CretaOne outlines a full day in Heraklion for under €20
A full day of sightseeing, a beach visit and a sunset in Heraklion can be done for less than €20, according to a cost breakdown published by CretaOne on August 19.
The outlet’s suggested itinerary avoids organized sunbeds, cocktails and restaurant meals, relying instead on free walking routes, a beach with open access, and simple food from bakeries and street food stalls.
Morning: coffee and a free walk
The day starts around 9:00 with a takeaway coffee in central Heraklion, priced at roughly €2.50-3.50. CretaOne suggests skipping a sit-down café in favor of a walk through Lions Square, 25th Avgoustou street and the Venetian harbor, all at no cost. This brings the running total to about €3.
By 11:00, a small bakery snack adds another €2-3 to the tally, bringing the total to around €6. CretaOne notes there is no need for a large meal at this point.
Midday: a free-access beach
According to the outlet, the main saving of the day comes at midday, when a beach visit does not require renting a sunbed. Bringing a towel and choosing a nearby beach with free access — such as Amoudara or Karteros — allows for several hours by the sea without an entrance fee. Those interested in more beaches in Crete with public access have a range of options across the island.
Around 15:30, a low-cost meal such as a pita or sandwich costs an estimated €6-8, bringing the running total to roughly €13-14, CretaOne says, adding that bringing water along keeps costs down further.
Evening: a free walk and sunset
In the late afternoon, from around 18:30, the itinerary returns toward the city center. CretaOne says areas such as Koules fortress, the waterfront and the Venetian harbor can be enjoyed on foot without any entrance fee. Travelers looking for more experiences in Crete can find a wide range of free and low-cost activities across the region.
By 20:00, the day closes with a sunset by the sea, paired with a cold drink from a kiosk. CretaOne notes that this final stretch requires no additional spending, keeping the whole day’s total under €20.
The outlet concludes that a large share of what is worth doing in Heraklion during summer — from the old town to the sunset — is free. Readers interested in similar low-cost outings may also consult CretaOne’s separate list of beaches worth visiting after 6pm.
