Why go?
Heraklion is Greece’s fourth-largest metropolis, the capital of the island of Crete, and at first look seems a busy fashionable metropolis. Look nearer, nonetheless, and also you’ll discover a place that retains a lot character and plenty of historic treasures, in addition to offering entry for cruise passengers and different guests to the ruins of the Minoan palace at Knossos, one of many Mediterranean’s best archeological websites.
Cruise port location
Cruise ships dock at a number of factors round Heraklion’s massive fashionable port. Shuttles run from extra distant piers to the primary terminal. Flip proper (west) alongside the waterfront from right here and it’s a simple third of a mile (500m) stroll to the 14th-century Venetian partitions that mark the boundaries of the medieval metropolis.
Can I stroll to any locations of curiosity?
It’s a simple stroll to the outdated metropolis (see above), although avenue signage is usually poor and barely in English. As soon as you’re throughout the Venetian partitions all the things you need to see – notably the primary archeological museum, the Agios Titos church and different museums – are all inside a couple of minutes’ stroll. The Knossos web site, nonetheless, lies three miles (5km) south of the town and requires a taxi or bus.
Credit score:
istock
Getting round
It’s simple to achieve Knossos by public bus. Heraklion has a number of bus terminals: the one with buses to Knossos, Terminal A is positioned on the waterfront highway en route for the outdated metropolis, only a few minutes’ stroll west from the cruise terminal. Search for the blue (metropolis bus) #2: providers depart roughly each half-hour.
Taxis are plentiful however be looking out for unscrupulous drivers – guarantee meters are on (and set to the day not evening price), and that you’re not charged bogus dietary supplements. If potential, e-book earlier than you arrive with an organization similar to Heraklion Taxi.
What to see and do
Knossos is the primary attraction, and when you can see the ruins in two hours or so, you need to permit longer. You’ll be able to simply entry and discover the positioning underneath your steam, however do your homework, rent a guide or obtain an audio guide to get probably the most from what is usually a bewildering web site.
Observe that almost all “half-day” excursions often run for 5 hours and that almost all excursions don’t embody the €15 (£14) entrance charge of their quoted value.
On an extended stopover, or with time left over, go to the Archeological Museum – a money-saving mixed Knossos-museum ticket is offered (€16/£14.50) – and discover the remainder of the outdated metropolis.
What can I do in 4 hours or much less?
Knossos was first settled at the least 8,000 years in the past and the primary palace constructed right here round 2000BC. The current ruins date from a palace destroyed by an earthquake in 1380BC, and as soon as housed 12,000 folks in 13,000 rooms, with maybe one other 50,000 folks dwelling throughout the remainder of the positioning, which covers 185 acres (75ha). Many of the rooms are reconstructions – however give a vivid impression of how their inhabitants may need lived – and the numerous frescoes are copies, the originals having been eliminated to Heraklion’s Archeological Museum for safekeeping.
Credit score:
getty
What can I do in eight hours or much less?
See Knossos after which discover the city beginning with the Archeological Museum, which incorporates superlative finds from Knossos and different websites throughout Crete. Highlights embody the Leaping Bull and Blue Chicken frescoes, jewelry, vases and the enigmatic Phaistos Disk, a clay disk stamped with as but undeciphered hieroglyphics.
Near the museum are the outdated metropolis’s two busy principal squares, Plateia Eleftherias and Plateia Venizelou, and the smaller Plateia Kallergon, dwelling to the advantageous Seventeenth-century Loggia building, now the City Corridor. Behind the Loggia is the town’s key church, Agios Titos, which dates to at the least the tenth century and incorporates the relics of St Tito, who introduced Christianity to Crete.
Additionally worthwhile are the Historic Museum of Crete, which explores the island by the ages, and the museums of religious art and natural history.
In the event you nonetheless have time, or are passionate in regards to the historic previous, then it’s possible you’ll need to go to Phaistos, one other Minoan web site fantastically located on Crete’s southern coast. You’ll want to hitch a tour or take a non-public taxi tour as the positioning is 40 miles (63km) and round 70 minutes’ drive away.
Eat and drink
Ouzo is among the drinks of selection elsewhere in Greece, however on Crete an area anise-flavoured different, tsikoudia (also referred to as raki), is usually most popular. Snails (choclioli) and cuttlefish with fennel and olives are well-liked, as are dishes similar to tsigariastó (slow-cooked lamb or goat), apáki (marinated pork), marathópita (pizza-like dough typically with fennel, spinach or sorrel) and stamnankáthi, a rocket-like inexperienced leaf discovered solely on Crete. Different native specialities embody honey, cheese and mountain natural teas.
Don’t depart Heraklion with out…
Heraklion is an effective procuring vacation spot, with loads of ceramics, jewelry, work and native meals merchandise that transcend the same old low-cost souvenirs of many cruise ports. There are a number of enjoyable markets, notably the primary each day Heraklion 1866 market within the southern a part of the outdated metropolis. Go to the websites of native shopping guides for helpful recommendations on what to purchase and the place.
Credit score:
getty
Have to know
Security
Heraklion is usually protected, however as ever be watchful in crowded areas similar to markets, slender streets and the busy web site entrance at Knossos.
Greatest time to go
Common temperatures in Crete of 79F (26C) in July and August (and sometimes comparable figures in June and September) could make sightseeing exhausting work. The island is at its verdant greatest in spring (April and Might) and good, delicate climate typically extends effectively into October and past.
Closures
Museums typically have restricted winter opening instances, usually closing at round 3.30pm between November and April. Knossos and most museums additionally shut all day or half the day on some spiritual and public holidays.
Please test the latest travel advice from the Overseas and Commonwealth Workplace earlier than travelling, and bear in mind that authorities recommendation can change all of the sudden. At all times test your operator’s cancellation coverage earlier than reserving.
