Heraklion
Minoan history and Cretan sunshine. One way from €59.
Why visit Heraklion?
Gateway to Crete: explore the Palace of Knossos, then head for the beaches of the north coast or the gorges of the island's interior.
Don't miss
- Knossos
- Archaeological Museum
- Venetian harbour
- Matala beach
Where to stay
Read before you go
Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum: how to see Minoan Crete
Europe's oldest palace civilisation, its legends and its treasures: a practical guide to Knossos and the museum that explains it.
Crete's gorge walks that end on a beach
Some of Crete's best beaches lie at the bottom of dramatic gorges. Hike down through canyon walls and finish with a swim.
Where to stay on the coast near Heraklion
City, resort or village? Choosing the right base near Heraklion makes all the difference to a Cretan beach holiday.
A Cretan food trail: olive oil, cheese, herbs and raki
Crete's cuisine is famous for its simplicity and generosity. Here's what to eat in and around Heraklion and where to find it.
Eating in Heraklion: market stalls, tavernas and Cretan classics
Olive oil, wild greens, raki and slow-cooked lamb: a hungry traveller's introduction to Cretan food in the island's capital.
Spinalonga and the Gulf of Mirabello by boat
A short boat ride from Elounda or Plaka takes you to Spinalonga, a fortress island with a moving history, before a swim in the gulf.