Greece in general was on our short list for next year, but we are going to Germany instead. Spinalonga is about an hour away from Heraklion. Elafonisi Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in all of Greece. This is a really interesting excursion that begins with a transfer to Elounda, where there is a short boat trip over to Spinalonga, which for many years was a leper colony. Check out our complete Europe Packing List. Despite the challenge, many fawned over the beauty of the gorge. Editors Note: Heading to Europe? Great suggestion Karen, I havent heard it before. A Guide to the Best Things to Do and See in Heraklion How to get to Heraklion Crete. Outdoorsy types can hike their hearts out at Samaria Gorgein Chania and shopaholics will love the boutique-lined boulevards of Agios Nikolaos. Also (and I admit this as an ancient history graduate) I never knew the Minoans were so cool. You'll most likely come across this historic church as you walk the pedestrian zone of Heraklion. Built by Morosini, the building dates from 1628 and is a reproduction of the famous Basilica in Vincenza, albeit on a much smaller scale. You may need to rent a car to reach this place, but its accessible to popular attractions and the airport. The Minoan palace was constructed in 1.900 B.C.
Heraklion, Crete: City Guide & Top things to do Editors Tip: The best way to travel around Heraklion (and the rest of Crete) is by renting a car. } There are a number of fabulous museums in Heraklion if you are interested in learning more about Cretes past. Speedy hikers can usually make the journey in four and a half. Love the sea life at the aquarium and the museum finds. In this article, were going to five into our top recommendations for the area. Situated just 20 kilometers south of Heraklion, the museum is a popular excursion from the city. Also from Heraklion port there is a connection to other Greek islands like Santorini. Recent visitors highly recommend visiting both of these places, as some artifacts featured were excavated from the Palace of Knossos. Particular highlights include two paintings from the 16th century: The Baptism of Christ and the View of Mt. How to see the highlights of the Cretan capital in 24 hours; including the unmissable Palace of Knossos and where to find the most delicious custard pie ever. The fish restaurants down by the water are popular with locals (Ippokampos is the best and most pricey). Two paintings by El Greco are major highlights of the museum:The Baptism of ChristandView of Mt. I arrive at the tail end of a storm and the turn of seasons. The site was restored extensively by the famous archaeologist Arthur Evans in the early 1900s. Small to medium sized waves, perfect for bobbing about in, are usually common here as is a cooling breeze. daily. 4WD Tours. The Historical Museum of Crete runs through the complete history of Cretan society up to modern-day. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. 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. With walls as thick as 8.7 meters, it's quiet and cool, making it easy to spend time exploring the 26 rooms and vaults. THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Heraklion 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 Ticket costs: Full: 8.00 Reduced: 5.00 . 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. Afterward, the safari heads off-road into the mountains. Over the centuries the city has been controlled by the Byzantines, Moors, Venetians and Ottomans before joining modern Greece in the 20th century. The sisters' approach to biodynamic wine is rooted in both history and forward-thinking progress. Visit Knossos Palace. Things to Do in Heraklion. There is a daily connection from Heraklion Port to Piraeus port in Athens. A Venetian monument which recalls the 4 centuries long rule of Venice in Crete before the long siege and finally fall. Its nothing special, to be honest, although the water is clear and its home to low-key holiday resorts and apartments. Follow them on social media to keep up with their journey and awesome travel tips.
Also of note are the colorful stained-glass windows. Gortyn was a strong and powerful city during the prehistoric and historical periods. The vast and stunning natural landscapes of Crete island mean there are also lots of hiking options around Heraklion, ranging from independent single day ones to multi-day guided treks. You can also head out to the beach, which is 5 minutes away. There are excellent displays detailing the Battle of Crete during the Second World War (1941). A jet ski safari and snorkeling tour awaits! About 30 minutes from the center of town, on the coast facing the Sea of Crete (North), there's another archaeological site you can visit in the regional unit of Heraklion, the Minoan Palace of Malia. . Elafonissi Beach. The water for the fountain was channelled via aqueduct from Mt Juktas, which lies more than 15 kilometres away. Highlights include a mini-statue of a Snake Goddess and the Phaistos Disk, a clay tablet with symbols that have not been deciphered to this day. In fact, its one of the best museums Ive been to in Greece not just for its impressive collections but also the way it conveys the context (something strangely ignored in some museums). Some of Heraklion's best seafood restaurants, an ancient fortress, museums, and amazing views are what you'll find here. It is the oldest church on the island and was founded in 961AD and named after the first bishop of Crete. It was a meeting place for the nobles. Enjoy a barbecue lunch with local wine on the fertile Lassithi Plateau (840 meters) which is well known for its white-sailed water pumps and the cave where Zeus, the god of thunder was born. { Guarding the entrance to the old port is the formidable and impressive structure of Koules Fortress that was built by the Republic of Venice in the 16th Century. If you are travelling on a budget the public bus from Heraklion Airport is definitely the best option as the journey only costs 2 EUR, however, it does take between 20-35 minutes. Look for the ticket office that says KNOSSOS. Grand wooden doors open into rooms where period pieces are on display, and plaques offer insight into the history. Filled with stylish flagship stores, Daedalou Street, which runs between Lions Square and Eleftherias Square is the epicenter of Heraklion designer shopping. Depending on the time of day you visit, the light shining through them is mesmerizing. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. By AnnaMarkodi. . A Guide to the Best Things to Do and See in Heraklion, How to get from and to The Airport in Heraklion Crete, Private Airport Transfer with Welcome Pick-Ups, The Best 22 Things to Do in Heraklion, Crete, 3. The rooms are incredibly comfortable and well-designed, and they offer 24-hour room service. Its beautiful capital, Heraklion Town, is one of the busiest cities in Crete. The museum exhibits copies of El Grecos paintings and a number of exhibits that he owned. And it sounds of Stelios Kazantzakis (literally nearly every cafe and bar I walk into is playing his hits). The sisters' approach to biodynamic wine is rooted in both history and forward-thinking progress. Balos Lagoon. There are a number of other popular markets dotted all over the city. It was originally connected to a 14-kilometer aqueduct and brought water to the city from the slopes of Mt. Magnificent 3,500-year-old frescoes from Knossos, including Prince of the Lilies and Bull-Leaping, are on display at this museum. Wow, what spectacular pictures. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a must-see in Crete and all of Greece, even for its extensive collection of Minoan art. Did you know that Crete has been producing wine since Minoan times? Theotokopoulos moved to Spain in 1577 and lived and worked there until his death. The most notable monument along the harbor is the 16th-century Venetian Fort of Koules. The bus cannot be caught from within airport grounds so you will need to walk a little way to reach the public bus stop. Visit Heraklion: 13 Must-See Attractions 1. If you can still fit anything into your stomach, theres a wine bar right opposite called OPUS which looked enticing. Nearby is a wonderful area of narrow streets lined with restaurants with patios, as well as interesting shops. Wine lovers, this is an indulgent experience not to be missed! Enjoy plenty of fun at this amazing waterpark. from . The journey to the fishing port of Kissamos, where your boat awaits, is along the north coast, and there is time to enjoy a coffee in the village of Skaleta en route. Thats slowly changing, with a few interesting boutique options cropping up:Veneziano Boutique Hotel is the classiest option in a beautifully renovated historic building, whilst the LATO Boutique Hotel is more modern and has harbour views. See all things to do. On the Water. The sea is clear and the beach is less busy than the main one at Ammoudara, so its a worthy alternative if you dont like crowds. Youll find it between St Titus and the Lions Square and these days it houses the town hall, although youd be forgiven for thinking it was mainly a selfie spot. To the south of Heraklion is the beautiful and famous Matala beach with the natural caves, notoriously home to a community of backpacking hippies in the 1960s which included Joni Mitchell. Travel. They range from more international feels with vast cocktail and liquor selections, to more authentic Mediterranean dives with live Greek music and flowing ouzo. Inside these quiet chambers are historical artifacts like old cannons, amphora (pots), and stone carvings. It then winds its way 10 miles between some 1,600-foot vertical walls to Agia Roumeli, a small seaside village. There is also time to swim and relax on a gorgeous beach before exploring the Balos lagoon. Cretan cuisine is traditionally Greek where moussaka and mezze of stuffed vine leaves, tzatziki dip, and meatballs abound. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { A lovely on-site caf with outdoor seating serves quick bites and cold drinks. From Heraklion Crete: Semi Private 5.5 Hours Morning Sailing Trip to Dia Island. from . Tickets cost 9 for the summer months and 6 for the winter months. With a ratio of 3 instructors to 4 guests, you can be assured that safety is the top priority during your underwater excursion. The fountain features a high octagonal pedestal that is supported by four lions which gave the square its name. 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. There are more than 50 different slides and games including several extreme slides that will certainly give you a rush of adrenalin! The site is beautiful and fairly shady and well set up for the number of tourists it receives (I can imagine it gets pretty busy at the height of summer). Gortyn is rich in mythology but is also linked with major figures in Christianity, including the apostle Paul and the Holy Ten Martyrs. You can walk the eerie streets of the tiny island and imagine what it might have been like to live there. These incredible trips are sure to inspire romance and relaxation. Click here for more information and to book your day trip to Elafonisi Beach. You can get to Knossos either by taxi (it is 20 minutes ride} or by taking the bus from the bus station next to the port.
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