Guide of Everything I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Heraklion, Greece

Something I’ve learned over decades of travel is that every destination goes a little smoother when you know the basics. While I love to wing it, some places are better when you’re a little prepared.

If you’re planning a trip to Heraklion, Greece, there are quite a few things I wish I had known before I arrived. That’s exactly why I created this guide.

My goal is to help you land in Crete feeling prepared, so you can avoid common mistakes and make the most of your time from day one.

Whether you’re wondering where to stay, what to eat, the best things to do, or how many days I’d actually recommend spending in Heraklion, you’ll find it all here.

I recently returned from visiting Heraklion myself, and I’m sharing everything I learned along the way so you can plan your trip with confidence.

Where Is Heraklion, Greece?

Heraklion is located on the north coast of Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. It’s the island’s capital and where most visitors first arrive, thanks to its international airport and busy ferry port connecting Crete with Athens and several other Greek islands.

One thing I didn’t realize before visiting is just how convenient Heraklion is as a starting point for exploring Crete. Whether you’re planning to road trip across the island, head west to Chania, or visit famous sites like Knossos Palace, everything is within easy reach.

If you’re flying into Crete, chances are you’ll land in Heraklion. Even if you don’t plan to spend your entire vacation here, it’s worth taking at least a day or two to explore the city before heading off to the island’s beach towns and mountain villages.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Heraklion?

While every traveler has different interests, I think it’s fair to say that most people are ready to move on after two nights in Heraklion. If you prefer a slower pace, enjoy wandering museums, or want to take a day trip to places like Knossos or the nearby wine region, three nights is plenty.

Personally, I wouldn’t plan an entire Crete vacation around Heraklion. I see it as the perfect place to begin your trip. Spend a couple of days exploring the Old Town, visiting the Archaeological Museum and Knossos Palace, enjoying the local food scene, then continue on to other parts of the island like Chania, Rethymno, or Agios Nikolaos.

If I were planning this trip again, I’d stay two nights. It gave me enough time to see the highlights without feeling rushed, and I was ready for my next stop on the island.

Read Next: Is Heraklion Worth Visiting?

Best Time to Visit Heraklion

The good news is that there really isn’t a bad time to visit Heraklion. Crete enjoys one of the longest warm seasons in Europe, so you’ll find sunshine for much of the year.

That said, if I were planning another trip, I’d definitely choose a few months over others.

Spring (April to June)

This would be my top pick. The temperatures are warm without being unbearably hot, wildflowers are still blooming, and the city feels much less crowded than it does in the middle of summer.

It’s also a great time if you’re planning to explore archaeological sites like Knossos, where you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors.

Summer (July and August)

Summer is peak season, which means the city is at its busiest and hottest. Temperatures regularly climb into the 90s°F (30s°C), and sightseeing in the afternoon can be pretty exhausting.

If you’re visiting during these months, I’d plan outdoor activities early in the morning, then slow down during the hottest part of the day. For example, do an early morning tour of the Palace of Knossos in the morning, then get a pool pass at Etheral White Resort and spend the afternoon by the pool.

Fall (September to October)

If I couldn’t visit in spring, I’d choose early fall. The sea is still warm enough for swimming, the intense summer crowds have started to thin out, and the weather is still fantastic for walking around the Old Town or taking day trips around Crete.

Winter (November to March)

Winter is the quietest time to visit Heraklion. You’ll find lower hotel prices and a more local feel, but don’t expect beach weather every day. If your main goal is history, museums, and experiencing everyday life in Crete, it can still be a great time to visit.

My Recommendation: If you asked me when I’d book my own trip, I’d choose May, early June, or late September. You get beautiful weather, fewer crowds, and a much more enjoyable experience wandering the city without the intense summer heat.

How to Get to Heraklion, Greece

I’ve only ever flown to Crete because, for me, it’s by far the easiest and most convenient option. Heraklion is home to Crete’s largest international airport, and it’s only about a 10 to 15-minute drive from the city center, so you can be checking into your hotel not long after landing.

If you’re traveling from elsewhere in Greece, flying from Athens is quick and easy, with multiple flights operating throughout the day. During the summer months, there are also direct international flights from many cities across Europe.

Another popular option is taking the ferry. I know quite a few travelers who combine Santorini and Crete on the same trip since they’re relatively close together.

Seasonal ferries connect the islands, making it easy to spend a few days in Santorini before continuing on to Heraklion. You can also take an overnight ferry from Athens if you prefer not to fly.

If you’re already exploring Crete by car, Heraklion is well connected by the island’s main highway, making it an easy drive from places like Chania, Rethymno, or Agios Nikolaos.

Do You Need a Car in Heraklion?

If you’re only planning to explore Heraklion, I’d actually recommend not renting a car. I didn’t have one during my visit, and I never once felt like I needed it.

The Old Town is very walkable, and most of the city’s main attractions, restaurants, cafés, and shops are all within a relatively compact area.

Even visiting Knossos Palace doesn’t require a rental car. You can easily get there by public bus, taxi, or as part of a guided tour, so I wouldn’t rent a car just for that.

That said, if your plan is to spend several days exploring more of Crete, then renting a car starts to make a lot more sense.

Some of the island’s best beaches, mountain villages, wineries, and scenic viewpoints are only able to be reached with your own vehicle.

Crete is a big island, and having a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. I use Discover Cars to find all my rental cars when traveling.

One thing to keep in mind is parking. Like many historic European city centers, parking around Heraklion’s Old Town can be limited and sometimes frustrating.

My recommendation: Stay in Heraklion without a car for two nights, then rent one when it’s time to discover the rest of Crete.

Where to Stay in Heraklion

When I stayed in Heraklion, I chose a hotel right in the city center, and I wouldn’t do it any other way. For me, being able to walk everywhere is one of the biggest perks of staying in Heraklion.

I stay at Dom Boutique Hotel; it’s centrally located and quiet, which can be harder to find than you might think.

Something to note when picking your hotel: look at the street it’s located on. If it’s on the main highway with water views. Just be prepared for some traffic noise. I had to deal with that on my second stay,

The Hotels I’d Recommend

• Etheral White Resort – A hotel with a rooftop pool in the center of the city!! This hotel is also on a quiet street, which can be hard to find in central Heraklion.
• Dom Boutique Hotel – Great location, nice, clean, and comfortable rooms.

Hotel Search Tip: I wouldn’t stress too much about finding a hotel with a pool. You’ll likely spend most of your time exploring the city, and if you’re heading elsewhere in Crete afterward, that’s where you’ll probably have your beach or resort experience.

Best Things to Do in Heraklion

While Heraklion isn’t the prettiest city in Crete, I was surprised by just how much there was to do. I found myself slowing down, wandering the streets, lingering over long lunches, and enjoying the city’s mix of history and local life. These are the experiences I think are most worth your time.

Visit Knossos Palace

If there’s one attraction you absolutely shouldn’t miss, it’s Knossos Palace. As the center of the ancient Minoan civilization, it’s one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.

While you can absolutely buy a ticket and explore on your own, I personally think it’s one of those places that’s much better with a guide. Plus, you get to skip the line with a guide!

Without someone explaining what you’re looking at, it’s easy to walk past what just looks like piles of old stones.

Learning about the myths, history, and how the palace functioned made the experience much more interesting and helped me appreciate what I was seeing.

👉 I highly recommend booking a guided tour. Private Tour-Knossos Palace Zeus Cave Pottery Olive Mill & Wine

Explore Heraklion’s Old Town

One of my favorite things to do in Heraklion was simply wander the Old Town without an agenda. Before I started exploring on my own, I decided to do a 90-minute self-guided audio tour with VoiceMap. I actually thought it was a great way to get my bearings.

It gave me a lot of the city’s history and pointed out places I probably would have walked right past otherwise, all without being tied to a group or schedule.

After the tour, I spent the rest of the afternoon wandering the side streets, stopping for coffee, and popping into little boutiques that caught my eye. That ended up being one of my favorite parts of visiting Heraklion.

My favorite street was Chandakos. It was full of the cutest independent shops, local boutiques, and cafés, and I found myself wandering down it more than once.

Visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

I’ll be honest, I’m not someone who usually gets excited about museums, but this one completely exceeded my expectations. It’s home to one of the world’s finest collections of Minoan artifacts, many of which came directly from Knossos.

If you’re planning to visit both, I’d recommend seeing the museum either before or after Knossos. It adds so much context and makes the palace far more meaningful.

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum isn’t located at the site of the Palace of Knossos, as you might expect, but in the old town of Heraklion.

Walk Along the Venetian Harbor

Here you’ll find fishing boats, waterfront cafés, and views of Koules Fortress at the entrance to the port. It’s especially nice around sunset when locals and visitors alike come out for a walk.

Visit Koules Fortress

Standing guard over the harbor, Koules Fortress is one of Heraklion’s most recognizable landmarks.

Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth walking out to admire the views back toward the city and watch boats come and go.

Entrance is pretty cheap, and if you do the audio tour I recommend, you will get more historical insight.

Browse the Central Market

If you are in Heraklion, there is no way you’ll miss the central market. It’s one of the main streets in Heraklion old town. It’s a great place to browse local cheeses, herbs, spices, olive oil, honey, and other Cretan specialties.

Enjoy the Local Food Scene

Some of my favorite meals in Crete were actually in Heraklion. Fantastic traditional tavernas sit alongside modern Greek restaurants, and I found the food scene much better than I expected. I talk about all the best places to eat in Heraklion a little further down the post.

Where to Eat in Heraklion

Finding good food is one of my favorite things to do when I travel, and Heraklion did not disappoint. I found a few places that I would absolutely go back to, from a restaurant worth making a reservation for to casual spots where you can have an amazing meal without spending much at all.

Here are the Heraklion restaurants I wouldn’t miss.

Peskesi: The One You Need a Reservation For

If you’re a foodie and have done any research on where to eat in Heraklion, you’ve probably already come across Peskesi. This place gets so much attention for a reason.

The entire experience was wonderful, not only for the food but also for the atmosphere. The menu focuses on Cretan cuisine and local ingredients, and it feels a little more special than your typical casual taverna.

It is going to be a bit more expensive than some of the other restaurants in Heraklion, but I definitely think it’s worth it. This is also one place where I wouldn’t just show up and hope for a table. Make a reservation.

Melissa: Simple Greek Classics Done Right

Obviously, I had to try a restaurant called Melissa!

What I loved about this place was how simple and unfussy it was. You’ll find plenty of Greek classics on the menu, including one of my favorites, fava, and it ended up being one of the less expensive meals I had during my trip.

I went early and didn’t need a reservation, but I’d still recommend making one if you’re planning to eat during the busier dinner hours.

Apiri Greek Eatery: For Something More Creative

If you want a break from traditional Greek taverna food, Apiri Greek Eatery is a great choice. It’s casual, reasonably priced, and the menu is a little more creative.

I really enjoyed having something different here after eating so much traditional Greek food throughout the trip.

It’s the kind of place I’d choose for an easy lunch or casual dinner when you still want really good food without making it a whole event.

Lola: Don’t Miss This One

Lolla is a must. The food incorporates plenty of Greek and Mediterranean flavors, but don’t expect your standard Greek taverna menu.

I especially loved the summer salad, which was exactly the kind of fresh, flavorful meal I wanted after a day of walking around Heraklion. If you like Greek flavors but want something a little more modern and creative, put Lolla on your list.

Tiny Rebels: For Great Coffee & a Healthy Bite

If you’re looking for a great coffee in Heraklion, Tiny Rebels is one to save. It’s a super relaxed cafe.

They also have a vegan menu with good, healthy choices.

Even if you’re not vegan, it’s worth stopping in for the coffee alone. I especially liked that it felt more like a local neighborhood café than somewhere designed specifically for tourists.

Where to Go After Heraklion

Here’s probably one of the biggest pieces of advice I’d give you when planning a trip to Heraklion: don’t spend your entire Crete vacation here.

I liked Heraklion, and I absolutely think it’s worth spending a couple of nights exploring the city. But Crete is a massive island, and there is so much more to see.

Rather than booking a week in Heraklion and taking long day trips back and forth, I’d spend two nights here and then move on.

Personally, I think you’ll have a much better trip that way. You’ll spend less time sitting in a car or on a bus and more time actually experiencing the different parts of Crete.

Chania

If this is your first trip to Crete, Chania would be at the top of my list. The Venetian harbor, colorful Old Town, incredible restaurants, and little pedestrian streets give it a completely different feel from Heraklion.

You can technically visit Chania as a day trip from Heraklion, but I wouldn’t. It’s roughly two hours each way, and Chania deserves much more than a few rushed hours in the middle of the day. Stay at least two or three nights.

Rethymno

Rethymno is another great place to continue your trip, especially if you’re traveling west toward Chania. It’s smaller than Heraklion, incredibly walkable, and has a beautiful Venetian Old Town.

I’d much rather spend a night or two here than try to squeeze it into a day trip from Heraklion.

Agios Nikolaos

If you’re heading east, consider spending a few nights in Agios Nikolaos. It has much more of that waterfront vacation feel you might be imagining when you think about visiting a Greek island, and it’s also a good jumping-off point for exploring eastern Crete.

If You Came to Crete for the Beaches…

This is especially important: Heraklion would not be my choice for a beach vacation.

There are beaches nearby, but if turquoise water, beautiful coves, and lazy beach days are high on your list, I’d spend your two nights exploring Heraklion and then move on to another part of the island.

That’s really the beauty of Crete. Heraklion gives you the history, museums, food, and city experience, but you don’t have to choose between that and the dreamy Greek island vacation. You can have both.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Heraklion