Heraklion

Arriving at Heraklion Airport

Heraklion Airport is Crete’s main gateway to the world. It is located about 5km east of the main city of Heraklion.

There is no underground or train in Heraklion, so if you want to take public transport, you will have to travel by bus. The Heraklion Airport bus runs every 10-15 minutes all year round, from 6:00 to 12:00. The journey time from Heraklion Airport to the city is about 20 minutes depending on the road traffic. You can buy your ticket when you board, drivers accept EUR currency and cash only.

Local taxis are waiting outside the Arrival Hall, and shared minibuses are also an option. Should you want a car for your time in Crete, there are car hire options at the airport.

What to expect in Heraklion

Heraklion (or Iraklio, to the locals) is Greece’s fifth-largest city and Crete’s capital. The city is the island’s economic and administrative hub but is also home to some of Crete’s best sights. Take the time to discover Heraklion, and you’ll find a thriving café and restaurant scene, good shopping and bustling nightlife, as well as cultural attractions.

Greek is the main language spoken in Heraklion, but most locals speak English very well, although learning a few words in their native language will always be appreciated.

Heraklion enjoys a warm and temperate climate. July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F) and the coldest is January at 12°C (54°F). The wettest month is December with an average of 100mm of rain.

Culture in Heraklion

Immerse yourself in the history of Crete when you visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the nearby Palace of Knossos, which both provide fascinating insight into Crete's ancient past.

Discover the Old Town of Heraklion including the well-known Morosini Fountain in Lions Square, the Loggia and St. Mark's Basilica. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere, wander through the narrow streets, visit the market, browse the local shops or visit the Venetian port with its fortress.

Explore small parks, street cafés and many historic buildings and fountains from Venetian and Turkish times. Crete has one of the oldest and most delicious gastronomic traditions in the world. It is simple but extremely fresh and flavourful.

Some things you must try on your trip to Heraklion include olive oil (or liquid gold, as they call it in Crete), Cretan cheeses, sarikopitakia (cheese pie), and loukoumades (fried dough served with ice cream, nuts and honey).