Heraklion City Breaks

A vibrant city in Crete

Heraklion City, Crete’s capital, is an energetic modern destination with a historic heart. On Heraklion City holidays you’ll find gorgeous open spaces, lively street markets, world-class museums and more than enough ouzo to go round.

The charming old town is mostly pedestrianised, and it’s lovely to stroll along the waterfront past bobbing boats in the harbour to the imposing Venetian fortress of Koules. History fans are really spoilt for choice here.Close by is the Palace of Knossos, a sprawling ancient archaeological site based around a Minoan palace.

In the old town, Byzantine churches stand among neoclassical mansions and Turkish fountains, nodding to the city’s multicultural past. For a glimpse of Greece at its most bustling and vibrant, alongside ancient sites alive with the stuff of legend, nothing beats holidays to Heraklion City.

Explore our map of Heraklion City

Your Heraklion City questions, answered

It is busy?

Absolutely, this is a bustling city with masses going on, so it’s a great place for people who like to pack in plenty of sightseeing.

How long should I stay?

A few days will give you the opportunity to explore the old town, churches and museums, but many people stay for longer and explore Chania, too.

When’s best to visit?

November and December are a surprisingly good time – the temperatures are pleasant, and there aren’t so many crowds, so popular sights such as Knossos are queue-free.

Best things to do

See Knossos
This exceptional archaeological site is thousands of years old and many people travel to Crete just to visit it. Painstakingly restored, its palaces, baths and frescos are breathtaking.
Get a museum fix
Heraklion City’s Archaeological Museum is packed with Minoan, Roman and Hellenic artefacts. Look out in particular for the Phaistos Disc, which dates from around 1600 BC.
Visit Koules
This impressive fortress, and former prison, has an eerie atmosphere. Its unfathomably thick walls have kept out invaders – as well as the sunlight – for centuries.