Updated 02 December 2013 Photo: marcelgermain Crete Photo: Tilemahos Photo: phileole Photo: George M. Groutas Reality and mythology, traditional and modern. The great combination of all these makes Crete a cosmopolitan centre and one of the most important tourist destinations in Mediterranean. Crete is the largest island of Greece. Its culture, natural beauty and climate, warm summer sun and cool sea combined with its dynamic people have made Crete one of the largest and most modern tourist centres in Greece. Top 5 The Old Port Heraklion It is to be found on the left side of the modern port. During the Venetian period, it was an important commercial and military... The Koules Fortress The fortress is really impressive and one of the special sights of Heraklion. It was built at the entrance of the Venetian por... The Minoan Palace Of Knossos The archaeological site of Knossos is at a distance of 5 kilometres southeast of Heraklion, near the small village of the same... Hersonissos Hersonissos is the night-life paradise of Crete. There are hundreds of bars, big hotels and nice restaurants. There are also n... Malia Malia has plenty to do—day and night. Plenty of taverns, pubs and discos and a lovely beach. A great party place! It is ninety...
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THE ISLAND UTIL/Crete... · 2014. 1. 22. · Chania Rethymnon If you are planning to stay more than a week in Crete and specið cally at Heraklion, take the chance to visit two more
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Updated 02 December 2013
Photo: marcelgermain
Crete
Photo: Tilemahos
Photo: phileole
Photo: George M. Groutas
Reality and mythology, traditional and modern. The great combination of all these makes Crete acosmopolitan centre and one of the most important tourist destinations in Mediterranean. Creteis the largest island of Greece. Its culture, natural beauty and climate, warm summer sun andcool sea combined with its dynamic people have made Crete one of the largest and mostmodern tourist centres in Greece.
Top 5
The Old Port HeraklionIt is to be found on the left side of the modern port.During the Venetian period, it was an importantcommercial and military...The Koules FortressThe fortress is really impressive and one of thespecial sights of Heraklion. It was built at theentrance of the Venetian por...The Minoan Palace Of KnossosThe archaeological site of Knossos is at a distance of5 kilometres southeast of Heraklion, near the smallvillage of the same...HersonissosHersonissos is the night-life paradise of Crete. Thereare hundreds of bars, big hotels and nice restaurants.There are also n...MaliaMalia has plenty to do—day and night. Plenty oftaverns, pubs and discos and a lovely beach. A greatparty place! It is ninety...
Heraklion is a modern town (the largest of the island, with a population of approximately 180,000 inhabitants), and isthe administrative, commercial, industrial and agriculturalcentre of Crete. The strange coexistence of the beautifuland the ugly, the old and the new, the apparentarchitectural chaos and the mixture of buildings fromdierent civilizations, makes the city really interesting andattractive.
The fact that you may walk by the Venetian port enjoying the view of an ancient period and in two minutes distanceyou may nd yourself having a coee or a drink in a verymodern and trendy café/bar, makes the visitor have atruly unique experience. Eleftherios Venizelos Square(Platia Eleftheriou Venizelou)—the Lion’s Square, as thelocals call it—is the city’s traditional centre. This will beyour rst and your last destination during a day. Aroundthis square, you’ll nd all the commercial streets of thetown.
There are many restaurants and taverns oering Cretan specialities throughout the area and also many cafés andbars. The eastern part of the Heraklion prefecture hassome major resorts near the sea like Chersonisos, somegreat archaeological sites like Malia and many importantByzantine churches. Only 5 kilometres south from thecentre of Heraklion, you can visit Knossos—the largestand the most brilliant centre of Minoan civilization. Greatbeaches, intensive night life, warm people, great cuisine
and the strange “game” between the old and the new arepromising unforgettable holidays in the island.
DO & SEE
Photo: phileole
Crete is surrounded with history and beautiful scenery. Take a stroll along the old port, get lazy on the beach ordiscover a new pub each night in Hersonissos. Crete haseverything you can think of for a perfect holiday!
The Old Port Heraklion
It is to be found on the left side of the modern port. Duringthe Venetian period, it was an important commercial andmilitary centre. The perfect spot for a nice romantic walk,especially during the night.
The Koules Fortress
The fortress is really impressive and one of the special sights of Heraklion. It was built at the entrance of theVenetian port in order to protect from raids. Fragments ofthe carved lions of Saint Mark can be seen on its sides. Onthe top, an outdoor theatre has been built and they use itduring the summer festivals. The name Koules is a Turkishname, but the Venetians called it Rocca al Mare. Thecastle is open to the public.
The Minoan Palace Of Knossos
The archaeological site of Knossos is at a distance of 5 kilometres southeast of Heraklion, near the small village ofthe same name. It is the largest and most known centreof the Minoan civilization.
Destination: CretePublishing date: 2013-12-02
Hersonissos
Hersonissos is the night-life paradise of Crete. There are hundreds of bars, big hotels and nice restaurants. Thereare also nice beaches, especially “limanakia,” a number ofvery small bays. Ideal for sea, sun and fun lovers. One hourdistance from the centre of Heraklion and you can gothere by bus. The buses leave from the station near theport—Kountourioti str, Limenos area.
Malia
Malia has plenty to do—day and night. Plenty of taverns, pubs and discos and a lovely beach. A great party place! Itis ninety minutes away from Heraklion. Get the bus fromthe same place as for Hersonissos.
Amoudara
West of Heraklion is the closet summer resort. Restaurants, tavernas, cafés, music bars, gift and jewelleryshops are available along the road, with some beach-sidetaverns. You can go there taking the bus from Eleftheriassquare (Liberty square) or by taxi.
Chania – Rethymnon
If you are planning to stay more than a week in Crete and specically at Heraklion, take the chance to visit two moregreat cities of the island with great natural beauties,gorges and very traditional villages: Rethymnon is 1,5hours away from Heraklion (by bus), and Chania is 3 hoursfrom Heraklion. For both destinations, you can get the busfrom the central bus station near the port.
The Archaeological Museum holds nds from Knossos, Archanes, Phaestos, Zakros and many otherarchaeological sites in Crete. It’s a must see place for thevisitors who want to have an overall view of the island’sarchaeological treasures. Popular highlights include thePhaestos disc, classic Hellenic and Roman sculptures,frescoes, jewellery, wall paintings and pottery.
Explore the wonderful life of the Mediterranean sea. Here you can see hundreds of dierent sh and other marinespecies and let your self be fascinated by their shapes andcolours.
Address: Former American Base at Gournes, 71003 HeraklionOpening hours: Open daily 09.30-21.00 May to September, 09.30-17.00 October to April.Phone: +30 2810 337 788Internet: www.cretaquarium.gr
City of Gournia
Gournia was excavated by Harriet Boyd, the rst woman inthe world excavating an ancient city, in the early 20thcentury. It is dated to late Minoan and is one of few Minoantowns to have been fully excavated. In 2010 they starteddigging again.
A museum in Heraklion centre where you can nd a lot of interesting things for all ages. There are a discovery centrefor children, an earthquake simulator, small aquariumsand terrariums housing living animals from this region, alarge collection of fossils, and a replica of the the largestmammal ever lived on Crete, 9 million years ago.
This picturesque town is located on the east part of Crete, 70 km from Heraklion. It is built around a small lake sochoose between taking a break on one of the cafés by thelakeside or close to the harbour by the sea watching all
Destination: CretePublishing date: 2013-12-02
the yachts lying there. With all its restaurants, bars anddesigner shops here is a cosmopolitan feeling.
Lake Kournas
Between the cities of Chania and Heraklion you nd Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete. It lies in abeautiful valley and this is a perfect spot for an afternoonpicnic. If there are any orts the ducks waddling around aremost likely interested.
Water City Water Park
Promoting it self as the best amusement park on the island. Enjoy all the possible water attractions like slidesand wave pools, relax in the parks or have a bite of foodand something to drink in one of the restaurants or bars.Water City's aim is to make your day as pleasurable aspossible!
Feeling for a celebrity hunt? Elounda is the part of Crete where all the rich and famous people come for a vacation.Here you can gaze at all the luxurious villas and hotels butalso enjoy the charming old shing village. From Eloundayou can take a boat trip to Spinalonga Island known for itsVenetian fortress and being one of Europes last lepercolony.
DINING
Photo: George M. Groutas
The Cretans are particularly fond of lamb and goat meat. The “Ofto lamb" and “Psito” are well known. Especiallyfamous are the island’s dairy products—Kefalograviera,the semi-hard kefalotyri, Anthotyro and soft mizythra areall delicious and among the best Greek cheeses.
Loukoulos
For a special meal in a wonderful terrace garden or the antique interior dining area you should visit Loukoulos,which has the appearance of a period house. Loukouloshas interesting Mediterranean dishes with a Greek avourand wonderful eye-appealing salads.
Address: Korai 5, HeraklionPhone: +30 2810 224 435Internet: www.loukoulos-restaurant.gr
Paralia Seaside Tavern
Paralia is a traditional sh tavern in Heraklion. They serve wonderful sh dishes and some other Greek specialities.Open during the summer season.
This is one of the most famous taverns in Heraklion. Even if it’s situated in an area which is “alive” during summer(Amoudara is a summer resort in Heraklion), this specictavern is full almost every day! Traditional Greek food,special in a very nice environment.
In a beautiful Venetian house from the 16th century Avli oers not only accomodation but also a well-renownedrestaurant. For 24 years they have served Crete andMediterranean cuisine with a focus on preserving the oldtraditions.
Remezzo has a beautiful location just by the sea side. Hereyou can nd a range of food from a big breakfast, to anafternoon snack and a cocktail at sunset.
Address: 16A, El. Venizelou Sq., 73100, ChaniaPhone: +30 2821 052 001Internet: www.remezzo-crete.grMore Info: Old Venetian Port
Symposium
Symposium has an open-air restaurant giving their customers the best service, great Mediterranean andEuropean meals and delicious wine. It is located inPlatanias and has lovely, relaxed atmosphere for a relaxeddinner.
Seated in a beautiful setting in a garden with lemon trees, enjoy traditional Greek dishes to reasonable prices atKipos ton Gefseon. The restaurant is located on a quietstreet and you will feel far away from the bustling city.
With a beautiful view of the Venetian harbour Herb's Garden will give you the best of service. The restaurant islocated on the roof top of Lato Boutique Hotel and on themenu you will nd fresh sea food, salads, and meat dishes.Don't miss the home made ice cream!
Address: 15 Epimenidou St, Heraklion 71202Opening hours: Daily from 13.00 - late night, during May to early October.Phone: +30 2810 334971Internet: www.lato.gr
Izmir Kebap
Huge portions to a good price. You will not leave Izmir Kebap hungry. Located right in the city centre thisrestaurant is a good choice for lunch, watching thestrolling people.
Almyra is in fact two restaurants in one. They are both located in connection with Delni Beach Hotel. Therestaurant and bar is inside the beautiful building while theTavern is situated on the beach with a lovely seaview. TheTavern is only open during summer months.Bothrestaurants serves the same food so you just have tochoose which setting that appeals you.
In the old town of Rethymno, Castello restaurant is locatedjust by the old Turkish bath. This restaurant is known forits creative cooking and experiments with traditional Greekfood. Why don't try their tomatoes with feta and mint inthe oven or shrimps with aniseed?
Located in a old building only three minutes walk from the commercial area this restaurant, one of the most famousones in Crete, oers Cretan and Greek dishes. The chefsprimarily use local products. If you are interested incooking Greek food at home Veneto restaurant organizescourses.
Address: 4, Epimenidou str., Old Town, 74100 RethymnoOpening hours: May 1st till October 31stPhone: +30 28310 56634Internet: www.veneto.gr
Erotokritos Tavern
This family owned restaurant has served tourists and locals fresh sh and seafood since 1967. Your dinner willbe perfect accompanied by the beautiful view of the oldVenetian harbour.
Hidden away from the main square of Elounda you will ndLotus Eaters. They specialize in quality Greek andInternational food. Buying their meat from the localbutcher, their sh from the sher men in the town andfruits from island farmers their aim is to use only productsfrom Crete.
Address: Seafront, Elounda 72053Phone: +30 28410 41538Internet: www.lotus-eaters.comMore Info: Located by the seafront, 250 meters from Main Square. Keeping the sea to your left.
Blue Sea Restaurant
With its beautiful location next to the beach Blue Sea restaurant is an excellent alternative for a romantic nightout. On their menu you will nd a variety of Greek dishesand international cuisine to reasonable prices.
Most of the cafés and bars in Heraklion are in Korai street, the centre of the town. There is no need to know thenumber. The island, even if is the largest in Greece, is likea “big family.” Just ask someone for help, and they’ll gladlypoint you in the right direction!
Technopolis
This complex is 10 minutes outside the centre of Heraklion in an area pretty famous during the summer. Anew, modern building with cinemas, restaurant, cafés andbars.
With the views of the harbor and the Venetian fortress, thisplace is great, especially in the summer (if you manage tond a free table.) This café opened in 1996 and has agood reputation.
Kentrikon Café is located in the old town centre. Here are a
Destination: CretePublishing date: 2013-12-02
contemporary atmospherebut at the same time it hasretained its old charm. It is a two story building and theperfect place for a good cup of coee in the afternoon.
Address: Betolo and Dorotheou Episkopou, 73100, ChaniaPhone: +30 28210 41442Internet: www.kentrikoncafe.grMore Info: Old town center
The Back Door
The Back Door is one of the oldest cafeterias in Chania. Even though it is one of the oldest it is newly renovatedand centrally located. They serve juice, coee, snacks, icecream and a bit later in the evenings also cocktails.
Address: 1, Akti Koundourioti, 73100 ChaniaPhone: +30 2821 074 274Internet: www.crete-cafe.grMore Info: Old Venetian port Chania
Fabricia
This 17th century building is turned into an amazing café-bar and creperie. Here you can eat breakfast, try alovely crepes and later, like most bars, they serve cocktailsand beer.
When we are talking about the nightlife on the Greek islands (and, generally, Greece) we mean intensive nightlifetill the morning. For many Cretans the nightlife begins at18.00, 19.00 and nishes at 06.00 in the morning!
Malia
Along the main coast of Malia you can nd everything you need for a good night out. Restaurants, clubs and ofcourse a beautiful beach.
The Rock Café
The Rock Café is located in the old town of Rethymnon and has three bars and dance oors. At this place it is aparty every night of the week and they play everythingbetween pop, rock and R&B.
This is a small and warm bar at Korai street, which organizes great live concerts, mainly with rock bands.Come and enjoy the warm night and great music!
Address: Korai Square15, HeraklionPhone: +30 281 028 1819
SHOPPING
Photo: Clara S.
Heraklions commercial centre is located in the triangle formed by the Averof, 1821 and Kalokairinou streets, aswell as in the surrounding streets. There are manycommercial stores with clothes and shoes for all ages andstyles. The shopping centre of the city, does not havemany dierences from the shopping centres of otherEuropean cities.
It’s nice to combine your shopping with the special delicacies you can nd in the same streets.“Loukoumades” with honey and the famous bougatsa (pielled with cream) will make even an outstanding shoppingbill look sweeter! Beyond the clothes stores, you can ndpopular art stores and the traditional knife stores whereyou can buy the famous Cretan knives.
In the lively traditional market in the 1866 street, you can nd products for making your own Cretan meal. On thesame street and o the main streets there are many smallshops which sell local products and many gifts shops(some of them with really strange gifts).
ACCOMMODATIONS
Photo: idleformat
Crete oers a wide range of selections of hotels and hostels. You can book before arriving at your destinationor nd budget accommodations once you have arrived.
Avli Lounge Apartments
Avli is a boutique hotel locatedin the center of the Old Townof Rethymnon, Crete. The 15thcentury historical buildinghouses seven unique, highaesthetics suites. Each suite
has been decorated individually and combines traditional architecture, antique furniture and modern comfort andluxury. A high class get-away for guests who are lookingfor an exceptional experience and personal service inaccommodation.
The stylish leather couches in the lounge, the minimal luxury in the bar, the panoramic view and the excellentlocation are great reasons to choose the Lato BoutiqueHotel!
Kronos hotel is simple but warm. Friendly people, good prices, convenient and with a view of the sea. Sit on theveranda, enjoy the view and a cold drink!
Address: 2, Sof. Venizelou Str. and M. Agarathou 71202Phone: +30 2810 282240 / +30 2810 287395Internet: www.kronoshotel.gr
GDM Megaron Luxury Hotel
The Megaron was the rst multi-storey building in Crete! In2003 it was renovated to a luxury hotel and withoutdoubt you will be impressed by the stunning architectureand interior design.
Address: 9, D. Beaufort, 71202 HeraklionPhone: +30 2810 305300Internet: www.gdmmegaron.gr
Nautilus Bay Hotel
Built in 2010 this hotel has a contemporary style. Stay in their airy apartments and enjoy all facilities such asswimmingpools, restaurant and a bar. With a location justby the sea this is a perfect place for a relaxing holiday.
This romantic resort gives you a sense of serenity with lush gardens and a secluded beach. They oer guestroomsand bungalows, all with the best standard. There are alsoa wide range of sports and water activities to choose from.
Kastro Hotel is located just a hundred metres from Heraklions city centre, close to restaurants and bars. Everymorning a rich buet breakfast is served for all guests ofthe hotel.
This 4-star hotel oers you spacious suites with a beautiful sea-view and free Wi-Fi. Relax by one of the twoswimming pools or in the spa. On the roof there is a smallgarden with a bar where you can enjoy a cocktail watchingthe Venetian castle.
An ideal choice for families, couples and friends. With the old town of Rethymnon in a walking distance and alocation directly on the beach this apartment complexoers you airy studios, some with large balconies with seaview.
Rimondi Estate is a uniqe 5 star boutique hotel located in the old town of Rethymno. The hotel has kept thehistorical and cultural feeling of the building and oers atrue concept of luxury. Indulge your self in their Turkishbath!
When visiting Elounda, that attracts the rich and famous people, this is a good accomodation alternative. Therooms and bungalows all have a sense of tranquility. Thehotel is family-run.
5 km from Hersonissos this 150 acres resort is situated. Lyttos beach has everything it needs to make your holidaycomplete. Here is a 350 meters long beach, fourswimming pools, several restaurants and bars, tenniscourts, volleyball court and just 5 km away from the hotelgolfers can play at one of the best golf courts at the island.
Mantraki Hotel Apartments oers self-catered apartments for up to 4 persons, decorated in typical Cretan style.
They are located just by the harbour in Agios Nikolaos justtwo minutes walk from the centre of the town and 150metres from the beach.
Address: 1, Kapetan Tavla Str. Agios Nikolaos, 72100Phone: +30 28410 28880Internet: www.mantraki.eu
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
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Crete has two airports, “Nikos Kazantzakis” close to Heraklion and "Ioannis Daskalogiannis" close to Chania."Ioannis Daskalogiannis" is mostly operating domestic andchartered ights.
The “Nikos Kazantzakis” is one of the three largest international airports in Greece, and is only 10 minutesaway from the centre of Heraklion. If you take a taxi youwill pay approximately €15 (including the luggage). Youcan also take the bus No 78, which takes you to the town
Buy tickets for the buses from the many kiosks you will nd around town. The best is to buy your return ticket atthe same time. Buses start going at 05.30 or 6.00 andthey stop around midnight. They run every 20-30 minutes.
Taxi
Taxi is not the most economical way to travel on Crete butcan be necessary sometimes. Taxi Heraklion is one of themajor taxi companies on the island.
The main post-oces are open Monday to Friday from 08.00 to 20.00 and Saturday 08.00 to 14.00. Otherpost-oces will generally be open from 08.00 to 14.00only from Monday to Friday. In Heraklion the main postoce is in Daskalogianni Square.
Phone: +30 2810 28 9993
Pharmacy
Normal opening hours of the pharmacies are the same as shops during week days. On Saturdays they are generallyclosed. Each pharmacy has a notice in the windowshowing which ones are open out of normal hours and theaddress where they're located.