Heraklion (Iraklion or Herakleion) is the largest city in Crete, as well as the capital of the region and economic centre of Crete island. The first European civilisation, known as the Minoan civilisation, flourished here over 5000 years ago.
Currently, Heraklion has a population of approximately 177,064 people. Heraklion is a very cosmopolitan and dynamic town, particularly during the summer when thousands of visitors come to shop in the market or visit the museums and other places of interest. The city is also a commercial and scientific centre for the island. In recent years, it has made remarkable progress in academic research and technological innovation.
Heraklion’s roots trace back to the 820s when Arab traders from al-Andalus founded the city, originally known as Rabḍ al-ḫandaq. Over the centuries, it underwent several transformations, becoming known as Chandax and later Candia during the Venetian era. The name Heraklion was revived in the 19th century, inspired by the ancient sunken city of Heracleion near the Nile’s Canopic Mouth.
Strategically located near the Minoan palace of Knossos, Heraklion has been a focal point since the early Minoan period. It became a significant Byzantine fortress after its reconquest in 960 AD. The city’s fortifications were later enhanced by the Venetians, who bought the city in 1204 following the Fourth Crusade, leading to a flourishing period known as the Cretan Renaissance.
The Ottoman siege from 1648 to 1669 marked one of the longest in history, and the city’s surrender led to a prolonged Ottoman rule, during which the port’s decline shifted the trade to Chania. The modern era saw Heraklion becoming part of the autonomous Cretan State under Ottoman suzerainty in 1898 and then joining the Kingdom of Greece in 1913. Today, Heraklion is the capital of Crete, rich in history and culture
In the heart of Heraklion city, a diverse array of accommodations awaits to cater to every traveler’s needs. From the luxury seeker to the budget-conscious, Heraklion’s hotels range from high-end boutique stays with panoramic sea views to cosy, family-run guesthouses steeped in Cretan hospitality. Experience the convenience of city-center hotels that put you steps away from vibrant markets and historical sites or opt for a waterfront resort where the Mediterranean greets you each morning.
On our site, you can find the best 604 hotels and villas for perfect holidays in Heraklion. Check the list below to discover your ideal stay in Heraklion.
Situated in Heraklio Town, 1.5 km from Venetian Walls and 1.8 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, H Experience Spectacular Rooftop Loft features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. The property features city and quiet street views, and is 4.7 km from The Palace of Knossos.
The apartment with a terrace and mountain views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
A car rental service is available at the apartment.
Popular points of interest near H Experience Spectacular Rooftop Loft include Cultural Conference Centre of Heraklion, Municipal Art Gallery and Morosini Fountain. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 4 km from the accommodation.
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€132
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Set in Heraklio Town, 3 km from The Palace of Knossos, GD Gallery Suites offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking and a bar. Among the facilities at this property are room service and a concierge service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is non-smoking and is located 3.1 km from Venetian Walls.
At the hotel, every room is fitted with a balcony with a city view. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, the units at GD Gallery Suites have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and certain rooms will provide you with a seating area. At the accommodation every room includes bed linen and towels.
Guests at GD Gallery Suites can enjoy an à la carte breakfast.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 3.5 km from the hotel, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 16 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 4 km from GD Gallery Suites.
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€71
/night
Aurora Studio Apt for Couples & Friends is situated in Néa Alikarnassós, 2.8 km from Venetian Walls, 3.2 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and 4.2 km from The Palace of Knossos. This apartment is 17 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos and 2.7 km from Cultural Conference Centre of Heraklion.
This air-conditioned apartment has 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, and a kitchen with an oven and a toaster. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
Municipal Art Gallery is 4.2 km from the apartment, while Morosini Fountain is 4.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 3 km from Aurora Studio Apt for Couples & Friends.
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€49
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Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Fani’s Holiday Home with Hot Tub is located in Heraklio Town. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home with a terrace and garden views features 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.
At the holiday home guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub. Guests can also relax in the garden.
Popular points of interest near Fani’s Holiday Home with Hot Tub include Venetian Walls, Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Cultural Conference Centre of Heraklion. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 4 km from the accommodation.
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€162
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Situated 3.2 km from Venetian Walls and 3.3 km from The Palace of Knossos, KoNoSo Luxury Apartments in Heraklio Town features air-conditioned accommodation with views of the city and free WiFi.
Each unit comes with a sofa, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a well-fitted kitchen, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a hair dryer. An oven, a toaster and fridge are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 3.7 km from the apartment, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 16 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 4 km from KoNoSo Luxury Apartments, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
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€54
/night
Featuring sea views, Ioannis Appartment offers accommodation with a garden and a balcony, around 3 km from Venetian Walls. The property features city views and is 4 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum and 4.1 km from The Palace of Knossos.
The air-conditioned apartment consists of 2 separate bedrooms, 1 bathroom and a living room.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 18 km from the apartment, while Cultural Conference Centre of Heraklion is 3 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 5 km from Ioannis Appartment.
In Heraklion, adventure and culture converge. Step back in time at the Palace of Knossos, or meander through vibrant markets for a taste of local life. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Cretan winemaking with a vineyard tour, hike through the stunning gorges, and as dusk settles, join the locals in a spirited taverna to revel in Crete’s nightlife. Heraklion is a playground of experiences, each promising to leave an indelible mark on your journey.
Experience Ancient Crete at your own pace with two tickets for the top archaeological attractions, the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and two captivating self-guided audio tours on your smartphone.
Receive your e-tickets by email, download the app and the audio tours on your phone, prior to your visit, and travel back in time to experience the grandeur of Ancient Crete.
Follow the itinerary below: Start at 08:00 from Knossos and enter the Heraklion Archaeological Museum at 13:00 or Start at 10:00 from Knossos and enter the Heraklion Archaeological Museum at 17:00.
Remember you must be at the venue entrance 15 minutes before the start time.
Put on your headphones and discover the most well known archaeological attractions of Crete through the power of storytelling and learn historical information and uncommon stories and anecdotes from the ancient times. The content of the tours is the result of in-depth research, squeezed into brief original stories that will make your visit both engaging and informative. The audio tours can be used repeatedly and anytime, before or after your visit.
This is an unmissable opportunity to gain valuable insights into ancient Crete and the Minoan civilization and relate to your surroundings in an entirely original way.
Start your day by meeting your guide at the farm, where you will have a cup of coffee before taking a basic riding lesson to make sure you feel safe and comfortable while riding a horse. Then, hop on your horse to begin your ride out into the mountains.
After riding for about an hour, you’ll arrive at the top of the Finikia mountains, where you’ll stop for a break. Help yourself to a soft drink, or fruit, and take a moment to admire the amazing views and snap a picture or two. In the distance, you can spot the nearby mountain of Archanes, the place where the Greek God Zeus is said to be sleeping.
Then get back on your horses and make your way back to the starting point. After riding for about another hour, you’ll arrive at the stables and then sit down in our lovely garden for a delicious traditional Cretan lunch/dinner, including homemade wine with an amazing horse view!
After lunch, have a seat out in the garden of the farm, help yourself to some more wine, or enjoy a few more minutes with our horses. At about 12:30 PM, you will head back to your hotel or apartment.
Take a trip to the Cretan Mountains as you ride a horse along the paths and hilltops of the mountains. Admire the panoramic view of Giouhtas mountain and Agios Silas village.
Start your day by meeting your guide at the farm. Take a basic training session to make sure you feel safe and comfortable while riding a horse. Then, hop on your horse to begin your ride out into the mountains.
Stretch your legs with a short break made during the trip with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape of the mountains. Refresh yourself with a glass of orange juice and take amazing pictures of the beautiful scenery. Feel the fresh Mediterranean breeze at the top of the mountain.
Beginners & advanced riders are welcome!
This tour walks a family olive farm at Prassas, in the hills behind Heraklion, where the same family have grown olives for more than five decades across five generations and now also cultivate dragon fruit. The visit covers cultivation, harvesting and oil extraction, then a tasting of the farm’s own oil with bread, and coffee or a herbal tea. Alex Alexakis IKE runs it over 1 hour 30 minutes from €9, with a 4.75 rating across 200 reviews.
The visit is a walk through a working grove with the person who works it. Three parts make it up.
First you wander among the olive trees while the farmer explains cultivation, the harvest and how the oil is extracted, the tools are there to handle rather than look at. Second comes the dragon fruit, an unusual crop for Crete and the reason this farm stands apart from the dozens of olive tours on the island. Third is the tasting: the farm’s own olive oil, dipped with local bread, alongside an espresso, a Greek coffee, a dragon fruit drink or a Cretan herb-infused tea, whichever you prefer.
The farm sits high enough that the view runs down to the sea.
The farm lies inland from the city, in the hills at Prassas.
The €9 covers the tour, a drink and the tasting.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend this one for what it is rather than what it claims: nine euros to spend ninety minutes with a farmer on his own land. There is no coach, no group of forty, no gift shop built for cruise passengers. Reviewers describe meeting a family business, and that is exactly what the review record reads like.
The host is the product here. Alex is named directly in review after review, by visitors from the United States, Lithuania, France, Germany and Hungary, described as full of knowledge and kindness, a helpful and kind host, welcoming. An American family with three children aged 14 to 21 rated the whole visit around him. A French reviewer wrote about meeting a beautiful family-run business as much as learning about olives.
The dragon fruit is a genuine curiosity. Very little of it grows in Crete, and seeing it alongside olives on the same ground is the kind of detail that makes a farm visit memorable rather than generic.
The tasting is repeatedly described as generous, oils and jams, delicious, with products available to buy afterwards and no pressure attached.
Two honest notes, because this review record contains no complaints at all.
GetYourGuide’s own review summary reports the one soft criticism: some travellers say the farm visit feels short and want deeper insight into cultivation and processing. At €9 for 90 minutes that is a fair expectation to set, this is an introduction, not an agronomy course.
The site is a working farm at Prassas, and you make your own way there. No transfer is included and there is no public transport worth relying on, so a car or a taxi is needed.
Drive yourself, come hungry enough to taste properly, and leave room in the suitcase.
The meeting point is the farm itself, at Evangelismou 135, Prassas 715 00. The visit runs about 1 hour 30 minutes, though the operator quotes 1 to 2 hours depending on the group.
Nothing beyond the tour, the drink and the tasting is included. Farm products are available to buy but are never part of the ticket.
The visit runs about 1 hour 30 minutes, with the operator quoting 1 to 2 hours depending on the group.
The €9 covers the farm tour, one drink of your choice and an olive oil tasting with local bread.
The family have added dragon fruit alongside their olive trees, an unusual crop for Crete and the reason the farm differs from a standard olive tour.
No transport is included. The farm is at Prassas in the hills behind Heraklion and you make your own way.
Families rate it highly. One American family with children aged 14 to 21 rated the visit five stars, and the pace suits mixed ages.
Products are available to buy but are not included, and reviewers consistently mention leaving with oil or jam.
Check dates and prices for the olive grove and dragon fruit farm tour.
Experience the allure of Voulisma Beach, Crete’s tranquil gem. Combine natural beauty, relaxation, and adventure on this day trip aboard a comfortable, modern, and air-conditioned coach.
Start with pickup at centrally-located meeting points in Sissi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Analipsi, Anissaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Chani , Karteros, Heraklion, Ammoudara, Agia Pelagia, and Lygaria. Hop on board an take in the scenic countryside of Crete.
Arrive at Voulisma Beach and have 4 hours of free time to soak up some sun at this beach which has been given a Blue Flag for its environmental management and water quality excellence. Bring along the family to safely play in gentle, shallow waters.
See for yourself why the beach is celebrated for its crystal-clear turquoise sea and immaculate golden shores, making it an idyllic spot for swimming, lounging, and strolling along the coast. Soak up the sun, swim in the refreshing waters, or discover the local area.
Relish the local flavors at beachfront bars and tavernas, indulging in the authentic tastes of Crete. As the day concludes return to your pickup point.
This is a self-guided audio walking tour of Heraklion that runs on your own phone, starting at the Koules fortress on the old harbour and covering the arsenals, the Kazantzakis tomb, the Morosini fountain and the Venetian Loggia. Content downloads in advance, so it works offline with no roaming charges. Clio Muse Tours sell it from €9.99, and it holds a 3.53 rating across 10 reviews, low enough that we set out the complaints below before anything else.
The product is an app, an activation link and a route you walk yourself. Three things define it.
First is the route, beginning at the entrance of Koules, the Venetian sea fortress at the old harbour, and working into the city. Second are the stops: the Venetian arsenals, the tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis on the city walls, the Morosini fountain, known locally as the Lions, and the Loggia, the Renaissance building that now serves as the town hall. Third is the narration itself, written by an accredited expert around the history of the city, including the 25-year Ottoman siege that eventually took it.
Text, audio and maps all download in advance for offline use. There is no live guide, no meeting point and no VR or AR content.
The whole route stays within the old walled city.
Ten euros buys the audio files and the route, and nothing else.
Included:
Not included:
The tour is bought per device rather than per person, so one purchase covers a couple sharing headphones.
We recommend this narrowly, and only for one situation: you are in Heraklion for a few hours, you want the history of what you are looking at, and you do not want to pay for or wait on a guided walk. At €9.99 per device, with offline files and no fixed start time, it does that job and nothing else.
The route itself is well chosen. Koules, the arsenals, the Kazantzakis tomb, the Morosini fountain and the Loggia are genuinely the right five things to walk between in Heraklion’s centre, and doing them in that order makes sense on the ground.
Buying per device rather than per person is a real saving for a couple.
Now the part that matters more, because this scores 3.53 out of 5 and three of the nine reviews we read sit at two stars or below, a far higher proportion of poor reviews than anything else we list.
Navigation is the biggest complaint. An Italian reviewer rating it one star said there is no interactivity along the route and you end up using a separate map constantly, going back and forth. An American reviewer rating it four stars said the same more gently, the numbers on the map did not always line up with the directions.
The narration divides people. A Canadian reviewer found it heavy on dates and light on the architecture and got bored. A French reviewer did not finish it, describing the descriptions as poor quality, rushed, and the audio segments as not following on from each other.
Device requirements are strict. You need Android 9.0 or later or iOS 17.0 or later, plus 100 to 150 MB of free storage. It will not run on an iPhone X or older, an iPhone SE first generation, or older iPads.
Our honest read: if you want Heraklion’s history explained properly, a live guide is worth the difference. If you want a cheap orientation walk and can tolerate checking a map yourself, this does the job for ten euros.
Download everything on hotel Wi-Fi, open a map app alongside it, and treat it as orientation rather than a tour.
The tour is designed to start at the entrance of Koules at the old harbour, reached most easily on foot. There is no live guide and no meeting point.
After booking you receive an email with instructions for downloading the tour, check your spam folder. The walk is broadly wheelchair accessible as a city route, though individual points of interest may not be.
No live guide is provided. This is a downloadable audio tour you follow on your own phone at your own pace.
The route runs from Koules fortress to the arsenals, the Kazantzakis tomb, the Morosini fountain and the Loggia.
It is bought per device, not per participant, so one purchase covers a couple sharing headphones.
You need Android 9.0 or later or iOS 17.0 or later, with 100 to 150 MB of free storage. It does not run on an iPhone X or older.
No entrance fees are included for museums, archaeological sites or churches.
The tour scores 3.53 out of 5, with reviewers reporting that the route navigation does not match the map and that the narration is date-heavy and disjointed.
Check dates and prices for the Heraklion self-guided audio tour.
Karteros beach is a wide, fine-sand bay on the north coast of Crete, about 7 km east of Heraklion and right beside the island’s airport. The bay stretches roughly 3 km east from the mouth of the Karteros Gorge and takes in two neighbourhoods, Karteros and Amnissos, which have grown together as the area developed. Its name honours the Byzantine general Krateros, who landed here in 824 AD in a failed attempt to free Crete from the Saracens.
The sand is fine and golden, mixed with a little pebble in places, and the water is shallow with almost no rocks. The bay faces the open sea and catches the northern winds, so the surface is often wavy, especially towards the eastern end. Those same winds make Karteros a popular spot for windsurfing. The shallow, gently deepening water suits children and families, and lifeguards watch the organised stretches in season.
You will find tavernas, cafes, and beach bars along the shore, together with umbrellas and sunbeds on the organised sections. A paved road and a city bus from Heraklion reach the beach, and there is a parking area by the shore, so getting here without a car is straightforward. Off the bay lies the small rocky islet of Monochorako, close enough for confident swimmers to reach from the sand.
The quietest part of the bay is Florida, at the western end next to Heraklion’s Nikos Kazantzakis airport. Here the Karteros River flows out of the gorge and forms a small seasonal wetland that dries up in summer, and there are fewer umbrellas and facilities than further east. The wetland is easiest to see in spring, before the summer heat dries it out. While you are at this end, look for the small church of St John and St Nikon, built inside a cave in the rock face across the old national road. Do not be surprised to see horses on the sand here either, as the Heraklion Riding Club brings them down to the beach.
A rental car makes it easy to combine Karteros with the beaches and sites further east along the coast. Compare options for your trip on the Crete car rental page.
Karteros beach is on the north coast of Crete, about 7 km east of Heraklion and directly east of the island’s airport. The bay stretches around 3 km and includes the Karteros and Amnissos neighbourhoods.
A paved road links Karteros beach to Heraklion, and a city bus serves the area, so you can reach it with or without a car. There is a parking area next to the shore for visitors who drive.
Yes. The water is shallow and deepens gently with few rocks, which suits children, and lifeguards watch the organised stretches in season. The sea is often wavy because the bay faces the northern winds, so keep an eye on the conditions and any warning signs.
The bay is exposed to the northern winds and the surface is frequently wavy, most of all towards the eastern end. Calmer conditions are more likely early in the day and on the more sheltered western sections.
The organised sections have umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, and lifeguards in season, with tavernas, cafes, and beach bars along the shore. The western Florida stretch, next to the airport, is quieter and has fewer facilities.
Yes. The steady northern winds make the bay well suited to windsurfing, and water-sports operators work the organised stretches in the summer season.
The beach is named after the Byzantine general Krateros, who landed on the bay in 824 AD to try to free Crete from the Saracens but was defeated. The nearby river and settlement carry the same name.
At the western Florida end, the Karteros River forms a small seasonal wetland, and the cave church of St John and St Nikon sits across the old national road. Off the bay lies the small islet of Monochorako, which strong swimmers can reach, and the eastern Amnissos area continues the same long stretch of sand.
Ammoudara is a 7 km organized sandy beach that begins about 1 km west of Heraklion’s centre and runs west toward the mouth of the Almiros river. Ammoudara pairs long stretches of fine brown sand and shallow blue water with sunbeds, beach bars and water sports, so it suits both a busy family beach day and a quiet swim near the dunes. The beach starts at the Giofyros river mouth by the Pancretan Stadium, and a low rock strip about 50 m inland marks where the ancient shoreline once stood.
Ammoudara is one of the longest beaches in the Heraklion area, which is why it can feel busy and lively in one stretch and almost empty in the next. The sand is fine and brownish, the water is blue and shallow close to shore, and the sea often turns choppy when the wind picks up. Now effectively a suburb of Heraklion, the beach draws thousands of visitors each summer because it is close to the city yet still has open sand and dunes at its western end.
The organized sections of Ammoudara offer sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, lifeguards, showers and changing rooms, and several stretches carry a Blue Flag for water quality and safety. Because the beach is exposed to steady north winds, it is a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and local schools rent equipment and give lessons. Visitors also find jet ski hire, parasailing, and snorkeling or diving and boat trips along the coast. Tavernas, cafes and beach bars line much of the front, so food, coffee and evening drinks are within a short walk of the sand.
For a calmer swim, head to the western part of the beach, which runs from the Pancretan Stadium toward the Xeropotamos wetland and its dunes. The river mouths of the Almiros and Gazanos, together with the Ellinoperamata area, stay quiet because they are protected natural spots rather than organized plazas. Just inland lies the Almiros spring, the largest water source in Crete, which feeds the most extensive wetland habitat in the area. Walkers can follow the easy Almiros gorge or climb Stroumboulas, the volcano-like mountain that rises over Heraklion, and from the western end the coastline continues toward Ellinoperamata beach.
Take Heraklion city bus line 6 from the centre, or drive the coastal road west, to reach Ammoudara in a few minutes. Heraklion International Airport sits about 9 km east, so a taxi or transfer from arrivals is short. Parking is available on the side streets near the beach, though it fills up on peak summer days. Renting a car is the simplest way to reach both the organized front and the quieter western spots, which you can arrange through Crete Locals car rental.
Ammoudara beach is on the north coast of Crete, starting about 1 km west of Heraklion’s centre and running roughly 7 km west toward the Almiros river. It lies in the Gazi area of the Malevizi municipal unit, so the city and the beach almost merge.
Take Heraklion city bus line 6 from the centre, or drive the coastal road west. Heraklion International Airport is about 9 km away, a short taxi or transfer ride to the beach.
Yes, the shallow, gently shelving water near the shore suits families with children. Lifeguards, showers, changing rooms and beach bars along the organized sections add to the convenience for a day out with kids.
Windsurfing and kitesurfing are the signature activities, thanks to the beach’s steady north winds. Jet ski hire, parasailing, and snorkeling or diving and boat trips are also offered along the coast.
Yes, several organized stretches of Ammoudara carry a Blue Flag for water quality and safety. The water is generally clean and blue, and it is shallow near the shore.
Ammoudara has fine, brownish sand along its full length. A low rock strip about 50 m inland marks the ancient shoreline behind the modern beach.
Yes, Ammoudara is known for steady winds and can get wavy, which makes it a favourite for windsurfers and kitesurfers. On calmer days the same open water is fine for swimming.
The best time to visit is summer, from June to September, when the sea is warm and the organized beach is in full swing. For fewer crowds, choose late spring or early autumn, or use the quieter western end near the wetland and dunes.
Yes, you can park on the side streets near the beach, and some hotels offer parking. Spaces fill up quickly on peak summer days, so arriving early helps.
Nearby you can visit the Palace of Knossos, Heraklion’s old town and Venetian walls, and the Cretaquarium. Closer to the beach, the Almiros gorge gives an easy walk and Stroumboulas mountain offers a longer hike.
No, this Ammoudara is the long organized beach west of Heraklion, not the smaller Ammoudara beach near Agios Nikolaos in Lasithi. The two beaches share a name but sit at opposite ends of the north coast.
Situated 8km west of Heraklion city, Linoperamata, also known as Ellinoperamata, is a scenic sandy beach stretching up to 7km long, beginning from Linoperamata and culminating at the Pancretan Stadium, 1km west of Heraklion. The beach is uniquely bordered by the Almiros river in the west.
The locals do not frequent Linoperamata as much due to the presence of a local Power Station and heavy industries in its western region. Nevertheless, the beach boasts of clean water and a serene atmosphere. Unlike the highly organized beaches in the neighboring Ammoudara, Linoperamata has a more natural appeal, although there are a few hotels in the vicinity.
Open to the northern winds, the beach is often wavy, making it a favorite among windsurfers. Getting to Linoperamata from Heraklion is convenient via the city’s bus service.
Situated 15km east of Heraklion lies the well-liked tourist resort of Vathianos Kambos. It derives its name from the nearby village of Vathia, found just a few kilometers to the south. The region is known for the Vathianos River that drains into the area and dries up during the summer. It is characterized by several contiguous bays with golden sands and shallow waters. Due to its north-facing beach front, the area experiences regular wave activity in the months of July and August, leading to the construction of numerous small piers that help to break the waves, retain the sand, and safeguard swimmers.
The most developed beach of Heraklion is found in the westernmost part of Vathianos Kambos, within the Estavromenos settlement. It is widely recognized as Arina, named after a local hotel. This extensive sandy beach attracts thousands of locals who flock there daily for a swim. The beach is teeming with umbrellas, bustling beach bars, and offers a plethora of beach sports options.
Moving east of Arina, you’ll come across the small bay of Agii Theodori. Here, you can still find the carved Minoan shipyard visible in the sea. Further on, you’ll encounter the successive coves of Vathianos Kambos, hidden from the main road due to the hotels interspersed between them. These bays are somewhat protected due to the presence of small piers. Only a handful of locals are privy to these secluded beaches, which extend all the way to Kokkini Hani.
The Astrakiano and Kounaviano canyons are two verdant gorges that converge near Skalani village and empty out onto Karteros beach. The combined length of these canyons is roughly 21 km. Situated to the east of Heraklion city, these gorges are part of the broader Mount Jiouktas area. They offer easy walking trails, making them perfect for families and children.
The longer of the two, Astrakiano, begins at the Paliarda location in Kolomodi and extends to the area beneath the deserted Kato Astraki village, after crossing the picturesque Astrakiani Kamara bridge. From Kato Astraki, a brief trail leads to the Neraidospilios site, known for its stunning pond and gushing water caves.
The path along the Karteros river commences from this point, offering a lush green trail equipped with wooden bridges and railings. After crossing the Aitania bridge at Kaki Rachi, we reach Kali Rachi where the Astrakiano and Kounaviano Gorges, originating from Peza, merge. From Kali Rachi, the river continues to Karteros along a well-structured path. This section, known as Karteros Gorge, passes by ancient water mills and the historic Saint Nicholas Church (Agios Nikolaos). Near the Karteros gorge exit, at the Mesa Karteros spot, you’ll find an old inn and a second chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas. This location, accessible by car from Karteros, is an ideal picnic spot.
The Astrakiano canyon (Astraki – Kali Rachi) measures about 7km, with a hiking duration of 3-4 hours. The Kounaviano Gorge (Peza- Kali Rachi) is roughly 4km long, requiring about 2 hours for trekking. The shared section of the Karteros gorge (up to the second Saint Nicholas chapel (Kali Rachi – Mesa Karteros)) is approximately 6km.
The canyons’ route is abundant in natural, morphological, aesthetic, historical, and cultural aspects. The landscape boasts exceptional natural beauty, featuring springs, ponds, rivers, mini waterfalls, and lush vegetation. Prior to World War II, the canyon housed 10 watermills, and locals would fish for eels and crabs, some of which still exist today.
The Kounaviano gorge, known for its lush vegetation, is the greenest canyon in the entire Heraklion prefecture, serving as a verdant oasis in the heart of Pediada province. The gorge is named after the village of Kounavi in its district, even though it actually begins from the village of Peza, hence it could be referred to as Pezzano Gorge. This gorge is a tributary of the Karteros river and runs parallel to the Astrakiano gorge. The Astrakiano and Kounaviano gorges converge at the Kaki Rachi area near Skalani, forming the Karteros Gorge. Kounaviano’s entrance is situated at the northernmost point of the fertile Peza plain, collecting all the area’s water. It has numerous springs along its bed, some of which retain water throughout the year.
In recent years, the gorge’s trail has been marked and cleared, with the addition of small bridges, wooden railings, and informational signs. Walking along this trail is a delightful and easy experience, shaded by perennial plane, oak, and other trees. The riverbed walk is simple, without significant altitude changes or difficulties. At the gorge’s starting point, two small waterfalls can be seen. Old watermills, once used to grind the area’s cereals, can be found at three different points along the trail. This region has always been one of Crete’s most productive. Additionally, limestone kilns and various fruit tree gardens can be spotted. A walk from the gorge’s entrance at Peza to its exit at Kaki Rachi near Skalani takes approximately 2 hours.
Almiros Gorge is a 3 km walking gorge in Ellinoperamata, the closest canyon to the west of Heraklion city. The route takes about 1.5 hours, gains 150 meters in elevation, and rates 1 out of 10 for difficulty, so it suits families and first-time hikers who want a short walk close to the city. A paved road reaches the trail, water runs here only until spring, and the path links a 14th-century monastery, three small chapels, a spring-fed lake, and three seasonal waterfalls.
Almiros Gorge is a small canyon and hiking trail in Ellinoperamata, formed between the Keri hills and the post-Minoan town of Kastrokefala. Almiros Gorge sits west of Heraklion and counts as the closest gorge to the city on that side. The eastern side holds the largest holly wood (Phillirea media) in Crete, and platan trees, carob, and wild olive trees also grow here despite overgrazing.
The gorge carries several local names, each tied to its geography or folklore: Keri Gorge after the neighboring hill, Almiros after the nearby Almiros river, Ellinoperamata after the area where it ends, Porofarago (a common Cretan gorge name), the Three Churches after its three chapels (Santa Marina, St. Antonios, and St. Paraskevi), Strouboulas after the Strouboulas peak near its start, and the Ghosts’ Gorge, a spooky local nickname. Few visitors make the trip despite the short distance from central Heraklion.
Almiros Gorge rates 1 out of 10 for difficulty, which makes it one of the easiest gorges to hike near Heraklion. The full walk covers 3 km and takes about 1.5 hours, with 150 meters of elevation change along the way. The chapel of Lord Christ at the gorge’s starting point is reached after nearly 1 hour 30 minutes of walking.
The gentle grade and short length make the gorge a good option for a half-day outing rather than a demanding trek. Because the terrain stays easy throughout, most walkers of average fitness finish the route without difficulty.
A paved road leads to Almiros Gorge, and cars can reach the location near the canyon exit. The 14th-century monastery of Agios Ioannis Farangitis stands near that exit, which gives you a clear landmark to aim for on arrival.
The gorge lies a short drive west of Heraklion, so most visitors arrive on their own wheels. Having a car also makes it easy to combine the walk with the nearby villages and coast, and you can compare options on the car rental page.
Almiros Gorge packs a monastery, three chapels, a seasonal stream, three small waterfalls, and a spring-fed lake into a single short walk. The trail is lined with trees, and the vegetation thickens as you climb.
The 14th-century monastery of Agios Ioannis Farangitis (Saint John inside the Gorge) was built near the canyon exit and is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The monastery gives the gorge much of its religious character and its “Saint John inside the Gorge” name.
The surviving chapel of Saint Marina was used as a cemetery, while the main temple was the two-aisled chapel of Saint Anthony and Saint Paraskevi, which holds significant frescoes. Further along, a shrine dedicated to Saint George appears, and the chapel of Lord Christ marks the gorge’s starting point.
The gorge is usually dry and turns into a small stream during spring. Water stays in the gorge only until spring, so plan a visit for the wetter months to see the streambed flowing. After prolonged, heavy rainfall, three small waterfalls form at a site with a pinkish limestone hue.
Lake Almiros sits beside the gorge and is a wonder in itself. The lake’s crystal-clear water flows directly from the spring-fed mountain cliffs and stays clear enough to see all the way to its bed. For more swimming spots along the coast nearby, the beaches near Heraklion are a short drive away.
Almiros Gorge needs only light hiking gear, because the trail is short and easy. Pack for a half-day walk in a mostly open canyon:
Several gorges sit within a short drive of Almiros, which makes it easy to pair this walk with another. Each of the following canyons lies in the wider Heraklion area:
You can browse the full set of routes on the Crete gorges guide.
No. Almiros Gorge rates 1 out of 10 for difficulty, one of the easiest gorge walks near Heraklion, and the route gains only 150 meters over its length.
The trail is 3 km long and takes about 1.5 hours, with 150 meters of elevation change from end to end.
Yes, until spring. The gorge is usually dry and turns into a small stream in spring, and three small waterfalls form after prolonged, heavy rainfall.
Yes. A paved road reaches the gorge, and cars can get to the location near the canyon exit, where the monastery of Agios Ioannis Farangitis stands.
“Ghosts’ Gorge” is one of several local names for Almiros, alongside Keri Gorge, Porofarago, and the Three Churches, each tied to the gorge’s geography, chapels, or folklore.
A petite gorge forms to the west of the Rogdia village and opens up at the Paliokastro area. The journey begins from the ancient Koukos watermill, situated on the primary road linking Rogdia to Achlada, and takes you down to its most striking feature, the 10-meter tall Rechtra waterfall, which can be accessed through a relatively steep descent with ropes. As you traverse down the gorge, you’ll encounter several small waterfalls, the cave-like chapel of Panagia Spiliotissa, and finally arrive at the Paliokastro beach.
One of the most astounding sights is a cave situated right in the heart of the gorge, which has been converted into a studio for creating Christian icons by a hagiographer, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. It is highly recommended to stop by this unique site, engage in conversation with the artist, admire the icons, and perhaps purchase a few.
You can also conveniently reach the fall by trekking up the gorge from Paliokastro.
Absolutely! Heraklion is one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in Crete, Greece. The city is filled with historical sites, gorgeous architecture, fantastic restaurants and nightlife, and excellent beaches. Plus, it’s a great place to explore the culture and meet locals. It’s definitely worth a visit!
Heraklion has stunning beaches that draw visitors from around the world. The best ones include:
While Heraklion is known for its historical and cultural attractions, it also has a vibrant nightlife scene. The city is home to many lively bars, clubs and cafes where you can enjoy great music and food.
The first European civilisation, known as the Minoan civilisation, flourished here over 5000 years ago.
Currently, Heraklion has a population of approximately 177,064 people.
The Palace of Knossos is the most famous archaeological site on the island and was at the centre of an advanced society which inhabited Crete thousands of years ago.
The museum houses significant pieces from the Neolithic until the Roman times, including the Minoan civilization’s most important artefacts.
The Old Town is a pedestrian-only area with upscale shops and eateries, and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook leafy squares complete with fountains and bubbling cafés.
The Cathedral of St. Minas is a beautiful church located in the Old Town of Heraklion, known for its extensive religious iconography.
The Central Market is a pedestrian-only street that vendors use to display their mountains of clothes, jewellery, and other items spread out onto tables.
The Koules Fortress is a fortress that dates back to the early 16th century and occupies a prominent position on the waterfront of Heraklion.
The Natural History Museum of Crete is a modern museum located right on the waterfront, highlighting what makes Crete great.
The Venetian Walls are a series of defensive walls and other fortifications that were first built during the Middle Ages and rebuilt by the Republic of Venice.
The Morosini Fountain is situated in the middle of Heraklion’s Old Town and it provides a great starting point if you want to explore the narrow streets nearby.
The Loggia is Heraklion’s town hall, with its preserved Venetian architecture, considered one of Crete’s best buildings and is free to enter.
The average temperature in Heraklion city ranges from 15°C (59°F) in winter to 29°C (84°F) in summer.
Heraklion city is located on the north coast of the island of Crete, Greece.
The nearest airport to Heraklion city is Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (HER), which is located about 5 km (3 miles) east of the city center.
Some popular attractions in Heraklion city include the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the Venetian Walls and Fortress, the Koules Fortress, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.
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