Crete can be considered as an outstanding tourist attraction that you can find in the world. Before you visit Crete, it is important for you to plan your vacation accordingly. That’s because a large number of attractions are available in Crete and visiting them without proper planning can lead you towards an overwhelming moment.
While you are going through the tourist attractions available in Crete, you will come across Heraklion. While you go through the facts, you will wonder whether Heraklion is the best city that is available for you to visit during the time you spend in Crete. To verify the facts, let’s deep dive and see what you will be able to find in Heraklion. Then you will be able to rent a car in Heraklion and explore the surroundings.
The Heraklion City
Heraklion can be considered as one of the biggest cities that you will be able to discover in Crete. Therefore, Heraklion provides you with a large number of attractions. You will be able to find something that impresses you in this city.
Throughout the past few years, the Heraklion city has gone through some significant transformations. That’s because Heraklion was selected as an Olympic City. The overall infrastructure facilities of the city are well developed and you will be able to enjoy a hassle free experience in here. You will love every single moment that is being spent in here. That’s because the Heraklion will not lead you towards any discomfort.
For example, there is a new waterfront in Heraklion, which will provide you with nice evening walks. The improved roads that you can find in Heraklion will help you to bypass the city center and stay away from the traffic congestions. There are nice pedestrian strips in the Heraklion city as well.
When you are visiting Heraklion, you are encouraged to stay a couple of days in the city center as well. Then you will be able to get an outstanding experience, which you will never forget. Heraklion is a major cruise destination as well. Therefore, you will be provided with plenty of things to see and witness at your own pace.
You will also be able to shop for goods while you are in Heraklion. There are plenty of designer clothes shops in here. In addition to that, you will be able to see a large number of smaller shops, which provide local goods for the visitors.
The cultural attractions in Heraklion City
When you are visiting Heraklion, you cannot ignore the cultural attractions in here. In fact, you will be able to discover a large number of cultural attractions. Let’s take a quick look at some of the most prominent cultural attractions that you can discover in Heraklion. Then you will be able to plan and visit them.
Out of the tourist attractions that you can discover in Heraklion City, the massive Archeological Museum holds a prominent place. The building has earlier been used as a power station. However, it has later been transformed into an Archeological Museum. In here, you will be able to discover a large number of collects, from the surrounding regions. If you are planning to visit the Archeological museum, you are encouraged to do it early in the morning. Then you will be able to stay away from the rush hour and experience the exhibits without any hassle. The museum is opened at 8:00am every single day. However, the opening time will be changed to 8:30amd during the summer period.
You can also think about visiting the History Museum while you are in Heraklion. You can learn a lot about the history of Heraklion while you are spending your time at the history museum. In addition to that, you can think about visiting the Battle of Crete Museum as well. It is located in close proximity to the archeological museum. Therefore, you will not come across any issues when you are accessing these attractions.
Touring in the city of Heraklion
If this is the very first time that you visit Heraklion, you are encouraged to plan your tour in the city well in advance. The city is backed up with a rich history, but it is moving towards a future filled with an excellent potential. Therefore, you will be able to find a large number of attractions in the city.
You can begin your exploration from the fishing harbor that is located in close proximity to Rocca al Mare. It is popular as Koules. This has a mixed history. In fact, it has been used to protect Heraklion from invaders for hundreds of years. You will be able to find excellent city walls in here as well. In fact, these are the longest city walls that you can discover in the European region.
During your walk in Heraklion, you will notice that the city is filled with strong arches, where house boats are under repair. These have been used in the past for storing gunpowder and guns.
You will also be able to book boat trips from the shops that are located in the central region of Heraklion. In addition to that, there is a possibility to reserve excursions to many other places in the region.
While you are exploring Heraklion, you can visit Eleftherias Square to grab a snack. In addition, you can think about visiting the Astoria hotel as well. You need to walk down the passageway that is located in between Aspis bank and Gallery Deadlouw in order to access the café section on Korai.
As you can see, there are plenty of things to do and enjoy in Heraklion. Therefore, you can call it as one of the best cities in Crete as well. You can think of adding this city to your list of destinations to visit in Crete during the stay without keeping any doubts or second thoughts in your mind.