The City of Heraklion

An unimpressive start

The first impression you will get of Heraklion is rather unimposimg. Unlike Rethymo and Chania, the two other main towns of Crete, Heraklion is no genuine architectural character. While the history of the last 7 centuries is common (Venetians, Ottomans), there was not much respect shown to the majority of the old houses in Heraklion. Most of the old houses where replaced by new-built houses back in the 1960s and 1970s without a nice centrally organized plan so today you can see just a handful (but nicely renovated) impressive, aesthetic buildings. However, during your walk to the center the eye is captured by other impressive, aesthetic images. There are many beautiful women walking around or sitting in one of the many coffee shops in the small squares. It’s quite easy to make eye-contact since everybody is enjoying a coffee or cold refreshment outside of the shops, next to the streets.

Heraklion Travel Guide Part 2: Best Daytime Activities (tons of pics)

What to do

Within a few hours walking in the center – as distances are short – the visitor can get a clear idea of the city’s showplaces (mainly from the Venetian times – 13^th till 17^th century) and feel the cosmopolitan atmosphere at the same time.

During the day

Here is a list with the more basic (read:touristy) sightseeing recommendations for the city of Heraklion:

The Renaissance gates with vaulted roofs
The impressive city walls
The Morosini fountain with the marble made lions
The Loggia
The city hall
The Kornaros square with the renovated Turkish pumphouse
The Venetian port with the fortress
The large shipyards with the barrel-vaulted roofs
The imposing churches (Agios Titos, Agia Ekaterini, Agios Minas)

and last but not least:

The recently renovated Archaeological museum with rich Minoan collections.

It really does not take long to walk around and visit all these spots. Doing so might even include meeting the one or other mythical person as you can see it in this surrealistic but aesthetic video based on the myth about Theseus and Minotaur.

When you visit these places keep in mind to watch out for any poster (also in English) informing about an interesting art happening or exhibition which might be organized there. If you are more nature than culture lover, the Natural History Museum is waiting next to the sea coast to impress you, expanding your knowledge about the special Cretan ecosystem inside the 4-floors modern building. The entrance fee of 9€ is hefty, but worth it.

Two Street Markets

In any case, no matter what type of daytime activity you are into, visiting the following locations is a must:

A visit to the 1866 street, an open street market, is a must as you will encounter many kiosks and small shops selling almost everything regarding to local food produce, i.e. fruits, herbs, cheese and fish as well as many nice handcrafted souvenirs –  in case you were looking for a souvenir not made in China.

During the same walk you have the chance to discover the rhythm of the city and to refresh yourself in one of the many nice coffee-snack places, under the precious shade of umbrellas or (even better) big trees.

Try to get lost in the narrow streets departing from the big squares and taste delicious snacks like local pies and sandwiches.

Just avoid the all too touristic shops along the big main square Eleftherias (=Liberty Square).

Keep in mind that going beyond it Eleftherias you will reach the Garden of the city. It may be just a bit smaller that what you would expect, but it is still very nice. On 3 mornings per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) there is an interesting flea market where produce only made by ecological local producers is sold.

Where To Eat

For some nice snack spots but also for more serious food, check out the following venues:

Tyraki (=little cheese).

Try the best sandwich in Crete (and one of the best in Europe), choosing your ingredients from a big variety of local meat, cheese, vegetables and sauces. Open 24h, but gets buzzier after midnight when many young men and women  wat in line for snack after and in between clubbing.

 Ontas

Probably the best choice if you want to combine excellent Cretan cuisine with an aesthetic, traditional and friendly environment. On top of that you get the chance to experience some authentic live music that has nothing to do with that played for the tourists. The only difficulty is to find the place, so click here for directons.  Opens after 19:00, but you is best to be visited after 22:00.

Vrakas (Βράκας)

One of the few places you can get fresh fish and also one of the few taverns open for lunch as most of the restaurants in the city open after 18:00 only. Locals have their lunch at home or in a tavern close to a beach so it makes little sense for taverns bring out the chairs and tables during lunch time. 

Taking a table outside might not be so alluring due to the many cars passing by, but if you focus to the old port view and the nice plates you won’t be affected as much.

Katsinas

Another spot famous for fresh fish yet without the noise of the buzzy street (though it is located just 200m from Vrakas). Also features delicious local non-fish cuisine, an extra clean outside area and and very friendly staff. Very close to the small church of Agios Dimitrios.

Cooked with Love

If you are standing on the square of Agios Titos (Saint Titos) facing the entrance of the big church your will see owner Popi’s very nice and air conditioned place locate at the end of the small street on your. It is a small but cozy restaurant offering elicious dished that are all cooked with love. Open daily from midday until about midnight.

After Dawn: Nightlife

After a nice dinner it is time to experience Heraklion’s pulsating nightlife

There are basically 2 areas in Heraklion where all the action takes place from sunset till sun rise. First, there is the area around the very city center between the big Eleftherias square all the way through Milatou Street until the Lions’ fountain and the Saint Titos square.

#1 | A First Nightlife Hotspot: Downtown Heraklion

Come nighttime, this area of downtown Heraklion will look like this:

Walking around the city center of Heraklon at night will leave you overwhelmed with venues competing for your attention. From the large number of bars in this area we recommend:

Cuckoo Bar F24a F24b

One of the biggest (and most popular the last years) bars in town, a good choice to have your first drink of the night, sitting next to the buzzy Milatou street. Later on if you want to visit all the recommended places, it doesn’t take more than 10 min walking!

Route 66

An old school Rock Bar, no more description needed. Except for that you have a good chance to have your coffee or drink served in a cup with the logo of your favorite heavy metal band on it.

Guernika

Just a few meters down the narrow street you’ll find the oldest bar in town still serving 250ml beers for 4 Euros, long drinks for 6€ and cocktails for 7€. An old neoclassic 2 floor building that is similar to the bars in the anarchist neighborhood of Athens – Eksarhia. Comes with a small yard for those who don’t like the stuffed feeling inside the not-too-big bar.

Ellinadiko

Maybe the best after-bar on the whole Island. With a young crowd Ellinadiko’s local fame may appear a bit reduced, but not vanished due to the financial crises. The mixture of pop-techno-rock and – after 3am – Greek dance music, the cheerful atmosphere, the rain of paper napkins (as throwing flowers became very expensive) and women dancing on the bar counter will have you easily accept the average 8 Euro for a long drink.

Once your night is coming to an end and you are on your way back to the hotel, be prepared to meet many Greeks having something like an early breakfast before they go to sleep.

Take part in this pleasurable Greek nightlife routine and try some local food yourself: there is always the Tyraki (little cheese) option (see previous page) or you can try one of the many places selling famous Gyros (Greek Kebab) that are located next to the square with the lions’ fountain.