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    • Heraklion Area
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    Heraklion area Holidays

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    Heraklion holidays have it all. We're talking bevies of beaches and a selection box of historical big-hitters, as well as some famous after-sundown spots.

    Crete’s capital

    You’ll find the Heraklion area on Crete’s north coast. The city itself is Crete’s capital, and it’s packed with giveaways that Heraklion was once under Venetian rule, like the city-centre Lions Square – the statue-featuring fountain gives it its name. Aghios Minas Cathedral’s another pic-friendly place. The Heraklion area’s got its own international airport, too. It’s named after Nikos Kazantzakis, a famous Greek author who was born in the city. By night, bar-spangled spots like Hersonissos have you covered, and the bright lights of Malia are 30 minutes away by taxi.

    Natural sights

    Once you’ve had your fill of urban adventures, you can explore Heraklion’s wild side. If you’re up for a challenge, strap on your boots and hike the 16-kilometre Samaria Gorge – one of Europe’s longest canyons. If you’re a more chilled-out type, you’ve got plenty of beaches to hit up, too. Amoudara’s white sand swirls out for three miles, Hersonissos has a necklace of bustling beaches, and laidback Kokkini Hani boasts a 400-metre, perfect-for-paddling swathe.

    Historical haven

    Big helpings of history are on the holiday menu in Heraklion. In the city itself, the Archaeological Museum is a must-visit. Some of the artefacts hosted here have been around for over five thousand years. The Palace of Knossos is the biggest hitter of the bunch, though. This Bronze-Age beauty has been branded Europe’s oldest city, and the complex spills out over 10 kilometres. This ancient spot was said to be the haunt of the legendary half man, half-bull minotaur.

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    At a glance

    • Tuck in to a platter of meze in an open-air Hersonissos eatery
    • Visit the famous Archaeological Museum
    • Choose between a bunch of beaches

    Destinations in Heraklion Area

    Top Destinations

    • Amoudara

      Amoudara holidays give you a top-calibre sandy beach to base yourself around, just a short cab ride from Heraklion and its historic highlights.

    • Gouves

      Holidays to Gouves give you all the delights of a rural village, as well as sun-kissed beaches and cultural landmarks right on your doorstep.

    • Hersonissos

      Hersonissos holidays break the Cretan mould. It swaps out the usual historic sites and traditional villages for action-packed beaches and lively nightlife – and that's why people love it.

    • Kokkini Hani

      Kokkini Hani holidays are as traditionally Greek as souvlaki skewers with a side of ouzo.

    • Malia

      Holidays to Malia promise nightlife to rival Ibiza's, ancient ruins to explore, and the best beach this side of Crete.

    • Stalis

      Holidays to Stalis promise long, laidback days on some of the best beaches Crete has to offer.

    • Analipsi

      Along with dreamy beaches and lashings of laidback Cretan charm, holidays to Analipsi serve up ancient history on a platter.

    • Anissaras

      Anissaras holidays pitch up on a beach-bridled corner of Crete's coastline.

    • Piskopiano Village

      Holidays to Piskopiano Village are a feast for the eyes, with sweeping views and historic sights within easy reach.

    • Koutouloufari

      Holidays to Koutouloufari on the Greek island of Crete combine lazy, lingering evenings with action-packed daytrips for the whole family.

    • Kamilari

      Holidays to Kamilari are unhurried affairs, with blissful views, authentic Greek food and warm welcomes from friendly locals.

    • Lyttos Beach

      Holidays to Lyttos Beach deliver on all the essentials for an island getaway, such as good food, sandy beaches and relaxation.

    • Gournes

      Holidays to Gournes on the island of Crete are made of relaxing moments and plenty of family-friendly activities.

    • Agkisaras

      On holidays to Agkisaras, chilled-out beach days are at the top of the menu, with a hefty helping of historical sights on the side.

    Show More Destinations Show Fewer Destinations

    Top things to See and Do in Heraklion area

    • BEACHES
    • SHOPPING
    • NIGHTLIFE
    • FOOD & DRINK
    • Crete’s coastline

      Heraklion is a please-everyone kind of place where beaches are concerned. This pocket of northern Crete packs in everything from family-friendly spots like Stalis and Agia Pelagia, to party-central Malia with its sweep of bar-backed sand.

    • The big beach

      Stalis Beach takes the title of Heraklion’s most popular stretch. This gold slice runs right along the length of the town, so whichever spot you pick, you won’t be far from the action. There are plenty of sunloungers and parasols up for grabs, and families with little ones will love the shallow, calm waters. Lunch won’t be a problem either – the sands are lined with tavernas and beach bars.

    • The secret beach

      If your idea of beach heaven is something a little more secluded, Paleokastro Beach should be right up your street. It’s a pebbled cove about 15 minutes’ drive southwest of Heraklion town. The beach is postcard-pretty, hemmed in by craggy cliffs and watched over by an old castle. You won’t find crowds and cocktail bars here – just bags of space and a couple of lovely seafront tavernas.

    • Bargain Buys

      Odos 1866 Street in Heraklion is a souvenir pulse point. The open-air market here is crammed with stalls selling traditional Cretan products like thyme honey, pumice stones, and olive oil cosmetics. It’s open every day except Sunday. In Kokkini Hani, meanwhile, you’ll find a handful of souvenir shops on the main street.

    • Mid-Range Buys

      You can restock your wardrobe in the clothes shops in Hersonissos. Head to El Venizelou Streetto buy everything from gym gear to designer jeans. If you’re in Heraklion, meanwhile, you’ll find stores like Zara and Benetton on Daidalou Street.

    • Designer Buys

      Deep-pocketed shoppers should head to Liberty Square in Heraklion to browse the boutiques of Greek designers like Bill Cost and Rococo. Alternatively, you can put a serious dent in the bank balance in the jewellery shops on Ag.Parakevis in Hersonissos.

    • Laid-back evenings

      There’s no shortage of restaurants in Hersonissos, but for something special, head to the traditional village of Koutouloufari, 800 metres away. Some of the restaurants here clock up five stars on TripAdvisor. In Kokkini Hani, the best restaurants are in the harbour. And if you want a break from the norm, the village of Anopolis, a few miles from Kokkini Hani, lays on a Greek night once a week with dancing and traditional food.

    • Lively evenings

      When it comes to nightlife, Hersonissos is cooking on gas. Start your night off in the bars around 25 Martious Street, AKA Beach Road, then migrate over to the clubs on Agias Paraskevis Street. If you want the ultimate night on the tiles, however, you should head to Malia. The clubs on Malia Beach Road are open ‘til dawn.

    • Onion pies

      This recipe may have been born and bred here, but it’s become a hit all over Crete. Onion pies are made by mixing mashed potatoes with onion, and frying the onion in a mixture of flour and eggs. They can be served piping hot or chilled.

    • Kolokithokeftedes

      This is one from Crete’s ‘100 ways with courgettes’ recipe collection. This time, the popular vegetable is grated with potatoes, carrots, tomatoes and cheese and fried in a batter of flour and egg. The end result is served warm with a yoghurt dip.

    • Ostrich

      Granted, you won’t find ostrich recipes in your traditional Greek cookbook, but it’s become a regular on the menus in Kokkini Hani. There’s a farm on the outskirts of town, so you’ll see the low-fat meat served up as souvlakia – a type of kebab – and steak.

    • Paximadia

      Named after a pair of islands 12 kilometres off the coast of Crete, Paximadia is twice-baked bread. It’s sprinkled in water just before serving to soften it, and you’ll usually find it at the bottom of a Cretan salad, hidden beneath tomatoes, cheese, oregano and olives.

    • Tsikoudia

      In most Cretan villages, there’s a local who’s licensed to produce Tsikoudia. The clear spirit is made from the skins of grapes, and it’s knock-your-socks-off alcoholic. Most locals keep a bottle in their freezer and sip it slowly with their meals.

    SIMILAR DESTINATIONS

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    • Messinia

    • Amalfi Coast

    • Majorca

    • Gran Canaria

    • Skiathos

    • Paxos

    Our destinations in Heraklion Area

    • Amoudara

    • Gournes

    • Gouves

    • Hersonissos

    • Kamilari

    • Kokkini Hani

    • Koutouloufari

    • Malia

    • Piskopiano Village

    • Stalis

    • Lyttos Beach

    • Analipsi

    • Agkisaras

    • Anissaras

    Popular holidays

    • Family holidays in Heraklion area
    • Luxury holidays in Heraklion area
    • All inclusive holidays in Heraklion area
    • Last minute holidays in Heraklion area
     
     

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