Heraklion

Heraklion Town, located in the Heraklion regional unit, is Crete’s capital and one of the most beautiful towns on the island. Seamlessly marrying old with new and retro with modern, Heraklion Crete has a unique allure that never fails to seduce visitors. Home to iconic archaeological sites, stunning sandy beaches, and picturesque spots, this region is one of a kind! Are you ready to explore it and discover its secrets?

Where is Heraklion?

Heraklion is one of the eight regional units of Crete, the biggest Greek island, located 160 km south of the Greek mainland. The Heraklion region lies between the Rethymno and the Lasithi regional units in Crete and is surrounded by farmlands, mountains, and valleys, which create a beautiful natural landscape.

How to get to Heraklion Crete

There are two ways to get to Heraklion Crete from mainland Greece or another Greek island: by ferry or plane.

Getting to Heraklion by plane

Regular flights operate from Athens and Thessaloniki to Heraklion Airport throughout the year, with additional flights in the summer from other Aegean islands, like Mykonos and Santorini. Heraklion International Airport ‘Nikos Kazantzakis’ is the busiest airport in Crete and the second busiest in Greece after Athens International Airport. It is located near Nea Alikarnassos municipality, 5 km from Heraklion Town, and receives millions of tourists yearly. Besides the Heraklion region, Heraklion International Airport ‘Nikos Kazantzakis’ also serves Malia, Agios Nikolaos, Hersonissos, Stalida, Elounda, and other areas.

Getting to Heraklion by ferry

You can also reach Heraklion by ferry from Piraeus port in Athens or the Aegean islands. The ferry trip from Athens to Heraklion Crete lasts about 9 hours, depending on the type of the ferry and the weather conditions. Ferries from Athens to Heraklion operate throughout the year, but the frequency of the crossings depends on the season with summer being the season with the most frequent crossings. Apart from ferries from Athens to Heraklion, there are also ferries to Heraklion from Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini during the summer.

When is the best time to visit Heraklion?

Heraklion region is one of those destinations you can visit throughout the year, as every season has a unique beauty. If you want to visit its stunning beaches, swim in the sparkling waters of the Aegean, bask in the sun, and enjoy outdoor activities, like hiking, the best time to visit Heraklion is from June to September. Although June marks the beginning of the peak season in Crete, meaning the island receives the most tourists, summer arguably is the season with the best weather conditions. So, if you want to enjoy the ultimate vacation in Crete experience, visiting in summer is your best bet!

However, Crete is known for its mild temperatures throughout the year, meaning spring and fall are great options as well. Shoulder season (spring and fall) might be better for sightseeing and diving deeper into the local culture, immersing yourself in the Cretan lifestyle. May and October, in particular, are amazing months to visit Heraklion, because the weather is still good and the water temperature is pleasant for swimming. At the same time, the crowds are still thin, allowing you to experience the region’s authentic side.

How many days you should stay in Heraklion

If you want to enjoy your stay to the fullest and see all the main points of interest, you should stay in Heraklion for five to seven days. Heraklion is a big region with many interesting places to explore, so a two or three-day stay won’t allow you to make the most of your visit. However, if your itinerary includes other regions, like Rethymno and Chania, you can stay in Heraklion for fewer days!

Even if you stay in Heraklion for a few days, you should visit the region’s main attractions, including Knossos Palace, Matala, the Venetian Harbour, the Historical Museum of Crete, the Venetian Loggia, the Museum of Natural History, Koules Fortress, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and Heraklion Old Town. Of course, if you have more time, you can explore further and discover more fascinating places!

The history of Heraklion in Crete

Heraklion is a patchwork of different cultures, as it has been influenced by the civilizations that have occupied it throughout the centuries. One of the most important periods of Heraklion’s history is the Minoan civilization era, which thrived between the 16th and the 14th century BC. This is when the iconic Minoan palaces in Knossos and Phaestos were built. Although the massive volcanic eruption in Santorini destroyed the civilization in 1,500 BC, you can still visit the remains of these palaces and marvel at their impressive architecture!

Throughout its history, Crete has been occupied by the Romans, the Arabs, the Venetians, and the Turks, each of which left their mark on all aspects of the island’s culture; from its food to its architecture.

The best attractions in Heraklion

Heraklion Crete brims with attractions that fascinate visitors from all over the world! Here are the best places to visit:

• Knossos Minoan Palace
• Phaestos Minoan Palace
• Koules Venetian Fortress in Heraklion Old Town
• The Venetian Arsenals in Heraklion Old Town
• Heraklion Archaeological Museum
• Kornaros Square
• Cretaquarium
• The Venetian Port
• Bembo Fountain
• The Archaeological Site of Gortyn
• Portela Gorge
• Loggia (Heraklion’s Town Hall) in Heraklion Old Town
• Saint Minas Cathedral
• The Museum of Natural History
• Koudoumas Monastery
• Ancient Rizinia
• Priuli Fountain
• Sagredo Fountain
• The Thirathen Museum of Traditional Musical Instruments
• The Venetian Walls in Heraklion Old Town
• The Historical Museum of Crete
• Saint Titos (Agios Titos) Church
• The Morosini Fountain in Lion Square in Heraklion Old Town
• The Kazantzakis Museum
• The beach promenade in Heraklion Town
• Ammoudara Beach
• Lyxhnostatis Folk Musem
• The El Greco Museum in Fodele
• Matala Beach and the Caves

How to get around Heraklion – Public transportation services

Heraklion is a big region, so you will need to use a means of transportation to explore it. One option is the public transport network, which consists of public buses that can take you from one point to another in Heraklion Town and from the town to nearby villages. Public buses (KTEL) also connect Heraklion with Chania, Rethymno, and Lasithi.

Another option is taxis, which you can find in numerous spots throughout Heraklion, including Heraklion Town, the airport, and the port. You can also call a taxi to pick you up from any location in Heraklion and take you anywhere you want to go.

Finally, if you want to explore the island at your own pace and discover its hidden gems, you can hire a car, minivan, or minibus in Heraklion for the entire length of your trip. Just make sure you choose a legitimate car hire company, like Ride and Hire, and opt for a vehicle that meets your needs!

FAQS

When is the peak season in Heraklion?

The peak season in Heraklion lasts from June to September, the warmer and busiest months in Greece. Thanks to its mild weather, Heraklion also receives many tourists in the shoulder season, which includes spring and fall. However, the crowds are significantly thinner in shoulder season than peak season!

How far is Heraklion from Athens?

Heraklion is about 9 hours away from Athens by ferry and about 50 minutes by plane.

Does Heraklion Crete have an airport?

Yes. Heraklion has an airport, Heraklion International Airport ‘Nikos Kazantzakis’. Heraklion International Airport lies 5 km from Heraklion Town and receives millions of tourists yearly, making it the busiest airport in Crete.

How do you get a taxi in Heraklion?

A taxi is a popular means of transportation in Crete, as it is fast, reliable, and can take you anywhere you want to go. You can take a taxi from numerous spots throughout the island or call a cab to pick you up from the airport, Heraklion port, and whatever other location you want.

What is the cost of a taxi transfer in Heraklion, and how is it calculated?

The cost of taxi transfers in Heraklion Crete depends on the distance between your departure location and final destination. However, you can end up paying more than the standard taxi fee, because taxi drivers often don’t have fixed rates. At Ride and Hire, we have fixed prices, so you will know exactly how much you will pay for your transfer before you book it!

What tours can you do in Heraklion?

One of the best ways to explore the Heraklion regional unit is to take a tour! Depending on the places you want to visit, you can book a tour of Heraklion’s traditional villages, wineries, and Minoan palaces, or a food tour, immersing yourself in the island’s fascinating culture.

How can I book a private transfer in Heraklion Crete?

You can easily book a private Heraklion transfer in advance on our website, choosing from a wide variety of vehicles, from private cars to shuttle buses. To book a transfer in Heraklion Crete with Ride & Hire, fill out the booking form with your destination, date and time of arrival, and the number of passengers, and choose the vehicle type you want. Then enter your personal information and flight number, and pay online. After completing the process, you will receive a confirmation email with all the information regarding your booking!

Can I book a transfer in Heraklion for a specific time or date in advance?

Yes, you can book a transfer in Heraklion Crete between any locations you want and choose the date and time you prefer by filling out the booking form on our website.

Do Heraklion transfer services include meet-and-greet options at the airport or other pickup locations?

They do! One of our experienced drivers will be waiting for you at your desired location on your desired day and time. For airport pick-ups, the driver will wait for you at the arrival hall, holding a sign with your name.