Heraklion, Greece | Cruise port of call | CruiseBe
✖
0
No votes yet

Read reviews
Leave reviews

Heraklion, Greece

Heraklion (Greek Ηράκλειον, also transliterated as Heraklio, Iraklion or Irakleio) is the major city and capital of the largest Greek island, Crete. Its

Archaeological Museum

holds the remains of the 3000-year old Minoan civilization, which grew around the nearby legendary

palace of Knossos

(of Minotaur fame), as well as Byzantine churches and a well-preserved Venetian wall and fortress from the 15th century.

Heraklion (or Herakleion, Iraklio, Irakleion) is the capital of Crete and an industrialized city of around 155,000 residents. The modern city is densely populated and traffic-choked, at first overwhelming the visitor. However,... Read more

✖

Heraklion, Greece

Destination:
Mediterranean
Heraklion (Greek Ηράκλειον, also transliterated as Heraklio, Iraklion or Irakleio) is the major city and capital of the largest Greek island, Crete. Its

Archaeological Museum

holds the remains of the 3000-year old Minoan civilization, which grew around the nearby legendary

palace of Knossos

(of Minotaur fame), as well as Byzantine churches and a well-preserved Venetian wall and fortress from the 15th century.

Heraklion (or Herakleion, Iraklio, Irakleion) is the capital of Crete and an industrialized city of around 155,000 residents. The modern city is densely populated and traffic-choked, at first overwhelming the visitor. However, in recent years, things have begun to change and efforts are being made to bring out the beauty of the city's rich cultural history. Strolling along the coastline, the city wall, or down a park can reveal various historical remains of potentially immense interest to the watchful eye. The knowledgeable visitor will be able to trace the past under the urban sprawl of the present. The core of the city is still enclosed and defined by the Venetian wall, which includes seven outjutting bastions. In the southernmost of these, the Martinengo Bastion, is the grave of Nikos Kazantzakis standing on a windswept hilltop with its moving inscription, "I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free."

Climate

Heraklion has a hot-summer-Mediterranean climate (Csa in the Köppen climate classification). Summers are warm to hot and dry with clear skies. Dry hot days are often relieved by seasonal breezes. Winters are very mild with moderate rain. Because Heraklion is further south than Athens, it has a milder climate. The maximum temperature during the summer period is usually not more than 28 - 30°C (Athens normal maximum temperature is about 6°C hotter). The minimum temperature record is -0.2 °C. 
A new temperature record for February was set at 27.8°C, reached on 15 February 2016.
Source:
Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0
✖

Heraklion, Greece: Port Information


The city has a big cruise port with several piers for cruise liners and great facilities for cruise travelers. It is located near the Venetian Harbour and Marina.
The port is close to the center of the city, less than half a mile northeast of the main tourist area. Most of the town's attractions are within a 20-minute walk.
✖

Get around Heraklion, Greece


By bus

You can use public city bus network to get around Heraklion but you have to figure out the line to your destination. There are usually no routes or schedules posted at the bus stops. Buses do not stop at bus stops unless you signal the driver by raising your arm. 

When you get on the bus, hold the bottom half of your ticket in your right hand. The bus driver will take the top half (the side with the number value of the ticket) and the two of you will rip it in half. Tickets are available inside buses with increased prices.

  • Line 1 goes to/from the airport
  • Line 2 takes you to/from Knossos
  • Line 7 goes to Amnissos
  • Line 8 goes to FORTH
  • Line 12 takes you to TEI
Within reach of a day-trip, are Rethymno (the most charming old town on the island), Chania, and Agios Nikolaos. Chania is the best base for exploring the Samaria Gorge, and Agios Nikolaos is your base for seeing Spinalonga. You’ll need your own car to see Anogia, or Phaistos Palace and Matala beach, on a day trip.
✖

What to see in Heraklion, Greece


Landmarks

  • 'The Minoan Palace of Knossos', ☎ +30 2810 231940, +30 2810 226470, +30 2810 226092, +30 2810 224630, fax: +30 2810 241515, e-mail: protocol@kgepka.culture.gr. Winter: Daily 08.30-15.00 Summer: 08.00-19.30. Knossos (Greek Κνωσός, the accent is on the second syllable) is the site of the most important and best known Minoan palace complex in Crete. It is located some 5 km (3 mi) south of Heraklion. According to tradition, Knossos was the seat of the legendary Cretan king Minos. The palace is also connected to other legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur, as well as the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Excavation has revealed that the site was continuously inhabited from the Neolithic period (7000-3000 B.C.) until Roman times.
  • Koules, the Venetian castle in the Harbour (Greek: Κούλες). It is a long walk out to the end of the pier which extends past the fort, but it offers nice views out to the Mediterranean and back to the harbor.
  • Venetian Walls (Greek: Τείχη). It takes over an hour's stroll to circumnavigate the city walls, stretches of which have been turned into parkland. It is frequented by people running and walking dogs.
  • Loggia (Greek: Λότζια)
  • Morosini Fountain (a.k.a. Lions Square) (Greek: Λιοντάρια)

  • St Minas Cathedral

    (Greek: Άγιος Μηνάς)
  • St Titus Church (Greek: Άγιος Τίτος)
  • St Catherine of the Sinaites Church (Greek: Αγία Αικατερίνη Σιναϊτών)
  • St Mark's Basilica (Greek: Βασιλική Αγίου Μάρκου)
  • Dominican Church of St Peter (Greek: Άγιος Πέτρος Δομηνικανών)

Museums and Galleries

  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum, 2 Xanthoudidou St, ☎ +30 2810-224630, +30 2810-280370, fax: +30 2810-332610. Houses the most important and representative finds from Minoan civilization and excavations across the island of Crete. Highlights include statues of the Snake Goddess, the famous Bull-Leaping Fresco, the enigmatic and mysterious Phaistos Disk, and Minoan seals and jewelry. Also includes a number of finds from Classical Greek and Roman periods. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the world's great museums, embodying a whole splendid vanished culture. At least two hours should be allowed to see it, and it could easily take longer. For those particularly interested in that culture, it will be worthwhile to make two visits to the museum, one before, and one after, visiting Knossos and other Minoan sites: seeing the museum first will enhance your understanding of the sites, and after seeing the sites, you'll be better able to understand the artifacts in the museum when you return.
  • Museum of the Battle for Crete and National Resistance - Recounts the tale of Cretan and Allied resistance against Nazi invaders in World War II.
  • Museum of Natural History, University of Crete, S. Venizelou Ave, fax: +30 2810 324366.
  • Historical Museum of Crete, 27, Sofokli Venizelou Ave. /7, Lysimachou Kalokerinou St., Tel: (++30) 2810 283219, 288708, 3.
  • Lychnostatis, ☎ +30 28970-23660. Su-F 00:00-14:00. Open-air Cretan folklore museum.
  • CretAquarium Thalassocosmos open June-September 9:00-21:00 October–May 9:00-19:00 tel Reception: +30 2810-337788 Bookings: +30 2810-337888, fax: +30 2810-337882 4, the biggest aquarium in the Eastern Mediterranean. Located about 14 km east of Heraklion on the National Road (signposted) or by Cretan Intercity Bus (tel +30 2810 246530); for more information call the Reception number, above.
  • Nikos Kazantzakis Museum. Open daily from 09:00-19:00 (Mar-Oct); 10:00-15:00 (Nov-Feb), tel +30 2810-741689, in the village of Myrtia (Varvari) 15 km south of Heraklion, focuses on Crete's most prominent modern intellectual figure.
✖

What to do in Heraklion, Greece


  • Heraklion Summer Arts Festival - from June to September
  • Amoudara the city's beach area; a 3 km strip of sandy beach, lots of cafes, bars and hotels and the site of "Technopolis", a modern multiplex cinema and open-air theatre.
  • Horseback ridingso-called experienced and amateur riders can ride at the beach of Karteros, or take riding lessons at Ippikos Omilos Hrakliou, located 6 km east of Heraklion, in Karteros.
  • Rock climbing, locals and visitors can climb a 15 m rock at the suburb of Karteros, east of Heraklion. Safety equipment is provided
  • Water fun, at the nearby Water City and Aqua Plus water parks.
  • Sailing (Heraklion Sailing Club ~ Ιστιοπλοϊκός Όμιλος Ηρακλείου Tel:2810242120 - email: istiopl@her.forthnet.gr) - take sailing lessons, enjoy sailing trips, Charter a yacht and discover the Aegean islands. Located in the former premises of the port refrigeration plant, East of the Port Authorities.
✖

What to eat and drink in Heraklion, Greece


Eat

Budget

Throughout most of the downtown, it is easy to find cheap tavernas (ταβερνα) A strict budget can be met by sticking to the supermarkets which provide the usual array of fruits, vegetables, and cheese for modest prices. Central cafes serve the local breakfast treat bougatsa, a local pastry with cottage cheese, served with honey, or cinnamon and sugar. Also available are the usual complement of pastry shops for standard meals such as spanakopita (spinach pie) and various cheap deserts.

Mid-range

  • Heraklion Sailing Club (Greek: Istioploikos or Ιστιοπλοϊκός), ☎ +30 2810 22 8118. Heraklion Harbour. Classic seafood restaurant facing the Venetian Castle. Specialties include charcoal grilled fish, seafood salads, clams, and the award-winning mussel risotto. Located in the former premises of the port refrigeration plant, east of the Port Authority. Sailing Club membership is not required for the restaurant.
  • Pagopieion (Ice-Factory) is a "quirky," very different restaurant and cafe/bar, at St Titus square, by the church. You can sit outside and enjoy the setting, or you might be tempted by the dramatic decor to sit inside. The food is excellent, and the menu different and interesting.
  • Herb's Garden (The Roof Garden of Lato Boutique Hotel) The name has been inspired by the traditional Cretan herbs. Offers a spectacular view to Heraklion’s Venetian fortress and Cretan Sea. Opens from early afternoon and serves fresh fish and salads accompanied by local aperitifs and a variety of fine wines. Later in the afternoon, there is special coffee and tea arrangements, fresh fruit juices, ice cream, and cocktails.

Drink

  • Raki, also known as Tsikoudia, is the trademark of Cretan day and nightlife, a strong clear drink similar to Grappa in Italy or Orujo in Spain. It is made out of the 'must' of grape skins and twigs after the local production of the white wine. It doesn't taste like aniseed, as opposed to the Turkish raki. Most raki is 80 o proof, about the strength of most vodkas, but some are much stronger. It's often served in small glasses after dinner with a plate of fruit or other desserts.
  • Cretan Wine: Try the distinctive Cretan wine, produced in the island for at least 4000 years. Labels: Sitia, Peza Union. The Cretans themselves drink so-called 'open' wine, straight out of the barrel, like fresh white wine, and the sometimes very old dark rusty red wine, a bit like port. Typical Cretan wine varieties are Marouvas and Kotsifali (both red wines).
  • Alimeli, Alikarnassos (near the main road ikarou), ☎ +30 2813 009281. From 07:00 to 00:00. Sweets, crepes, waffles, ice cream.
✖

Shopping in Heraklion, Greece


Visit the central open market in Meidani square and buy mountain herbs, spices, and folk natural remedies.
✖

Safety in Heraklion, Greece


Road safety is wanting and generally, the attitudes of all road users are poor and reckless. For pedestrians, there are haphazard pavements, usually entirely obstructed by parked cars and bikes, meaning the road itself has to be used by pedestrians. Other roads lack pavements. Road crossings for pedestrians do not seem to be recognized by motorists, making crossing difficult in busy roads. Drivers and bikers may even drive through junctions when the "green man" is indicating it is safe for pedestrians to cross. The bikers seem to be the worst, usually wearing no helmet and happily talking on a mobile phone or reading a text message while driving. Sometimes bikers ride on the pavements and expect pedestrians to move out their way.

There are many stray cats and dogs in the city. The dogs can often be seen in small packs and may bark and growl but do not attack if they are left alone.
✖

Language spoken in Heraklion, Greece


Modern Greek is the main language in Crete. English is widely spoken in tourist places. 

LOCAL TIME

2:03 pm
August 3, 2021
Europe/Athens

CURRENT WEATHER

32.89 °C / 91.202 °F
sky is clear
Wed

32.73 °C/91 °F
sky is clear 		Thu

33.54 °C/92 °F
sky is clear 		Fri

34.03 °C/93 °F
sky is clear 		Sat

29.19 °C/85 °F
sky is clear

LOCAL CURRENCY

EUR

Travelers recommend visiting the following places of interests



Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Greece
Average: 9.9 (10 votes)

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a museum located in Heraklion on Crete. It is one of the greatest museums in Greece and the best in the world for Minoan art, as it contains the most notable and complete collection of artifacts of the Minoan civilization of Crete. Overview The museum began in 1883 as a simple collection of antiquities...
Lychnostatis Open Air Museum, Heraklion, Greece
Average: 9.4 (10 votes)

Lychnostatis Open Air Museum is a museum in Hersonissos, Heraklion, Crete, Greece. It is an autonomous private foundation, established in July 1992, based on private collection owned by ophthalmologist Yiorgos Markakis. The Markakis and local workers were responsible for the building of the museum between 1986 and 1992. In March 1994, the...
Knossos, Heraklion, Greece
Average: 9.8 (10 votes)

Knossos or Cnossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and is considered Europe's oldest city. The name Knossos survives from ancient Greek references to the major city of Crete. The identification of Knossos with the Bronze Age site is supported by tradition and by the Roman coins that were scattered over the fields...
Cretaquarium, Heraklion, Greece
Average: 9.3 (10 votes)

Cretaquarium (Greek: Ενυδρείο Κρήτης, Enidrio Kritis) or Thalassocosmos (Greek: Θαλασσόκοσμος, "sea world") is a public aquarium located near the town of Gournes in Crete, Greece, 15 km east of the city of Heraklion.   The Cretaquarium project was conceived by employees of the former Institute of Marine Biology of Crete (IMBC) to...
Historical Museum of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
Average: 9.7 (10 votes)

The Historical Museum of Crete was founded by the Society of Cretan Historical Studies in 1953 and is housed in a neoclassical building of significant architectural merit (the A. & M. Kalokairinos House, 1903) in the city of Heraklion on Crete, an island of Greece. The museum was expanded following the addition of a new wing and floor....
Gortyn, Heraklion, Greece
Average: 9.3 (10 votes)

Gortyn, Gortys or Gortyna (Greek: Γόρτυν, Γόρτυς, or Γόρτυνα, pronounced ˈɣortina) is a municipality and an archaeological site on the Mediterranean island of Crete, 45 km away from the modern capital Heraklion. The seat of the municipality is the village Agioi Deka. Gortyn, the Roman capital of Creta et Cyrenaica, was first inhabited...
Livadi Beach, Heraklion, Greece
Average: 9.6 (10 votes)

Livadi beach is located in Ferma, 10 kilometers east of Ierapetra, in Crete. Next to the beach are the most hotels.   Livadi is a small cove with pebbles and crystal clear waters. It is semi-organized beach with an amazing landscape of lush vegetation, tall cliffs and steep cliffs.  
Watercity, Heraklion, Greece
Average: 9.2 (10 votes)

Watercity is an aquatic park in the area of Anopolis, between Hersonissos and Heraklion on Crete, Greece. It has 34 water games in 80,000 square meters.   It is a member of the World Waterpark Association (WWA).    
Aquaworld Aquarium, Heraklion, Greece
Average: 9.5 (10 votes)

Aquaworld Aquarium is a natural history museum in Hersonissos, Heraklion, Crete, Greece. Founded in 1995, Aquaworld was founded and developed by Scotsman John Bryce McLaren. The majority of the animals on display are either rescued or were unwanted pets which now have a home in this environment.   Aquaworld encourages interest in the...
Koules Fortress, Heraklion, Greece
Average: 9.1 (10 votes)

The Koules (Greek: Κουλές, from Turkish: Kule, "Tower, Fort"), originally known as Rocca a Mare or Castello a Mare, is a fortress located at the entrance of the old port of Heraklion, Crete, Greece. It was built by the Republic of Venice in the early 16th century, and is still in good condition today. History The site of Koules was possibly...
See all places of interests

Latest travel blogs about Heraklion, Greece




Walk Around Heraklion, Crete


One day, we decided to arrange a self-guided tour around  Heraklion , the capital of Crete. Unfortunately, we had to wait 40 minutes for a bus. Although, the local buses were nice and comfortable.  There's an airport located in Heraklion, so the fans of the aircraft can admire it...

One day, we decided to go on a tour from  Rethymnon to  Preveli . The tour included a trip to the city of Rethymno, then the monastery of Preveli, after that the Libyan Sea, and in the end, we saw the  Kourtaliotiko gorge . Here's a view from the bus. This is the...
An hour later, I decided to come back to  the museum by the lake - and it was open! And here's what I saw there! Is this Ukrainian embroidery??? It was probably a museum of folk crafts. I love such museums. I liked this icon - with a sea theme! Well done! That left flag looks like the...
On Crete, our ship stopped in the tiny town of  Agios Nikolaos . Those who have never been on the island, of course, rushed on a tour to " Knossos ", fortunately, it is very close. But we have already been there. So we decided to walk around Agios Nikolaos. At the...
The next morning was rainy: The bay in  Crete  was more narrow than the day before: The island of Crete is known to everyone from the Greek Mythology. According to the Greek epos, King Aegeus sent 7 boys and 7 girls there every 8 years to please Minotaur, a monster with a...
Read all articles