Five reasons you should visit Heraklion, Crete
Many travellers land at Heraklion airport, grab their bags, and immediately sprint toward the western beaches or eastern villages. When you see the capital as nothing more than a place to pass through, you miss the rest of what the island has to offer.
Heraklion presents an unmistakable energy where buzzing modern cafes sit comfortably against massive Venetian fortification walls. Somewhere you can soak up European history in the morning and relax by the Aegean Sea in the afternoon. By staying in or near this region, you position yourself perfectly to understand the true character of Crete.
2) Walk through the Bronze Age
Crete is best known for the legends of King Minos and the Labyrinth. When you visit the Palace of Knossos, you step directly into the physical setting of the Minotaur myth. Although the site draws large crowds, walking through Europe’s oldest city really brings these legends to life.
Arthur Evans’s colourful, although debated, restorations help you picture how Minoan royalty lived 4,000 years ago. As you wander through the corridors and view the Throne Room, you understand why the ancients believed a maze lay beneath your feet. Plan your visit for the late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and see the shadows lengthen over the ruins.
2) See the real treasures
While Knossos holds the architecture, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum holds the soul of the Minoan civilisation. You need to visit this museum to see the original frescoes and artefacts excavated from the palace.
Standing inches away from the famous “Bull-Leaping” fresco allows you to appreciate the artistry of a civilisation that vanished millennia ago. You will also encounter the Phaistos Disc, a clay enigma stamped with symbols that linguists still fail to decipher. Viewing these items in person creates a tangible connection to the past that photographs simply cannot replicate.
3) Taste authentic Crete
Cretan food relies on simple, high-quality ingredients produced in the island’s valleys. Local tavernas in the city centre serve meals that differ significantly from the standardised plates found in all-inclusive tourist zones. You will find the most authentic atmosphere at the 1866 Street Market, where the air smells of mountain herbs and drying leather. Order a plate of dakos – hard barley rusks soaked in high-quality olive oil and topped with grated tomato and mizithra cheese – to understand the staple of the local diet.
5) Experience family luxury
Balancing historical exploration with downtime ensures the holiday remains enjoyable for every family member. Staying just outside the capital in the Hersonissos area gives you the space to decompress after navigating busy museums.
This coastal stretch offers a resort-style experience while maintaining a short driving distance to Heraklion’s cultural sites. You can combine cultural excursions with effortless pool days when you book a stay at the luxurious Stella Palace Aqua Park Resort. This location serves as an ideal base for families who want to explore the island’s history but require waterslides and premium relaxation at the end of the day.
