Iraklion Travel Guide, Greece
Iraklion is the capital of the island of Crete, and the fourth largest city in Greece. Iraklion is probably best known to be the home of the country’s most impressive museum of Minoan civilization. Knossos, the legendary palace of Minos, and the labyrinth of the Minotaur are a short distance from the city, which accounts for the huge number of tourists who visit the city every year. Besides these ancient Greek historic sites, there are several remnants of the Byzantine and Venetian rule of the island. The modern parts of the city are not very attractive, but the old city enclosed by the sturdy Venetian wall ore than makes up for this fault. This Iraklion Travel Guide offers some basic information about this intriguing city.
Iraklion Travel Guide - Transport
Iraklion is located in the northern part of the island, facing mainland Greece, and there are good transport connections with other major Greek cities, as well as foreign destinations. A regular ferry service operates between Iraklion and Santorini, Mykonos and Athens. The closest international airport is Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, located at 5 kilometres from the city. Thanks to the heavy influx of tourists in Crete, this airport is the second busiest in the country, and naturally there are frequent flights to and from destinations from all over the continent, and most major Greek cities, such as Thessaloniki, Rhodes and Athens. If you are already in Crete, you will have no problem getting to Iraklion. All the other ain cities of the island are connected to Iraklion by bus services. The best way to get around the city is by bus, except if you are visiting the old centre, which is worth visiting on foot.
Iraklion Travel Guide - Accommodation
Since Iraklion is a major tourist destination, there is suitable accommodation to be found for every category of visitors. There are several hostels that cater to backpackers, although some of them are on the pricey side. Hotel Pension Rea is a family run establishment located in the city centre, close to any tourist attractions. This hostel is quite affordable and it offers amenities such as wireless internet and all-day breakfast. Castro Hotel is a modern mid-range establishment located in Amoudara district, close to one of the most beautiful beaches in Iraklion. The hotel has great facilities and the rooms offer breath-taking views of the ocean or the mountains. If you are planning to pamper yourself, this Iraklion Travel Guide recommends the Grecotel Amirandes, one of the most modern and luxurious hotel in the city, inspired by the architecture of the Minoan Palace. The rooms are beautifully decorated and there are posh facilities such as amazing indoor and outdoor pools, spa, a golf course and several restaurants serving traditional and international dishes.
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- Archaeological museum of Iraklio
travel tip by Wazling posted more then 30 days ago
If you are at Heraklion, visit the archaeoligical museum. There you can see famous findings, also the bull´s head called Monitaurus and the Snakes Goddess. It´s worth a visit.