Heraklion Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city in the island of Crete, Greece
About Heraklion
Around 1880, the Greek Kalokairinos, and later in 1900, the British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans began excavating a site just south of the city, thinking to find remains of ancient culture maybe Mycenean. He quickly discovered a much older, more powerful civilisation, which he called “Minoan” after the Minotaur legend. 4000 to 3000 years ago, Crete dominated the east Mediterranean from this site, Knossos. These discoveries changed our ideas of the ancient world – and Crete's modern fame and tourist industry were born. Heraklion (also transcribed as Herakleion, Iraklio, Irakleion) has been much fought-over down the centuries. From 1204 it was held by the Venetians, who built a great wall around the city, and a harbour fort, to defend against the Ottoman Turks. But the Ottomans won in 1669
Top Attractions in Heraklion
Explore the best things to see and do in Heraklion:
- ★CretAquarium Thalassokosmos
- ★Dominican Church of St Peter
- ★Heraklion Archaeological Museum
- ★Historical Museum of Crete
- ★Koules
- ★Loggia
- ★Lychnostatis Open-Air Museum
- ★Morosini Fountain
Where to Eat in Heraklion
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴7 Thalases
- 🍴Cooking with love
- 🍴Epsilon Restaurant
- 🍴Herbs' Garden
- 🍴Hovoli
- 🍴Ippokampos
Where to Stay in Heraklion
- 🏨Aquila Atlantis Hotel
- 🏨Astoria Capsis Hotel
- 🏨Heraklion Youth Hostel
- 🏨Lato Boutique Hotel
- 🏨Life Hotel
- 🏨Mirabello Hotel
Heraklion Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 14 sections including: