"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
- One can reach Heraklion by air or by sea. Nearest airport is Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport and there are direct ferries from Athens port, as well. In summer, ferries from Mykonos and Santorini are available to Heraklion port.
- Most effective way to get around Heraklion is public buses. The service is divided into lines depending on the destination.Tickets can be obtained from small shops, kiosks, automated machines at some selected bus stops and on buses. Tickets are costlier on the bus.
- Buses stop on the bus stops only when proper signal is given by the traveller by raising the arm.
- Mopeds and motorcycles are also a popular transport medium.
- Taxis can be booked online or by dialling on (2810 210 102).
- For travellers 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.
- A combined skip the line ticket (available online) for the Archaeological Museum and the Palace of Knossos is a best buy.
- Travellers with asthmatic or breathing issues are advised to avoid central areas due to excessive pollution. Sea front accommodations are refreshing.
- There are ferries from Heraklion to almost every Greek destination. 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.
- 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.
- The main town and Agia Pelagia are the most popular choice for stay among tourists. To stay in a beach resort, one can choose to stay in Hersonissos or Malia.
- One can look for nightlife in Malia, Stalis, and Hersonissos while Ahia Pelagia, Matala, Lentas are perfect for Families.
- Free Wifi is provided in some cafes by the municipality.
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