Are you finally planning your long-awaited trip to Greece and you are not sure which places to pick? Do they all seem beautiful and attractive but you can only choose a few? Well, no worries, the choice is obvious: pick Heraklio! But why should you go there? Read on and find out.
Heraklio is the capital city of the island of Crete and the 4th largest city in Greece. It was built in 824 AD by Saracen pirates and was used as a safe harbour for them. In 961 the city was taken over by the Greek forces of Nikephoros Phokas and until 1204 it remained under Greek control. It was then bought by the Republic of Venice and for more than 400 years stayed under their control. In 1669 the city was taken over by the Ottomans and in 1913 it returned to Greek control.
The city has the biggest port and the largest number of connections to ferries or planes on the island. Its airport is the second busiest Greek airport and the ferries connect Heraklio with many other islands in the Aegean Sea as well as with the capital of Greece, Athens.
Heraklio is a very energetic city and many students live here due to the variety of study courses one can take in the public as well as the Technical University. Thus, there are many places for young people to go, such as cafes and bars but also clubs that operate until sunrise. There are tons of things one can do in Heraklio but of course not all of them can be mentioned here. Keep reading and I will let you know about the places you must definitely visit once you are in the city.
The Palace of Knossos
Probably the number one thing visitors tend to see when they visit Crete are the ancient ruins of the Palace of Knossos, the centre of the Minoan civilisation and cradle of Western civilisation. The ruins are located about 6km from the city centre and are easily reachable by a bus which runs frequently from the main bus station near to the port. There is much to see in the ruins and guided tours can be arranged. Make sure to plan a visit in the early morning to avoid the hot sun.
The centre
Heraklio’s centre is not very big and it can be explored easily in one or two days. The focal point of the centre is the Lions Square (also known as Eleftheriou Venizelou Square, however the locals rarely use that name) where a Venetian Fountain consisting of four lions can be found. Many shops are located in the “Dedalou Street” which begins at the Square and connects it with the city’s other main square, Liberty Square. Another road (beginning close to Lions Square and called “Chandakos Street”) is a nice road for a walk or to taste hot or cold chocolate at one of the most famous cafes in the city called “Ουτοπία” (which means utopia). Around the Square there are many places where one can eat or go for a drink and also many roads full of bars, restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops.
The traditional market
Starting again from the Lions Square (I told you it is the focal point) you can find “1866 Street” where there are many shops selling traditional products, from goat cheese and meat to raki and honey. Also some restaurants are located there, serving very tasty food at moderate prices. If you walk all the way to the end of the Street you will find yourself in yet another square, “Kornarou Square”.
The Venetian fortress
On the North side of the Lions Square the “25th of August Street” begins which leads you to the Venetian Fortress, also known by most locals as “Koules”. You can watch the waves crashing on the breakwater there or take the long walk of 2.3km to reach the lighthouse where you can enjoy an amazing sunset.
The Natural History Museum and Talos Plaza
Starting from the entrance of “Koules” you can walk your way along “Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue”, which follows the coast. Less than a kilometre away you will find the Natural History Museum, a great place to see animals and plants which live and grow on the island but also some models of prehistoric beings. If you keep walking in the same direction soon you will come across the Talos Plaza; a modern mall where you can enjoy a coffee or a snack next to the sea but also satisfy your shopping needs or watch a movie at the cinema.
The city walls
The “old centre” of the city is surrounded by thick stone walls built by the Venetians. One can climb up those walls from many different points and enjoy a tour around the city “from above”. There are three main gates to the walls. The grave of the famous Greek writer Nikos Katzantakis is a “must stop” during your walk.
The beaches
Of course no visit to Heraklio would be complete without enjoying the beaches of the area. “Ammoudara” is an 
easily accessible (by bus from the main bus station) seaside area with lots of hotels and hostels but also restaurants and bars. Another choice is the beaches in “Ammnisos”, an area reachable also by bus from the main station. However, the most unspoilt (and least visited by tourists) beaches are the ones in the South part of the Island, connected with rural buses from the main station.
The food and the drinks
One of the greatest things in Heraklio is the vast variety of food and drinks one can taste. Make sure to try the well-known Greek salad, sided with a portion of “apaki” which is smoked and fried pork meat. Also, the sausages with vinegar and the Cretan “dakos” are great choices. For those who want to go a step further, “kokhlee” or fried snails is a good start. Don’t miss the chance to try Raki, traditional Cretan alchoholic drink or even better try “rakomelo” which is Raki mixed with honey.
Now you should have a pretty good idea of Heraklio and I hope that you have already decided to book your tickets. I can assure you that your holidays there will be an experience worth remembering and that you will find yourself wanting to go back time and time again.
Written by Kyriakos Avgoustis, AEGEE-Heraklio