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    Heraklion

    Minoan heritage, modern Greek culture, and seaside pleasures.

    Heraklion is the cultural and historical heart of Crete. A visit to Knossos is essential to explore the kingdom of Minos and live your own myth. The Archaeological Museum houses priceless treasures, such as the Phaistos Disc. By the beach and the old harbor, the Koules Fortress stands proudly overlooking the Aegean Sea. The city center buzzes with life, cafes, and shops around Lion Square. With nearby beaches, museums (like the Cretaquarium), and easy access to charming villages, Heraklion is a perfect destination for cultural exploration and seaside relaxation. It is a destination that satisfies every kind of traveler with its history, flavors, and natural beauty.

    Highlights

    Loggia (Town Hall)

    Located in the heart of the Old Town is the Loggia, which today operates as Heraklion's town hall. Considered by many to be Crete's best-preserved Venetian building.

    Saint Titos church

    The church of Agios Titos was built around 961 AC in order to reawaken Orthodox influence after Nikiforos Fokas drove the Arabs out of Crete and brought back the influence of the Byzantine Empire. 

    Heraklion Archaeological Museum

    Magnificent frescoes from Knossos, including Prince of the Lilies and Bull-Leaping, the Snake Goddess and the Phaistos Disk. The museum's treasures cover more than 5,500 years of history. 

    The Palace of Knossos

    Crete's biggest and best-preserved Minoan site. A vast monumental palace, with four wings built around a spacious central courtyard, Knossos is believed to have been the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos. 

    Heraklion Fortress

    An impressive fortress that surrounds the city’s harbor. The massive fortress was built by the Venetians in the early 13th century, when they conquered the town. Also called Koules or Castello a Mare.

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    IDEAL DESTINATION

    From Ancient Palaces to Modern Charm

    Heraklion is the ideal destination for travelers seeking a mix of ancient civilization and modern energy. As the home of the legendary Palace of Knossos, it offers an unparalleled journey into Europe’s oldest history. Beyond the ruins, visitors enjoy world-class museums, the iconic Koules Fortress, and vibrant Cretan gastronomy. With its central location and stunning nearby beaches, Heraklion serves as the perfect base for exploring the diverse wonders of Crete

    Local Gems & Flavors to Try

    Luxury restaurants, traditional taverns, and quaint cafes all embrace the magic of Cretan cuisine. Try Cretan dakos (barley rusks with olive oil, tomato, and feta), olive bread, hare, a variety of savory pies (meat, cheese, yogurt, leek, fennel), fresh fish in many styles, “boubouristisnails, kalitsounia (pastries with fresh cheese and mint), and of course the famous gamopilafo (meat broth rice dish), once served only at weddings, now a staple in many island restaurants.

    Best Time to Visit

    Crete is an ideal all seasons destination. Thanks to its temperate climate and sunshine, the island attracts visitors throughout the year.

    How to use transportation in Heraklion

    Airport/port transfer options

    By Air

    Heraklion is connected to Athens and a large number of European Cities being the gateway to the island for all foreign visitors

     

    By Ferry

    Heraklion is connected to Athens by regular ferry services from the port of Piraeus. The journey takes about 8 to 10 hours and the route usually runs at night

    Public transportation

    A number of Public Buses are available for local transport.

    Taxis are available 24 hours

    Questions / Answers

    Q&A

    Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, Koules Fortress, the Cretaquarium, and Lion Square.

    About 2–3 hours for a meaningful tour of Minoan history highlights.

    Yes, with its wide range of beaches, museums, and family-friendly activities.

    By public buses, taxis, rental car – the city is easy to navigate.

    Yes, with cafés, bars, and local taverns especially around the pedestrian zone and harbor.

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    They said about us...

     Savita
    2025-07-21
    Αthens, Santorini and Corfu
    My Kids and I loved the trip except for our lost baggage from the Aegean airlines upon arrival at Athens at the start of the trip.Loved all the sightseeing. Tour guides and Pick up services were awesome!! Tour guides were very knowledgeable in their area and history of the city and my kids and I loved that. They answered all our questions. Pick up services were always on time.I just wish I had a little more time in Corfu to do the boat tour as I had planned. Wasn’t able to accomplish that. Loved the wine tasting, Oia and Fira in Santorini. Thank You so much for helping me plan this trip. Great memories made on this trip!!Savita
    2025-05-09
    Group from India
    Thank you so much for your flexibility and support throughout the past weeks – the group ended successfully and we truly appreciate your efforts.
    During the trip, we also received very positive feedback from the tour leader regarding the hotels, restaurants, and the quality of your transportation service. We’re very happy with the overall arrangement and sincerely hope to continue working with you on upcoming groups.
    2024-03-27
    BDA - Scientific meeting
    Mata/ChristineThe feedback from all delegates was very positive about all the arrangements provided by the hotel and your good selves. Accommodation, meals and overall satisfaction from the hotel was very good. The renovated rooms help to bring the best of the hotel – the gala dinner room location was fantastic. Please give this feedback to the hotel too. All the transfers, excursions, the drivers, guide etc were performed professionally and all delegates again had something good to say about your services and the way you have handled the management of these activities. Overall well done. This is a genuine feedback and hope that makes you feel satisfied for a job well done
    Fabiola Cano
    2023-11-29
    Fabiola Cano from Viajes Lerma
    It was a real pleasure to meet you. The passengers were happy with all your details and the beautiful country of Greece. Regarding food, I must thank you for the care you took to choose the places and the dishes. They were all a great success. The menus, even in Spanish, were totally appreciated. Regarding accommodation, I found the hotel nice, comfortable and well located. The breakfast room is a bit busy in the mornings, but the food tastes great. And the view of the Parthenon from the top roof is impressive. Transportation good. The tours seemed good to me. Tour guides have a good command of the Spanish language and were quite friendly.  Regarding contact and respond from the company. I must emphasize that there is only praise for you, Anna. You really are a great person. The joy of your soul is transmitted around everything you do. Always with a smile no matter how tiring the tourist activity is. The details and care with which you do your job are extremely applaudable. I only have one word but for you THANKFULNESS.October 2023
    RAK
    2023-05-05
    One more Thank You
    Dear Mata and Desi,I mean it when I say I have never been exposed to such level of loving care in the world of travel.  We were not just your clients. We felt like your family. You cared for us, and all of our many (many! Many!) different needs. You showed Stuart such respect. You were patient with some in our group who would not always ask things with proper respect. You kept showing up in places we did not expect. You made visits to the pharmacy, and extra trips with your car, all to make us feel comfortable and at home.Truly—you are at the top of your business, and it shows. I do not even remember how we initially found you. But however it was, I am so grateful for this friendship and partnership. And I do mean it when I hope that we do many trips together in the future, and that I can send many of my colleagues to you for trips.It is hard for this trip to be over and to say goodbye. Know that we mean it when we say we have not only appreciation for you. But love for you.Αντίο και σας ευχαριστούμε και σας αγαπάμε και είμαστε ενθουσιασμένοι που θα σας δούμε σύντομα.With a heart that is full because we know one another, and heavy because we have to say goodbye!
    Kleopatra M
    2021-09-15
    Very helpful office…
    Very helpful office… special thanks to Ms. Lina who was very kind, very fast (although she had a large workload due to the tourist season) and met our needs perfectly !!! I highly recommend it !!!Kleopatra M
    Aris Konstantinidis
    2021-09-07
    The only travel agency that has served me perfectly
    The only travel agency that has served me perfectly as a voucher holder for \"tourism for all\". Perfect organization of the whole trip. Definitely first in my choices for future travel!Aris Konstantinidis