Heraklion Holidays: Personal Journey Through Ancient City - Complete Travel Guide with Tips, Tourist Information, and My Travel Stories about Crete's Capital
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Heraklion is one of the largest cities in Greece. Numerous monuments of ancient architecture, interesting museums, the amazing beauty of the surrounding nature, the intense nightlife of the city – and this is not a complete list of attractions of Heraklion, the capital of Crete.
It is no wonder that this city attracts countless local and foreign tourists at any time of the year. So what should tourists visiting Crete see in Heraklion? Where to stay? How to get to the city? All this and more in my article today.
Heraklion - the city of Heracles and the capital of Crete: why it's worth a visit
The capital of Crete, the modern city of Heraklion, was named in honour of the ancient Greek hero Heracles, who performed one of his feats in Crete. Its excellent holiday conditions and rich history have long made it one of the most popular holiday destinations.
The dynamically developing infrastructure has prepared for tourists chic boutiques and restaurants, streets full of souvenir shops and bustling cafes with the flavours of local cuisine.
View of the Heraklion seafront
Heraklion is located on the northern coast of Crete in the middle part of the island. It lies on the shores of the bay of the Aegean Sea of the same name. TheNikos Kazandzakis International Airport is located right by the water. When an aeroplane comes in for landing, it looks like it is about to land directly into the sea.
There are few cities in the world named after gods. Heraklion is one of them.
- It was originally named Heraklion in honour of Heracles. At least, under this name it was mentioned by ancient authors back in the I century.
- However, in 824 it was captured by the Arabs and renamed to Fort Khandak.
- The next owners were the Byzantines, and the town was called Megalo-Castro.
- Under the Venetians it was Candia.
- Under the Turks it was Handakas.
- Only in the early XIX century he returned the original, but slightly changed name – Heraklion.
As a city with two thousand years of history, Heraklion has many attractions. Different peoples left their material traces on the island during different historical periods.
The city has a collection of churches – the Orthodox cathedrals of St Titus, St Mina, St Catherine and the Catholic cathedral of St Mark. The Temple of St Mina is considered to be the largest in Greece – it can accommodate up to 8000 people!
Koules Fortress in Heraklion
People come to Heraklion to see examples of ancient architecture with their own eyes. Among the most outstanding is the famous Palace of Knossos. In fact, it is a fragment of the ancient city. According to legend, the Minotaur lived in its labyrinths.
It is also worth visiting the Kules Fortress, the elegant Venetian Loggia, Lions Square and St Peter’s Monastery.
There are six major museums in the city. Most of the expositions are dedicated to archaeological finds. The local Archaeological Museum ) houses the famous Phaistos disc – a written message from the distant past.
There is also the Historical Museum, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Church Art and the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum. Tourists are keen to visit the local Aquarium
The seaside is the main asset of Heraklion
How to get to Heraklion
For sightseeing in Greece and Heraklion in particular, the most logical way to reach your destination is by plane. Greece’s second largest international airport, the Nikos Kazandzakis International Airport, is located in Heraklion. Nikos Kazandzakis International Airport is located just a few kilometres from the city centre.
There is also the option to get there by ferry across the sea. Unlike a plane, a sea journey is an unforgettable experience.
Comfortable nine-storey ships depart from the port of Pireaus in Athens daily. In addition, it is often much cheaper than travelling by plane.
Equipped with full-fledged cabins, the cost of which does not exceed 100-150 EUR, and ‘sitting chairs’ for active tourists, ferries offer a comfortable and pleasant pastime. Such companies as Minoan Lines, ANEK, SuperFast and Hellenic Seaways sail to Heraklion. You can buy a ticket in advance on websites or buy them directly at the port.
Location of Heraklion on the map of Crete
Day trips from Heraklion to Santorini
Santorini is a magical island that everyone should visit (it’s one of our favorite islands not only in Greece, but overall in all our travels). It is famous for its stunning landscapes, volcanic beaches, white houses with blue domes, and, of course, unforgettable sunsets in Oia.
Fira, the modern capital of Santorini, is a true labyrinth of narrow streets with snow-white buildings. Here you’ll find many restaurants with wonderful views of landmarks such as the Ipapanti Cathedral. And Oia is the place where you’ll see the best sunsets on the entire island. Here are located the ruins of a Venetian fortress, a maritime museum, the Panagia Platsani church, and the famous Ammoudi Bay with taverns.
When we vacationed in Heraklion, we booked a tour to Santorini (we talked about this in our article about the Santorini excursion from Crete), which I recommend you do too. In my opinion, this is much more convenient than an independent trip (although, if you’re planning to spend several days in Santorini, then perhaps getting there independently would be better), because you don’t need to search for the right boat yourself, adjust to its schedule, and then independently figure out how to get around Santorini.
If we’re talking about specific examples, I want to share two trips that Vladyslav and I saved while planning our own journey:
- Boat excursion from Heraklion to Santorini – 169 euros per adult and 84.50 for a child aged 2-17. Duration – 14 hours.
- Cruise to Santorini from Heraklion (or Rethymno) – 214 euros per adult, 110 euros per child aged 2-12. Duration – 10 hours.
Heraklion sights: what to see in the city
Tourists should start their exploration of the city at the Heraklion Historical Museum . It houses historical documents from the post-Byzantine period to the present day and finds from the Venetian and Byzantine periods. However, the main attraction of the museum are the works of the famous El Greco. In addition, the works of icon painters Michael Damaskinos, Theofanis and Georgios Klontzas are displayed in the museum.
Equally interesting is the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. It is one of the largest museums in Greece and the world’s largest museum dedicated to Minoan art. It contains many important exhibits related to the Minoan civilisation of Crete.
The Palace of Knossos is called the ‘Labyrinth’ . This is due to the fact that in the sanctuaries located in the palace, the image of a ritual double axe ‘labrys’ is often found. On the ruins of the palace was once found a piece of jewellery with the image of a bee, which became the talisman of Crete.
A visit to the Museum of Natural History, which displays samples of Crete’s characteristic flora and fauna, will also be of interest.
Among other attractions of Heraklion are the Venetian fortress of Koules, the Cathedral of St Titus, the Church of St Catherine, the Church of St Mark (one of the first churches built by the Venetians), the Cathedral, which is one of the most important in Greece. The Venetian Loggia traditionally attracts the attention of many tourists. Heraklion has preserved many churches and cathedrals.
I will tell you more about these and other sights further on.
One of the streets of Heraklion with access to the sea, the view from here is very beautiful
Cules Fortress
In August 2016, after six years of restoration, the fortress called Rocca al Mare, built by the Venetians in the 16th century and a symbol of the city, was reopened. In the exhibition halls a brand new exposition was presented, telling not only about the history of the fortress, but also about significant milestones in the history of the city.
Among the exhibits are ancient amphorae, Venetian cannons, as well as finds from shipwrecks around the island of Dia, which were discovered by Jacques Cousteau during his expedition in 1976. A special atmosphere is created by the subdued light coming through the muzzles of ancient cannons.
Address: Koules Fortress, Heraklion 712 02, Greece.
View of the fortress walls of Koules, as you approach it
The city's fortress walls
Modern Heraklion has long outgrown the ancient city walls built by the Venetians between 1462 and 1562. However, this massive defence structure with seven bastions and four gates still catches the eye, overshadowing the surrounding 20th century concrete structures.
The address is Venetian City Wall, Λεωφ. Πλαστήρα 25, Ηράκλειο 712 01.
Fortress Walls of Heraklion
Knossos Palace
The beautifully preserved Palace of Knossos is the world’s most famous monument of the ancient Minoan civilisation and one of the main attractions of Heraklion. It is located five kilometres southeast of the city. The layout of the monumental palace is extremely intricate and resembles a labyrinth – a complex of buildings located around a spacious central courtyard.
This is why the Palace of Knossos is often associated with the legendary Labyrinth of the Minotaur. The palace included ceremonial rooms, living areas, storage areas, a complex drainage system, and was characterised by intricate decoration.
Excavations prove that there was a palace on this site as early as the 2nd millennium BC, but the structure we see today dates mainly from 1450 BC. In the early 20th century, the structure was extensively reconstructed. Many of the frescoes in the palace are copies – the originals are in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
Address: The Palace of Knossos, Φειδίου 8, Iraklio 714 09, Greece.
May be useful: see all excursions to Knossos Palace at this link
Courtyards of the Knossos Palace ruins in Heraklion
Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is considered one of the largest and most important museums in all of Greece. The two-storey reconstructed building in the Bauhaus style, a modernist architectural trend of the 1930s, is a perfect platform for displaying artefacts.
The museum’s exhibition spans a vast historical period of 5,500 years, from the Neolithic era to Roman times. Of particular interest is the rich collection of monuments from the Minoan civilisation. The exhibition halls vary in colour and the collections are presented both chronologically and thematically.
Address: Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Heraklion, Greece.
The opening hours vary depending on the time of year and day of the week.
The winter season runs from 1 November to 31 March. During this period, the museum is open from 08.30 to 15.30 on all days except Tuesdays, and from 10.00 to 17.00 on Tuesdays.
The summer period starts from 1 April and runs until 31 October. The doors of the main repository of Minoan culture are open from 08.00 to 20.00, on Tuesdays – from 10.00 to 20.00.
The museum is not open on 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Easter Sunday and Monday, 25 and 26 December. On the first day of Shrovetide the institution accepts visitors from 08.30 to 15.00, on Good Friday – from 12.00 to 17.00, on Great Saturday (before Easter) – from 08.00 to 15.00, on Holy Spirit Day – from 08.00 to 20.00, on 15 August and 28 October from 08.00 to 20.00.
Some of the many exhibits at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
A full ticket costs 12 euros, a discounted ticket costs 6 euros. In the winter season, 6 euros for everyone.
If you wish, you can buy a single ticket, which includes the Knossos Palace in addition to the archaeological museum. Keep in mind that it is valid for a three-day period. The cost is as follows: full price – 20 euros, concessionary – 10 euros. You can buy tickets either on site at the box office or online.
By the way, on my website there is a great article about our excursion to Knossos Palace, which we combined with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, I advise you to read it if you plan to visit the capital of Crete and think about what to see there.
It may be useful: you can book a ticket to the Archaeological Museum at this link
Crete Aquarium
This huge aquarium occupies the grounds of a former US military base. It is home to around 2,000 species of Mediterranean marine life. The state-of-the-art indoor marine park is a great holiday destination, especially for children.
You’ll have the opportunity to watch jellyfish dance, sharks move at lightning speed, stingrays soar through the water, corals sway and clownfish glow. Interactive multimedia allows you to learn more about the life of the mysterious and diverse underwater world.
Ticket prices:
- adult – 12 euros;
- children (from 5 to 17 years old) – 6 euros;
- children up to and including 4 years old are admitted free of charge, accompanied by an adult.
Address: CRETAquarium, Heraklion 710 03, Greece.
It may be useful: you can buy a ticket to the Crete Aquarium at this link
The Crete Aquarium also has a restaurant where you can eat and fish will swim behind the glass
Crete Historical Museum
This Greek island has a complicated but surprisingly interesting history. The museum spans 1700 years, from early Christianity to the modern era. Here you will see religious artefacts, stone carvings, ceramics, textiles and folk costumes from the Byzantine, Venetian and Turkish periods.
A special room is dedicated to the Crete Resistance Movement and the heroes who died during the Second World War.
Address: Historical Museum of Crete, House A. & M. Kalokerinos, Leof. Sofokli Venizelou 27, Iraklio 712 02, Greece.
Facade and entrance to the Historical Museum of Crete
Morosini Fountain
This is one of the townspeople’s favourite spots, reminiscent of the distant Venetian period of the island’s history.
Built in 1628 in honour of Francesco Mozorini, the Governor of Crete, this fountain was once the source of fresh water in Heraklion. Nowadays, the fountain is surrounded by numerous cafes and fast food establishments where you can grab a bite to eat and relax while watching the bustling crowd of passers-by.
Address: Morosini Fountain, Pl. El. Venizelou, Iraklio 712 02, Greece.
Morosini Fountain in Heraklion, surrounded by various establishments where you can eat and relax
Cathedral of Saint Titus
This majestic cathedral is located in the square of the same name, decorated with tall, sprawling palm trees. It was built in 961 during the Byzantine Empire. Under the Venetians it was a Catholic cathedral, and during the Ottoman Empire it was converted into a mosque, where the bell tower was used as a minaret.
Since 1925 the building has been a consecrated Orthodox church. The most revered relics of the cathedral are the relics of St Titus, returned here in 1966 from Venice, where they were secretly taken for safekeeping during the Turkish occupation.
Address: Church of Agios Titos, Pl. Agiou Titou, Iraklio 712 02, Greece.
The facade of St Titus Cathedral in Heraklion
Cathedral of St. Mina
One of the largest cathedrals in Greece, seating up to 8,000 people. The construction of the cathedral lasted intermittently for 33 years, from 1862 to 1895. The temple was erected in honour of the patron saint of Heraklion, Saint Mina.
The interior decoration of the cathedral is particularly impressive, including: wall frescoes, a composition of three huge candelabras hanging over the central aisle, and a white marble iconostasis (a partition separating the altar from the main nave).
Address: Agios Minas Cathedral, Heraklion 712 01, Greece.
St Mina’s Cathedral fits in quite well with the streets of Heraklion
Bembo Fountain
The oldest surviving fountain in Heraklion was created in 1550. The Bembo Fountain, made of pieces of antique marble, is decorated with Venetian coats of arms and a headless statue of a Roman official found near the town of Ierapetra.
The fountain was once a source of fresh drinking water, which came through an aqueduct 13 kilometres south of Mount Yuchtas.
The adjoining hexagonal structure was originally added by the Turks and served as a water pump. It is now a traditional Greek coffee shop (kafeneio).
Address: Bembo Fountain, Pl. Kornarou 2, Iraklio 712 01, Greece.
The Bembo Fountain with its decapitated statue, with a cozy cafe behind it
Venetian Loggia
This attractive and elegant building, restored in the 17th century on the initiative of Francesco Morosini, was something of a nobleman’s club. Not only did the city’s important people like to gather here for matters of state, the Loggia also served as a place of relaxation and entertainment.
Address: Venetian Loggia, August Str. 25, Iraklio 712 02, Greece.
Venetian Loggia, Heraklion
Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts of Heraklion is housed in the three-nave Basilica of St Mark, built by the Venetians in the 13th century. The building has been rebuilt many times, and during the Turkish rule it was used as a mosque.
In the exhibition hall of the museum there is a collection of Byzantine wall paintings of XIII-XIV centuries. The museum also provides space for seasonal exhibitions of all kinds.
Address: Municipal Art Gallery, Pl. Kallergon 100, Iraklio 712 02, Greece.
Exhibition Hall at the Museum of Fine Arts of Heraklion
Museum of Church Art
This small but fascinating museum is housed in an ancient 13th century monastery. The museum’s collection includes religious art collected from various monasteries throughout Crete – icons, paintings, manuscripts, woodwork and stone carvings.
The pride of the museum collection are the works of the famous 15th century icon painter Angelos Akotantos and six icons by Michael Damascene, a famous representative of the Cretan icon painting school of the post-Byzantine period.
Address: Christian Art Museum, Karterou, Iraklio 712 01, Greece.
Exhibition Hall at the Museum of Church Art in Heraklion
Natural History Museum of Crete
The museum is a 10-minute walk west of 25th August Street. Huge dioramas as well as a large aquarium and terrarium area introduce visitors to the rich flora and fauna not only of Crete, but of the whole Mediterranean.
Among the most interesting exhibits are:
- A life-size giant deinotherium (7 metres long and 5 metres high);
- a giant elephant-like representative of an extinct genus of ancient mammals;
- and a three-dimensional earthquake simulator.
Address: Natural History Museum, Leof. Sofokli Venizelou, Iraklio 712 02, Greece.
View of the Heraklion Natural History Museum building from the street
Knossos Palace and unique villages of Crete – how to combine everything in one day?
Knossos Palace is one of Crete’s largest archaeological sites that transports visitors back to the times of the Minoan civilization. This complex impresses with its labyrinths and ancient frescoes. Nearby is Amoudara Beach with white sand and clear water – a perfect place for relaxation.
Besides the palace, Crete’s villages are also worth attention, such as Mochos, Krasi, Zaros, Vatos, Spili, and Lampini, each with its unique atmosphere. For example, I particularly liked Krasi with its ancient plane tree, which is considered one of the oldest trees in Crete. Zaros, on the other hand, enchants with its Votomos Lake, where you can fish and taste fresh trout.
For those who prefer nature, I recommend visiting Patsos Gorge. A walk along this route takes about two hours and allows you to feel the power and majesty of the natural landscape. By the way, we saved a pretty good tour through traditional Cretan villages (114 euros per person, duration 10 hours), the route passes through the villages of Vatos, Lamrini, and Spili, as well as Patos Gorge.
In addition to the island’s villages and Knossos Palace, I can recommend visiting the Omalia Olive Press factory (100 euros per person, duration – 8 hours), where you can see how olive oil is produced and even participate in the process.
For those who would like to combine all these places into one trip, I can recommend choosing one of the following options:
- 1-day excursion to Heraklion for 90 euros, where you’ll explore Knossos Palace, taste authentic Cretan cuisine, and also have an exclusive olive oil tasting.
- Bus tour: 15 euros for 2 days, during this time you can explore the city at your own pace and visit all the most interesting landmarks. The bus has 2 lines.
Sightseeing near Heraklion: where to go on holiday here
Heraklion is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Crete. It is not only the capital of the island, but also the largest of its four regions. In the vicinity of Heraklion there are three major Minoan palaces, hundreds of mountain villages, ancient monasteries and the sprawling beaches of Crete. There is absolutely no shortage of places to go from Heraklion for a day trip.
Hersonissos, Bali and Malia are all close to Heraklion. So the list of places to go from the capital can be applied to the surrounding resorts. And there are plenty of interesting places.
Cave of Zeus
Our first stop will be the Cave of Zeus (Diktea Cave, Psichro Cave), probably one of the most famous caves in Crete. We all remember the myths of ancient Greece and know about Zeus, the father of all Gods and men, lord of the heavens, the greatest of the Gods.
According to the myths, Zeus was born in this cave, located on the northern slope of the Dikti mountain range, at an altitude of about 1025 metres above sea level, in a place with fantastic views of the Lassithi plateau.
The Zeus Cave is open to the public until 17:00, entrance costs 4 euros and… half the tour you’ve just had. Or rather, all its historical and theoretical parts.
And it’s not about the legend – Zeus’ cave is remembered by other things: the entrance is 42 by 19 metres, where once there was an altar and stone tables for offerings, the main hall is 85 by 38 metres, it’s dark, quiet, cool or even cold (and even when it’s +30C in the shade upstairs), humid, there are many stalactites and stalagmites of various forms (from smooth and round to sharp and sharp, jagged) growing all over the cave.
There is also a small underground lake at the back of the cave. Add to this the lighting, etc. However, instead of a thousand words – my photos of the Zeus Cave.
It may be useful: you can see excursions to Zeus Cave from Heraklion here
Entrance and interior lighting in the Cave of Zeus
Dia Island
Dia is an uninhabited island of 12 square kilometres, located north of Crete. The island is a protected nature reserve, home to rare flora and fauna.
The island has long played an important role in the navigation of ships entering the ports of Crete. When sailors saw the island, they realised that Crete was close at hand. In 1975, Jacques-Yves Cousteau discovered the remains of structures on the seabed near the island, which may be the remains of a port that used to exist on the island.
Today, the island is of exclusive tourist interest, offering visitors clean beaches, picturesque landscapes and a variety of flora and fauna.
It may be useful: you can view and book excursions to Dia Island from Heraklion at this link
View from a tourist boat on Dia Island
Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge is the largest gorge in Europe, stretching for 18 kilometres. The gorge is located in the south-west of Crete in Chania. The name comes from the village of Samaria.
Samaria is also a national park with interesting flora and fauna. Up to 450 species of plants can be found here. Nothing can be taken out of the gorge, not a single petal! Of course, everything is on the conscience of tourists. But destroying the fragile nature is not a good thing.
The village of Samaria is a classic of Crete’s architecture. The old houses are well-preserved, and the guards of the national park live in them. And the inhabitants left in the 1960s.
You can walk the whole Samaria Gorge in about 6-8 hours. Yes, it is a long journey for which you need to be well prepared. You will probably take frequent photos and small breaks.
However, there is another route, the so-called lazy route, which will be shown to you by the guides. It starts from Agia Rumeli and ends at Sideroportes, the narrowest place of the gorge. This way you will also feel the magic of the gorge, but in a light version.
A walk through the Samaria Gorge costs from 5 EUR. The road is open from mid-April to the end of October.
It may be useful: you can view and book excursions to Samaria Gorge from Heraklion at this link
These are the mesmerising landscapes that await you during your visit to the Samaria Gorge
Beach tours from Heraklion
- Matala is more than just a beach. It’s an atmosphere of freedom, where cliffs with caves that were home to hippies in the ’60s preserve the spirit of the past. Getting here from Heraklion is easy: a bus costs 8.30 euros, and the journey takes about two hours.
- Nearby is the legendary Red Beach with secluded corners for those who value tranquility and wild nature.
- Elafonisi enchants with its pink sand and lagoon where children can play in shallow water.
- Preveli surprises with a palm grove that stretches along the river.
- No less impressive is Gortyna, where ruins from the Roman era await you – a real journey through time that won’t leave even those who aren’t passionate about history indifferent.
You can visit most of these places as part of tour groups or with private guides. Vladyslav and I searched for various available options for such trips and I want to share our findings:
- 1-day trip: 32 euros for 8 hours, here you’ll visit the famous Matala Beach (where according to legend Zeus took the form of a bull), as well as the caves located on the island.
- Crete: 35 euros for 8 hours, here you’ll also visit Matala Beach, and another interesting moment will be visiting Red Beach.
- One-day trip to Elafonisi Beach: 50 euros for 13 hours, this is a comfortable journey to one of Europe’s most famous beaches.
- Tropical Preveli Beach and palm forest: 38 euros for 10 hours, an interesting fact is that more than 5,000 trees grow in the palm forest, and you’ll also visit a sandy beach.
- One-day trip to Gortyna: 43 euros for 9-11 hours, here you’ll explore the archaeological excavations of Gortyna and also relax in the village of Matala.
Spinalonga Island
Spinalonga is a jagged island that lies just off the coast in eastern Crete, in the Gulf of Mirabelu. The islet was once part of the mainland, but later the thin cofferdam was destroyed – not naturally, according to some sources, but by the hands of the Venetians. Before the beginning of their rule, a fortress had already been built on Spinalonga.
But despite its dark history, it has recently become one of the most popular tourist sites in Crete and is one of the top five most visited Byzantine period sites on the island.
The fortress of Spinalongi is not badly preserved, and from the top of the hill on which it is located, there is a beautiful view of the sea. Some of the buildings have been restored and renovated. There are cafes, souvenir shops and a sports equipment rental centre on the island.
May be useful: you can view and book excursions to Spinalonga Island from Heraklion here
Spinalonga Island and its fortress, as you can see there are quite a lot of tourists here and it’s not surprising
Sea trips to islands from Heraklion
The islands of Dia, Spinalonga, and Gramvousa with Balos Beach are places worth seeing at least once in a lifetime:
- Dia enchants with its wild nature, calm bays, and crystal-clear water, where snorkeling becomes a real adventure. You can go on a sailing boat cruise here (90 euros per person, duration 5-6 hours), or choose a similar option with dolphin watching (90 euros per person, duration 6 hours). Also, an evening cruise to Dia Island with the opportunity to do diving can be a very good option (70 euros per person, duration 5-7 hours).
- Spinalonga tells stories about the medieval Venetian fortress and leper colony, where every stone wall hides legends. A visit to Spinalonga can be combined with a trip to Agios Nikolaos and Elounda (45 euros per person, duration – 15 hours). And if the previous option is too long, you can choose a similar trip lasting 9 hours for 42 euros per person.
- Gramvousa, with its fortress on the hill, reveals incredible views, and Balos Beach impresses with a lagoon that shines in all shades of blue. You can go on a one-day trip here with a guide (40 euros per person, duration – 11 hours).
By choosing a group tour, you get maximum convenience: transfer, delicious meals, an interesting guide, and a clear schedule, so you don’t worry about small details. Everything is planned for tourists’ comfort so that they, in turn, simply enjoy their vacation and get the best impressions.
Hotels in Heraklion: where to stay for a few days
One of the most visited places in Greece, Heraklion offers luxury hotels with restaurants and spa facilities, business centres for congresses and budget hotels.
The exquisite Galaxy Iraklio 5 Hotel is one of the best hotels in Crete, honoured in 2010 for its high quality service and value for money. Located in an elegant area of the town, just 15 minutes walk from the centre, the hotel offers luxurious, newly renovated rooms and suites, business rooms equipped with a work area and wireless internet access.
Equally attractive is the Atrion 3*, located in the very centre of Heraklion near the seafront. All rooms of the hotel are thought out to the smallest detail and offer its guests a pleasant holiday.
You may find it useful: see all hotels in Heraklion at this link