For Unforgettable Holidays, Visit Heraklion
Summer in Heraklion? Of course, because the capital of Crete is a unique meeting place of different experiences.
In this spectacular city, you will get to know the ancient Greek culture. But also landscapes of exceptional beauty, with towering mountains, imposing gorges, overgrown with vegetation. Along with all that nature and history, in Heraklion, you will feel the authentic Cretan Hospitality.
Let’s go on a ‘virtual’ guided tour of this amazing capital!
A General Overview of Heraklion City
First of all, Heraklion of Crete is a city that is full of life and will give you unforgettable experiences. Heraklion is surrounded by the mountains Psiloritis and Lassithiotika and many landscapes alternating perfectly combining mountain and sea. The prefecture has an airport that accepts domestic and international flights and is the busiest in Crete. Many arrivals also occur daily in the port of Heraklion where ships and cruise ships arrive.
In the Palace of Knossos
Knossos – the Mythical Minoan Palace
The history of Heraklion begins thousands of years behind the era of mythology. The prefecture of Heraklion is home to the famous Minoan palace of Knossos, known for the history of Theseus and the Minotaur. The palace of Knossos is one of the most important historical attractions of Crete, which is why it receives a large number of visitors every year.
The engineer Daedalus built the Labyrinth on behalf of the mythical king Minos, to isolate the Minotaur, a terrible creature that was half-human, half-bull. Theseus killed him and found the way out of the Labyrinth with the help of Minos’ daughter Ariadne and her thread. The most important center of Minoan civilization and one of the most popular archeological sites in Greece is only 5 km from Heraklion. The palace of Knossos flourished in the Minoan era (2000-1350 BC) when it was the most important economic-social and religious center of Crete.
Thanks to the restorations of Evans, who excavated Knossos, it is one of the only archeological sites in Greece, where you can experience life in the palace. You will admire the throne room which consists of the vestibule and the main space of the throne. The procession corridor is decorated with murals – the most characteristic of which is the “Prince with the lilies”.
The propylaea and the famous Double Horns, are one of the sacred symbols of the Minoan religion. In the royal apartments, you will see the hall of the “Double Ax” and the “Queen’s Apartment” with the mural of the “Dolphins”.
In the Palace of Knossos – Storage rooms
Visit Knossos Palace with a Twist – Elissos Travelling Philosophy Experience
You will start your day by visiting the most important archaeological site in Crete. The Minoan palace of Knossos, the mythical Labyrinth of Homer. Then, visit the biggest prehistoric collection of artifacts in Greece, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Complete your journey into prehistoric times. A short walking tour in the old, historic section of the town of Heraklion follows. At lunchtime, it will be your chance to experience the Cretan cuisine in one of the places where the locals would go for a meal. Finally, become a musician in a private studio. Enjoy an hour and a half workshop on Ancient Greek Music, in theory, and practice.
Morozini Fountain Heraklion
The Old and New Town of Heraklion
Heraklion consists of the Old and the New Town. The New Town has been the capital of the prefecture since 1972, an important economic center that contributes significantly to the trade and industry of Crete. The part of the Old Town is located between the old walls forming a triangle whose base overlooks the sea and its top meets the Martinengo bastion at the highest point of which is the tomb of the famous writer Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1957).
Those who visit Heraklion have the opportunity to wander the streets of the Old Town and visit some of the “hidden ornaments” of the area such as the picturesque square of Eleftherios Venizelos full of cafes, restaurants and tourist shops, and the Morozini Fountain in the center square, known as “the Fountain of Lions”, which was built in 1628 by the then Governor of Crete Francesco Morosini during whose term the great water supply project that quenched the thirst of the Great Castle (Heraklion) was constructed. It was inaugurated on April 25, 1628, i.e., the feast of the patron saint of the Venetians, St. Mark, and then a commemorative medal was cut.
The Venetian Port of Heraklion
The historic Chandakos, Heraklion with its Venetian port, is a modern capital with dozens of options in the field of culture, accommodation, food, and entertainment. A city where you will enjoy the joys of today and the history of the glorious past. The picturesque Venetian port of Heraklion is ideal for endless morning or evening walks and is a perfect place to enjoy the wonderful view of the castle walls.
At the entrance of the Venetian port of Heraklion and the beginning of the western jetty stands the imposing medieval fortress Koules. Its real name is Castello del Molo or Rocca al Mare, as the Venetian founders called it. It took its final form between 1523-1540. Of course, it was repaired many times and during the Turkish occupation, there was a prison. In today’s Marina, there was until the beginning of the 20th century a second smaller fortress, the small Koules, which was demolished to make way for the pier. Opposite the port, you will admire the impressive Venetian docks.
Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
A short distance from the Venetian port is the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion which was founded in 1952 by the Research Institute of the History of Crete. The museum houses many important exhibits and archaeological finds. They depict various forms of Cretan life starting from the beginning of the Christian period. The collection of Minoan antiquities at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is the most important in the world. This museum is considered to be the pre-eminent museum of Minoan civilization. It is one of the largest and most remarkable museums in Greece and one of the most important in Europe. His exhibits include representative specimens from all periods of prehistory and the history of Crete, covering about 5,500 years.
You will admire a number of frescoes. For example, the “Tavrokatapsia”, the “Disk of Phaistos”, the “Prince with the lilies”, the “Crocodile collectors”, the “Blue Bird”. In August 2013, the museum inaugurated its new wing with exhibits that start from the geometric, archaic, and classical years and reach up to the Roman era.
Palatial & Museum Tour Designed by Elissos
As a starting point, we at Elissos believe that every traveler who wishes to explore the Minoan Civilization of Crete should begin with a visit to Knossos Palace. For this reason, we are proud to suggest our purely cultural and historic tour of the Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeology Museum. In this tour, we urge you, through your expert tour guide, to travel through time and explore this 5000-year-old civilization. Not only will you walk on the ancient soil around the Knossos Palace, but also learn about the ancient arts, practices, and rituals.
Aquarium of Crete – one of the Largest in Europe
One of the most interesting sights of the area is the famous Aquarium of Crete which is located between the city of Heraklion and the tourist resort of Hersonissos. Fun fact, it is one of the largest aquariums in Europe! It is home to around 4000 living marine organisms. For example, many varieties of fish, sharks, shellfish, jellyfish, and other beautiful species of the seabed. The Aquarium is open to the public daily all year round and receives thousands of visitors of all ages.
Heraklion is a feast of Flavors
The options for food and entertainment in Heraklion are endless. And you will enjoy them. With fresh produce, local dishes, and traditional architecture, Heraklion has become a hub for foodies. Not only will you find authentic Cretan cuisine, but the people of Heraklion have brought in new culinary trends giving the visitor various options to choose from.
A Hidden Food Gem in the Prefecture of Heraklion
Vafis, a famous tavern with traditional food, in the village of Sivas, 60km. from Heraklion. First, you will take a walk in the square and in the alleys of the village. Admire the stone-built, traditional buildings of Cretan architecture. This small stone tavern has been operating on this square since 1993. Take a seat and smell the freshness of the traditional Cretan cuisine. The dishes have the best taste and all products such as olive oil, raki, meat, vegetables are organic.
Be A Cretan For A Day an Elissos Travelling Philosophy Experience
This Be A Cretan For A Day experience will let you dive into the authentic lives of the locals. You will visit a family and take part in all the cooking and farming activities. Become an active member of the family for the day and experience the Cretan lifestyle. Learn how to make your Cretan coffee and fresh bread in the wood oven. Cook delicious traditional dishes with ingredients that you will select from the garden. Taste all their local specialties such as wine and raki and just remember to enjoy yourselves!