic waiters, and then amazed by the large amount of food and cheap meals! 🗺️ The two most worthwhile places to visit in Crete are: 1. Heraklion It is the capital of Crete and the birthplace of the Minoan civilization: I recommend everyone to visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the ruins of the Palace of Knossos (both of these attractions are free on Saturdays) 🏛️ Although the Archaeological Museum is not large, it has a large collection of items spanning 5500 years, making it one of the most important museums of Minoan civilization in the world. The only downside is that there is no audio guide. 💍 There is a small jewelry shop directly opposite the museum, which is the most tasteful jewelry shop I have visited on the entire island, but I forgot to take a picture. It's the first shop on the left when you cross the road from the museum, you won't miss it. 🛕 The ruins of the Palace of Knossos are in the suburbs of Heraklion, and not much of the original palace remains. There is a wooden model of the palace (Figure 8) in the Heraklion Museum, which is very impressive. I suggest everyone to visit the Heraklion Museum first, and then go to the ruins of the Palace of Knossos. 2. Chania Chania is the second largest city on Crete, and the locals recommended us to visit, saying that the architecture is very special. When we arrived in Chania, we found out that these were Venetian buildings, and Chania is a small Venice. The city center and the old town are very good for strolling. 🌄 We drove for 1.5 hours on a mountain road, and arrived at the famous pink beach with fear and trepidation, but it was not as good as the legend, probably because we arrived at the beach relatively late, so we could only see a little bit of the pink beach. It is recommended that those who have brought swimsuits and are not afraid of the sun can leave Chania earlier, and it is a good time to arrive at 2 pm. 🏨 Accommodation If you are in Chania, I highly recommend an Airbnb called Michalis Stonehouse. It is the best experience we have had in all the homestays we have stayed in Greece. In addition to the beautiful house and the exclusive parking space outside the door, the host also thoughtfully provided us with cereal, condensed milk, bread, ham, cheese, and local rose wine. It is a very warm homestay.

Dinner: Peskesi Address: Kapetan Haralampi 6-8