Planning your vacation in Heraklion, Crete? But you’re having trouble finding your way around and have lots of questions: how to go there, how to get around, where to sleep in northern Crete, where to eat in Heraklion? Find all the information you need to plan your stay in and around Heraklion in our “Heraklion travel guide” article. We give you details of several means of transport to go to and around, and even some good addresses for accommodation to sleep and restaurants to eat in Heraklion, based on the advice of Anastasia, a Greek friend from the Cretan capital.
Transport: go to and around Heraklion
By plane
- international flights: in summer, there are direct international flights to Heraklion airport, with no need to change planes in Athens. Very practical!
- from Athens: there are daily connections all year round between Athens airport and Heraklion airport. The flight takes 50 minutes. Ticket prices are generally low.
Ferry to Heraklion
You can also choose to travel to Heraklion by ferry. The boats are comfortable and allow you to take your car with you.
The two main companies offering ferry services from Athens to Heraklion are Minoan Lines and Anek Lines. Both offer special family+car packages. The price with cabin+car for a family of 4 is around €450.
Personally, we always go through Ferry Hopper website to book our ferry tickets. There are several reasons for this:
- because the site is practical
- It also allows you to quickly compare fares for different crossings and book at the best price.
- but most importantly, there are no hidden fees. You pay the same price for your ticket as if you had bought it at the port.
Getting around Heraklion Cabs and car rentals
To get around, you can choose between renting a car or private transport (cab or shuttle):
- For car rentals, we usually use Rental Cars, a site that compares rental companies. The prices are good and the service serious.
- For cabs, transfers and private excursions from Heraklion, we recommend Welcome Pickups. Conveniently, you can book directly on their website, so there are no unpleasant price surprises! In “Sightseeing tours“, you’ll also find day trips from Heraklion in Crete: to Knossos, or to Matala and the palace of Phaïstos, or another to Spinalonga.
Where to sleep? Find a place to stay in Heraklion
When it comes to accommodation in Heraklion, you’ll have no trouble finding it, as there’s plenty to choose from. There are several hotels to stay in the city center, as well as several boutique hotels.
Our friend Anastasia, a Cretan from Heraklion, recommends the Hotel Iraklio right in the center of town. It’s a clean, family-run hotel, renovated a few years ago, well placed for visiting the city center and going out in the evening, or for strolling along the seafront.
We’ve also heard great things about the following establishments to sleep in Heraklion:
You’ll also find plenty of apartments and villas to sleep in Heraklion on the Airbnb website. And there are some real gems. For example:
The 4 best places to eat in Heraklion according to a Cretan
Finally, here are the tavernas and restaurants in Heraklion recommended by Anastasia, our Cretan friend. 100% authentic addresses, where Cretans go to eat.
Paradosiako
Παραδοσιακό (Paradosiako): a traditional Cretan taverna where everything is entirely homemade (even the fries!). It’s a family business, run by Giorgos, Nena and their son Manos. The atmosphere is very friendly, in a hidden alley in the heart of Heraklion. We eat outside under the vines. What’s more, it’s a very, very cheap tavern!
Vourvouladiko
Βουρβουλάδικο (Vourvouladiko) : a tavern not to be missed, this is a must in Heraklion! Reservations are essential as it’s always fully booked. The owner’s name is Poppy. This tavern is also located in the town center, tucked away in a small alley. It’s actually the courtyard of an old house, but they’ve turned it into a nugget. The cuisine is Greek but has been modernized…. From salads to desserts, everything is DELICIOUS. One of the desserts not to be missed is the Pasteli, made entirely in-house and served with ice cream! And what’s more, the prices are fair.
Peskesi
A very popular tavern with foreigners, it’s a must. Here you can enjoy original Cretan cuisine. Nice atmosphere. Prices are higher than at the two previous taverns.
Kalamaki meat bar
And don’t forget the famous Cretan souvlaki (they’re huge). Anastasia recommends Kalamaki meat bar, in the center of Heraklion, on the Place des Lions. Try souvlaki with sfakiani pita (Cretan pita, thinner than the traditional one).
Laure M. with the precious help of Anastasia K. Anastasia is a designer of accessories and gifts for children. Don’t hesitate to visit her online store. Everything is made by hand, with passion and love. Worldwide delivery.
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We hope you enjoy this practical information on how to go to Heraklion, the hotels to sleep in and the restaurants and tavernas to eat in Heraklion. And don’t hesitate to let us know what you think.
You’ll also find plenty of other information about visiting Heraklion in our articles:
- What to do in Heraklion?
- The best excursions from Heraklion
- Knossos Palace
- Crete: How to go, where to sleep and eat, what to see? Heraklion, Chania, Rethymnon…
Updated February 1, 2024
