Crete hotels

Hotels in Crete

Heraklion, Crete's largest city, has survived Arabic, Venetian and Ottoman rule and its history can be traced back over many centuries. Book a Heraklion hotel with us and discover one of Greece's most important urban centres and one that is rich with antiquity.

Beaches

The beaches of Ammoudara and Karteros flank Heraklion and provide wide, sandy stretches that are perfect for sunbathing and swimming. And if you fancy the opportunity to glide serenely on the Mediterranean Sea, Ammoudara has a windsurfing school.

Landmarks

Knossos was the capital of Minoan Crete, and the magnificent Palace of Knossos is a reminder of that once great civilisation. Excavated in 1978, the palace originally consisted of 22, 000m2 and you'll see four wings arranged around a central courtyard. The buildings are elaborately constructed and, once seen, it's easy to imagine the tale of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth being more than just a myth. There are also several buildings considered to be part of the complex that sit apart from it, such as the Royal Villa and the Little Palace.

Sea life

You'll find two aquariums that house examples of the Mediterranean's fabulous sea life. Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos has thousands of living organisms including turtles, starfish, sharks, manta rays and octopi. And at Aquaworld Aquarium you're positively encouraged to enjoy a hands-on experience with its weird and wonderful inhabitants that include reptiles as well as sea creatures.

Activities

To add to the aqua-based fun provided by Crete's coastline, there are three nearby water parks. You'll find a wealth of pools of different sizes, water slides and the like at Star Beach. Aqua Plus has pools too and concentrates more on games and rides, while Watercity gives the format a twist and is more akin to an amusement park – but with lots of water!

Eating and drinking in Heraklion

It would be remiss to visit Crete and not try some local cuisine. Kastella, right on the seafront by the Venetian harbour, is a very popular Cretan restaurant. Here you might try roasted swordfish or perhaps some calamari. Authentic Greek food is served at Hovoli where you could sample an open souvlaki-pita or a feta cheese salad. And Paralia has a seasonal menu which includes fried zucchini and grilled fish platter, with a desert crepes and a choice of different toppings.

Nightlife

Heraklion has many taverns in which you can enjoy live traditional Greek music. And if your tastes veer more towards, say, house and electronic dance music, then there are several clubs and bars that will cater for you, many of which feature visiting DJs.

Shopping in and around Heraklion

Odos 1866 is a street that holds an open-air market from Monday to Saturday, where you can buy fruit and vegetables, herbs and teas, olive oils and Cretan souvenirs. A side street off Odos 1866 contains a fish market, as well as a shop selling Cretan music. And Daidalou is the place to go for boutiques and fashion.