Heraklion Highlights: A Romantic Greek Escape

Fall in love with history and each other in Heraklion, Greece.

22 April 2023

Heraklion, situated on the island of Crete in Greece, is an excellent destination for couples looking for a romantic trip. With its beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and scenic vistas, the city offers plenty of opportunities for romantic getaways. From touring the ancient ruins of Knossos to hiking through the Samaria Gorge, Heraklion is the perfect romantic escape.

Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring Heraklion's rich history and culture

  • Start your day with a Greek coffee and a bougatsa pie at the popular cafe, Karnagio.
  • Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion to discover ancient Minoan artifacts and statues.
  • Take a stroll around the Venetian Harbor and the Koules Fortress, built by the Venetians in the 16th century.
  • Indulge in a romantic lunch at Peskesi, a charming restaurant that serves authentic Cretan cuisine.
  • Later in the day, explore the Heraklion Market for a taste of local life and try some of the famous Cretan cheeses and wines.
  • End your day with a sunset walk along the city's beautiful walls and capture the perfect shot of the city as it turns golden.
  • Note: Don't miss the chance to try some of the local dessert, Loukoumades, which are small honey-soaked doughnuts, especially popular during the winter months.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Heraklion, Greece by plane is to fly to Heraklion International Airport (HER) from major cities such as London, Amsterdam, or Munich. Airlines such as British Airways, EasyJet, and Lufthansa operate flights to this airport.

Car

Driving from Athens to Heraklion is a good option, as it allows you to discover the beauty of Greece at your own pace. A drive from Athens to Heraklion takes around 7-8 hours, and you can rent a car from several car rental companies such as Avis or Hertz.

Train

There are no direct train links to Heraklion, Greece. The closest train station is in Chania, around 143 km away.

Boat

The best way to get to Heraklion, Greece by boat is to take a ferry from the port of Piraeus in Athens. Minoan Lines and ANEK Lines operate ferries to Heraklion, and the journey takes around 8-9 hours depending on the type of vessel.

Bus

Taking a bus from Athens is the best way to get to Heraklion, Greece by bus. The trip takes around 9 hours, and there are multiple departures daily. The bus station in Athens is KTEL Station at Liosion.

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Heraklion, Greece is an excellent destination for a family-friendly trip. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful beaches, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Families can explore the ancient ruins of the Palace of Knossos, visit the fascinating Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and relax on the stunning sandy beaches of Amoudara or Kokkini Hani.

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