Holidays in Heraklion

Located between the prefectures of Rethymno and Lassithi, on the eastern side of Crete, Heraklion is the most popular region of the island. It hosts many busy places with intense nightlife, including Malia, Hersonissos, Ammoudara and Agia Pelagia, but also many peaceful family places, particularly on the southern side. As Heraklion Greece was the main field where the Minoan civilization flourished, you should not miss a visit to the Minoan Palaces of Knossos and Phaestos. A drive around Heraklion in Crete will also bring you to traditional villages, Medieval castles, Byzantine monasteries and nice beach places to relax. This region combines busy resorts and secluded coves.

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Travel guide to Heraklion, Greece

The region of Heraklion Crete gets very popular in summer as this is the main transportation hub to Crete. In fact, many charter flights from abroad and ferries arrive in Heraklion Town, carrying millions of visitors. Holidays in Heraklion combine amazing beach resorts with visit to historical sites. The northern side of the region is very developed with tourist facilities, especially the beach places close to Heraklion Town. The southern side is more secluded and receives fewer visitors but it has famous places, like Matala.

General information

Here is a detailed travel guide about Heraklion in Crete. Have a look on the most interesting sightseeings, villages, beaches, museums and outdoor activities in the region. Also see photos, maps and videos to organize better your holidays in Heraklion.

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Accommodation

In the region of Heraklion, you can find some of the most luxurious hotels in Crete. Ammoudara, Hersonissos, Gouves and Kokkini Hani have large spa resorts next to small studios. Malia and Hersonissos are tourist hot spots with intense nightlife for the younger crowds. More secluded and traditional accommodation are found in the southern side, including Matala, Tymbaki and other beaches. Heraklion Town offers impressive five star hotels and spa resorts, but also smaller boutique hotels.

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Things to see and do

The prefecture of Heraklion Greece is the most popular region of Crete island, one of the most popular Greek islands. Heraklion holidays offer a truly relaxing experience. The Town works as the main transportation hub and capital of the island and has many developed tourist places. Malia, Hersonissos and Stalida are the most popular resorts attracting mainly young people due to the vivid nightlife. The rest is great for family holidays, as the beaches are calm, relaxing and lined up with restaurants.

Apart from relaxing in the amazing beach resorts, do not miss a visit to the archaeological sites of the region: the Minoan Palaces of Knossos and Phaestos, the Caves of Matala, the Medieval Castles, the Byzantine monasteries and the ancient sites. Many festivals and panigiria are organized in summer in various villages and attending such a festival is a nice experience of local tradition.

Have a look in this guide of Heraklion and find all the necessary information about vacations there. Due to its central location, this is also a convenient region for excursions to Chania and Rethymno. From the port of Heraklion, in summer there are also ferries to the Cycladic islands of Santorini and Mykonos.

Highlights in Heraklion

Discover in a glance the best things to see and do in Heraklion

Knossos Palace

Minoan Palace of Knossos

The Minoan Palace of Knossos is the most famous sight in Crete. Located in close distance to Heraklion Town, this palace was found almost intact covered by volcanic ashes.
Phaestos Palace

Minoan Palace of Phaistos

The Minoan Palace of Phaestos is located on the southern side of Heraklion, on the way to Matala. It is famous for the Disk of Phaestos, which has not been decoded till today.
Archaeological museum

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion Town hosts exhibits from various excavations in Crete. The most interesting items date from the Minoan Times, such as the famous Disk of Phaestos.
Matala beach

Relaxing beach of Matala

Located in the southern side of Crete, the beach of Matala is a former hippies place. Over the last years, there is a large hippies festival there in summer.
Agia Pelagia

Beautiful village of Agia Pelagia

Agia Pelagia is a picturesque village with tourist development and many nice beaches in the region. Some beaches are organized and popular, while others are more secluded.
Hersonissos beach

Busy beach of Hersonissos

Hersonissos gets busy in summer due to the many tourist facilities and the intense nightlife. Many luxurious hotels and spa resorts are found in the region.
Scuba diving centers

Explore the seabottom of Heraklion

Over the last years, scuba diving in greadually developing in the region. The seabed of Crete has interesting spots to explore, including reefs and ancient shipwrecks.
Cruise from Heraklion to Santorini

Day cruise to Santorini island

Combine holidays in Heraklion Crete with this fantastic day cruise to the island of Santorini: see the wild caldera, the volcano, the picturesque villages and the breathtaking sea view.
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Holiday to Crete and Rhodes

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This 12 days island hopping package departs from Athens and includes some of the top Greek destinations: Crete, Santorini and Rhodes. Book now and ask for any additional destination, as this is a personal package.