Plan a CruiseHeraklion is a vibrant port city in Crete, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and modern life. Cruise ships dock directly at the port. Upon arrival, the city provides complimentary shuttle buses for a short 5-minute ride to the passenger terminal. From the terminal, the heart of the old town, where most major sights are concentrated, is a pleasant 20-25 minute walk along the seafront. Taxis are also readily available at the port. The city's core is still defined by its ancient Venetian walls, featuring seven bastions. Notably, the Martinengo Bastion holds the grave of the renowned writer Nikos Kazantzakis, marked by his famous inscription: "I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free." The cruise terminal houses a tourist information office where you can pick up free city maps to help navigate your visit.
Getting Around from the Port
From the Cruise Terminal:
- Walking: The old town is a 20-25 minute walk along the seafront from the passenger terminal.
- Taxis: Available directly in front of the port for convenient access to the city or excursions.
- Public Bus: After taking the port shuttle to the Blue Port Terminal office, you have a few options:
- All-Day Bus Ticket: To the left of the Blue Port Terminal office, a small booth sells an all-day, all-bus ticket for 5 Euros.
- To Knossos: A few meters to the right of this booth, a pedestrian exit leads to a bus stop. Buses marked "Knossos" depart approximately every 20 minutes. Follow the yellow line on the footpath from the terminal to guide you towards downtown and the bus stops. The return bus from Knossos stops first at the central bus area in town, then at the port gates.
- Hop-on/Hop-off Bus: Tickets can be purchased directly in front of the main Port building. From the Central Bus Station (for Knossos):
- To Knossos by Public Bus: From Heraklion's main square, public buses run directly to the Knossos gate for about 3 Euros round trip, with 2-3 buses departing per hour. To reach this bus station from the port, exit the port gates, turn right, and walk until you see the bus station across the road, then cross. A well-marked booth at the back of the station sells tickets for the Knossos bus.
Attractions and Activities
- The Palace of Knossos: Located approximately 5 km (3 miles) south of Heraklion, this is the most significant Minoan palace complex in Crete. It's renowned as the legendary seat of King Minos and is famously associated with the myth of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur. Admission is 15.00 Euros, with a reduced rate of 8 Euros for EU citizens aged 65 and over. You can reach Knossos by public bus from the port terminal (using the 5 Euro all-day ticket) or from the main square (3 Euros round trip).
- Explore Heraklion City: Wander through the historic old town, enclosed by the Venetian walls. Visit the Martinengo Bastion to see the grave of Nikos Kazantzakis. The city also boasts several museums, a summer arts festival, and lively nightlife.
- Hop-on Hop-off Tour: An open-top hop-on hop-off bus tour offers a convenient way to see Heraklion's highlights and includes a stop at the Palace of Knossos. Tickets are available at the port building.
Shopping
- Odos 1866 Market: For a memorable local shopping experience, visit Odos 1866, the street that hosts an open-air market from Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 2 pm. Here you'll find everything from fresh seasonal produce to discount apparel. It's an excellent place to find authentic Cretan souvenirs like thyme-flavored honey, dried herbs and teas, local olive oil, olive-oil based cosmetics, and pumice stones.
- Fish Market: A fish market is located in a side street leading right, at the top of Odos 1866.
- Store Hours: Most normal retail and specialty shops operate Monday to Friday from 9 am to 1:30 pm and then again from 5 pm to 9 pm. On Saturdays, they are open from 9 am to 2 pm and are typically closed on Sundays. Tourist shops and convenience stores, especially during the summer, tend to have extended hours, often staying open from dawn until well after midnight.
Safety
No specific safety concerns were highlighted for Heraklion in the provided information.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Euro (€). It's worth noting that "cash is king" in Greece; paying with cash can sometimes result in lower prices, and credit cards are not always readily accepted or preferred by all merchants.