Heraklion is the largest city of Crete and its capital. The city attracts tourists with unique historical sights, incredibly beautiful sandy beaches, warm sea and nature. To make your vacation the most pleasant experience, we have prepared a life hack and a guide from which you will learn a lot of useful information. Now you can easily plan an independent trip to Heraklion.

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Air travel

The most convenient, fast, and, perhaps, economical way. From Moscow, direct flights are carried out only in the summer. It is worth noting that they coincide with the tourist season, which lasts from April to October. Flight companies – Transaero, Aeroflot, AegeanAir, S7 Airlines.

Travel time varies from 3 hours 50 minutes to 4 hours 5 minutes, excluding travel delays. Flights are operated almost daily, on some days several times. The cost of one economy class ticket is 10-20 thousand rubles. During the rest of the year, airlines offer flights with transfers that operate in Athens, Paris, St. Petersburg or Prague. At the same time, the travel time increases and ranges from 8 hours 40 minutes to 13 hours 40 minutes. The cost of a ticket with a transfer is from 20 to 30 thousand rubles for economy class tickets.

Air travel + sea transport

With careful planning, this method can be cheaper, but time consuming. From Moscow you can fly on more than 10 companies, the prices are quite favorable - from 5 to 10 thousand rubles. There is a ferry from Athens, traveling at night, the journey time is about 8 hours, the cost is from 70 to 100 euros. For 70 euros you can buy a place on the deck, for 100 - a cozy place in the cabin.

Visa to Greece

Since Greece belongs to the European Union, the visa you need to obtain is a Schengen one. The process of obtaining a visa in each country of the Schengen agreement is different, below we will talk about the method of obtaining a visa to Greece. Visas are processed and issued by:

Consular centers, which are located in the capitals at the embassies of countries.

Consulates General in Russia are located in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novorossiysk and Kaliningrad.

Address in Moscow: st. Spiridonovka, 14.

St. Petersburg: Chernyshevsky Ave., 17

Novorossiysk: st. Mira, 13

Kaliningrad: st. Ogaryova, 33

Visa Application Centers in Greece

Here they check the correctness of filling out the documents and send them to the Consulate. There are visa centers of Greece in the following cities: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, Kazan, Kaliningrad, Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk, Murmansk, Nizhny Novgorod, Novorossiysk, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Perm, Rostov-on-Don, Samara, Saratov, Ufa and Khabarovsk.

The cost of a Schengen visa is 35 euros, paid equivalent in rubles or euros, depending on the rules of the given visa center. In case of urgent paperwork, the cost can increase up to 70 euros. In addition, you need to pay a service fee if you apply through the visa center.

Documents for obtaining a visa

Required:

• full copy of all pages of the national passport
• a copy of a foreign passport that was issued within the last ten years and is valid for another three months after the planned return
• visa application
• medical insurance valid for the entire period of the trip in the entire Schengen area, the equivalent of the sum insured is at least 30 thousand euros
• two photographs (color) 3.5x4.5 cm in size, must be taken within the last 6 months
• paid visa fee
• document confirming the hotel reservation
• document confirming the booking of tickets
• certificate of employment or proof of ownership of real estate, availability of bank accounts
• certificate from the tax service on official sources of income

To obtain a visa, the amount of at least 12 thousand rubles must be indicated in the certificate of wages. The Greek Embassy is considered to be loyal, there is the least number of refusals. In the summer, a visa can be issued within a week, however, in order not to worry, it is better to do everything in advance.

Where to stay in Heraklion

At the height of the season, it will not be easy to find housing, and even cheaper. When choosing an economy class apartment, pay attention to housing along Handakos Street, as well as the streets near the Venetian harbor. Heraklion has only two hostels - Pension Castello and Avra. The cheapest hostels are Heraklion Youth Youth Hostel, Manos Studios. Cheap hotels: Castro Hotel, Park Hotel, Sun Hotel.

The cost of the most economical room is from 550 rubles per day with early booking. Available Wi-Fi zone, swimming pools, beaches, in some cases breakfast is included in the price. If you are not used to saving on amenities, then we recommend paying attention to hotels: Aquila Atlantis Hotel, Galaxy Iraklio Hotel.

Overview of the beaches

Heraklion is rich in beaches for any tourist and budget.

The northern coast of Heraklion has more than ten beaches. On the beach of Agia Pelagia there are various taverns and restaurants, the sea is most often calm. Ligaria beach will delight vacationers who are tired of people and fuss, here it is most quiet and calm. A steep descent into the water is typical for Paliokastro beach, ideal for snorkeling. Windsurfing is taught on Ammoudara Beach.

There are also enough beaches on the south coast. The beaches of Lentas, Vathy and Kaloi Limenes are used by locals, which means they have free access and a small number of visitors. In general, the beaches of the south coast are more free from tourists, while the beaches of the north coast have a flat bottom and a pleasant water temperature.

Food and entertainment

For a budget tourist, taverns and cafes that are frequented by the local population will be an acceptable option for lunch. Focus on this principle, then you will get a combination of low price and good quality. In general, in Heraklion, next to all the establishments, the menu of the establishment with prices is displayed, it is very convenient for the tourist to be able to navigate. Do not neglect the local markets, here you can buy local dishes at competitive prices.

Heraklion entertainment is the most diverse. Fans of sports and outdoor activities can enjoy water parks, diving, parachuting, fishing, sailing. Shoppers will also be satisfied - Daedalou Street is famous for its brand stores, 1866 Street will delight connoisseurs of handicrafts, works of art, and souvenirs.

What to see in Heraklion

Day 1

The first day should start from the main tourist street of Heraklion. We start our journey with the Venetian Fortress - a memory of the time of the Venetian rule in Crete, a building that has been well preserved. Further along the way you will meet the Catholic Church, the city council building, Lviv Square, the Nebo Fountain.

The final point of the route will be the archaeological museum. The museum should be given special attention, because. it belongs to the best museums not only in Greece, but also in the world, if we talk about Minoan art. The cost of visiting the museum will cost 4 euros in the summer, from November to March - admission is free. This hike will take approximately 3 hours. Along the way, you will meet parks, cafes, eateries on the street. Stop and take a breath is where.

On the first day there will be plenty of time for one more small route. From the archaeological museum, walk a few minutes towards the Yenikar Aga fountain, near which you will definitely see living statues. After passing through the narrow musical streets of the city, be sure to look at the main square, the main attraction of which is the gate of St. George.

Not so long ago, this shrine of the city became available for tourists to visit, and it is here that art exhibitions are held. Further, following the Pediados street, don't miss the Bastion of Jesus and the Stoa of Makasi. Along Romanou Street are the Holy Mosque, the Church of St. Catherine. These architectural structures date back to the 16th century.

The program of the first day turned out to be quite intense. This is quite enough.

Day 2

On the second day, we recommend visiting the palaces and fortresses of Heraklion. One of the most famous sights in all of Crete is the Palace of Knossos. Let's start with him. The palace is located on the outskirts of Heraklion, you can get to the place by bus that goes from Lions Square, the time between bus departures is short. The museum is open daily from 8 am to 7 pm in summer, from 8 am to 3 in winter. The cost of visiting is 6 euros.

The Palace of Knossos is an architectural monument of a civilization that lived before our era. At the same time, the building is quite well preserved. The layout of the palace is complex, it was completed in different eras, it has more than 100 rooms, 4 floors in height. When entering the palace, it is recommended to take a brochure with a map for better orientation. The palace will not leave visitors indifferent!

You can not ignore the fortress of Kules. In order to visit this building, you do not need to go, because. the building is located on the main harbor of the city. The entrance fee is 3 euros, however, entry is prohibited in some indoor areas. The fortress is a fortification of the XV century, the walls of which reach 9 meters. It strikes the imagination of visiting tourists with its scale, historical integrity and beauty.

Day 3

We offer to diversify the rest with boat trips on the third day. An eight-hour sea voyage on a comfortable yacht can be booked both individually and in groups. The cost of an individual tour will be much higher, this should be taken into account when planning costs. In general, renting a boat will cost 350 euros, the price also includes seafood, drinks, fruits.

The day tour involves up to 10 people, the night tour can only go to 4 people. During the tour you can swim in the crystal clear warm sea, go diving, try your hand at the art of fishing.

The guide will definitely offer to stop by St. George's Bay, do not miss this opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the deserted sea coast, it is recommended to see the sunset in this place. Back in the city far after sunset, visit one of the local restaurants or cafes. Travelers will definitely remember this day!

Following towards the harbor, look at the Frioli Fountain. Further it is more expedient to visit the museum of nature. Moving along the sea coast, do not miss the gates of Dermatas. Following in the same direction, visit the historical museum. Here are the collections of the Byzantine era. Significant exhibits of the museum are decorations of the Byzantine period, gold coins dated to the first centuries of our era.

The locals of Crete are firmly convinced that their origin is connected with the ruler of Olympus - Zeus. Perhaps they have reason to say so. After all, there is a lot of evidence of this on the island. Take the same cave in which, according to legend, the supreme deity was born, which can still be seen with your own eyes.

There are an incredible number of ancient sights related to history, culture, ancient Greek mythology and legends in this mysterious and unique corner of the world. And apparently for this reason, thousands of tourists flock to these places every year. And not only with the aim of enjoying a wonderful vacation, but wanting to see with your own eyes the treasures of the island and the monuments that once existed on it of the most ancient Minoan culture.

Features of sightseeing holidays with children in Crete

If we are talking about holidays with children on the island of Crete and the organization of their leisure time, then here, of course, you will not find a lot of children's entertainment in every resort village (although, of course, this is present in large resort centers). However, there is something to see in Crete with children. Of course, the excursion program will largely depend on the age of the young traveler.

If this is a trip with older children, then climbing through the mysterious gorges and caves, the ruins of ancient ancient cities will turn into an interesting and unforgettable adventure for them. With a child over 7 years old, many excursion routes will be interesting. They will surely enjoy visiting the Marine Aquarium. And the water parks of Crete are fun for all ages. When visiting them, a lot of impressions and emotions are provided for the whole family.

The island of Crete can be considered small by our standards. But there are simply an incredible number of palaces, ancient cities and fortresses, monasteries, waterfalls and caves, rivers and lakes. And no matter how much you want to, it is difficult to embrace the immensity in a short stay on the island, and even not forgetting about relaxing with children on the beach.

But still, once in Crete, there are sights that everyone must see. True, they may not always be near the place of residence on vacation. The distance between the two areas (there are four in total), which are located on the edges of the island, can be quite large, and it is not always convenient and easy to overcome them with children.

The way out of this situation is either to limit yourself to excursions and trips over minimal distances with the maximum number of places planned for visiting, or to rent a car, and then the excursion opportunities will expand significantly even with small children.

Again, given the specifics of holidays with children, another question arises: when is it better to see the sights of Crete with children?

You should not go to the island with children, especially small ones, in the very heat and at the peak of the tourist season - this is July-August. The sun at this time is scorching mercilessly, it is very hot and dry, you will not push through on the beaches. And, of course, when it is better to hide from the sun in the daytime, it is unlikely that anyone will want to wander even through the famous ruins, languishing from stuffiness and heat.

The best time for such trips is mid-May-June or September. The velvet season in Crete is exactly September: the water is warm, the air temperature is still summer, but already without the scorching sun. And it is equally good for relaxing on the beach and for tourist trips and excursions with children.

What can you see with a child in Crete?

The two main attractions of the island that you need to visit in any case are the Palace of Knossos (once belonged to the king of Crete - Minos) and the famous cave of Zeus, in which the goddess Rhea gave birth and hid Zeus so that the great Kronos (her husband) would not eat the baby. So say myths and legends.

The palaces of Crete are a special category of attractions of the island. This is a unique confirmation in the form of architectural structures, works of art, household items of wealth and culture of the mysterious and great Minoan civilization that existed on the island millennia ago BC.

Knossos palace

The palace is located in the center of the island (5 km from Heraklion). Until now, despite its considerable age, the partially restored palace gives the impression of a colorful and large-scale building with harmonious decor and wonderful frescoes.

It will take a lot of time to explore the entire palace. But here, like a magnet, many tourists are attracted by the legendary labyrinth of the Minotaur. Those who are familiar with ancient Greek mythology have certainly heard about the once terrible monster that lived in it.

Minotaur Labyrinth

According to legend, the Minotaur was the illegitimate son of the wife of King Minos and Poseidon (the god of the seas), who had a ferocious temper and ate everything that came his way. King Minos tried to hide him in his gardens in an intricate labyrinth. And for this he built a huge palace with many corridors and rooms, with an intricate system of their location. Only the fearless hero Theseus was able to defeat the Minotaur, who was helped out of the labyrinth by the daughter of King Minos, the beautiful Ariadne, with whom he fell in love.

It was so and whether this labyrinth ever existed - one can only guess. In any case, this gloomy story does not in the least spoil the bright and joyful impression of the ancient palace, or rather its ruins, surprising with an unconventional layout of the interior and many corridors at different levels.

And so that the children are even more imbued with the ancient myth and remember the story of the Minotaur and Ariadne for a long time, after visiting the Palace of Knossos, you can go to the children's park "Minotaur's Labyrinth", which is located 27 kilometers from Heraklion. Here, among the stairs, bridges, towers, numerous paths, the myth of the fearless hero Theseus and the terrifying destructive Minotaur comes to life. You can try to get out of this maze and have fun on traditional rides.

By the way, there are other ancient palace buildings on the island that deserve attention: the palaces of Phaistos and Agia Triada, Malia, the Archanes Palace and Zakros.

Dicteian Cave (Cave of Zeus)

In the vicinity of Heraklion, on the picturesque plateau of Lassithi with huge windmills built to irrigate apple and pear orchards and fields, there is a very beautiful Dikteian cave or the cave of Zeus on the northern slope of Mount Dikti near the town of Psychro.

According to legend, it was in it that the famous god of thunder was once born. Here Rhea - his mother - hid little Zeus from the angry father of God Kronos and saved him from certain death. Dikti cave was a place of religious ceremonies for a long time. Here the goddess Rhea and the god Zeus were sacrificed.

The cave of Zeus is quite large and everything in it is covered with myths and legends. The backlight illuminates the stone vaults covered with giant stalactites and stalagmites of the most bizarre shapes and colors that have been formed in the cave for centuries. There is also a small underground lake, which reflects the largest stalactite - the "Mantle of Zeus".

The cave is located in the mountains and it takes about a kilometer to climb the path up to it. This path can be walked, or you can do it on a donkey. It will be doubly interesting for children. Where else can you enjoy traveling on a long-eared animal, as well as save energy on the descent, which will still be needed when climbing back and descending into the cave itself.

After visiting the cave, you can look into the pottery workshop, where a local potter will teach children how to make pottery on a potter's wheel. What happened, you can take with you, dry, paint. Get a great memory of the trip.

By the way, there are 5,000 caves on the island of Crete, although only a few can be visited. The most famous are the Ideon cave on Mount Psiloritis, the beautiful Sfendoni cave, the abode of the gods Melidoni cave, the picturesque caves of Matala.

Monasteries of Crete

On the Lassithi plateau, as well as throughout the island, many active monasteries are scattered. And it is simply impossible not to visit at least a few of them, because this is an integral part of the Cretan culture. A huge number of monasteries, their amazing diverse architecture is simply mesmerizing. Almost all of them are located on hills, offering picturesque panoramic views.

Arkadi Monastery (Rethymno) is the most visited ancient site of the island in this category and a unique work of architecture and art. Ancient and majestic buildings. Inside there is a zoo, a beautiful garden, museums with old weapons, old clothes and old books.

The monastery of Kera Kardiotissa (Heraklion) is a nunnery located in the vicinity of Heraklion. This is an important religious center of the island and it is notable for the fact that its legends, traditions and history are associated with the miraculous icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who works miracles. This place can be visited with children. The monastery has a botanical garden and a miniature zoo where exotic birds and peacocks live. Some animals can be fed and stroked.

Medieval fortresses of Crete

But this is not all that Crete is good for. Children are very interested in visiting ancient fortresses and defensive structures.

The fortress of Frangokastello is located in the village of Sfakia (Chania region). This is a Venetian military building and the best preserved fortress in Crete, where concerts are held in the courtyard during the summer.

The fortress of Fortezza (Rethymno) is the largest Venetian defensive fortress of the medieval period, towering on the hill of Paleokastro with a large number of structures.

The fortress of the island of the pirate Gramvousa (Chania) - a beautiful medieval fortress with several other buildings preserved, is located on the famous "pirate island", which, according to legend, was visited by Odysseus on his way to Ithaca. Here you can admire the ancient building, and at the same time take a swim with children on snow-white beaches or splash in natural natural pools with warm water.

Fortress of the Island of Tears Spinalonga (Lassithi) is a small island with a Venetian fortress. It is known not only for its ancient buildings, but also because in the 20th century it was an island of lepers for a long time. Excursion boats often leave here from the resort town of Elounda. In an hour you can completely walk around the island, and, returning to the hotel, also swim in a quiet shallow bay with a small beach in Mirabello Bay.

Natural monuments of Crete

Do not ignore the most beautiful natural attractions of the island. The picturesque Cretan gorges attract the attention of both big and small tourists. Moreover, for the latter, quite simple routes have been developed that even small children can go through.

Samaria Gorge (Chania) is a national reserve of Crete with multi-colored rocks, centuries-old pine trees, a stormy water stream underfoot, amazing flowers, fragrant herbs, many of which are already disappearing, inhabited by rare species of animals and birds - all this delights. Its length is 18 kilometers, and you need to calculate the strength of the children, setting off on such a difficult hike. From the gorge, the road leads to the coast of the Libyan Sea, where you can relax and unwind.

Kourtaliotskoe gorge (Rethymnon) - the gorge of the winds and the most beautiful place on the island with a noisy waterfall.

The picturesque gorge of Kotsifu - here you can see the very beautiful chapel of St. Nicholas, harmoniously inscribed in the landscape.

Agiofarango Gorge (Rethymno) - ancient hermits of Crete lived in these places. The route is short and easy along the path immersed in oleanders, suitable even for excursions with children. Along the way, there are mysterious caves, the rock church of St. Anthony. And it all ends with a rest on a beautiful wild beach.

Imbros Gorge (Chania) - with an easy route that will be within the power of small travelers.

There are several more interesting objects on Crete: the Aradena Gorge (Chania), Mili (Rethymno), Richtis and Ha (Lassithi) gorges.

Among the natural attractions, one cannot fail to mention the numerous lakes in Crete. Most of them are artificial, but this does not detract from their beauty.

Lake Kournas

Freshwater lake (the only one on the island) in the mountains, located between Chania and Rethymnon, 3 kilometers from the resort of Georgioupolis.

With a beautiful recreation area, shimmering with all shades of azure, warm water and snow-white marble rocks. Turtles live in this beautiful lake, and its surroundings are a nature reserve. On one of the shores of the lake, where the weather is always beautiful and calm, there is a beach.

Lake Voulismeni (Lassithi)

On its banks is the beautiful city of Agios Nikolaos, where you can just take a walk. The lake itself is very deep and, according to legend, the goddess Aphrodite bathed in its waters in ancient times.

In addition, you can visit Lake Zaros or Votomos (Heraklion) - a quiet peaceful place with stunning nature, amazing beauty of these places, Lake Faneromeni (Heraklion) - a beautiful body of water (will delight lovers of natural beauty), Lake Maherida (Chania) is located on the Akrotiri peninsula in karst fault. Formed by salt water springs. It is loved by migratory birds and turtles.

To feel all the diversity of Crete, with children you can go to Vai beach with a palm forest in an unusually beautiful place in the Mediterranean. Swimming and relaxing with children in these places is not only pleasant, but also interesting. If you go deep into the palm forest, you get the feeling that you are in the jungle on a tropical island.

And yet, while relaxing in Crete, there is an opportunity to visit the fantastically beautiful island of Santorini, located nearby. To do this, you can use a one-day cruise on the liner (one way - 4 hours).

Do not ignore the visit to the ancient cities of Crete, as well as many old Cretan villages and wonderful resorts.

In the Heraklion region, this is the city of Gortyn with a series of unique buildings from different eras and civilizations, Amnis is the oldest city not only in Crete, but of the entire Mediterranean, Archanes with a huge number of ancient artifacts found in its vicinity.

In Lassithi - Lato Etera with the remains of the great buildings of one of the largest cities of ancient Greece, Gournia - a settlement of ancient people. In Rethymno - Eleftherna - an ancient Greek city-state and one of the most frequently visited attractions. In Chania - Aptera - the city of Sirens.

Water parks of Crete

There are no special children's excursions in Crete. But this does not mean that there is absolutely nowhere to have fun with children. Where can you go with your child, where you can relax and have fun? In this case, a visit to the water parks, of which there are four on the island, will help out, and they are all very different, with their own characteristics, but equally well suited for a fun family holiday and children's entertainment for any age.

Water City Water Park is the largest water entertainment complex in Greece and a real water paradise. Located next to the resort village of Kokkini Hani on a vast territory with 30 water slides, 13 pools, beautiful waterfalls, fountains, interesting attractions.

Aqua Plus Water Park is also a fairly large water park in an open area. Located in the resort village of Hersonissos on top of a mountain. Attractions are equipped with cheerful sound and light special effects. There are many interesting things for kids. Another feature - the water park has a stunning park with unique plants, exotic flowers, bright greenery - a real Garden of Eden.

Star Beach Water Park is located in the center of Hersonissos right on the seafront. Its uniqueness lies in the ability to combine fun on the water slides with fun on the beach at the seaside and amusement rides in the parks. Entrance to the water park is free, but you need to pay for each attraction.

Limnoupolis Water Park is the newest water park near the city of Chania. Features a beautiful design. The main part of the water park is decorated with artificial stone, from which artificial grottoes, mountains and caves are created.

Entertainment for children in Crete

cretan aquarium

Visiting a marine aquarium with a huge amount of marine life usually impresses children. It is located on the very seashore near the village of Kokkini Hani.

Aquaworld

Aquaworld is another small aquarium, but is notable for being a reptile rescue center. Sick and injured reptiles are cared for and nursed here. Located in Hersonissos (Heraklion).

Dinosaurs in Crete

If your children like such entertainment, you can visit the Dinosaur Park - Dinosauria Park, which features about 30 growling and moving dinosaur models and many other interesting things. The park is large and varied. Interesting for the whole family. It is closest to Hersonissos (6 km), from Malia - 15 km, from Agios Nikolaos - 40 km, from Rethymno - 90 km.

Museums of Crete

For those who are especially curious, several interesting museums can be offered - the Maritime Museum of Crete (Chania), the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion, the Lichnostatis Village Museum of Life (Chersonissos).

In a word, if you are on the island of Crete with children, you definitely will not be bored. Because this island is a real big amusement park. And so that children do not get very tired and make it easier to endure trips, excursions and sightseeing, it is best to alternate them with relaxing on the beach. Moreover, you can do this in any new place, even far from your hotel (we already wrote about it in one of the articles), since there is a beach near almost every attraction nearby. Unforgettable trip to you!

) are very diverse and to get to know them you need to take at least 3-4 days. Since the city has a very ancient history, several cultures are mixed on its streets - there are Byzantine traces, there are quite recognizable Arab monuments of history and architecture, Venetian examples of culture and life are quite common, Muslim buildings created in the Ottoman era are everywhere, there are more modern ones, Greek architectural and cultural witnesses of a new era in Crete, the time of the restoration of original Greek traditions and customs.

Heraklion attractions: what to see and where to visit

Venetian fortress of Kules

The Venetian fortress of Koules rises above the old city harbor, its construction was completed by the Venetians during their possession of Crete, in 1540. The stone building is very impressive - huge thick walls, watch towers and powerful roofs - everything served to repulse the enemy.

You can look at the Castello a Mare fortress (its other name) while walking around Heraklion. Start at the fishing harbor near the fortress, which the Venetians called Rocca al Mare, but now called by the Turkish name Koules.

The citadel has a very long history - its walls are over 8 m thick! used as a weapon of defense against invaders, later, during the struggle for the independence of Crete, Cretan rebels were kept in the huge dark corridors and chambers of the fortress, converting the fortress into a prison.

The fortress of Heraklion is built on two levels, offering a magnificent view of Heraklion, the harbor, where bright fishing boats moor and lively taverns noisy in the evenings, serving freshly cooked sea fish, just caught by fishermen. Part of the premises of the fortress was used as an arsenal for storing weapons and gunpowder.

In the old days, it was believed that the most terrible threat to the security of Heraklion (or then Candia) could come from the sea, so the fortress was always on the alert, and history confirms that many naval battles were indeed repulsed from the side of the fortress.

Sometimes art exhibitions and cultural events are held in Kules.

If you look at the surroundings of Heraklion from the observation platforms of Kules, then in the north you can see the uninhabited island of Dia, where artifacts of an ancient Minoan settlement (2700-1450 BC) were found, the author of the find was the famous sea traveler Jacques Cousteau.

In Heraklion, organizing a boat trip for a tourist is not difficult - in the tourist shops located in the center of Heraklion, you can book a boat trip at any time convenient for you, they also organize excursions to various sights of both the city and the island of Crete.

Fortress Kules opening hours: in winter November 1 to March 31 8:30 -15:00, in summer, from July 1 to October 31 08:00 - 19:30, Monday - day off. Sometimes the fortress administration changes the schedule, so call in advance and check the schedule, tel. 2810 246 211.

Days for free admission: every Sunday from November 1 to March 31, every first Sunday of the month in the summer, September 27, on International Tourism Day

Price: 2 euros.

Old city

Start your acquaintance with old Heraklion by traveling under the old gate, which will lead you through the city walls. The entrance is from the central part of Eleftherias square, the gate has recently been reconstructed.

One of the most famous streets in Heraklion is 25 Augusta Street, which has been restored and turned into a pedestrian zone. There is a church along the route of August 25th Street on the segment from Daedalus to the sea Agios Titos- a Byzantine building, which was rebuilt in the 16th century by the Venetians. During the capture of Heraklion by the Turks, the church served as a mosque, the earthquake of 1856 destroyed the Byzantine shrine, but the Ottomans restored the building.

In 1925, the mosque was re-consecrated and ranked among the temples of the Greek Orthodox Church. In the spacious square in front of Agios Titos, the city's open-air restaurant operates during the summer months, next to the church there is another interesting restaurant and bar, Pagopoieion.

The streets of the old city, which were laid during the Middle Ages, guarantee tourists simply fantastic walks in the very center of the city!

Church of Agia Catherine of Sinai

The Church of Agia Ekaterini Sinaites (The church of Agia Ekaterini Sinaites) - a theological museum is currently operating in its premises. The temple should be sought on the edge of Agia Ekaterini Square, surrounding the much larger and more famous Cathedral of Agios Minas (Saint Mina), south of Kalokairinou Street. The Church of St. Catherine exhibits a permanent collection of Byzantine icons.

Museum Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00 - 13.00, entrance fee - 1.50 euros.

Venetian loggia

The Venetian Loggia on August 25 Street (Avgoostoo Eekosi Penday), in the building of which the City Hall operates today, is located 50 meters from Lion Square Street (Morosini Square or Venizelos Square on the maps) on the right.

This is a two-story Venetian mansion, completed in 1628, which used to be a meeting place for the nobility of Crete.

St. Mark's Basilica

St. Mark's Basilica (St. Marks basilica) is located on Venizelou Square. Currently, it is used as a room for lectures, exhibitions, and cultural events. The municipal library also functions here. The basilica was built by the Venetians in 1239.

On the opposite side of Venizelou Square, the so-called Lions Square, decorated with the Morosini Fountain, opens up to the eye.

Fountain Morosini

The Morosini Fountain adorns the center of Venizelou Square; Heraklion owes its appearance to the Venetian Francesco Morosini.

The construction dates back to the 14th century, the decor of the fountain consists of scenes borrowed from Greek mythology. During the Venetian rule, water was supplied to the fountain from an aqueduct laid from the mountainous southern slopes of Crete to Heraklion.

Cathedral of Titus

This is an Orthodox church on the island of Crete. The name of the cathedral comes from the patron saint of the island, who was a preacher of Christianity in the 1st century. In the cathedral, near the entrance, the relics of Titus are kept.

Museum of Nikos Kazantzakis

The museum was founded in 1983. Located 15 kilometers from Heraklion. The exposition is dedicated to the author who wrote the famous novel The Last Temptation and made the first translations of Goethe's Faust and Dante's Divine Comedy.

Palace of Knossos

The famous Minoan Palace is a 20-25 minute drive from the center of Heraklion. For many tourists, Knossos is the main reason for visiting Crete, so if you are in Heraklion, do not miss this great opportunity and visit this well-restored archaeological site. Arthur Evans was engaged in its restoration, he spent most of his life on an archaeological expedition in Crete, and it was to him that Knossos owes its current state.

Buy tickets for excursions in Crete

The Minoan Palace is a true find that tells what the Minoan civilization was like thousands of years ago. Historical publications about Knossos can be bought in book and souvenir shops in Heraklion. There are also tourist guides in Knossos who, for a fee, will tell you the history of the palace in detail.

On the territory of the archaeological find, right next to the entrance there is a cafe, on the way to Knossos there are also several taverns where you can have a bite or a delicious lunch. In terms of time, acquaintance with the Minoan Palace takes 1-3 hours.

Palace of Knossos how to get there

To get to the palace of Knossos, the easiest way is to use the local bus. Regular bus services to Knossos from Heraklion depart from the bus station next to the harbour. At the bus station you need to find the ticket office "KNOSSOS".

By rented car or taxi, a trip from Heraklion to Knossos will take 15-20 minutes.

Opening hours: open every day from 8:00 to 19:30 (until 15:00 in winter). Information can be obtained by phone. 2810231 940.

Ticket price: 6 euros. To save money, you can buy a combined ticket for visiting Knossos and the archaeological museum, it costs 10 euros.

Free visits: every Sunday from November to the end of March.

Cretan Aquarium - Thalassocosmos

The Cretan Aquarium is a wonderful place to visit with children. The attraction area is 5000 sq. m, there is also the Institute of Marine Biology and Genetics and the Institute of Oceanography. The aquarium is housed in 60 huge water tanks, which recreated the underwater Cretan seascapes and organized more than 100 observation points.

The exhibits of the aquarium - 2500 different marine organisms, representing 200 living species of the Mediterranean - from sharks to lobsters and jellyfish. The audio guide tells about the inhabitants of the aquarium in 9 languages.

Thalassocosmos is located 15 km east of Heraklion, within the former American base of Gournes. You can get to the aquarium by bus that runs from the city center).

Details about the opening hours of the aquarium, ticket prices can be found on the page "Entertainment in Crete".

Of course, the list of Heraklion attractions can be continued, but for this you will have to stay in the city for at least another week, and I would like the sea to rejoice at your arrival, dear reader!

Book flights to Heraklion

You can order a transfer in Crete here.

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Today, unexpectedly, purely by chance, I came across a profitable tour to Crete. Decided to go :-) Hotel near Heraklion. We don't know how to lie like seals on the beach. Please help with a list of must-see places. I already know that I want to see the palace of Mnos, the cave of Zeus, visit some water park, scuba dive, go jet skiing (if possible) ... And, of course, try as much local cuisine as possible. Basically, I want...

Hi all. Guys, I'm sad. Friends persuaded me to go to Crete. We bought a triple in Hersonissos to make it cheaper, and then it turned out that they had 350 euros for 2 for 10 days. Now they are worried that they will not have enough for basic food, after reading about a Greek salad for 3.5 euros. but I have plans to rent a car for 2-3 days and travel around the island. Tell me, plz.

We are going as a family with a child of 3 years on about. Crete. We will be based in Bali. 15 days. I would like to alternate between just stupidly lying on the beach and visiting some places. We are planning to rent a car. Advise interesting places, routes.

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Heraklion can rightfully be considered the heart and one of the best holiday destinations in the world. The combination of warm sun and mild Mediterranean climate with a unique landscape, and historical sites dating back more than one thousand years with a noisy and active nightlife makes you choose a place to stay in favor of this city. Sun, sea, antiquities: a holiday in Heraklion in 2019 can give you all this - and much more.

Brief historical background

Heraklion is the administrative center, the capital of Crete, named after Hercules, who performed one of his labors here. Its Greek name is Heraklion. The city was also known as Khandak, Kandia, Heraclea, Khandakas. The city originally arose as a harbor. Then, in 824, the Arabs who captured Crete rebuilt the fortified fort of Handak. In the future, the city was rebuilt, captured, ruined by different peoples - the Byzantines, Venetians, Turks. Only in 1913 the city became part of Greece, and in 1971 it became the capital of Crete.

It is not surprising that such a rich history has left a big mark on the development of the city and its architectural appearance. Today, Heraklion is a modern city that keeps the memory of its history and offers all travelers a lot of entertainment and recreation. Do not ignore this city of Crete when planning a vacation in 2019.

Brief geographic reference and climate

The city is located on the island of Crete on the coast of the Aegean Sea, 334 kilometers from Athens. Heraklion, with an area of ​​120 square kilometers, is home to 175,000 local residents. Administratively, the city is divided into 5 districts.

The climate here, as throughout the Mediterranean, is temperate, mild and dry. The hottest months are July and August. The air warms up to an average of 28 degrees Celsius. At the same time, the water temperature rarely drops below 16 degrees, even in winter. The best time to visit is June-September. Spring is good for hiking, but not for swimming - the sea is not yet warm enough at this time of the year.

Heraklion on the map

Security in Heraklion

Crete is considered a good holiday destination even for less protected categories of tourists: children, the elderly, young girls. However, in such a large city, thefts still happen sometimes. Therefore, you should not leave your valuables on the seats of the car, and also carry all the available cash with you. Of course, do not forget about protection from the sun, and also - swim only in appropriate weather.

Planning your trip to Heraklion: transport and accommodation

How to get there?

It is convenient to get to Heraklion by plane, as the airport is located a few kilometers from the city center. Direct flights from the airport run only during the summer period. The rest of the time you can fly, for example, through Athens. A ticket to Heraklion in the summer of 2019 will cost about 8 thousand rubles.

Also, if you are traveling in the main part of Greece, sea transport from Athens goes to the city. Nine-story liners depart daily from the port of Piraeus. The cost of a comfortable cabin will be approximately 120 euros.

Public transport in the city is represented mainly by buses. In addition, they also walk around the neighborhood, so there will be no problems with how to move around. You can go to other resorts, a ticket will cost a maximum of 15 euros. Well, if you like increased comfort, you can always order a taxi, the cost will depend on the distance.

Where to stay?

The capital of Crete offers many comfortable hotels (mostly 3-5 stars) with European service, as well as apartments and hostels. Here are some placement examples:

1. A good apartment in the city center, furnished with modern furniture, or a simple two-star hotel will cost two tourists about 3 thousand rubles a day.
2. An establishment of an average category with a pool can cost two travelers about 5-6 thousand rubles per day.
3. One of the luxury hotels - Galaxy Iraklio 5 * - offers its guests rooms of different comfort classes from standard to business rooms. The hotel has a SPA-salon, a restaurant and wireless internet. The hotel is a 15 minute walk from the city centre. The price per day for two guests is around 9 thousand rubles.

Traveling to Heraklion: where to go, what to see, what to do?

Even the most sophisticated tourist will find something to do in Heraklion and will not be bored. Sunbathing and swimming, exploring ancient beauties, having fun in a modern way - all this is possible on vacation in this city.

Beach holidays and water sports in Heraklion

For lovers of passive recreation, there are wonderful picturesque beaches with clear water. Heraklion and its surroundings are full of sandy and pebbly areas, where all tourists will find a cozy place to sunbathe and swim.

There are equipped, as well as nearby and wild beaches hidden in bays. In general, all of them are marked by a good entrance to the sea, which is convenient for those who have a family vacation with children, and many are also marked with the prestigious Blue Flag sign. Here are some of the beaches in this resort area:

1. Amudara. It is located 4 kilometers from Heraklion. A beach with excellent infrastructure, as well as the presence of a large number of taverns, cafes, restaurants. Covered in dark sand.
2. Vateyanos Kambos. It is very popular among locals, so if you want to look at the cheerful sociable Cypriots and relax in a fun atmosphere, you are here.
3. Linoperomat. Do you like outdoor activities? Go to this beach. It is often windy here and you can enjoy windsurfing.

By the way, diving is also available from water activities in Heraklion and its environs (there is a large center in the village of Agia Pelagia), water skiing, snorkeling, canoeing.

All the best beaches are located 4-15 kilometers from the city, this is their feature. Despite the fact that Heraklion itself lies off the coast, you will have to take a taxi or public transport to all the beaches.

Do not forget that in addition to the sea and beaches, there are vine and olive orchards, rocks, big waves and breathtaking scenic views that are also worthy of attention.

Sights of Heraklion

Curious tourists are waiting for stories about the history of Greece and the island of Crete. Fans of sightseeing walks in Heraklion will definitely not be bored. A walk around the city (you should pay attention to August Street - “Street of Illusions”) can already become an impressive excursion. In addition, you should definitely visit the main local attractions.

The Palace of Knossos was built over 2 thousand years ago and is associated with the myth of the Minotaur and the brave Theseus. The most visited of the palaces of Crete. It is more interesting to visit it with a guided tour, however, if you do not want to invest in finances, it will not be difficult to find the palace - the road is accompanied by signs. Many details of ancient architecture: columns, gallery, frescoes, stairs can be viewed on the territory of the Knossos Palace.

It is worth visiting the Archaeological Museum, which contains artifacts from different eras from the Neolithic to the Roman Empire. This is the largest museum dedicated to the Minoan era. Ceramics, jewelry, cult and household items - you can devote at least half a day to the museum's exposition.

The Historical Museum of Crete covers the period from the Byzantine era to World War II. You can learn everything about the life, customs and culture of the locals by going to this place. In addition, there are also masterpieces by Cretan artists and even a couple of paintings by El Greco.

Also in Heraklion there is the Museum of Natural History, which is dedicated to the flora and fauna of the Mediterranean, and the Museum of Fine Arts, the exposition of which focuses on the contemporary art of local creators.

You can enjoy the spirit of history, even just by going to the borders of the city. It is surrounded by 16th century Venetian walls with several ornate gates. And in the center of Heraklion there is a Venetian fountain.

You can also see a couple of local temple buildings. The Cathedral of St. Titus is the cathedral church of the city, it houses the relics of the apostle, who is the patron saint of Heraklion. The Cathedral of St. Mina is an imposing, monumental building that miraculously escaped the bombing during the Second World War. And the small church of St. Catherine of Sinai currently houses a collection of works of church art.

From Heraklion you can go on excursions to other amazing places. So, there is an opportunity to go to the island of Santorini, visit the picturesque Balos Bay, enjoy the famous Athens and much more. The abundance of offers of guides in Crete will allow everyone to choose an excursion to their liking. In addition, you can explore the surroundings of Heraklion. For example, 70 kilometers from the city lie the ruins of the ancient settlement of Phaistos, founded by Minos.

Things to Do in Heraklion

The city is not only rich in sights. Those who are relaxing with the whole family may need to entertain their child in a simple and uncomplicated way.

Travelers with children can go to the WaterCity entertainment water park, where there are both children's zones and attractions for brave teenagers. This establishment is located in a mountainous area, so at the same time enjoy the views. You can also go to another water park - AquaPlus, the largest on the island. In the summertime, Katerina Amusement Park often stands in Heraklion. Most of its rides are designed for kids.

You should definitely go to the village of Kato Gouves, where the marine aquarium Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is located. Sharks, jellyfish and many other animals are waiting for all visitors, by the way, there are audio guides in Russian, so even kids will understand everything they need. In addition, it should be said that some hotels in Heraklion provide babysitting services, animators, they have children's clubs, so just carefully choose the place where you will live - this way you will make your vacation comfortable for the whole family.

Fans of urban recreation and shopping will be delighted with a large number of boutiques, cafes, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Among the latter, tourists especially note the Paradise club, which organizes wild beach parties and invites famous and experienced DJs.

Cretan cuisine is a real pleasure with benefits for the body. Fish and seafood, salads flavored with olive oil, an abundance of homemade cheeses will appeal to all travelers. You should definitely try the local tomato snack, as well as goat milk ice cream and other dairy products. The approximate price for local fast food is about 4 euros, lunch in an average tavern will cost around 20 euros, dinner will cost around 25 euros.

Be sure to visit local shops and shops, buy souvenirs and gifts. What to take with you as a souvenir of a trip to Heraklion? These can be such Cretan goods as:

• ceramic products with Greek ornament;
• cognac metaxa;
• textiles made from natural fabrics;
• citrus honey;
• olive oil.

Do you want to enjoy the local flavor to the fullest? Travel to Heraklion during the Summer Arts Festival. From July to September, performances, dances, and concerts are organized in the city. You can admire both contemporary art forms and shows with a national touch.

Numerous agencies offer other entertainment for guests of Heraklion. Jeep safari, fishing from a yacht, a walk on a stylized pirate ship - there is how to spend a day for any traveler.

Heraklion is a real holiday center in Crete. Going on a trip to this city, get ready to get acquainted with the local color, enjoy a variety of dishes, sightseeing trips to the mysterious Cretan places. You will be able to competently combine relaxation on well-maintained and clean beaches and knowledge of the secrets of the island. Old and young - everyone will appreciate this safe, interesting, comfortable vacation in 2019.