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Guide to Heraklion, Greece
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Heraklion On Greeces largest island, Crete, lies Heraklion (Iraklion), the sixth-largest Grecian city with a history dating back more than 4000 years. Here in Iraklion you will find many of the characteristics of a normal, bustling, frenetic city, yet at the same moment, you will be traversing historic land, from the ruins of the city walls, to the semi-reconstructed palaces from the time of Knossos. Youll find taxis and modern hotels, and you will find one of the largest archaeology sites in the world. Iraklion is the ideal destination for history buffs, as well as sight-seers looking to be amazed time and time again.
When to go:
The perfect time to visit Iraklion is during early spring or late autumn, when the tourism business is gearing up (offering you the services that will allow you to make the most of your stay) for the waves of tourists to arrive in a few short weeks, and after crowds of tourists have gone. The weather is very agreeable as well; not being too hot, or too cold.
Getting there and around:
Heraklion Airport is about 5km (3mi) away from the city centre, lying along the coast even views at arrival are picturesque. Youll find that the airport is chock-full-of all the services you need and/or want. There are major car rental agencies on-site, and for public transportation, there are two services to choose from: taxis and buses. This may be a difficult choice to make, since a taxi ride is 5 times the cost of a bus ride. The negative aspect of a bus ride is that it can feel very stuffy and cramped. No matter which you choose, youll still get to Plateia Eleftheria (Liberty Square) quickly and safely (about 20 minutes).
You probably wont be able to travel the city completely on foot, and when you do need transportation take one of the numerous buses available, or flag down a taxi. Of course, you can rent a car so you dont have to go by a timetable at all, but we wouldnt want to be stuck behind the wheel while in traffic, and we dont think youd like it either.
Attractions:
Since Iraklion is sprawled out along the harbor, whats a better place to start exploring the city than by the ocean? You can visit the Harbor Fort, which, though it does not have as much history as a few other sites in Iraklion, it is quite majestic in and of itself. It was built around 1540, and was restored recently to a state quite accurate to the Venetian original.
Iraklion is big on museums, and the first establishment you should visit is the Historical Museum of Crete. There are a wide range of artifacts and artistry dating back to the early Christian era, and chronology exhibits with pieces ranging from thousands of years back to today. The museum gives a good taste of Cretan history, and has numerous El Greco paintings great attractions for art history buffs.
Another museum held to even higher regard in the city is the Archaeological Museum. Here you will find the worlds largest and most comprehensive collection of artifacts and early artistry from the Minoan civilization that once inhabited the island. Many of the pieces held here were excavated from the site of Knossos, and some highlights are: the snake goddesses, the Phaestos Disc, and beautifully carved vases. Quite extraordinary frescoes can be seen by walking up the flight of stairs.
The Palace of Knossos is a great sight to save for last on your trip. It is, in fact, one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world, and here a famed archaeologist by the name of Arthur Evans excavated the palace(s) and reconstructed much of one which you can see from a designated walkway only. Keep in mind these palaces have been there since 2000 BC.
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