"Wine Region Of Crete"
Heraklion Tourism
The fourth largest city in Greece, Heraklion or Candia is located in the east of Crete island which is 200 miles south of Greece mainland. Heraklion is the most popular city of Crete as it is also its capital. It is a lively town with some stunning beaches and also a known town to enjoy activities like hiking, diving and windsurfing. The city is known for its two archaeological sites - Knossos Palace and Phaistos Palace, which are located nearby.
Boasting the remains of 300 years old Minoan civilization, Heraklion is home to a well-preserved Venetian wall, some Byzantine churches and a 15th-century fortress. Along with rock climbing and horseback riding, one can also try sailing and other water sports. The city's beach area, Amoudara, features a 3 km sandy strip with plenty of cafes, hotels and bars. The strip also showcases a modern-day cinema and an open-air theatre. The city has a pretty busy harbour and airport, as it is the first stop for travellers coming to Crete.
The city's centre is still guarded by the Venetian wall and includes seven bastions. Heraklion is surrounded by sea from the north and the south. Hence the regions are fringed with some of the most stunning beaches like Matala beach, hippies paradise, Agia Pelagia and Malia.
Must Know Before You Travel to Heraklion
Airport Transfers: Take KTEL buses to the city centre from the departure area located in the east of the terminal.
Connectivity: Heraklion is well connected with the rest of the Crete by two separate KTEL-operated lines for Western and Eastern Crete.
Sightseeing: Major sights in Heraklion can be visited on foot. Mopeds and motorcycles are also popular. Tickets for public buses are available in small shops, kiosks, and automated machines at some selected bus stops, and on buses. Tickets are costlier on the bus. Buses for Knossos, Rethymno, and Chania are available.
Taxis: Taxis can be booked online or by dialing (2810 210 102).
Parking: For travelers in cars, park your cars in paid parking, as the parking system in Heraklion is vague and unclear. Defaulters can be charged as much as 80 Euros.
Combined Tickets: A combined skip-the-line ticket (available online) for the Archaeological Museum and the Palace of Knossos can be bought for EUR 39
Opening Hours: Shops operate between 10:00 to 12:00 AM. Restaurants and cafes open from around 7:00 AM to close by 12:00 AM. Nightclubs open around 6:00 PM to stay open till the early hours.
Where to Stay: The main town and Agia Pelagia are the most popular choice to stay among tourists. To stay in a beach resort, choose Hersonissos or Malia. Stay in Malia, Stalis, and Hersonissos to experience the nightlife, while Ahia Pelagia, Matala, and Lentas are perfect for Families.
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Suggested Itinerary for Heraklion
Day 2: Start your day with breakfast and head towards Hersonissos to explore its tranquil shore alongside beautiful bays and coves. Visit the nearby picturesque hamlet of Koutouloufari before leaving for your stay at Heraklion.
With spare days on the Heraklion trip, you can plan day trips to the hippie town of Matala, explore the Heraklion Wine Region, or visit the Minoan palace of Malia.
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How to reach Heraklion by flight
During the summer months (April to October), the airport also welcomes numerous charter flights from several European cities. Upon arrival, you can take a taxi to the city center, which is about 5 km away and costs around €15. Public buses also run from the airport to the city center, with tickets costing approximately €1.70.
How to reach Heraklion by road
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How to reach Heraklion by waterways
From Santorini: Ferries from Santorini to Heraklion are available, with both high-speed and regular options. High-speed ferries take about 2 hours, while regular ferries take around 6 hours. During the winter months, only regular ferries operate. Tickets can be booked online, and it's possible to bring a car on board. Food is typically available for purchase on the ferry.
From Other Islands: There are ferries from Heraklion to almost every Greek destination with multiple daily ferry departures during the summer season. Blue star ferries run to Piraeus, while Golden star ferries connect Heraklion to Santorini, Naxos, Ion, Tinos, Paros, Andros, Mykonos, and Rafina. There are other ferry lines that run to Milos, Sitia, Kasos, Karpathos, Chalki, Diafani, Anafi, and Rhodes. Some connections, like the one with Santorini, operate year-round.
Local transport in Heraklion
From the Port: Most city hotels are within walking distance from the port of Heraklion. Taxis are also available, costing around €10 for a short ride to any city hotel.
Public Bus Service: Heraklion has a well-developed public bus system. Urban blue buses serve the city and nearby suburbs, including the airport and the archaeological site of Knossos. The green intercity buses (KTEL) connect Heraklion with other towns and villages across Crete. Bus tickets and schedules vary, so it's advisable to check the latest information online or at the bus terminals.
NOTE: The Bus service is divided into lines depending on the destination.Buses stop on the bus stops only when the proper signal is given by the traveler by raising the arm. The costs of the bus tickets bought on the bus are more than the same bought from the bus station.
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