Heraklion, Crete, Greece - September 2025

Brief History/Information

Heraklion is the capital and largest city in Crete. It has been continuously inhabited and is closely connected with the ancient Minoan civilization. Heraklion served as the port of Knossos, the center of Europe’s earliest advanced civilization. Knossos Palace, just 5 km outside of the city is linked to many legends like- The Labyrinth and Minotaur, King Minos, and Daedalus and Icarus. In 1898, Heraklion became part of the Cretan State under international protection. In 1913, Crete became unified with Greece. Today Crete’s major income is from tourism, agriculture, and port/ferry transportation.

What we did

After leaving Delphi, we stopped in Athens port (Piraeus), just a few miles from Athens city center for a few hours until it was time to board the overnight ferry to Crete. We booked a sleeping cabin with Minoan Lines, which was very nice, roomy, and comfortable.

In Crete, we stayed at GDM Megaron Hotel, which is a very nice and luxurious hotel.

We arrived early in the morning, had some breakfast and were met by Edmond Hoxhara, our tour guide with Tours By Locals. Ed picked us up and drove us all around Heraklion. We went to an olive oil factory, an old traditional village where we walked through the old narrow streets and enjoyed a Fredo Cappuccino coffee at the square, we went to the picturesque village of Krasi where the oldest Plane tree in Crete is found, went to Lasithi plateau with the old traditional wind mills, enjoyed a glass of local wine, and visited the Palace of Minos at Knossos.

After our tour, we went to our hotel, GDM Megaron Hotel, and got ready for our dinner at Peskesi. Peskesi, had just won an award on the day of our meal, for the best organic restaurant/food service in Europe.

Places of Interest

• Palace of Knossos

• Heraklion Archaelogical Museum

• Morosini Fountain (Lions Fountain)