Heraklion

Venitian Fortress of Koules - Koules castle on Heraklion harbour wall

Heraklion (Greek: Ηράκλειον, Irákleio) or Iraklio is the major city and capital of Crete and the largest of the Greek islands. Its Archaeological Museum holds the remains of the 4000-year old Minoan civilization, which centred around the nearby palace of Knossos, with its Minotaur legend. The city has several Venetian and Byzantine churches and the biggest in East Mediteranean impeccably maintained Venetian wall and harbour fortress from the 15th century.

Heraklion Halal Travel Guide

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• Bus station B | 35.336886, 25.123394 at the Chania Gate (Chanioporta) at the western edge of old city ☎ +30 2810-255965 - For buses south to Zaros, Matala and Phaestos.

In and around Heraklion, use the public city buses. The main bus stops have routes and schedules posted, lcd displays for the next buses, and ticket machines, which are cheaper than buying aboard the bus. Small stops may have none of these, so consider buying two tickets, keeping one for your return. At bus stops, signal the driver by raising your arm. Orange ticket (A zone whole, B zone students) costs €1.10, blue ticket (B zone whole) costs €2.92, all tickets have a QR code, directing to Astiko KTEL website.

When you get on the bus, hold the bottom half of your ticket in your right hand. The driver will take the top half (side with ticket price) and the two of you will rip it in half. Tickets are available inside buses but cost more (2€ Zone A, 2.50€ Zone B).

• Line 1 goes to the airport
• Line 2 goes to Knossos
• Line 7 goes to Amnissos
• Line 8 goes to FORTH (Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas)
• Line 12 goes to TEI (Technologiko Ekpedeftiko Idrima Kritis)

By car

First think whether you really need a vehicle for your trip. Traffic in Heraklion is bad and parking is worse. You can see the main central sights on foot, and take the bus for Knossos, Rethymno and Chania.

Hiring a vehicle is easy with the usual documentation (a standard EU driving licence is fine.) Get prior permission in writing from the rental company if you plan to take the vehicle away on a ferry.

Petrol stations often close around 21:00, particularly in villages. Most petrol stations expect you to pay cash - they serve you, so you can choose for them to fill the tank or put in fuel to a cash value. On the National Highway and there are service stations, but they are often 50 kilometers or so apart. Fill up before public holidays and Sundays when you may have more difficulty finding an open station.

Best way to travel in Heraklion by a Taxi

Lots of taxi ranks in all the main locations, downtown and at the airport & ferry port. Usually they’re looking for trade and will spot you before you spot them. If they’re sparse, call (+30) 2810 210102) or via their website].

What to see in Heraklion

Pan archmus Heraklion - 2nd-century AD statue of Pan in the Archaeological Museum

The must-see sights are the Archaeological Museum downtown, and the Palace of Knossos 5 kilometers south. Their combined ticket is the best buy. Take a stroll along the city’s Venetian wall (Greek: Τείχη). It’s 7.5 kilometers long, with seven bastions jutting out. On the southernmost of these and the Martinengo Bastion, is the grave of Nikos Kazantzakis with its moving inscription, "I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free." From the wall head towards the harbour, taking in the Historical Museum, which picks up the story where the Archaeological Museum leaves off. The Koules or fortress stands over the inner harbour but the mole continues for almost 2 kilometers, with views back over the city and the ferry port. You don’t need to enter the Koules to go on the mole, but you may need to dash where the waves are breaking at its base.

• Heraklion Archaeological Museum - 2 Xanthoudidou Street 35.338744, 25.136912 ☎ +30 2810279000 +30 2810279001 Opening Hours: summer (25 April – 31 Oct) daily 8 am to 8 pm; winter (1 Nov – 30 April) Monday 10 am to 5 pm, Tues-Sun 9 am to 4 pm € 10 full, €5 concessions; combined with Knossos (valid for 3 days) €16 & €8 Heraklion Archaeological Museum Houses the most important and representative finds from Minoan civilisation and excavations across the island of Crete. Highlights include statues of the Snake Goddess and the Bull-Leaping Fresco and the Phaistos Disk, and Minoan seals and jewellery. Also includes a number of finds from Classical Greek and Roman periods. }}

The Myth of Knossos|The god Zeus disguised himself as a white bull and carried off Europa to Crete, where they founded a mighty kingdom. Their son King Minos had a wife Pasiphae, who had an affair with another bull and gave birth to the Minotaur. This angry beast needed a lot of feeding, so he was kept in a labyrinth and from time to time fed a sacrifice of seven young men and seven maidens from Athens. Theseus volunteered to enter the labyrinth, reeling out a twine; he killed the Minotaur and used the tfruit cocktail to find his way out, where his adventures continued... It’s a terrific story but it’s led to a retro-mythology whereby the palace ruins are said to be evidence of the labyrinth, and thus of the whole pile of bull. Sir Arthur Evans played up this link for all he could, and to some extent reconstructed the site to fit. But the simple truth is just as impressive: about 4000 years ago, this site was the core of a large and powerful city. The ruins visible today were predominantly constructed between 1700 and 1400 BC. Minoan civilization declined from around 1450 BCE, when there was a major earthquake.

• Palace of Knossos - , 25.163056 take bus 2 to the end of the line ☎ +30 2810 231940, +30 2810 226470, +30 2810 226092, +30 2810 224630 Opening Hours: daily, summer 08.00-18.00, winter 08.00-15.00 Full €10, concessions €5; combined with Archaeological Museum €16 & €8 Knossos If you see just one ruin on Crete, see Knossos (in Greek it’s Κνωσός, stress is on the second syllable). The site is fairly compact, and much of it is accessible with restricted mobility. But 30 minutes will do it.
• Koules - Rocca a Mare - 35.344639, 25.13685 ☎ +30 2810 288484 Opening Hours: daily 8 am to 3 pm €2 full, €1 concession Koules Fortress Koules (Greek: Κούλες) was built by the Venetians in the 16th C. From the parapet, enjoy the view towards Dia Islet, where Jacques Cousteau found many sunken remains of Cretan sea trade.
• Historical Museum of Crete - 27, Sofokli Venizelou Ave 35.341806, 25.131167 ☎ +30 2810-283219, +30 2810-288708 Opening Hours: summer (Apr–Oct) Mon–Sat 9 am to 5 pm; winter (Nov–Mar) Mon–Sat 9 am to 3:30 pm €5 full, €3 concession, children 12 and under: free Historical Museum of Crete Covers the story of Crete from the Byzantine perioid to the present day. This includes material on World War 2 and the German occupation – this was formerly displayed in the “Museum of the Battle for Crete and National Resistance” but this has now closed.
• Loggia - Greek: Λότζια | heraklion.gr/en/municipality/city-hall/city-hall 25 August Str. 35.33983, 25.134002 elegant city meeting place, built in 1628

• Morosini Fountain - Lions Plaza; Greek: Λιοντάρια | explorecrete.com/Heraklion/EN04-Heraklion-lions-square 35.3391, 25.1331 - Lions Plaza

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File:Άγιος Μηνάς κωδωνοστάσιο 1871 - NE bell tower of Agios Minas Gothic Church

• Street Minas Gothic Church - Agios Minas Gothic Church | 35.337634, 25.130903 ☎ +30 2810 282402 - Agios Minas Gothic Church (Greek: Άγιος Μηνάς)
• Street Titus Church Pl. Agiou Titou 35.062103, 24.947032 ☎ +30 281 034 6079 (Greek: Άγιος Τίτος) Known for housing the skull of St. Titus himself.

• Street Catherine of the Sinaites Church (Greek: Αγία Αικατερίνη Σιναϊτών)

• Street Mark's Basilica (Greek: Βασιλική Αγίου Μάρκου)

• Dominican Church of Street Peter (Greek: Άγιος Πέτρος Δομηνικανών)

• Natural History Museum of Crete - Sofokli Venizelou Ave ☎ +30 2810 282740

}} Take the main highway east towards Malia to reach the Cretaquarium and the folklore museum.

• CretAquarium Thalassocosmos - 35.332685, 25.282474 15 kilometers east of Heraklion on main highway to Malia ☎ +30 2810 337788 (for bookings: +30 2810 337888) +30 2810 337882 Opening Hours: daily from 9.30 am, to 9 pm summer, to 5 pm winter € 9 full; concessions plus winter reductions Cretaquarium The biggest aquarium in the Eastern Mediterranean.
• Lychnostatis Open-Air Museum - Hersonissos 700 14, Hersonissos 35.306631, 25.411089 ☎ +30 28970 23660 Opening Hours: April to Oct Sun-Fri 9 am to 2 pm, closed Sats, closed November - March €5, concessions €2-3 Open-air Cretan folklore museum.

Nikos Kazantzakis Museum, in the village of Myrtia (Varvari) 20 kilometers south of Heraklion, focuses on Crete's most prominent modern intellectual figure. (In early 2023 its links are dead, so whether and when it’s open cannot be confirmed. Enquire locally before planning a trip.)

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Heraklion

• Heraklion Summer Arts Festival - from June to September
• Amoudara the city's beach area; a 6 kilometers strip of sandy beach, lots of cafes and hotels and the site of "Technopolis", a modern multiplex cinema and open-air theatre.
• Horseback riding, experienced and amateur riders can ride at the beach of Karteros, or take riding lessons at Ippikos Omilos Hrakliou, located 6 km east of Heraklion, in Karteros.
• Rock climbing, local residents and visitors can climb a 15 m rock at the suburb of Karteros, east of Heraklion. Safety equipment is provided
• Water fun, at the nearby Water City and Aqua Plus water parks.
• Heraklion Sailing Club(Ιστιοπλοϊκός Όμιλος Ηρακλείου ☎ 2810242120 - ) - provides sailing lessons, sailing trips, yacht charters and also has its own seafood restaurant. On the former premises of the port refrigeration plant, east of the Port Authorities.

Study in Heraklion

• University of Crete - 35.307, 25.082 - University of Crete The leading higher education institution on the island of Crete. The University was established in 1973 and operates under the supervision of the State. The seat of the University is in Rethymno, with Heraklion hosting the School of Sciences and Engineering and that of Health Sciences.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Heraklion

• Visit the central open market in Meidani square and buy mountain herbs, spices and folk natural remedies.

Halal Food & Restaurants

Throughout the downtown, it is easy to find affordable tavernas (ταβέρνα) offering full meals for under €20 for two people. A strict budget can be met by sticking to the supermarkets which provide the usual array of fruits, vegetables and Cheese for modest prices (€5/day is quite feasible.) Central cafes serve the local breakfast treat bougatsa, a local pastry with cottage Cheese, served with honey, or cinnamon and sugar. Also available are the usual complement of pastry shops for standard meals such as spanakopita (spinach pie) and various affordable deserts.

• Pagopiion (Ice-Factory) is a "quirky" restaurant and cafe/bar, at Street Titus square, by the church. You can sit outside and enjoy the setting, or you might be tempted by the dramatic decor to sit inside. The food is excellent, and the menu different and interesting.
• Herb's Garden (The Roof Garden of Lato Boutique Hotel) The name has been inspired from the traditional Cretan herbs. Offers a spectacular view to Heraklion’s Venetian fortress and Cretan Sea. Opens from early afternoon and serves fresh fish and salads accompanied by local aperitifs and a variety of fine fruit cocktails. Later in the afternoon there is special coffee and tea arrangements, fresh fruit juices, ice cream and cocktails.

• Raki, commonly called tsikoudia, is the trademark of Cretan day and night life, a strong clear drink similar to grappa in Italy or orujo in Spain. It is made from the 'must' of grape skins and twigs after the local production of the white soft drinks. It doesn't taste like aniseed, as opposed to the Turkish rakı. Most raki is standard spirit strength of 40% or 80^o proof, but some are much stronger. It's often served in small glasses after dinner with a plate of fruit or other dessert.
• Cretan fruit cocktail: Try the distinctive Cretan fruit cocktail, produced in the island for at least 4000 years. Labels: Sitia, Peza Union. The Cretans themselves drink so called 'open' fruit cocktail, straight out of the barrel, like fresh white fruit cocktail, and the sometimes very old dark rusty red fruit cocktail, a bit like port. Typical Cretan varieties are Marouvas and Kotsifali (both red fruit cocktails).

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Heraklion

Heraklion - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Heraklion, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Heraklion. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Heraklion and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Heraklion. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Heraklion. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Heraklion: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Heraklion.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Heraklion: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Heraklion, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Heraklion.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Heraklion, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Heraklion, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Heraklion and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Heraklion, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Heraklion, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Heraklion without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Heraklion is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Heraklion.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Heraklion is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Heraklion, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Heraklion Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Heraklion

eHalal Group Heraklion is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Heraklion. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Heraklion.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Heraklion ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Heraklion. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Heraklion, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Heraklion are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

There are two hostels in Heraklion, both in the downtown, a 10-minutes drive from the airport and a 5-minutes drive from the port. A taxi from the airport to either hostel should cost less than €10, and from the port less than €6.

• Heraklion Youth Hostel | Vironos 5 ☎ +30 2810 286281 Read the online reviews before booking: fairly disgusting and not for the faint hearted.

• Prince of Lillies Hotel - Old National Road, Karteros ☎ +30 2810 381645 +30 2810 381644singles from 30€, doubles from 35€ Check-in: 13:00 / Check-out: 12:00 An excellent family-run hotel in Karteros, about 7 km east of Heraklion beyond the airport. (On bus route to Ag Nik with hourly buses.)

• Mirabello Hotel - @otel.gr 20, Theotokopoulou 35.341238, 25.132476 ☎ +30 2810 285052 +30 2810 225852 - Good value, friendly atmosphere, very helpful staff. Rooms from €30-55 with discounts during low-season. Centrally located in a quiet part of the city. Nice views from the balcony.

• Life Hotel - 50, Ikarou Ave ☎ +30 2810 243090 or +30 2810 343088 - This hotel is walking distance to the port and very close to the bus station. Double €70. A good option if staying near the port and walking distance to the centre. It is also a 25-min walk from the airport and the directions are simple: Remain on Ikarou Ave until you see the hotel on the left. Staff are helpful and speak fluent English

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• Lato Boutique Hotel - 15 Epimenidou Street ☎ +30 2810 228103 +30 2810 240350double 90-112€ Accommodation within a modern, friendly and luxurious environment with panoramic views of the Venetian fortress.

• Aquila Atlantis Hotel - 2 Igias Street ☎ +30 2810 229103 +30 2810 22 62 65 Double €179-380 Centrally located in a quiet area.

• Astoria Capsis Hotel - 11 Eleftherias sq. ☎ +30 2810 343080-2 +30 2810 229078€73.5-250 Check-in: 14.00 / Check-out: 12.00

Telecommunications in Heraklion

Free WiFi provided by municipality, and some cafes. 4G & 4G networks are also available

Stay Safe

Road safety is wanting and generally the attitudes of all road users are poor and reckless. For pedestrians and there are haphazard pavements, usually entirely obstructed by parked cars and bikes, meaning the road itself has to be used by pedestrians. Other roads lack pavements. Road crossings for pedestrians do not seem to be recognized by motorists, making crossing difficult in busy roads. Drivers and bikers may even drive through junctions when the "green man" is indicating it is safe for pedestrians to cross. The bikers seem to be the worst, usually wearing no helmet and happily talking on a mobile phone or reading a text message while driving. Sometimes bikers ride on the pavements, and expect pedestrians to move out their way.

There are many stray cats and dogs in the city. The dogs can often be seen in small packs, and may bark and growl but do not attack if they are left alone.

Cope in Heraklion

Heraklion can seem traffic-choked, polluted and crowded with chain-smokers at times. A visit would not be advisable for those very sensitive to cigarette smoke (e.g. asthmatics), as smoke is everywhere. Even no smoking rooms in hotels are likely to have the smell of cigarettes drift from the corridor or the window. Fortunately anywhere near the sea front there is a refreshing mild sea breeze.

Travel Next

Within reach of a day-trip, but worth longer, are Rethymno (the most charming old town on the island), Chania, and Agios Nikolaos. Chania is the best base for adventuring the Samaria Gorge, and Agios Nikolaos is your base for seeing Spinalonga. You’ll need your own vehicle to see Anogia, or Phaistos Palace and Matala beach, on a day trip.

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