Modern Heraklion
Modern Heraklion, Crete’s capital and largest city, is the largest urban sprawl on Crete, with congested roads and a plethora of modern buildings. There aren’t that many things to see other than the museums and the harbour area, however if you combined it with a visit to Knossos, it would be a very full day out.
Make sure you have Gogglemap or Maps Me, an able navigator and a certain amount of courage to take on the city’s traffic and one way systems. Just become a Greek driver for the day and be fearless.
Ancient Heraklion
The Archaeological Museum is worth the trip alone for it’s exquisite collection of Minoan Art and Artefacts. Close by, the Venetian harbour, fortress and Arsenals can be reached on foot, and are worth a look. As with all of Crete’s major towns, the architecture reveals much of the island’s past. There aren’t as many Venetian and Ottoman building which gives the city a more modern, working feel. However, there are quite a few fountains, the Morosini, Bembo and Vrisi Priuli are probably the best known.
The churches of Agios Titos, San Marco and Agios Minas (the tiny original church near the large 19th century cathedral of the same name) are worth a look, as is the nearby church of Agios Ekaterini. This houses the island’s Museum of Religious Art, a superb collection of icons.
The permanent market can be found in Odhos 1866 where you can buy good local produce, herbs, dried fruit and leather goods and just wander and enjoy the atmosphere.
Follow the National Road all the way there then follow any signs you can find towards the old port and park up. Keep an eye out when you go round the double roundabouts outside the harbour as it’s confusing as to which lane you should be in. Good luck.
Weblinks
Heraklion Municipality website
Other places you could visit from Heraklion
If you start out really early you could visit Heraklion and Knossos on the same day but it would be a long day with a lot of walking.
Although Knossos is the most famous Minoan city actually a place called Phaestus (Phestos or Festos) is much more interesting but you would have to start our really early to be able to visit Heraklion and Phestos in one day.