Get to know Heraklion City like a Local
Being a local in Heraklion means having a favorite café, raki place, tavern, and walking paths.
The lively city, the great archaeological sites, the wild mountains of the South. Heraklion, rich in experiences, has a way of winning over the visitor.
Against clichés
Something strange is going on here. No matter how much this city regenerates, no matter how beautiful it is, it continues to be accused of ugliness, as if by habit. Contrary to prejudices, Heraklion somehow magically – quietly – wins you over. Maybe because you’re just having a good time there. You take a walk in the historic center and shortly afterward you drink raki with your new friends.
The administrative capital of Crete carries a huge history, starting from the Minoan era since it was one of the ports of Knossos. A large port and center of the island fell into the hands of the Saracen pirates and was maintained as such during the Venetians. The signs of the latter are evident in the anarchically built metropolis and are integrated into the daily life of the locals. And that’s why here you coexist with the monuments more than you visit them.
The Historic Center
25th of August Street
The walk you will take is in the historic center. The cobbled 25th of August Street starts from the Venetian harbor and ends at the famous Lions Square. Everything here is proper. Neoclassical buildings, the church of Agios Titos with its stained-glass windows, the Loggia: a club of noble Venetians then, a town hall today, and a place where locals and visitors sit for a drink. The cafes and shops around the lion fountain are always busy – be sure to sit down at Kirkor for a cream or cheese baguette. The tables are filled and emptied countless times during the day.
Korai Street & 1866 Street
Then enter Korai Street and get lost in the pedestrian streets with the tasteful cafes and raki places, the kingdom of the city’s thousands of students. If you hear Cretan music, it will come from the historic recordstore of Aerakis, where father and son will introduce you to the Cretan tradition. 1866 Street, on the contrary, is more touristic, since it is the old market. Dozens of tourist shops, but also greengrocers, cheese shops, coffee roasters, etc., are crammed into just a few meters, conveying an aura from the past – sit in the Sarantavga cafe and enjoy it.
Venetian Harbor
Another popular walk is to the Venetian harbor and Koules Fortress, the recently restored Venetian castle that you can also tour inside. You can also walk on the breakwater, the “cordon” as the locals call it, or on the city walls (7km).
The route with the dirt paths reaches a length of 4 km and is very special. Every bastion and gate are worth a stop, but especially in Martinengo, where the tomb of Kazantzakis is located, you will sit down for prayer. And the moat is worth your visit since it has been laid out like a park. Also, the museums are another reason to come to Heraklion: Archaeological, Historical, Christian Art, Ethnology, and Natural History, they are all beautiful and very interesting.
Elissos Travelling Philosophy – Heraklion Experiences
Heraklion Historic and Culinary Experience
Historic Experience
This tour will take you to the capital town of Crete on a Walking Sightseeing and Culinary Experience. Meet your guide in Heraklion’s historic center, you explore the most important historic monuments of the Venetian Candia and the Ottoman “Megalo Kastro”.
Visit the Venetian Fountain of Morosini, the Basilica of St. Mark, and the historic “25th of August Street”, lined by several Venetian and Ottoman Monuments, such as the Venetian Loggia and the church of Apostle Titus. You will also explore the Venetian Dockyards or “Neoria” and the very imposing Fort of Rocca al Mare – The Sea Fortress”.
During your Sightseeing tour, taste the most renowned delicacies of the town, such as the famous “Bougatsa” pastry and local “Loukoumades” donuts with honey. Furthermore, try the traditional Greek coffee and herbal tea, together with other local specialties and pastries.
Gastronomic & Wine Experience
Next, you will experience Heraklion Open-Air Market! You will feel your senses awaken with the different and various smells, colors, and sounds! Walk and taste various local products in your ways, such as local cheese, thyme honey, the traditional “raki” spirit, and local nuts, while interacting with the local people and local producers.
Your historic and culinary journey will sum up with a gastronomic journey into the renowned Cretan Olive Oil and Wine. Explore the depth of taste of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil and find out its importance in Cretan gastronomy.
During your wine pairing, you will taste several local wine varieties. You will find out all about the Cretan terroir and discover the beauty of winemaking in Crete, a practice that has been evident on the island for thousands of years.
Your Olive Oil and Wine pairing will be accompanied by a light lunch with different delicacies from the island.
Meet the Minoan Civilization & the Ancient Greek Music
Minoan Civilization
You will start your day visiting the most important archaeological site on Crete, the Minoan palace of Knossos, the mythical Labyrinth of Homer.
Visit an amazing area of 22.000sq meters. A prehistoric “city”, is the place where the oldest European civilization started and flourished some 5000 years ago. During your tour, reveal the unique prehistoric course of the island and penetrate its ancient cult, arts, and ritual practices.
Your journey into prehistoric times will be completed by visiting the biggest prehistoric collection of artifacts in Greece, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. This is where you can see at close range all treasures from all Minoan palaces and other Minoan areas excavated on Crete.
A short walking tour of the old, historic section of the town of Heraklion will follow. You will visit the most important historic monuments from the Venetian and Ottoman period. Such as the Venetian Fountain of Morosini, the Basilica of St. Mark, the Venetian Loggia, the Church of Apostle Titus, the Venetian fortress of “Rocca a Mare” etc.
Gastronomic Experience
A walk inside the town’s Open-Air Market will awaken your senses with its different and various smells, colors, and sounds!
A traditional meal will follow, in one of the town’s most authentic “mezedopolia” local restaurants. Here’s your chance to experience Cretan cuisine in one of the places where the locals would go for a meal.
Ancient Greek Music Workshop
In a private studio, you will enjoy an hour-and-a-half workshop on ancient Greek Music, in theory, and practice.
The theory is focusing on the presentation of ancient Greek music instruments, musical forms, ancient Greek modes, and moods. As well as, the harmony of the spheres, and the ancient Greek musical notation.
During the experiential part of the workshop, you are becoming a musician! We welcome you to attempt to play simple ancient music rhythms. Use accurate copies of ancient Greek musical instruments, with the help of your instructor.
Percy Jackson Inspired Experience
Knossos Palace Experience
This Experience is inspired by Percy Jackson’s books and is particularly designed for youth and families. It approaches the Cretan Labyrinth and its mysteries from a mythological and historical point of view. Furthermore, it focuses on making the story interesting and engaging. However, also clear and easy to understand for our little friends.
It binds the ancient Myths with the everyday life of the Minoans in the palace. Moreover, it offers an experiential trip in time, through interactive features, pictures, sounds, and images.
During the tour, you will be using 3D tablets, presenting a three-dimensional recreation of the most important parts of the palace.
Minoan Pottery Workshop
The second part of this day’s experience offers an interactive workshop on Minoan- Style Pottery, conducted by a rewarded Potter and Artist, specializing in recreations of Minoan pottery.
Our Potter is rewarded by the Ministry of Culture of Greece for his work. He has a big experience in cultural and educational seminars for children and adults.
With Vassilis, you will find out a lot about clay in general (elaboration, processing, use, results). Furthermore, he will teach you about the Minoan pottery technics. In particular, which flourished on the island 5.000 years ago, in a fun and interactive way. Your children will have the chance to learn, play and create their masterpieces. They can choose from a big variety of mythological figures, make their Art piece and have it shipped back home!
Feature Image by @peroutka on Instagram