Welcome to Heraklion
Visiting Heraklion for the first time? Are you ready for new adventures? Heraklion is one of the top destinations for couples, groups of friends, and families because it offers everything a traveler would wish for. History, beautiful landscapes, traditional food, and all-in-one resorts are only some of the things you can enjoy while at Heraklion.
How to get to Heraklion
You can travel to Heraklion by plane -Heraklion Airport-, or by ferry -Heraklion Port- by any Greek port that provides routes to Heraklion. In case you are located or staying anywhere else in Crete, you can easily reach Heraklion by car, bus or taxi! In case you have not rented a car or do not want to use public transportation, look for daily excursions or local guided tours to Heraklion, that will show you around the best sights, beaches, and local treasures that you need to visit.
Heraklion Airport
Heraklion Airport is named after the well-known Greek writer and philosopher Nikos Kazantzakis, who was born in Heraklion. Heraklion Airport is located 5 kilometers east of Heraklion city center, nearby the town of Nea Alikarnassos. Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (IATA: HER, ICAO: LGIR) serves Heraklion and the municipalities of Aghios Nikolaos, Malia, Hersonissos, Stalida, and Elounda in the island of Crete, being its main international gateway along with Chania Airport.
Heraklion Port
Heraklion Port is connected daily with Piraeus with two ferry routes, run by modern, luxury and fast passenger-car ferries (E/C-O/C). It is also connected with the Dodecanese, while in the summer season there are daily itineraries to many islands of the Cyclades, with cruisers and/or ferries (E/C-t/h, O/C-t/h) boats.
All ships depart from the western part of the port and the I & II piers. Passengers can issue their tickets from the ticket counters of all ferry companies operating within the Passenger Terminal of the port, or next to the departure areas (for T/h only).
How to travel around Crete
Heraklion Greece is the perfect base for exploration, as it is close to two of the most important monuments in Crete: Knossos Palace and Phaistos Palace! The easiest way to travel around Crete is by renting a car. You can always rent a car in Heraklion after your arrival, but we strongly suggest to our customers to rent a car at Heraklion Airport – or rent a car in Heraklion Port in case you arrive by ferry -. so that you can start your vacation immediately and enjoy the first ride in the island, in the convenience of your own car. Apex Car Rentals offer Heraklion airport and Heraklion port pick-up service free of charge in order to ensure that you will get the best customer experience by the time you arrive at the island by any mean!
If you do not want to rent a car, you can always travel around the island with public transportation – bus or taxi – or as a member of tourist groups and guided excursions that you can book online in advance or upon your arrival.
Heraklion Local Cuisine
Crete is famous for wine, olives, olive oil and cheese! Make sure to stop by a local tavern and try traditional dishes like gamopilafo, charoupi, dako, fried snails, cretan cheese pies, lamb and smoked pork! Do not forget to drink the famous raki and enjoy local pastry like galaktompoureko.
Top 10 things to do in Heraklion
According to Tripadvisor, these are the top 10 things to do in Heraklion:
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum
- Castello del Molo
- Natural history museum of Crete
- Lyrarakis winery
- Cathedral of St. Minas
- Knossos Archaeological Site
- Historical Museum of Crete
- Agios Titos church
- Morosini fountain
- Old Venetian harbor of Heraklion
