[2024 Heraklion Attraction] Travel Guide for Rocca a Mare Fortress (Updated Sep)
Castles
Military Sites
Historical Architectures
Address:
Heraklion 712 02, Greece
Opening times:
Opens at 8:00-20:00Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
30-60 minutes
Phone:
+30 281 024 3559
Koules Fortress - Crete Island, Greece
After six years of restoration, the symbol of Heraklion was reopened in August 2016. The symbol is the fortress-museum of the 16th century, which the Venetians called Rocca al Mare.The exposition of the museum tells about the history of the building and milestones in the history of the city. The collection of exhibits includes ancient amphoras, Venetian cannons and other finds found by Jacques Cousteau in 1976 near the island of Dia. The special atmosphere of the fortress is given by the subdued light penetrating through the old cannon holes.
Address: Koules Fortress, Heraklion 712 02, Greece.
#bucketlistreboot #greece
Aurora3
Crete, Greece - Heraklion, the City of Art
👍️Recommended reason: The nearby Knossos labyrinth is a must-visit to understand the beginnings of ancient Greek civilization.
📅Travel guide: 1-5 days, in-depth slow travel
🍜Food guide: The small restaurants here are good and inexpensive
🏨Accommodation guide: Homestay
💗Other tips:
Heraklion is not a beauty at first glance. The airport is old, and the buildings in the old town are simple cement structures without much character. The churches are not grand enough, with only the occasional fountain and Venetian-style building reminding people of its recent European heritage. The biggest attraction in the old town is the 16th-century Venetian-built sea fortress Rocca a Mare Fortress, which extends about 2 kilometers into the sea, forming a harbor. Although grand, it is somewhat monotonous. Walking at night is a good choice, but compared to other harbors, it is not particularly special.
If you only stay for one or two days, you won't have a deep impression. However, if you stay for a week, go shopping at the local supermarket, take a morning walk by the sea, and have a beer at a local tavern in the evening, the feeling will be completely different. You will discover the quietly blooming paintings and food on the street corners, and the rich soul beneath the simple exterior.
In most European cities, as long as you leave the affluent areas and well-maintained tourist zones, the walls are covered with graffiti, most of which are messy drawings and curses, more shocking than the small ads in our country. In Athens, except for the affluent areas near the Acropolis, other neighborhoods are not spared from graffiti. But Heraklion is an exception. We stayed in a homestay in the south of the old town, with many crisscrossing alleys. A few steps and a turn, you will encounter beautiful murals on the walls, jumping into view under the cover of flowers. Some originally dilapidated walls, painted green, with a window added, a tree planted, immediately become different.
Logan.Morris@62
Heraklion Port 🇬🇷
#summerdestinations
This summer, I spent some time at Heraklion Port in Crete, and it was a wonderful experience. Located in the heart of Heraklion, the port is free to explore, and it offers a mix of history, culture, and stunning sea views.
I loved walking along the Venetian Walls and visiting the Koules Fortress, which stands proudly at the entrance to the port. The fortress, with its thick stone walls and sweeping views of the Aegean Sea, is a must-see and costs only €4 to enter. The area around the port is bustling with activity, from fishing boats to ferries heading to other Greek islands. There are also plenty of cafes and tavernas nearby where you can enjoy fresh seafood with a view.
After exploring the port, I wandered through Heraklion's old town, visiting the vibrant markets and historical sites like the nearby Knossos Palace. Heraklion Port is the perfect spot to soak up the local vibe and enjoy some of Crete's rich history.
#HeraklionPort #Crete #VenetianFortress #SummerInGreece #ExploreHeraklion #GreekIslands #SeaViews #TravelGreece #CretanCulture #IslandLife