Heraklion on a Budget: 4 Days of Fun!

Discover the hidden gems of Heraklion without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Visiting the ancient city of Heraklion, Greece can be an affordable travel option. With budget-friendly accommodations and cheap eats, travelers can experience the culture and history of Crete while keeping costs down. Sightseeing options like the Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum offer fascinating glimpses into this city's rich history.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Old City

  • Check into your budget-friendly hotel, Hotel Kronos, located in the heart of the old city.
  • Start your day with a traditional Greek breakfast of yogurt, honey, and fruit at Café Koubes.
  • Wander through the narrow streets of the old city and admire the Venetian architecture, including the iconic Koules Fortress on the harbor.
  • Explore the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and learn about Crete's rich history and culture.
  • Enjoy a late lunch at Omilos, a local taverna serving fresh seafood and classic Cretan dishes.
  • End your day with a drink at The Loft Rooftop Bar, offering stunning views of the city and the sea.
Day 2

Beach Day at Amoudara

  • Take a short bus ride to Amoudara Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Heraklion.
  • Soak up the sun and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea.
  • Rent a paddleboard or go windsurfing for a fun activity on the water.
  • Grab lunch at Tosca Beach Restaurant, serving delicious Mediterranean cuisine and refreshing cocktails.
  • Visit the nearby Orthodox Monastery of Savvathiana, dating back to the 16th century.
  • Enjoy a sunset stroll along the beach before heading back to the hotel.
Day 3

Day Trip to Knossos

  • Start your day with a Greek coffee and a pastry at Kipos Cafe.
  • Take a bus or taxi to Knossos, the ancient Minoan palace and archaeological site.
  • Explore the ruins and learn about the fascinating history of the Minoan civilization.
  • Have lunch at Taverna Kritiki Spiti, serving traditional Cretan dishes.
  • Visit the Heraklion Natural History Museum to see a wide variety of flora and fauna from Crete and the surrounding islands.
  • Have dinner at Peskesi, a farm-to-table restaurant featuring local and organic ingredients.
Day 4

Food and Shopping

  • Start the day with breakfast at Karanika Bakery, known for its fresh-baked bread and pastries.
  • Go shopping at the weekly farmers' market in the old city and pick up some local produce, herbs, and spices.
  • Visit the Etz Hayyim Synagogue, one of the oldest Jewish synagogues in Greece.
  • Have lunch at To Paradosiakon, serving classic Greek dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Explore the Arkadiou Street Market, filled with handmade souvenirs and unique gifts.
  • End your trip with a sunset cocktail at Oinomageiremata, a wine bar with an extensive selection of Greek wines.

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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