What are THE best spots in the capital?
Top 10 Heraklion
Written by: Julia Milaki
The best places, the most vibrant spots, the MUST items to see. Down below is the top 10 Heraklion list, specially created for this website. Of course with a bonus.
All the links bring you to more information about the item, which mostly occur in the City walk Heraklion.
A GPS interactive city walk that shows you most of the highlights.
Number 1 in Top 10 Heraklion: >> Archaeological museum of Heraklion<<
All of Crete’s history is stored in this museum. You can see findings of the Minoan times and learn about the most important civilization of the ancient times.
2. Koules –the fortress
A Venetian fortress that is situated at the entrance of the port and provides you with the knowledge of the Venetian captivity of Crete. It combines the old of the walls with the blue of the sea and sky, connecting the past with the present.
3. Saint Titus Basilica
One of the oldest churches in the city, dedicated to the first Bishop of Crete. The skull of Saint Titus is kept here in order to pay your respects or simply admire the temple.
Available Routaki routes:
The wells and waterfalls of Argyroupoli – have a look at in Routaki Route 32 – ‘Myriokefala’
You have the chance to visit a typical Cretan kafeneon in route 38 – ‘Agia Galini’
‘Oxi day’ on the 28th of October is e.g.mentioned in Mirtos in route 59 – ‘Kalamafka’.
Number 4 in the Top 10 Heraklion: >> Lions square- the fountain<<
The meeting point of almost everyone who wants to meet in the centre. It is ideal to take a selfie and then enjoy “bougatsa” the local dessert, in the cafes around the fountain.
5. Theotokopoulos park
The hotspot for coffee in the city. Also known as Central because of the name of one of the cafes situated there. Take a seat, order some coffee, beer, wine and observe how the locals spend their very valued coffee time. Be prepared that it might last for long…
Number 6 in the Top 10 Heraklion: 25th August street
One of the oldest and mostly used streets around the centre. Walk all along it and observe all the buildings, lower to higher points in order to see the old Venetian buildings. You can also visit the stores for some souvenirs.
What may interest you:
City walk Rethymnon – GPS interactive audio tour
You can experience this beautiful city centre with the interactive GPS app VoiceMap. Install the app for free and choose ‘Rethymnon’.
In the webshop of this site you can purchase a code that gives access to all the information you need to experience a great day in Rethymnon.
Would you like to get an impression first? Then read this page about Rethymnon first.
7. Eleftherias square (freedom/liberty square)
Named after the battle of the Greeks to set free from the Turks, although there is no monument that explains it. The closest statue belongs to El. Venizelos, the first prime minister of Greece after the war and we are proud that he is Cretan. It is used as a meeting point, coffee, food, or even to get some rest under the big trees.
8. 1866 street
The original pedestrian open air market of the city. Very famous for its souvenir shops and the small traditional cafes. Locals also use it as shortcut while walking around the city.
9. Karavolas
The beach area to the west side of the city. You can walk or cycle all along the beach front and feel the fresh breeze of the sea. You can also swim if the weather allows it. There is a small auditorium that holds several events as well. A rejuvenating area right next to the sea.
10. Martinengo hill – Kazantzakis grave- Venetian walls
One of the highest points within the city where you can observe or just admire the view. On the top of the hill you will see Kazantzakis grave, the famous Cretan writer with the interesting story about his life and writing. You can also walk all along the Venetian walls and find yourself from one point of the city to the other.
Extra to the Top 10 Heraklion,
call it a Bonus: Knossos Minoan palace
Of course, the most important sightseeing of Heraklion is Knossos and cannot go into a list. This is a city of its own that includes the history of the ancient Minoan times and everything about the era. This MUST be visited no matter what.
Either from 1 to bonus or from bonus to 1, the most important things in this city are situated at the two ends.
Read one of the following articles:
Olive harvest goes way back in time. How was it done many centuries ago
Once the capital of Crete – Gortyna, with the oldest Titus Basilica
Details of the Cretan wine making – more and more a real quality product.
Self-exploring car routes:
The village of Margarites has many beautiful souvenirs, discover it with route 42 – ‘Margarites’
Cross the Lassithi plateau on route 56 – ‘Lassithi’ and enjoy the nature
Drive the beautiful route from Malia to Spinalonga, Elounda and Agios Nikolaos – route 58