Heraklion is the capital city of the island of Crete. The city, with a population of around 200 thousand people, is the fourth largest in Greece. The city is the favorite destination for both local and foreign tourists. It ranks the 20th place as the most visited spot in Europe. If you would like to experience a perfect trip, the following tips will help you:
Plan your days – You should be aware of the climatic conditions of Heraklion before planning your trip. You can visit Crete at any time of the year as some parts are warmer and drier. If you would like to avoid the summer crowd, you can plan your trip either in early May or late September.
How to reach? – To reach Heraklion, you can go by either boat or plane. If you get down in one airport, you can plan an exit from the town from another airport so that you will cover the places in between very efficiently. Local taxis, rental cars in Crete, and buses are useful for sightseeing. If you work with a reputed travel agency, the paperwork can be finished quickly so that you hit the road on rented taxies very quickly.
Stay at Heraklion – If you plan your trip to stay at different places in Heraklion, you can cover the city and not spend more time in the car. Some of the worth mentions are Lato Boutique Hotel, Domes of Elounda, The Blue Palace, and Rethymno.
What to eat? – If you land at Lato Boutique Hotel, you will be served the official Greek meal. You will enjoy not only the gorgeous view but also sumptuous cocktails. You can enjoy homemade meals at many locations through which you will remember the authentic traditions and food culture of Heraklion.
Places of interest
Historical Museum of Crete
The museum was established in 1953 with a unique purpose of preserving the Cretan cultural heritage right from the Byzantine period to modern times. You can visit the museum between 9 am and 5 pm to experience the paintings of the famous painter El Greco. Further, the museum is ideal for exploring sculptures, coins, ceramics, and images to understand history and culture.
Heraklion Fortress
You can visit the city’s harbor, which is surrounded by Venetian Fortress or Koules or Castello a Mare. It is an extraordinary fortress constructed by Venetians in the 13th century. The visiting hours of the fortress are between 8.30 am and 3 pm. During summer, it is extended up to 7 pm. The fort entertains visitors by organizing interesting plays, concerts, and exhibitions.
Saint Minas Cathedral
Saint Minas is the saint of Heraklion. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Greece. The Cathedral was established in 1862 as per the planning of the famous architect, Thomas Mousis. It is considered the thanksgiving of the residents for the city’s heroic protection by the saint. You can also find the church of Saint Catherine and Saint Catherine Square, which are next to the cathedral.