Below, you will find information about how to get to Heraklion by ferry, where to buy your tickets, information about the prefecture and its port, the best things to do, and many photos.
Heraklion is the 4th largest city of Greece and serves as the capital of the whole island, as it is the largest entry point to Crete.
In addition to its beautiful and busy town, Heraklion has stunning beaches and lovely villages all along the prefecture.
There are many ancient sites to see such as the Minoan town of Knossos, the most important Cretan town in the Minoan times.
Heraklion has direct ferry connections to multiple spots around the country.
HOW TO TRAVEL THERE
Heraklion has an international airport and a port with connections to several destinations throughout the year.
Ferry Connections
Ferries to Heraklion are available from several destinations, with most itineraries taking place on a daily basis during summer.
Conventional ferries sail to Heraklion from Athens. Conventional ferries are slower than high-speed, but they are equipped with modern facilities like restaurants, bars, and shops. High-speed ferries reaching Heraklion come from other destinations, specifically islands.
The ferry companies that sail to Heraklion are Minoan Lines, Blue Star Ferries, Seajets and Fast Ferries.
How to book your ferry tickets
Booking your ferry tickets is one of the first and most important steps in organizing your holidays in Heraklion.
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We let you in on Heraklion's secrets and guide you through your best holidays ever!
Heraklion is the largest city of Crete and serves as the capital of the whole island.
Its international airport receives domestic and charter flights from abroad, while its port receives most ferries that come to Crete.
The town of Heraklion is built around the port and owes part of its economic strength to it.
From ancient times, its strategic location as a passage point between the East and the West made many civilizations flourish in this city.
Many ancient sites prove this, such as the Minoan town of Knossos, close to Heraklion, which was the most important Cretan town in the Minoan times and was probably destroyed by the eruption of the Volcano of Santorini.
After the Minoan Era, the next most prosperous period for Heraklion is the Venetian Period.
The Venetians conquered the town in the early 13th century and their presence is shown till today with their architectural remnants.
The Venetian Fortress of Heraklion, one of the strongest fortresses in Greece, stands at one side of the port and it is the most famous sight to see in the Town.
Apart from a beautiful and busy town, there are charming beaches and villages all along the prefecture.
The most busy tourist resort in Heraklion is Matala, on the southern side of Crete, which is particularly popular among English people.
Other famous resorts of this prefecture are Agia Pelagia, Amoudara, Malia, Hani Kokkini and Amnissos. These are the most tourism-developed regions of this city and attract thousands of visitors every year.
If you travel along the inland of Heraklion Prefecture, you will see many beautiful villages on the way.
The barren and wild landscape surrounding them protects these places from mass tourism and keeps the traditional, quiet vibes.
Best time to visit
Crete is beautiful all year round! Given that it is a large island, Crete has a great diversity of landscapes.
From beautiful beaches to dramatic gorges and from verdant valleys to imposing mountains, there’s always something new to explore!
Best things to do
Heraklion is the perfect place for sightseeing, thanks to its proximity to the most important archaeological sites of the island.
Just a short drive away from Heraklion you'll find Knossos Palace and Phaistos Palace, two of the most important Minoan palaces in Crete.
Also, Heraklion has plenty of nice seashores, picturesque villages, and other sights to behold.
Is this area for you?
Heraklion, the biggest town in Crete, combines city vibes with natural beauty and archaeological sites in a unique way. It’s the perfect destination for nature lovers and history buffs!
Facts
Learn what you don't know about Heraklion!
In Heraklion, you'll find Matala, a popular place for hippies in the 60s and 70s.
The Venetian Fortress is the best preserved fortification structure in the Mediterraenean.
The Venetian harbor in Heraklion town is one of the best spots for strolls and sunset gazing.
In the past, it was known as "Kastro", "Handax", "Candida" and "Kandiye". It officially took its current name in 1922.
One of the biggest aquariums in Europe, CRETAquarium, is located in Heraklion.
Where to go next?
Exploring the entire prefecture of Heraklion is a great choice for visitors, while it is also possible to visit the nearby Rethymno, Chania and Lassithi.
Moreover, Crete is a good base for island-hopping to the Cyclades islands, even though it’s not very close to them.
Some popular island-hopping routes from Crete are the ones from Crete to Santorini and Crete to Mykonos.
Photos of Heraklio
Map
ABOUT HERAKLIO PORT
Port description
Heraklion Port is the busiest port in Crete and the third busiest port in the whole country. Located within walking distance from the center of Heraklion Town, it serves all ferries, as well as commercial ships.
Its most iconic trademark is the imposing Venetian fort of Koules.
Heraklion Port is connected to Athens (Piraeus), and numerous islands of the Cyclades and the Dodecanese.
In the passenger terminal, it is possible to find establishments selling beverages, light meals, souvenirs and other items, while further services provided include luggage storage, car rental, a taxi service and a tour bus. The Heraklion Port Authority also maintains an information desk at the passenger terminal. Moreover, there are 4 organized parking zones, serving visitors’ needs for a small fee.
Though agencies belonging to the various ferry companies can be found at the port, it is highly recommended that you have your tickets in hand before going there, as the port can get very busy in the summer months. In addition, it is good to bear in mind that traffic may be increased around the port, so getting there may require extra time.
There are several options on how to leave from/get to Heraklion Port.
First of all, the port is within walking distance from the city center of Heraklion Town, where there are plenty of accommodation and other tourist facilities.
Moreover, Heraklion Port is well-connected by public bus (KTEL) to numerous locations around the prefectures of Heraklion and Lassithi. The bus station lies just opposite the port, and tickets can be purchased at the ticket office or online through the company’s website. Schedule frequency depends on the route.
Another way to reach your destination is by taxi. Taxis can carry up to 4 passengers and can be found in every central spot, including Heraklion Port. Another option would be to arrange a private transfer, which might be the only option at nighttime. Taxis can take you to any destination, however the greater the distance, the higher the price will be.
Lastly, you may opt for a car rental and have your own vehicle of choice delivered at the port.
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