Heraklion, island of Crete: top beaches, attractions, food & traditional villages - Greece guide

Heraklion is the capital of Crete and the 4th largest city in Greece. The area has been inhabited since 3000 BC. and changed various names: Knossos, Kastro, Handax, Candia and of course Heraklion, that is, city dedicated to Hercules. It is the second most visited area of Greece. A generous and authentic city full of life, giving you plenty of unforgettable moments.. It is an ideal base to discover the island's internationally renowned attractions and beaches.

In Heraklion everything starts with the view of the seaside castle Rocca al Mare as the Venetians used to call it or Koules in Greek, and the impressive medieval walls. Saint Titus and other city churches, the Loggia Town Hall with its galleries, the Lions square with the Morosini fountain full of life and joy, the huge Freedom Square, the Dedalos shopping street and Chandakos street shops, as the other alleys of the old town, are just some of the attractions and sights of this sunny Mediterranean harbor!

At the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of the most important in Europe, you will enjoy a panorama of Minoan Crete. Mosaics and frescos of incredible beauty and style and other impressive findings from the last 5 millennia

And of course your visit to the archaeological site of Knossos is a life experience that you should not miss. A sacred place, where one of Europe's most important cultures grew and evolved. It is said that the palace of Knossos was so magnificent and huge that it gave rise to the myth of the Labyrinth that Daedalus built for the Minotaur. Royal splendor, legends and awe.

Cretaquarium: a Mediterranean water ark. Seahorses, sharks, jellyfish and the Mediterranean marine world march in front of your amazed eyes!

Top beaches
Kommos. Sand dunes, tropical azure waters, cedars and sea turtles, horses, gliders and naturism next to the ruins of an ancient Minoan port.
Matala. A picturesque fishing village, the center of the Hippies movement. Ancient caves, deep blue waters, relaxing and feast atmosphere, under the Greek sun.

Agiofarango. Probably the clearest waters in the Mediterranean. Mysticism, invisible monks, pirates, a wild but sacred canyon that looks like Far West scenery! The hidden lake and the legends of the area will leave you speechless!
Lentas, the king of the Libyan Sea. Dyskos Beach to the west and Trafoulas Gorge to the east deserve your attention.
Aspes beach. Difficult access, unforgettable exotic scenery that will reward you.
Arvi. beautiful sandy beach, ideal for relaxation.
Tertsa. In front of the village lies a quiet beach with coarse sand and magnificent crystal clear waters.
Malia & Stalis. popular tourist resort, endless sandy beach. Malia beats the youthful pulse of parties while Stalis moves at a quieter pace
Hersonissos. A tranquil sea on the northern shore and a bunch of beaches and creeks for all tastes: busy, quiet, organized or exotic
Dia Island. An uninhabited island, an untouched paradise that is a Natura protected area. Its waters will enchant you!
Amoudara. A huge beach with blonde sand next to Heraklion, ideal for windsurf
Agia Pelagia. Turquoise waters and relaxed atmosphere, the perfect recipe for your best summer moments
The villages of Heraklion
Archanes: A colorful and authentic traditional settlement. Flowering yards and welcoming residents. A real journey through time. Here you can taste unforgettable flavors, since wine and oil have been produced with the same passion for centuries.
Zaros. A lake with ducks and a wild forest! Are we still in Crete? This village will delight you all year long! Don't forget to visit its churches.
Agii Deca & Ancient Gortys. Here was the ancient capital of Crete during Roman times. Impressive monuments, history and art, while the village and the homonymous church are a colorful open-air folklore museum.
Ano Upper & Kato Lower Asites. Caves, canyons, Byzantine monasteries, paths, tradition and pride. A trip to the Cretan grandeur.
Kamilari & Festos. One way to imagine what the Minoan settlements looked like is by visiting Phaistos and neighboring Kamilari village. Ancient ruins next to alleys that smell of flowers, food and freshly washed clothes!
Useful tips:
- Cretan hospitality. There are no warmer and kind people than the Cretans. Do not refuse their treats or raki shots. It's like a ritual with dance, cheering and smiling that will mark your holiday even if you end up singing drunk!
- The kri - kri, adorable wild goats. Caution, if you park your vehicle under a shade tree you may find it partially damaged.
- In Crete, this culinary heaven, there are some of the strangest and most delicious dishes! Snails, or Kochlii, meat pie, sea urchin salad, antikrysto scrambled meat, tsoudisto rabbit on fire and much more. Fruits, vegetables are meat are all produced locally, hence so delicious. Try new flavors and you won’t regret it!
#HeraklionCrete #GreeceExoticSummer #GreekIslandsBeaches

Видео Heraklion, island of Crete: top beaches, attractions, food & traditional villages - Greece guide канала Runnismos Travel Guru