colourful fishing boats at the old harbour of heraklion

5 Destinations In Heraklion You Should Not Miss

In the centre of the island of Crete is the region of Heraklion, which lies the island's homonymous capital:

  1. Go back to the Minoan era at the Palaces of Knossos and Phaestos.
  2. Travel back to recent years to the traditional mountainous villages.
  3. Rent a car and drive from the city on the north coast, through the olive grove valleys and vineyards, towards the more quiet south.

Heraklion, the capital of Crete

80km from Rethymno and 60km from Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion is the capital of Crete and the fifth-largest city in Greece. Hence, traffic in the city can be overwhelming, and we suggest you walk around the city centre and rent a car to discover the rest of the region.

The pedestrian streets in the town centre will lead you to several historical landmarks, such as the Morosini fountain (lion fountain). At the same time, you will get a taste of the everyday life of the locals. The Archaeological Museum exhibits an extensive Minoan collection and artefacts from all Cretan prehistory and historical periods. On the other hand, the Historical Museum will take you through the byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman periods. Finally, the Natural History Museum with the gigantic Deinotherium will take you back 9 million years ago.

 

Rent a car with Simplybook and discover our top 5 destinations in Heraklion:

Knossos, 6km south of Heraklion

Probably the most visited destination in Heraklion, Knossos is Crete's most famous archaeological attraction and the largest of the preserved Minoan palatial centres. Center of the Minoan civilisation, home of the mythical king Minos, the size and shape of the palace gave birth to the myth of the labyrinth where the Minotaur lived. Discover more about the Minoan Palace of Knossos

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The archaeological site of Knossos, 5km southeast of Heraklion. Photo by Bernard Gagnonlicensed.

 

Phaistos, 63km from Heraklion

In Phaistos lie the ruins of one of the most important centres of the Minoan civilisation. There, Luigi Pernier discovered the Phaistos disk in 1908. Visit the remains of the old and the new palace and enjoy the views of the Messara Plain and Psiloritis mountain.

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The archaeological site of Phaistos, where the famous Phaistos disc was discovered, 63km from Heraklion. Photo by Olaf Tauschlicensed.

 

Lentas, 73 km southwest of Heraklion

Lentas is a quiet coastal village ideal for those who want to rest, relax and swim in the Libyan sea. In addition, Lentas can be your base for nearby beaches like Dikos to the west and Loutra and Tripiti to the east. Once you get there, ask the locals for directions.

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Seaside village of Lentas, 73km southwest of Heraklion. Photo by MJJRlicensed.

 

Viannos, 65km southeast of Heraklion

65km southeast of Heraklion, at the foot of Mount Dikti, is the historical village of Viannos. There, a war memorial reveals the tragic history of the area. During WWII, the Nazis executed 820 inhabitants in Viannos and nearby towns. Despite its dramatic past, Viannos is a beautiful traditional village with narrow alleys and old houses. There you can find several tavernas and accommodations with great views of the olive groves.

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Viannos village, 65 km southeast of Heraklion. Photo by Doris Antonylicensed.

Matala, 67km south west of Heraklion

11km southwest of Phaistos, in the Bay of Messara, is the coastal village of MatalaWidely famous from the 1960s and early 1970s as a place of gathering for hippies who lived in the carved caves, the former Roman tombs. The peaceful Matala nights are also mentioned in Johny Mitchel's song "Carey" after spending some time there herself. The laid-back atmosphere, the beautiful sandy beach and the clear waters of the Libyan sea still attract many visitors.

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 The carved caves of Matala, 67km southwest of Heraklion. Photo by Marek Silarskilicensed. 

Want to discover more of Crete?

Rent a car with Simplybook and go on a road trip on the Grand Tour of Crete.

Rent a vehicle with Simplybook for your next vacation in Greece and support the local communities.

Featured photo by moniek58licensed