Things to do in Heraklion

Things to do in Heraklion

One aspect about Crete that really stood out to me was the friendliness of the locals who were so helpful, smiley and welcoming. Set out below is an idea of things to do in Heraklion for 4 days around the area.

Heraklion City Centre

We went on a 2 hour free walking tour of the city centre which is offered throughout the week. We visited the following locations:

The Venetian port
Part of the Venetian walls
Liberty Square
Central Market
St. Menas Cathedral
Morosini Fountain
St. Marks Basilica

Archiepiscopal Church of St. Titos

We had a lovely guide who showed us around the city, showing us the places set out above. Just tip what you want at the end of the tour.

Spinalonga and Agios Nikolas

We found an amazing day trip which covered the coach journey, entrance fee to Spinalonga and a boat ride and BBQ. At around 9.30am we arrived in Elounda, a small fishing village, where we made our way on to the boat to Spinalonga.

We were given around one hour and 15 minutes in Spinalonga (also known as Kalydon) which was enough time given the island is small. Our tour guide took us around for the first 35-40 minutes giving us an insight into the history of Spinalonga.

Originally, Spinalonga was part of the island of Crete but during Venetian occupation the island was carved out of the coast for defence purposes and a fort was built there. In 1903-1957 the island was a leper colony and the last inhabitant, a monk, left in 1962. Since then it has been used as a tourist destination.

We stopped off at a nearby island for almost 2 hours for free time to either swim, lay on the beach or wander around and climb to the top for some beautiful views. You cannot make your way around the entire island in the time period but we visited a small church and saw some really stunning views.

Agios Nikolas

A fresh bbq lunch was served at 1.30 consisting of pork steak, Greek salad, wine and fruit. We then sailed back to Elounda to get back on the coach to Agios Nikolas.

It is a quaint little town (historically a fishing village) with a number of shops, restaurants by the harbour and a lake, which was historically considered bottomless but is actually 63-67m. Make sure you climb up the stairs by the lake to the top for the lovely views.

We also had a lovely cocktail and juice at a cafe bar called Asteria in the sun by the port.

Visiting Knossos

The Minoan Palace of Knossos (situated about 5km from Heraklion) was built for the King in 1900 BC. It was only in 1878 when a local called businessman, Minos Kalokairinos, started excavating it after uncovering part of the West Wing of the Palace. Entrance is €18.

Visiting Hersonissos

Hersonissos is situated a 25 minute from Heraklion and boasts a lively town with plenty of restaurants and bars. It was once a Roman port so contains a number of ancient ruins.

El Greco and Cavos Hersonissos both had beautiful beach views serving Mediterranean cuisine.

Around a 15 minute uphill walk from the town is the Cretian village of Koutouloufari. It was certainly worth the walk with all the windy streets with flowers and traditional buildings.

Pithati Tavern was a little haven with a rooftop overlooking Hersonissos serving typical Cretian food with friendly service. The food at Taverna Esperos also looked great.

Pithati Tavern was a little haven with a rooftop overlooking Hersonissos serving typical Cretian food with friendly service. The food at Taverna Esperos also looked great.

Beach wise, there’s a whole stretch through Hersonissos town. Sarantari Beach just a 10 minute walk away was quiet -we pretty much had it to ourselves!