Cheap Flights to Heraklion

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A long, enchanting history behind fortified walls

Heraklion is truly a city of discoveries. Just ask or, well, read the memoirs of Sir Arthur Evans. While searching for traces of the ancient Mycenaean culture at the end of the 19th century, the British archaeologist unearthed the centre of a much older and much more powerful civilisation. In honour of the legendary King Minos and the myth of the Minotaur, he named them Minoans. This is where Crete’s ― and Heraklion’s ― story and rise to fame began: in the majestic, sprawling, bull motif-adorned Palace of Knossos. What came after was no less eventful. For centuries, the city had been a refuge to pirates, bandits and Andalusian exiles before it was conquered by Byzantine armies, bought and redecorated by Venetians and taken over by the Ottomans. What remained is an enticing mix of people, places and cultures, just as colourful and sophisticated as the Minoan frescoes of Knossos.

Heraklion: Crete’s gateway to its Minoan past

Heraklion’s museums are a must-see for anyone who’s even remotely interested in ancient civilisations or history in general. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is home to a vast collection of archaeological finds from Knossos, Archanes, Phaestos, Zakros and pretty much all across Crete. The artefacts span some 5,500 years from the Neolithic to Greco-Roman periods and include weapons, armour, pottery, jewellery, sarcophagi and frescoes, such as the famous Bull-Leaping Fresco. The Historical Museum of Crete showcases the history and art history of the island from the early Byzantine period right up to World War II.

Pristine beaches that made history

No trip to Heraklion would be complete without visiting the ancient residence of the demigod Minos and of the part-man-part-bull Minotaur. Just five kilometres south of Heraklion lies Knossos, a premier Bronze Age excavation site and the centre of the legendary Minoan civilisation. Stretching over some 22,000 square metres, the palace complex includes four wings, a spacious courtyard, ceremonial quarters, living areas, treasure and storage rooms, plus the most eye-catching ancient frescoes you’ve ever seen. Second in size and importance but not in sophistication was the Phaistos Palace. It’s situated 60 kilometres from Heraklion and offers a mesmerising view over the Messara plain.

Heraklion airport

Heraklion International Airport Nikos Kazantzakis (HER) is located in Alikarnassos, four kilometres from Heraklion’s city centre, connected by motorway E75 and Ikarou Avenue. Shuttle buses leave right from the airport every few minutes (less frequently on Sundays), from early morning until late in the evening.

Heraklion weather

Heraklion has a perfect Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot, dry with crystal-clear skies and the occasional gentle rain and breeze. Thanks to the Aegean Sea, summer temperatures rarely go above 30°C. Winter months are kind, with moderate rainfall and rare frosts.