Hotels in Heraklion

Heraklion: Gateway to Minoan Crete

Heraklion is the capital of Crete and Greece's fifth-largest city, home to roughly 175,000 residents. The city anchors the north-central coast of the island and serves as the primary entry point for the region — Heraklion International Airport (HER) sits just 5 km east of the city centre. The Palace of Knossos, 5 km south of the waterfront, draws over one million visitors annually and represents the largest Bronze Age archaeological site in the Aegean, inhabited from roughly 1900 BCE. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum on Eleftherias Square holds the world's most complete collection of Minoan artefacts, including the Phaistos Disc.

Where to Stay

Hotels concentrate around the old Venetian harbour, the 1462-built Koules Fortress, and the pedestrianised 25th Avgoustou Street leading inland from the port. The Lakkos and Dedalou districts offer mid-range and boutique options within walking distance of the 1628 Morosini Fountain. Beach-focused travellers choose properties along the eastern coastal strip toward Ammoudara and Karteros.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Ferries from Piraeus take roughly 8–9 hours overnight; budget for a cabin berth.
• Getting around: KTEL buses connect Heraklion to Rethymno (1.5 hrs) and Chania (2.5 hrs).
• Weather: July and August average 29 °C with near-zero rainfall; shoulder months April–May and September–October suit archaeology visits.
• Currency: Euro (€); ATMs are plentiful on 1866 Market Street.