Convenient place for rest: rich cultural heritage, entertainment at sea, well-developed infrastructure. Vacation options for every taste and budget. Visit historic sites. Enjoy beach holidays and sailing trips. Taste local cuisine and Cretan wine. Go shopping at the legendary Laiki Market. Heraklion will definitely remain in your heart.

The Gate of Crete, the first city to welcome tourists. They arrive at Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport and seaport.

Named in honor of Hercules, who performed one of his feats here. Here is the labyrinth of the Minotaur from the myths of Ancient Greece. Add to this the picturesque surroundings with cliffs and the azure sea. Additionally, the infrastructure with numerous shops, boutiques, restaurants and cafes. Here's the formula for the perfect vacation. Perhaps that is why many tourists flock here every year.

When is the best time to visit

The tourist season begins in April, and in May they are already swimming, the water warms up to 20 ° C. In the period from July to September, the temperature rises to 28-35 ° C. These are the hottest months of the year. In September comes the velvet season, which lasts until the end of October. The heat subsides, but the sea is warm, the water temperature is 23 ° C.

Winters are mild - in January, which is considered the coldest month, the average temperature is about 16 ° C. Heraklion in winter is a special pleasure. The hotels are open. You can walk and see the sights. Rent a car and travel to mountain villages. In winter, there are many sunny warm days, during which you can go to sea on a yacht and admire the winter Cretan views.

What to see

A place to visit: Knossos Palace, a labyrinth in which the bloodthirsty Minotaur was waiting for the victims. Here you can wander through the ruins admiring the colorful frescoes. Examine the bath and toilet, which are already 3,600 years old. View the oldest royal road in Europe.

One of the most beautiful sights is the Kules fortress in the port. Built in the 16th century by the Venetians, it is perfectly preserved. This is a favorite backdrop for our guests' photo session before sailing. The DanEri catamaran is moored in the marina directly opposite her.

The Archaeological Museum attracts with an exposition of the antiquities of the Minoan civilization. The history of the island can be learnd in the Historical Museum. In the Museum of El Greco which is in the village of Fodele, 18 km west of Heraklion, you can enjoy the work of one of the outstanding artists of the Renaissance.

Where to stay

Hotel business is well developed. Even a discerning traveler will find accommodation to its taste: from luxury apartments in a five-star hotel with SPA to an inexpensive room in a hotel without stars. You can stay in a noisy center or choose a quiet suburb. It all depends on your plans and budget. It is rare to find an all-inclusive system here, but breakfast is included in the room rate in almost all hotels.

We offer our guests a unique experience: spending the night on a yacht. On special occasions, for example, if you want to stay overnight on the island of Dia, we will turn the catamaran into a hotel.

Shopping

Be sure to visit Laiki Bazaar to stock up local products and specialties: vegetables, fruits, Cretan cheese, honey, spices, souvenirs. It constantly changes its location, but on Thursdays and Saturdays it usually opens five minutes from the center. By the way, we buy provisions for our yacht cruises here.

In the center of Heraklion, there are pedestrian streets of 1866, 1821, Kalokerinou and Daedalu. You will find many small shops there. Olive oil and cosmetics made from it, honey, dried fruits and spices can be bought here. Popular textiles and jewelry made of cut silver, clothing and footwear.

Shops are open from 9:30 to 14:30 on Monday, Tuesday and Saturday, on other days except Sunday also in the evening from 17:30 to 21:00. Sunday is a day off, everything is closed.

How to have fun

There are no beaches in Heraklion where you can swim and sunbathe. They are located a few kilometers from the city. You can rest there comfortably.

The sandy beach of Ammoudara is located 6 km to the west. It is very popular, so it is crowded here. At the disposal of visitors is the rental of sun loungers, cafes, snack bars, a windsurfing school.

Karteros is a youthful sandy beach 7 km to the east. It is well equipped: there are changing rooms, toilets, showers, you can rent a sunbed.

Paleokastro is located 16 km to the west. A small stretch of rocky seaside at the foot of the ruins of a Venetian fortress is another popular beach destination. Renowned for being the best diving.

Heraklion has two of the largest ports in Crete, one of the most popular entertainment here is yacht excursions. DanEri Yachts, for example, organizes boat trips to the bay of Dia Island. Departure in the morning and afternoon. On the cruise, you can go fishing, learn SUP, go snorkeling, arrange a photo session on the background of sea views.

Heraklion is famous for its wineries, so do not miss the opportunity to visit one of them. Here you can taste wine and see how it is made. The most popular and interesting are Lyrarakis, Paterianakis, Boutari located in the vicinity of the city. You can get to there by a rented car or with an excursion group. But it's worth it: a fascinating story of local winemaking awaits you as you walk through the vineyard and wine tastings. Any wine that you like can be bought. In Greece, dry wine is mostly drunk.

What to try

There are hundreds of establishments in Heraklion: from gourmet restaurants with a European menu to cozy family taverns where you can treat yourself to homemade food. Cretan cuisine is famous for its fish and seafood dishes, olive oil, local cheeses and vegetables. Lamb deserves a special mentioning, it is cooked here incomparably.

Be sure to order Taramosalata sauce made from smoked cod roe, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic. It is served as an appetizer with olives and pita bread. You will certainly be delighted with any seafood dishes, they are divinely prepared here. We especially recommend grilled squid, octopus, Saganaki shrimp or grilled fish.

Don't like seafood? Order grilled lamb ribs or rabbit stifado. We definitely recommend trying the local specialty - the Antichristo lamb. Large cuts of meat are not cooked over a fire, but in front of it. The dish is cooked for at least 1.5 hours and turns out to be very tender.

And don't forget the dessert. Xerotigana (Angel wings), kaltsunaki pies with cheese and honey, puff pastry bugatsa will drive crazy even those who are indifferent to sweets.

They love and know how to receive guests in Crete. Many tourists who once spent their holidays here come back again and again. If you cannot choose where to go or what to try, we will gladly help you to create a vacation program. Contact us!