From Harbor to Hills: Heraklion’s Charm

A few of my favorite things to do in Heraklion are: use affordable transportation, take a cooking class, experience cuisines, take a day trip, and enjoy the calm and relaxing atmosphere.

Visitors can use the hop-on hop-off narrated bus; it starts at $24. It offers multiple drop-off and pick-up sightseeing points (even the beach.)

Stay at accommodations in the city center. The old town is walkable to cafes, restaurants, shopping, and sightseeing. The taxis are also affordable. A taxi ride for four people starts at $15.

The cuisine is another thing to do. Visitors can try many cuisines. Cretan, Greek, Italian, and American. And of course, gelato. Take a cooking class by a local is another thing to do. Learn to make traditional Cretan dishes and learn more about the culture from a local.

Additional things to do include taking a day trip to other cities in Crete. Many tour companies offer group or private trips to Chania, Rethymno, etc. Visitors can also take a high-speed ferry over to Santorini for the day.

Last but not least, Heraklion gives visitors a chance to slow down (if they want to.) The atmosphere can be calm and relaxing. Most of the city doesn’t start until mid-morning. They take the time to have a relaxing breakfast at a cafe. Followed by a relaxing lunch and evening cocktails, and dinner on a cafe or restaurant patio, finishing with plenty of conversation.

Some of our favorite places to eat were in the city center and Ammoudi Bay on a day trip to Santorini. For a traditional Cretan continental breakfast, Hacienda is a great cafe. The coffee, espresso, eggs, juices, breads, pastries, yogurt, and spreads were fresh. We ate here every morning.

For lunch or a late-night bite, Stuvrakes Street Food is a great place for gyros. The meat is carved off the rotisserie in front of you. Next door is Red Panda. For a taste of home, Amalia’s Kitchen is the best. The owner originated from Houston, Texas. We ate here twice and when talking to other patrons, everything they serve is delicious. A place for an evening cocktail and sushi roll. If you decide to take a day trip to Santorini, Sunset Ammoudi Bay is a great place on the water: fresh seafood, awesome salads, small plates, and dessert. It’s a little pricey but worth the splurge. The atmosphere and food are worth it.