The capital of Crete - the modern city of Heraklion, received its name in honor of the ancient Greek hero Hercules, who committed on Crete one of his exploits. Excellent conditions for recreation and a rich history have long made it one of the most popular places for recreation. Dynamically developing infrastructure has prepared for tourists chic boutiques and restaurants, the streets full of souvenir shops and noisy cafes with the scents of local cuisine.
Heraklion is not only the center of modern life in Greece, but also a city with a rich cultural heritage. Tourists can visit such archaeological sites as the labyrinth of the Minotaur in Knossos Palace known to all for myths and legends or excavations of Minoan cities. The rich past harmoniously coexists with the natural beauty of this place. Slopes rising above the sea, gardens full of vines and olive trees, pebble and sandy beaches - all these are picturesque surroundings of the city of Iraklion.
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How to get
The easiest way to reach Heraklion by plane is $ $ .The second largest Greek international airport is .Nikos Kazantzakis is located just a few kilometers from the city center .A direct flight to Crete can be reached only in the summer due to charter flights from Moscow or by using the services of such airlines as Aegenair or Aeroflot .With a transfer in Europe, a comfortable flight from Moscow to the city of Heraklion to its customers is offered by Lufthansa .You can also stay in Athens and use the services of local airlines to get to the city of Heraklion, paying approximately 75 EUR .
Unlike an airplane, a sea voyage will give an unforgettable impression of .Comfortable nine-story ships depart from the port of Pireaus in Athens daily .In addition, often such a journey is much cheaper than an airplane .Equipped with full cabins, the cost of which does not exceed 100 EUR and "sessile chairs" for active tourists, ferries offer a comfortable and pleasant pastime .Companies such as Minoan Lines, ANEK, SuperFast and Hellenic Seaways float in Heraklion .You can buy tickets in advance on the websites of companies or purchase them directly at the port .
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Heraklion hotels
One of the most visited places in Greece the city of Heraklion offers tourists luxury hotels with restaurants and spa-salons, business centers for congresses and inexpensive hotels .The refined hotel Galaxy Iraklio 5 is one of the best in Crete, awarded in 2010 with awards for high quality service and good value for money .Located in an elegant area of the city, just a 15-minute walk from the center, the hotel offers luxurious, newly renovated rooms and suites, business rooms equipped with a working area and wireless Internet access .
No less attractive is the Atrion 3 *, located in the heart of Heraklion near the waterfront. All rooms of the hotel are thought out to the smallest detail and offer their guests a pleasant stay.
Book popular hotels of Heraklion (Crete) at the best prices
| Galaxy Iraklio Hotel from 5 032 rubles Heraklio Town 75 Dimocratias Avenue | GDM Megaron Hotel from 7 237 rubles Heraklio Town 9, D. Beaufort Street | Aquila Atlantis Hotel from 5 927 rubles Heraklio Town 2, Ygias Str. |
| Capsis Astoria Hotel from 4 963 rubles Heraklio Town 11, Eleftherias Square | ||
| Lato Boutique Hotel from 4 136 rubles Heraklio Town 15 Epimenidou Street | Marin Dream Hotel from 3,377 rubles Heraklio Town 46 Epimenidou Str. | Sofia Hotel from 3,446 rubles Heraklio Town Stadiou 57 |
| Iraklion Hotel from 2 413 rubles Heraklio Town Kalokerinou 128 | Kronos Hotel from 3 171 rubles Heraklio Town 2, Sof.Venizelou & Mon. Agarathou | Irini Hotel from 2 757 rubles Heraklio Town 4, Idomeneos Str. |
Climate
Partly cloudy, light rain +15 ° С in the day +11 ° С at night ° С water |
Overcast +15 ° С in the day +12 ° С at night ° С water |
Clearly +16 ° С in the afternoon +12 ° С at night ° С water |
| Average monthly temperature, ° C | ||||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| in the daytime | + 15 | + 15 | + 16 | + 20 | + 23 | + 27 | + 28 | + 28 | + 26 | + 23 | + 20 | + 17 |
| night | + 9 | + 9 | + 9 | + 12 | + 14 | + 19 | + 21 | + 21 | + 19 | + 16 | + 13 | + 10 |
| of water | + 16 | + 16 | + 18 | + 18 | + 22 | + 22 | + 25 | + 25 | + 24 | + 24 | + 20 | + 20 |
Cuisine and restaurants of the city of Heraklion
In the city of Heraklion, everyone can find a "dish to taste." There are hundreds of bars and taverns, luxury restaurants and cozy cafes where you can taste Greek and European cuisine. Seafood is especially popular among tourists.
Do not miss the opportunity to assess the piquant taste of the local sauce Ταραμοσαλάτα (taramosalata). Restaurant Amateur Fisherman's Club offers all comers to enjoy fresh seafood prepared by the skillful hands of local chefs. Value for money will pleasantly surprise even the most demanding customer. The price for lunch is from 7 to 10 EUR.
Try mutton and pork ribs on the grill or stifado (Λαγός Στιφάδο) from the rabbit at the Embolo restaurant. Particularly nice to spend time there will be fans of live music.
But do not forget about desserts. Freshly baked puff pastries filled with cheese and wild greens (kalitsounia), yoghurt with honey along with many other delicious sweets of traditional cuisine can be purchased at the Bitzarakis bakery.
Entertainment, excursions and attractions of Heraklion
The history of Heraklion begins more than two hundred thousand years ago. To understand the depth and significance of this place will help the Historical Museum, located in the capital of the island of Crete. Here are stored not only historical documents, but also the work of Cretan icon painters. The museum works from nine in the morning until three in the afternoon. The admission fee is 5 EUR.
You can not also miss one of the best museums in Greece and around the world, where the treasures of Minoan culture are collected - the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. A rich collection of unique items found in Crete since 1883 gives an opportunity to get acquainted with the cultural heritage of the island. The admission ticket costs 6 EUR. Working hours: November-May: Mon-Sun 8: 30-15: 00; June-September: Mon 13: 00-19: 30, Tues-Sun 8: 00-19: 30. Tel .: +30 28 10 28 03 70, address: 2, Xanthoudidou.
The powerful defensive walls, built in the 16th century around the city of Heraklion, fountains decorated with relief arms are all indisputable proofs of the Venetian era. One of the most beautiful fountains is the Venetian Bombo fountain on Kornarou Square.
Knossos Palace
Especially popular among tourists are the ruins of the famous Knossos Palace, which gave rise to myths about the Minotaur, the brave hero of Theseus and the amazing thread of Ariadne. The complex architectural structure of the building in the form of a labyrinth with unique molding and paintings helps to plunge into the mythical atmosphere of that era. Among the local curiosities there is a bathroom and toilet built 3,600 years ago, the throne of the priest-king and the royal road is the oldest in Europe.
Surroundings
And about 70 km from Heraklion and 5 km from the sea lie the ruins of the ancient city of Festos with a palace, founded by the same king Minos. Working hours: June 15 - October 31: Mon-Sun 8: 00-19: 00; 1 November - 31 May: Mon-Sun 8: 30-15: 00. The entrance is 6 EUR. Tel .: +30 2810 23 19 40. Photo of Heraklion (Crete) (24)