Our Travel Recommendations
Αξιοθέατα
Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and has been called Europe's oldest city.
The centre of Minoan civilisation and capital of Minoan Crete lay 5km south of Heraklion.
Knossos flourished for approximately two thousand years. It had large palace buildings, extensive workshop installations and luxurious rock-cut cave and tholos tombs. As a major centre of trade and the economy, Knossos maintained ties with the majority of cities in the Eastern Mediterranean.
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Knossos
Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and has been called Europe's oldest city.
The centre of Minoan civilisation and capital of Minoan Crete lay 5km south of Heraklion.
Knossos flourished for approximately two thousand years. It had large palace buildings, extensive workshop installations and luxurious rock-cut cave and tholos tombs. As a major centre of trade and the economy, Knossos maintained ties with the majority of cities in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Venetian Castle of Heraklion is called Koules, which means fortress in Turkish. It is an impressive fortress that surrounds the harbor of Heraklion, Crete. The Koules Castle is a massive fortress with two storeys that used to guard the entry to the port.
The Castle was constructed by the Venetians in the early 13th century when they conquered the town.
The earliest description of the Koules Venetian Castle exists in the work of the Florentine monk Cristoforo Buondelmonti in 1429.
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Rocca a Mare-fästningen
The Venetian Castle of Heraklion is called Koules, which means fortress in Turkish. It is an impressive fortress that surrounds the harbor of Heraklion, Crete. The Koules Castle is a massive fortress with two storeys that used to guard the entry to the port.
The Castle was constructed by the Venetians in the early 13th century when they conquered the town.
The earliest description of the Koules Venetian Castle exists in the work of the Florentine monk Cristoforo Buondelmonti in 1429.
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the oldest and most important museums in Greece, and among the most famous museums in Europe. It houses representative artefacts from all periods of Cretan prehistory and history, covering a chronological span of over 5,500 years from the Neolithic period to Roman times.
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum prides itself for its unique Minoan collection, which includes the masterpieces of Minoan art. It is rightly considered as the Museum of Minoan Culture par excellence.
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Heraklions arkeologiska museum
1 ChatzidakiThe Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the oldest and most important museums in Greece, and among the most famous museums in Europe. It houses representative artefacts from all periods of Cretan prehistory and history, covering a chronological span of over 5,500 years from the Neolithic period to Roman times.
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum prides itself for its unique Minoan collection, which includes the masterpieces of Minoan art. It is rightly considered as the Museum of Minoan Culture par excellence.
The Lions in Heraklion is the square of the Fontana Morosini, the ornate Venetian fountain with four lions with water gushing from their mouths. The Fontana Morosini is in Eleftheriou Venizelou Square in the centre of Heraklion, but the inhabitants of the city never use the official name, usually referring to it as the Lions Square or the Lions for short.
The fountain with the lions is one of the most important monuments the Venetians bestowed on Heraklion. When it was built, it offered a solution to the problem of supplying Heraklion with water, providing 1,000 barrels of water a day.
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Lions Square
The Lions in Heraklion is the square of the Fontana Morosini, the ornate Venetian fountain with four lions with water gushing from their mouths. The Fontana Morosini is in Eleftheriou Venizelou Square in the centre of Heraklion, but the inhabitants of the city never use the official name, usually referring to it as the Lions Square or the Lions for short.
The fountain with the lions is one of the most important monuments the Venetians bestowed on Heraklion. When it was built, it offered a solution to the problem of supplying Heraklion with water, providing 1,000 barrels of water a day.
Saint Minas Cathedral in Heraklion is one of the largest cathedrals in Greece, having a capacity of 8000 people. It is devoted to Saint Minas who lived from 285 – 309 AD and is the patron saint of Heraklion city.
On the north side of the church (outside) you will see a bomb dropped next to the church during the bombing of Heraklion by the Germans in 1941. The bomb never exploded and it was considered a miracle.
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Sankt Minas kyrka, säte för ärkebiskopen av Kreta
25 Agiou MinaSaint Minas Cathedral in Heraklion is one of the largest cathedrals in Greece, having a capacity of 8000 people. It is devoted to Saint Minas who lived from 285 – 309 AD and is the patron saint of Heraklion city.
On the north side of the church (outside) you will see a bomb dropped next to the church during the bombing of Heraklion by the Germans in 1941. The bomb never exploded and it was considered a miracle.
The church of Agios Titos in Heraklion Town, Crete: The Cathedral of Agios Titos in Heraklion Town is among the most important monuments in Crete. It is found on August 25th street, one of the busiest streets of the town. Around the church, there is a lovely square with small cafes and bars.
The original church of Agios Titos on this location was probably built in 961 A.D. by the Byzantine Emperor Nicephorus Phokas, who liberated Crete from the Arabs and made it again part of the Byzantine Empire. To strengthen the Christian faith in Crete, who had weakened from the Arabs, the emperor constructed this Orthodox church and dedicated it to Agios Titos, a disciple of Apostle Paul and first Bishop of Crete.
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Agios Titos Church
Platia Agiou TitouThe church of Agios Titos in Heraklion Town, Crete: The Cathedral of Agios Titos in Heraklion Town is among the most important monuments in Crete. It is found on August 25th street, one of the busiest streets of the town. Around the church, there is a lovely square with small cafes and bars.
The original church of Agios Titos on this location was probably built in 961 A.D. by the Byzantine Emperor Nicephorus Phokas, who liberated Crete from the Arabs and made it again part of the Byzantine Empire. To strengthen the Christian faith in Crete, who had weakened from the Arabs, the emperor constructed this Orthodox church and dedicated it to Agios Titos, a disciple of Apostle Paul and first Bishop of Crete.
(Great when travelling with children)
This museum includes five departments: Zoological, Botanical, Anthropological, Paleontological-Geological and Mineralogical.
Particularly impressive is the Deinotherium Giganteum, whose skeleton was found in a region close to Sitia Crete and which is considered as one of the biggest animals of its kind. When the animal was found, it had all its teeth, many bones and the biggest tusk ever found, 1.5 m long. Presently a group of Greek and Dutch scientists is working to present this animal in its normal dimensions, that reach 4.5 m. in height and 6.5 m. in longitude. Visitors can actually see these scientists working this gigantic exhibition.
Another special thing about this museum is its interactive Seismic Table, an earthquake simulator that offers visitors the chance to experience real earthquake situations in a perfectly safe environment. Earthquakes can be up to 6 Richter strong. After this experience, visitors are informed on practices and measures to take in case they experience an earthquake in real life.
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Naturhistoriska museet på Kreta
Leoforos Sofokli Venizelou(Great when travelling with children)
This museum includes five departments: Zoological, Botanical, Anthropological, Paleontological-Geological and Mineralogical.
Particularly impressive is the Deinotherium Giganteum, whose skeleton was found in a region close to Sitia Crete and which is considered as one of the biggest animals of its kind. When the animal was found, it had all its teeth, many bones and the biggest tusk ever found, 1.5 m long. Presently a group of Greek and Dutch scientists is working to present this animal in its normal dimensions, that reach 4.5 m. in height and 6.5 m. in longitude. Visitors can actually see these scientists working this gigantic exhibition.
Another special thing about this museum is its interactive Seismic Table, an earthquake simulator that offers visitors the chance to experience real earthquake situations in a perfectly safe environment. Earthquakes can be up to 6 Richter strong. After this experience, visitors are informed on practices and measures to take in case they experience an earthquake in real life.
The Venetian Loggia of Heraklion Crete: In the center of Heraklion Town, on the square of Saint Titus and along 25th August street, you will find an impressive building of the Venetian times that has survived and functions till today: the Venetian Loggia, a typical construction of the Venetian rule, has been renovated and hosts today the Town Hall of Heraklion.
The Loggia that survives today in Heraklion was built in 1620 by the Venetian Morozini, an architect who had also constructed many other public works in the town. According to historical accounts, there were other three previous loggias before this one, but for various occasions, they were not functional until this last was constructed.
The Loggia was a place for the Venetian noblemen to gather and discuss the local economic and social issues. It also worked as a Club, in modern terms. This is a rectangular building with an open adit on the ground floor. The ground floor was built following the Doric style, that is austere and severe, and the upper floors had a more Ionian style, with ornaments and nice decorations.
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Venetian Loggia
25 August StrThe Venetian Loggia of Heraklion Crete: In the center of Heraklion Town, on the square of Saint Titus and along 25th August street, you will find an impressive building of the Venetian times that has survived and functions till today: the Venetian Loggia, a typical construction of the Venetian rule, has been renovated and hosts today the Town Hall of Heraklion.
The Loggia that survives today in Heraklion was built in 1620 by the Venetian Morozini, an architect who had also constructed many other public works in the town. According to historical accounts, there were other three previous loggias before this one, but for various occasions, they were not functional until this last was constructed.
The Loggia was a place for the Venetian noblemen to gather and discuss the local economic and social issues. It also worked as a Club, in modern terms. This is a rectangular building with an open adit on the ground floor. The ground floor was built following the Doric style, that is austere and severe, and the upper floors had a more Ionian style, with ornaments and nice decorations.
Φαγητό
One of locals’ best! Peskesi Restaurant is an effort to discover the secrets and enjoy the benefits of the Cretan diet. Their cuisine is based on pure and natural products of the Cretan land and their aim is to highlight the traditional Cretan aromas and flavors that have been forgotten.
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Peskesi
6-8 Kapetan CharalampiOne of locals’ best! Peskesi Restaurant is an effort to discover the secrets and enjoy the benefits of the Cretan diet. Their cuisine is based on pure and natural products of the Cretan land and their aim is to highlight the traditional Cretan aromas and flavors that have been forgotten.
Ippokambos is a typical ouzeri located on the waterfront of Heraklion Town, the busiest spot of the town. Ippokambos offers a lovely dining experience on the promenade just across the road. The food is delicious and the prices are affordable with fresh fish dishes and homemade specialties. Dine in some of the sidewalk tables or at the promenade across the road.
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Ippokampos
3 Leof. Sofokli VenizelouIppokambos is a typical ouzeri located on the waterfront of Heraklion Town, the busiest spot of the town. Ippokambos offers a lovely dining experience on the promenade just across the road. The food is delicious and the prices are affordable with fresh fish dishes and homemade specialties. Dine in some of the sidewalk tables or at the promenade across the road.
Thigaterra's eco-gastronomy is based on fresh ingredients from small producers all over Greece, which respect and protect the biodiversity, the ecosystem and the natural resources of the environment.
Their deep love and faith in Greek wine, led them to create a large collection of Greek wines, most of which are organically grown. Their cellar proudly presents over a hundred labels to their wine lovers guests. The Thigaterra team welcomes you to their home!
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thigaterra - The Art of Slow Food
109 Leof. Andrea PapandreouThigaterra's eco-gastronomy is based on fresh ingredients from small producers all over Greece, which respect and protect the biodiversity, the ecosystem and the natural resources of the environment.
Their deep love and faith in Greek wine, led them to create a large collection of Greek wines, most of which are organically grown. Their cellar proudly presents over a hundred labels to their wine lovers guests. The Thigaterra team welcomes you to their home!
Thea tavern in Rodia of Heraklion, Crete is a very beautiful place for Greek cuisine and Cretan delicacies. This is a family business with a welcoming atmosphere and delivery items. Enjoy comfort and homemade food with a unique view of the whole of Heraklion from above.
Ταβέρνα Θέα Παπαδάκης
Thea tavern in Rodia of Heraklion, Crete is a very beautiful place for Greek cuisine and Cretan delicacies. This is a family business with a welcoming atmosphere and delivery items. Enjoy comfort and homemade food with a unique view of the whole of Heraklion from above.
The tavern "To Rodi" is famous for the incredible view and the traditional recipes. What is certain is that whoever visits "To Rodi" has a good time and eats well!
The tavern serves excellent quality grilled meats, delicious lamb chops, traditional Cretan recipes such as wedding pilaf, and rich salads with fresh vegetables straight from the garden. You will not know what to choose from the very rich menu, but most of the guests "swear" at the special Lamb facing each other, the Lamb smoked and the Pig of milk.
Ταβέρνα Το Ρόδι - Αρνί Αντικριστό
The tavern "To Rodi" is famous for the incredible view and the traditional recipes. What is certain is that whoever visits "To Rodi" has a good time and eats well!
The tavern serves excellent quality grilled meats, delicious lamb chops, traditional Cretan recipes such as wedding pilaf, and rich salads with fresh vegetables straight from the garden. You will not know what to choose from the very rich menu, but most of the guests "swear" at the special Lamb facing each other, the Lamb smoked and the Pig of milk.
Taste the authentic cretan cuisine in Restaurant “Mourelo Cretan Food & Drink Philosophy”. Enjoy your breakfast, snacks,lunch ,dinner but also your drinks!
Mourelo Cretan Food & Drink Philosophy
DiosTaste the authentic cretan cuisine in Restaurant “Mourelo Cretan Food & Drink Philosophy”. Enjoy your breakfast, snacks,lunch ,dinner but also your drinks!
Traditional Village
Archanes is a large village, on a fertile and verdant hillside with abundant running water.
The village is very beautiful with picturesque streets, flowered yards and balconies and several superb neoclassical houses.It is one of the most historic and beautiful villages of Crete.
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Archanes
Archanes is a large village, on a fertile and verdant hillside with abundant running water.
The village is very beautiful with picturesque streets, flowered yards and balconies and several superb neoclassical houses.It is one of the most historic and beautiful villages of Crete.
Activities
The Lyrarakis Estate is a family winery which has been producing high quality wines since 1966 with a strong focus on rare local varieties and producing single variety wines. The family is credited with the revival of two ancient Cretan varieties, Dafni and Plyto while a third “vineyard treasure”, the indigenous Melissaki, was recently added to the credits.
Surrounded by the idyllic setting of the vineyards and the Lassithi mountains they offer you the opportunity to enjoy nature and discover local varieties and wines distinguished by the uniqueness of their origin and heritage.
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Lyrarakis Winery
The Lyrarakis Estate is a family winery which has been producing high quality wines since 1966 with a strong focus on rare local varieties and producing single variety wines. The family is credited with the revival of two ancient Cretan varieties, Dafni and Plyto while a third “vineyard treasure”, the indigenous Melissaki, was recently added to the credits.
Surrounded by the idyllic setting of the vineyards and the Lassithi mountains they offer you the opportunity to enjoy nature and discover local varieties and wines distinguished by the uniqueness of their origin and heritage.
Organize a sailing trip departing from Heraklion and discover Dia, a small uninhabited island not far from Crete. Enjoy plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the island. CAVO Yachts offers great experience with lux catamarans - we offer a discount code (ask more once you arrive)
Dia
Organize a sailing trip departing from Heraklion and discover Dia, a small uninhabited island not far from Crete. Enjoy plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the island. CAVO Yachts offers great experience with lux catamarans - we offer a discount code (ask more once you arrive)
SuperMarket
In Gazi village there are 2 big supermarkets "AB Vasilopoulos " and "Chalkiadakis" with grocery inside. They are located about 8km away from the house 10-15 minutes driving. They are both excellent choices to find everything you may need. "Chalkiadakis" tends to work with local products especially in meat and cheese products whereas "AB Vasilopoulos" offers a greater variety on anything you may need.
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Super Market Chalkiadakis
176 Ελ. ΒενιζέλουIn Gazi village there are 2 big supermarkets "AB Vasilopoulos " and "Chalkiadakis" with grocery inside. They are located about 8km away from the house 10-15 minutes driving. They are both excellent choices to find everything you may need. "Chalkiadakis" tends to work with local products especially in meat and cheese products whereas "AB Vasilopoulos" offers a greater variety on anything you may need.
In Gazi village there are 2 big supermarkets "AB Vasilopoulos " and "Chalkiadakis" with grocery inside. They are located about 8km away from the house 10-15 minutes driving. They are both excellent choices to find everything you may need. "Chalkiadakis" tends to work with local products especially in meat and cheese products whereas "AB Vasilopoulos" offers a greater variety on anything you may need.
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AB Vassilopoulos
155 Palea EO Rethimnou IrakliouIn Gazi village there are 2 big supermarkets "AB Vasilopoulos " and "Chalkiadakis" with grocery inside. They are located about 8km away from the house 10-15 minutes driving. They are both excellent choices to find everything you may need. "Chalkiadakis" tends to work with local products especially in meat and cheese products whereas "AB Vasilopoulos" offers a greater variety on anything you may need.
Bar | Cocktails
Ombra beach bar
Awesome Lunch & Cocktails
Beaches
A staircase with wooden steps descends to the sea level. The beach stands out for its cleanliness and the crystal-clear water that brings to mind the best beaches of southern Crete.
It is a quaint beach with a blend of fine pebbles and sand in certain spots. The seabed is quite rocky, making it perfect for snorkelling. There’s also a small canteen on the beach. Its name, Helidoni, is derived from the swarms of swallows that flock to this area annually.
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Παραλία Χελιδόνι ''Swallow beach''
A staircase with wooden steps descends to the sea level. The beach stands out for its cleanliness and the crystal-clear water that brings to mind the best beaches of southern Crete.
It is a quaint beach with a blend of fine pebbles and sand in certain spots. The seabed is quite rocky, making it perfect for snorkelling. There’s also a small canteen on the beach. Its name, Helidoni, is derived from the swarms of swallows that flock to this area annually.
Paliokastro is the closest beach to the house and is among the most beloved beaches of the inhabitants of Heraklion, who visit that with their families on a daily basis.
Spot on the Beach
Paliokastro is the closest beach to the house and is among the most beloved beaches of the inhabitants of Heraklion, who visit that with their families on a daily basis.
The main beach of the settlement is a long and narrow beach with sand and greenish water. The beach offers many options for watersports, diving, umbrellas and food.
Agia Pelagia Beach
The main beach of the settlement is a long and narrow beach with sand and greenish water. The beach offers many options for watersports, diving, umbrellas and food.
Madé is a small coastal village located near Ligaria. In front of the village there is a very small bay with a pebbly beach, which is surrounded by several rocks and the small settlement Madé. It is well organised by the local hotel which provides umbrellas and sunbeds to its customers.
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Mades beach
Madé is a small coastal village located near Ligaria. In front of the village there is a very small bay with a pebbly beach, which is surrounded by several rocks and the small settlement Madé. It is well organised by the local hotel which provides umbrellas and sunbeds to its customers.
Hersonissos is one of the most famous tourist resorts near Heraklion but also locals' choice for weekend getaways. Saradari is one the many bays - It is a small bay with crystal turquoise water and brown fine sand.
Saradari Beach
Hersonissos is one of the most famous tourist resorts near Heraklion but also locals' choice for weekend getaways. Saradari is one the many bays - It is a small bay with crystal turquoise water and brown fine sand.
A once laid-back fishing village that was discovered by hippies back in the 1960s, the legendary Matala – not far from Kommos Beach – is no longer a well-kept secret, so it’s best-visited off-season. The gentle waters of the Messara Bay are flanked by honeycomb-like sandstone cliffs and mysterious caves – and myth has it this was the spot where Zeus swam ashore under the guise of a bull with the kidnapped Europa on his back.
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Matala strand
A once laid-back fishing village that was discovered by hippies back in the 1960s, the legendary Matala – not far from Kommos Beach – is no longer a well-kept secret, so it’s best-visited off-season. The gentle waters of the Messara Bay are flanked by honeycomb-like sandstone cliffs and mysterious caves – and myth has it this was the spot where Zeus swam ashore under the guise of a bull with the kidnapped Europa on his back.
Istro is a beautiful, exquisitely peaceful bay in Lassithi that is not to be overlooked – for the serious business of taking time out. The superbly sandy swathe, bedecked with day beds, offers front-row views of the cerulean-blue sea – its calming shores are the perfect elixir for the daily hustle. Perfect the art of doing nothing: the best plan is to bliss out on irresistible Istro for the entire day, swimming, picnicking, and gazing at the glittering sea, cocooned by the pretty-as-a-painting, fresh-green natural landscape.
Istro Municipal Beach
Istro is a beautiful, exquisitely peaceful bay in Lassithi that is not to be overlooked – for the serious business of taking time out. The superbly sandy swathe, bedecked with day beds, offers front-row views of the cerulean-blue sea – its calming shores are the perfect elixir for the daily hustle. Perfect the art of doing nothing: the best plan is to bliss out on irresistible Istro for the entire day, swimming, picnicking, and gazing at the glittering sea, cocooned by the pretty-as-a-painting, fresh-green natural landscape.