Cheap flights to Heraklion (Crete) from RSD2,829*

Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is a treasure trove of human history, stunning locations and exciting discoveries. Don’t expect this city, whose beating heart is still enclosed within fortified walls, to lay any of these out in the open though. In Greece’s fifth largest metropolis, you have to look beyond the noisy, car-flooded streets to see why one empire after another rushed to claim it as its own, come hell or high water. Its Turkish fountains, Byzantine churches and Venetian walls are surrounded by legends of majestic monsters, the warm waves of the Cretan Sea and a new air of modernisation. A recent makeover has turned the city into a more livable, walkable and enjoyable metropolis, only to bring out its inherent beauty preserved for thousands of years.

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Heraklion is truly a city of discoveries. Just ask or, well, read the memoirs of Sir Arthur Evans. While searching for traces of the ancient Mycenaean culture at the end of the 19th century, the British archaeologist unearthed the centre of a much older and much more powerful civilisation. In honour of the legendary King Minos and the myth of the Minotaur, he named them Minoans. This is where Crete’s ― and Heraklion’s ― story and rise to fame began: in the majestic, sprawling, bull motif-adorned Palace of Knossos. What came after was no less eventful. For centuries, the city had been a refuge to pirates, bandits and Andalusian exiles before it was conquered by Byzantine armies, bought and redecorated by Venetians and taken over by the Ottomans. What remained is an enticing mix of people, places and cultures, just as colourful and sophisticated as the Minoan frescoes of Knossos.

Heraklion: Crete’s gateway to its Minoan past

Heraklion’s museums are a must-see for anyone who’s even remotely interested in ancient civilisations or history in general. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is home to a vast collection of archaeological finds from Knossos, Archanes, Phaestos, Zakros and pretty much all across Crete. The artefacts span some 5,500 years from the Neolithic to Greco-Roman periods and include weapons, armour, pottery, jewellery, sarcophagi and frescoes, such as the famous Bull-Leaping Fresco. The Historical Museum of Crete showcases the history and art history of the island from the early Byzantine period right up to World War II. Built by the Venetians and named by the Turks, Koules is a true symbol of Heraklion – make your way to the rooftop for a breathtaking view of the sea, the city and Dia Island. The Lions Square is home to Fontana Morosini, an ornate Venetian fountain formed by four lions supporting the main basin and a busy eating, meeting and greeting point for locals and tourists alike. Opposite the fountain is the Church of St Mark. The cathedral built by Italian settlers to honour their patron now houses the city’s Municipal Art Gallery, showcasing the best in Venetian architecture and contemporary art in one place.

Get on the life-changing Cretan diet

Mostly made of sheep or goat’s milk, Cretan cheeses have been a source of pride for the islanders for centuries. The flagship type is called graviera. This light yellow, hard speciality starts out sweet and fruity, and turns nutty as it ages. No food is Cretan if it’s not drenched in the island’s liquid gold, olive oil. As far as signature dishes go, dakos is the locals’ go-to appetiser and, essentially, their answer to Italians’ bruschetta. Trying bougatsa is non-negotiable. This heavenly breakfast pie consists of filo pastry and delicious fillings ranging from semolina custard through minced meat to fresh mizithra cheese. If you’re passing by the Morosini Fountain, stop at Phyllosophies and get a taste of what authentic bougatsa is all about. Time for a proper Cretan sit-down meal? It doesn’t get more Cretan than Peskesi. A proud ambassador of the local diet, the restaurant only uses traditional recipes and farm-fresh or locally sourced ingredients from herbs through snails to milk. Up for a local family meal experience? Athali will be right up your street then. This family-run jewel of a restaurant serves up traditional dishes with a side of warmth and cosy.

Shop like a local, party like a local

Retail enthusiasts will swoon at the shopping scene in Heraklion. Especially because locals are quite the shopaholics themselves. Join them strolling along the Old Town’s Daidalou Street, a buzzing pedestrian street connecting the Astoria Hotel and Lions Square, flanked by high-street clothing and accessories brands, and stylish cafés. Exploring the market street, 1866 Street, one stall at a time is an absolute must. While the agora’s lively carnival atmosphere is something you can’t take home, there’s plenty of things you should stock up on. Think raki, Crete’s favourite pomace brandy, local wines, herbs, honey sweets and of course, a whole array of Cretan cheeses. Heraklion is not only the capital of Crete but also the heart of its rollicking nightlife. ‘In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria’, reads Bitters Bar’s favourite mantra, and you won’t risk being exposed to the latter if their bartenders have a say in it. This speakeasy-style cocktail bar mixes bitters, once used for medical purposes, into mood-boosting classics and signature drinks. Want indie tunes with your craft beer? Laid-back, edgy and perfect for a low-key night out, the Blow Up dive bar will welcome you with open arms, friendly folks and great live gigs.

Pristine beaches that made history

No trip to Heraklion would be complete without visiting the ancient residence of the demigod Minos and of the part-man-part-bull Minotaur. Just five kilometres south of Heraklion lies Knossos, a premier Bronze Age excavation site and the centre of the legendary Minoan civilisation. Stretching over some 22,000 square metres, the palace complex includes four wings, a spacious courtyard, ceremonial quarters, living areas, treasure and storage rooms, plus the most eye-catching ancient frescoes you’ve ever seen. Second in size and importance but not in sophistication was the Phaistos Palace. It’s situated 60 kilometres from Heraklion and offers a mesmerising view over the Messara plain. Live your best island life on Crete’s many, and we do mean many beaches. The most popular by far are those of Hersonissos, located about 20 kilometres from Heraklion. The humming resort town draws families and younger folks alike: it has a long coastline sprinkled with golden sand and flanked by azure waters, an aquarium and reptile rescue centre showcasing local marine life, the island’s only golf club, the Labyrinth Theme Park and a pulsing nightlife scene. Want to stay closer to Heraklion? The tiny seaside village of Amnissos, just seven kilometres east of the capital, is known for its postcard-perfect beaches and its role in the Trojan War, having served as a strategic port of Knossos in Minoan times from where Cretan ships sailed to their destiny.

Heraklion weather

Heraklion has a perfect Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot, dry with crystal-clear skies and the occasional gentle rain and breeze. Thanks to the Aegean Sea, summer temperatures rarely go above 30°C. Winter months are kind, with moderate rainfall and rare frosts.

Heraklion Airport

Located approximately 5 km east of Heraklion, near Nea Alikarnassos, Heraklion International Airport (HER) represents the major airport of Crete in Greece. It is the largest of the island’s three airports and acts as a gateway to the rest of Crete. It links to local destinations like Aghios Nikolaos, Malia, and Elounda and offers flights to major Greek islands and European cities. These flights are especially busy during the peak season from April to November. There are three ways to travel from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Crete. The transport options from the airport include bus, taxi, and town car travel. The best route is via line 6 bus, which takes 6 minutes. The fastest is taking a taxi, which makes it to the city centre in around 4 minutes. A town car is also available for the same travel time, however is more costly.

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