Heraklion holidays

The Church of Agios Titos, Heraklion, Crete

Holidays to Heraklion take you to the bustling capital of Crete – there are restaurants and bars, with a lively central market thrown in. Plus there are Minoan ruins just down the road.

A modern city with history

Heraklion, the bustling capital of Crete, is one of Greece’s biggest cities. The Venetian history of the place is obvious in the old town and fortress down by the harbour. Around the 2 main squares are traditional kafenions and tavernas, plus modern bars and clubs, too. You’re never far from a beach either – there’s one just down the road for starters.

Sandy beaches up the road

Heraklion may not have its own beach, but the Blue Flag Ammoudara Beach is just 10 minutes’ drive away. It’s a 7-kilometre stretch of sand with lots of sunloungers and umbrellas. For a change of scene, there are watersports at Gouves beach, 20 minutes’ drive away, and another mammoth stretch of sand at Anissaras, about 30 minutes away.

Museums, cathedrals and fountains

The 13th-century waterside fortress is Heraklion’s main attraction. It’s a huge stone structure that’s completely intact and open to tour. Over at the Archaeological Museum there are finds from all over Crete going back to 5,000BC – the best bit is the Phaistos Disc, inscribed with symbols that nobody’s managed to decipher yet. Nearby is the huge Agios Minas Cathedral, decked out with opulent wall murals.

Rethymno and Chania

The other 2 centres of Crete are a daytrip away – it’s 1 hour to Rethymno and double that to Chania. In Rethymno there’s the Fortezza, a castle in great nick that’s open to the public. The towering minaret of the Neratze mosque is just around the corner, too. Further along at Chania there’s the beautiful old town, with a crumbling Venetian harbour and quaint main square.

Popular hotels in Heraklion

Facts about Heraklion

Currency
Euro
(EUR)
Language
Greek
Time zone
GMT +2
Flight duration
3 hours to 4 hours from Gatwick

FAQs

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

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