Things to do in Iraklio
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Archaeological Museum of Iraklio
The outstanding Archaeological Museum of Iraklio is second in size and importance only to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens because of its unique and extensive Minoan collection. The museum recently underwent a major restoration.
The collection covers Cretan civilization from Neolithic times until the Roman empire and includes pottery, jewellery, figurines and sarcophagi, as well as some famous frescoes, mostly from Knossos and Agia Triada. All testify to the remarkable imagination and advanced skills of the Minoans. Among the highlights are the famous Minoan frescoes from Knossos, including the Procession fresco, the Griffin Fresco (from the Throne Room), the…
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Historical Museum of Crete
A fascinating collection from Crete's more recent past is presented at the excellent Historical Museum of Crete. The ground floor covers the period from Byzantine to Turkish rule, displaying plans, charts, photographs, ceramics and maps. On the 1st floor are the only two El Greco paintings in Crete - View of Mt Sinai and the Monastery of St Catherine (1570) and the tiny recent addition, Baptism of Christ.
Other rooms contain fragments of 13th- and 14th-century frescoes, coins, jewellery, liturgical ornaments and vestments, and medieval pottery.
The 2nd floor has a reconstruction of the library of author Nikos Kazantzakis. Another room is devoted to Rethymno-born former pri…
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Natural History Museum of Crete
Established by the University of Crete, the leading Natural History Museum of Crete has relocated to impressive new five-level premises in the restored former electricity building on the waterfront. Only two wings had opened at the time of research, including an impressive interactive discovery centre for kids, compete with labs and excavation projects.
Apart from the broader evolution of humankind, the museum explores the flora and fauna of Crete, the island's ecosystem and habitats, and its caves, coastline and mountains. It also looks at the Minoan environment, including a reconstruction of a Minoan cottage and its inhabitants. It's a pleasant 10-minute walk along the …
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Koules Venetian Fortress
The 16th-century Koules Venetian fortress stands at the end of the Old Harbour jetty (though it was sinking and underwent significant restoration recently). Built by the Venetians who called it Rocca al Mare, it stopped the Turks for 22 years and then became a Turkish prison for Cretan rebels. The impressive exterior has reliefs of the Lion of St Mark. The interior has 26 overly restored rooms and good views from the top.
The rooms on the ground level are used for art exhibitions, while music and theatrical events are held in the upper level. The vaulted arcades of the Venetian Arsenal are located on the harbour front, opposite the fortress.
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Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis
You can pay homage to Crete's most acclaimed contemporary writer at the tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1957), at the Martinengo Bastion (the largest and best-preserved bastion) in the southern part of town. The epitaph on his grave, 'I hope for nothing, I fear nothing, I am free', is taken from one of his works. You can actually walk along the city walls all the way to the waterfront from here (about an hour), or you can climb up from the steps next to the arches at Plateia Kyprou.
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Bembo Fountain
The delightful Bembo Fountain, at the southern end of 1866, is shown on local maps as the Turkish Fountain, but it was actually built by the Venetians in the 16th century. It was constructed from a hotchpotch of building materials including an ancient statue. The ornate hexagonal edifice next to the fountain was a pump house added by the Turks, and now functions as a pleasant kafeneio (coffee house).
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Morosini Fountain
Several notable vestiges from Venetian times survive. Most famous is Morosini Fountain, which spurts water from four lions into eight ornate U-shaped marble troughs. The fountain, built in 1628, was commissioned by Francesco Morosini while he was governor of Crete. A marble statue of Poseidon with his trident used to stand at the centre, but was destroyed during the Turkish occupation.
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Syntagies
Housed in one of Iraklio's few surviving 1920s neoclassical mansions, this elegant place has original painted ceilings (including damaged sections from WWII) and tables in the flower-filled courtyard garden. There are well-executed classic Greek/Cretan dishes alongside international cuisine. The pastrami pastries are stand-out starters.
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Terzakis Ouzeri
On a small square opposite the Agios Dimitrios church, this excellent ouzeri has a good range of mezedes, mayirefta and grills. Try the sea urchin salad or, if you're really game to try a local speciality, ask if they have ameletita (unmentionables, fried sheep testicles).
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Peri Orexeos
Right on the busy Koraï pedestrian strip, this restaurant offers excellent modern Greek food with creative takes such as creamy chicken-filled kataïfi (angel-hair pastry) with creamy chicken, huge salads, and solid Cretan cuisine. There's also a wicked chocolate dessert.
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Museum of Religious Art
The Museum of Religious Art is housed in the former Church of Agia Ekaterini, next to Agios Minas Cathedral. It has an impressive collection of icons, frescoes and elaborate ecclesiastical vestments. The premier exhibits are the six icons painted by Mihail Damaskinos, El Greco's mentor.
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Ippokambos Ouzeri
Many locals come to this classic Iraklio haunt at the edge of the tourist-driven waterfront dining strip. Take a peek inside at the fresh trays and pots of mayirefta such as baked cuttlefish, and dine at one of the sidewalk tables or on the promenade across the road.
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Church of Agios Titos
The Church of Agios Titos was constructed after the liberation of the Crete in AD 961 and was converted to a Catholic church and then a mosque. Twice rebuilt after being destroyed by the big fire in 1554 and then the 1856 earthquake, it has been an Orthodox Church since 1925.
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Giakoumis Taverna
This is one of our favourites among the tavernas clustered around the 1866 market side streets. There's a full menu of Cretan specialities and vegetarian options. Turnover is heavy, which means that the dishes are fresh, and you can see the meat being prepared for the grill.
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Fyllo Sofies
Next to the Lion Fountain, this place does a roaring morning trade when tourists off the early boats and the post-club crowd head straight for a delicious bougatsa pastry. Try the custard version or the less-sweet myzithra cheese sprinkled with sugar.
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Full Day Tour to Samaria Gorge
by Viator
Enjoy this excursion to the prized national forest of Crete, the Samaria Gorge - the longest and most beautiful gorge in Europe.Walk through the gorge, approxim…
Not LP reviewed
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Ancient Palace of Knossos Tour
by Viator
No visit to the town of Heraklion is complete without a visit to the "Ancient Palace of Knossos", the origin of the legend of the labyrinth, which dates back as…
Not LP reviewed
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Santorini Island Day Trip
by Viator
Sail by high-speed catamaran to the beautiful Greek Island of Santorini where the day is yours to explore at leisure. Admire the contrasting beauty of the red a…Not LP reviewed
from USD$182.12 -
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Paleopoleio Antique Shop
One of the few surviving antique stores in a city obsessed with the latest brand names, this old store has a small assortment antiques and collectables, icons and old books, the showpiece being an old diver's costume hanging in the window.
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O Vrakas
This small street-side ouzeri (serving ouzo and light snacks) grills fresh fish alfresco in front of diners. It's unassuming and the menu is limited, but still very popular with locals. Grilled octopus with ouzo is a good choice.
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Xatheri
The best way to find any live Cretan music in town is by asking at the Aerakis Music store, spotting posters around town, or trying your luck at Xatheri, which has regular live music on Friday and Saturday nights (November to May).
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Theorio
The best way to find any live Cretan music in town is by asking at the Aerakis Music store, spotting posters around town, or trying your luck at Theorio, which has regular live music on Friday and Saturday nights (November to May).
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Prassein Aloga
This little, rustic-style café/restaurant has excellent innovative Mediterranean food from an ever-changing menu. It has some dishes based on ancient Greek cuisine, such as pork medallions with dried fruit on wild rice.
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I Avli tou Defkaliona
This popular taverna with traditional wicker chairs, checked tablecloths and plastic grapevines is known for its broad range of mezedes, home-style dishes and quality meat and seafood, as well as its lively atmosphere.
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Loggia
A little north of the Municipal Art Gallery is the attractively reconstructed 17th-century Loggia, a Venetian version of a gentleman's club, where the male aristocracy came to drink and gossip. It is now the town hall.
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