Category Archives: Heraklion
Read What to do, what to see and where you should spend most of your time while visiting Heraklion and its top attractions
August 21, 2025
10 Best Restaurants in Heraklion: Where to Eat & Drink
Heraklion’s dining scene reflects its cultural blend, offering both fine-dining experiences and traditional taverns. Sir Papafigos, located [distance km="1.1"] from the city center, serves inventive Mediterranean dishes for prices between [amount euro="9"] and [amount euro="21"], while Avli, [distance km="1"] away, focuses on seafood and Mediterranean cuisine priced between [amount euro="15"] and [amount euro="25"]. Traditional flavors are preserved at Merastri, where dishes like lamb from a wood oven cost between [amount euro="9"] and [amount euro="22"], and Chagiati, a family-run tavern, offers hearty meals for [amount euro="10"]–[amount euro="15"]. Read article
August 14, 2025
Kommos Beach Crete: A Naturist-friendly Beach in Crete
Kommos Beach is one of the longest beaches on the Greek island of Crete. It lies in the southern part of the island, about [distance km="66"] southwest of the capital Heraklion. Kommos Beach is about [distance km="5"] long and is backed by tamarisk trees, carobs and sand dunes. Read article
August 8, 2025
Crete With Kids: Things to Do, Family Activities, Beaches and Travel Tips
Crete is an ideal family holiday destination, an island filled with places to see and things to do for travelers with a baby, toddler, child, or young adult. Families can explore ancient ruins, interactive museums, nature parks, and calm beaches across all regions of the island. Heraklion has plenty of family-friendly attractions and is a regional hub known for education and history. Cretaquarium displays Mediterranean sea life, an aquarium designed for visual learning and interactive play. Knossos Palace presents vivid Minoan ruins, an open-air site that helps children and young adults understand ancient civilization. The Natural History Museum of Crete provides hands-on science exhibits, a facility with a discovery zone, and an earthquake simulator. The Palace of Phaistos offers spacious walking areas and a quieter archaeological site, making it suitable for younger visitors. Read article
August 7, 2025
Acqua Plus Waterpark: Location, Travel Guide and Transportation
Acqua Plus Waterpark is the largest waterpark in Crete, offering over 50 rides and attractions suitable for all age groups. It operates from early May to mid-October, but is especially popular in July and August, when visitor numbers peak. The park is divided into zones for thrill-seekers, families, and children, with standout rides including Kamikaze, Spacebowl, Black Holes, and a dedicated island for younger children. A history spanning over 20 years, along with certifications from the Hellenic Tourism Authority and the World Waterpark Association, supports its reputation for safety and operational quality. Read article
July 11, 2025
Aquaworld Crete: Visitor Guide, Location, What to See and Directions
Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre is a specialized educational and conservation institution located in Hersonissos, Crete, dedicated to the rehabilitation and exhibition of marine and reptilian species. A public aquarium and reptile rescue center, it was founded in 1995 by marine biologist John McLaren, and stands as Crete’s first facility of its kind, distinct from other local institutions such as Cretaquarium and Thalassocosmos due to its hands-on approach and rescue-centered mission. Read article
July 11, 2025
Anogia Village: What to See and Do, How to Get There and Travel Guide!
Anogia in Crete is a historic mountain village located 39.9 kilometers (24.8 miles) from Heraklion Airport and 122 kilometers (75.8 miles) from Chania Airport. Set on the slopes of Mount Psiloritis at 750 meters (2,460 feet), it is the highest village in Crete and known for its strong cultural identity, resistance history, and traditional crafts. The village is characterized by narrow stone alleys, multi-level neighborhoods, and a central square that serves as the heart of local life. Travelers can reach Anogia by car, bus, or taxi. Driving offers the most flexibility, especially when exploring nearby sites such as the Ideon Cave, Nida Plateau, or Skinakas Observatory. Read article
June 19, 2025
Hersonissos Crete: Things to do, Location, How to Get There?
Hersonissos is a prominent coastal resort town located in the Heraklion regional unit on the northern coast of Crete, Greece, distinguished for its dynamic blend of tourism infrastructure, vibrant nightlife, and historical maritime significance. Hersonissos welcomes over 700,000 tourists annually, making it a vital contributor to Crete’s tourism-driven economy, according to the Hellenic Statistical Authority. Read article
June 7, 2025
Lendas Beach: All You Need To Know By Locals
Lendas Beach is a quiet, unspoiled coastal spot on the southern shore of Crete, cherished for its calm waters, rocky backdrop, and relaxed setting. The beach combines sand and pebbles, with a shallow sea entry that deepens gradually, making it safe for casual swimmers and families. Sunbeds are available for free, and the beach stays peaceful even in peak season due to its remote location and low tourist traffic. Lendas is located 70.3 kilometers (43.7 miles) south of Heraklion, reachable by a fully paved road, and offers basic services like tavernas, mini markets, and small guesthouses. Read article
May 17, 2025
Analipsi Crete: All You Need to Know by Rental Center Crete Experts
Analipsi is a village on the northern coast of Crete, 21 kilometres (13,05 miles) east of Heraklion, the capital city. It lies in a valley with olive groves near the popular tourist area stretching from Kato Gouves to Anissaras. The history of Analipsi dates back to the period of Ottoman rule in Crete in the 1800s when a small settlement called "Svourou" or "Svourou Metohi" existed in the area. Shepherds from the Lasithi Plateau region started moving to this warmer area during the winter months to feed their animals, and they began building basic stone houses, forming the village. A church dedicated to the Ascension of Christ was established in 1896, giving the village its current name, "Analipsi" (meaning Ascension in Greek). Read article
May 16, 2025
Psaromoura Beach: All You Need to Know by Locals
Psaromoura Beach is a small, pebbled cove in northern Crete, offering a naturally enclosed setting with calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. It is located within a rocky bay, shielding it from strong winds and creating a peaceful coastal retreat with clear, inviting waters. Psaromoura Beach attracts visitors seeking a quieter alternative to larger beaches, combining scenic surroundings with a more intimate seaside experience.Psaromoura Beach is located 22 kilometers (14 miles) northwest of Heraklion, near the seaside village of Agia Pelagia. The beach can be reached via a 25-minute drive from Heraklion, following the E75 highway toward Rethymno before taking the exit for Agia Pelagia. Read article
May 15, 2025
Kastri Beach: All You Need To Know By Locals
Kastri Beach is a pebbly shore on Crete’s southern coast, located 60 kilometers (37.2 miles) from Heraklion. The beach is named after the nearby village of Kastri and is known for its glistening waters and relaxed atmosphere. Kastri Beach has loungers and umbrellas in some portions of its shoreline, while much of it remains unspoiled, allowing visitors to admire Crete’s natural beauty. Read article
May 5, 2025
Tris Ekklisies Beach: All You Need To Know By Locals
Tris Ekklisies Beach is a coastal attraction located 64 kilometers (39,76 miles) south of Heraklion in Crete. Tris Ekklisies is named after the three nearby churches and features fine golden sand, clear waters, and rugged cliffs. It's a peaceful escape from Crete’s more touristy spots, perfect for visitors seeking relaxation. The beach can be accessed by car, offering scenic views along the Asterousia Mountains, and is equipped with sun beds, umbrellas, and nearby tavernas. Read article
April 13, 2025
Kali Limenes Beach: All You Need to Know by Rental Center Crete Experts
Kali Limenes Beach, known as Good Ports Beach or Kaloi Limenes, is a secluded coastal destination on Crete’s southern coast. Kali Limenes Beach lies 75 kilometers (46.6 miles) southwest of Heraklion, within the Asterousia Mountains, offering clear blue waters, a mix of fine sand and pebbles, and sheltered coves. The beach benefits from a natural wind barrier, ensuring calm swimming conditions for most of the year. Read article
April 12, 2025
Tertsa Beach: All You Need To Know By Rental Center Crete
Tertsa Beach is a coastal retreat 79 kilometers (49 miles) south of Heraklion in Crete. Tertsa is a tourist destination with coarse sands, turquoise waters, and fine pebbles, offering a quiet escape from the region’s more crowded attractions. The surrounding cliffs and hills enhance its untouched beauty, while a few sun loungers and traditional tavernas provide convenience without disrupting the beach’s natural charm. Read article
April 10, 2025
Tympaki Beach: All You Need To Know By Locals
Tympaki Beach is a beach in Crete’s southern coast, located 62.3 km (38.7 miles) southwest of Heraklion. Tympaki has dark volcanic sand, clear waters, and strong winds, beckoning windsurfers but is less suitable for tourists seeking calm swimming conditions. Tympaki Beach lacks organized facilities, with no sunbeds or parasols, and only a few tavernas in the area. Accommodations are not available directly on the beach, but the nearby town of Tympaki offers guesthouses and holiday rentals. Read article
April 3, 2025
Kaminaki Beach: All You Need to Know by Locals
Kaminaki Beach is a small, secluded pebbled beach in southern Crete, located 58 kilometers (36 miles) south of Heraklion, in the southeastern slopes of the Asterousia Mountains. The beach remains naturally sheltered by steep cliffs and rugged terrain, protecting it from strong winds while preserving its untouched landscape. Read article
March 18, 2025
Listis Beach (Bandit’s beach): All You Need To Know By Locals
Listis Beach is a seaside destination in Crete, located 64.3 kilometers (39.9 miles) southeast of Heraklion. Listis is cherished for its golden sand, turquoise waters, and striking rock formations, offering a remote escape from Crete’s busier destinations. The beach is accessible via a short dirt road, with nearby parking available. Read article
February 26, 2025
Potamos Beach: All You Need To Know By Locals!
Potamos Beach is located 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) east of Malia on Crete’s northern coast, and provides a quieter alternative to Malia Beach. The beach's golden sands allow for sunbathing and walking, while the gentle, see-through waters are excellent for swimming and aquatic adventures. Read article
January 29, 2025
Crete Boat Trips: Hersonissos, Balos, Spinalonga and Santorini
Crete provides diverse activities in Hersonissos, Balos, Spinalonga, and Santorini. Private boat rentals range from €50 ($54.40, £44) for motorboats to €1,500 ($1,630, £1,323) for yachts with skippers. Popular day trips include Knossos Palace, Heraklion City tours, and Samaria Gorge hikes, costing €35 ($38.10, £30.80) to €50 ($54.40, £44) per person. Crete is accessible by ferries from Athens and nearby islands, with tickets starting at €36 ($39.20, £31.70). Snorkeling and paddleboarding are favored at Elafonissi Beach and Agia Pelagia. Combo packages for car rentals and boat trips are available, with reliable services like Rental Center Crete. Read article
January 14, 2025
45+ Less Known, Exotic Beaches in Crete
Crete, Greece's largest island, offers diverse beaches for all preferences. Livadi Beach enchants families with green waters and modern amenities. Sougia Beach provides tranquility with pebbly shores and hiking trails. Sarantaris Beach near Hersonissos offers snorkeling and serenity.Kommos Beach, an ancient Minoan port, attracts history buffs with its ruins. Agiofarago Beach combines natural beauty and history, accessible through a gorge hike. Limanakia Beach provides family fun with calm waters and cultural attractions. Read article
