Heraklion is the largest town and capital of Crete and a region with many tourist resorts, like Matala and Hersonissos, as well as significant archaeological monuments and gorgeous beaches.
Vacation in Heraklion is going to be fascinating with the following best things to do. You need at least one week and a car to explore all the options you have in the prefecture of Heraklion, which is a very interesting region of Crete, especially for those loving the wild nightlife and the Greek antiquity. Get ready for the best summer of your life with a variety of things that will keep you active!
Food and nightlife
If you want to have fun and discover the cosmopolitan side of Crete, then your first stop should be the town of Heraklion. Heraklion is a modern city, where you can spend great moments exploring all the options you have. Heraklion is not renowned for its traditional architecture, but there are many well-preserved houses and traces of traditional architecture, as well as restaurants, Greek taverns, cafes and bars to dance, meet new people and have the time of your life.
If you want to go or stay outside the crowded Heraklion, there are many tourist resorts around that are famous nightlife spots all over the world. Matala, Malia and Hersonissos are amazing villages to spend the night, have fun, party and enjoy amazing vacation. These resorts are popular nightlife spots especially for travellers from England thanks to the endless fun and the abundant alcohol!
History and archaeology
If you are interested in the ancient history of Greece and you want to spend some moments of culture, a must-see in the town of Heraklion is the Archaeological Museum with its large collection of Minoan art. The highlights are the small statue of the Snake Goddess and the Phaistos Disc, a clay tablet with symbols of the writing system Linear A, which has not been deciphered yet. The Phaistos Disc was found in 1903 in Phaistos, which is located near Heraklion. There, you can visit the ruins of a Minoan Palace that will impress you. In Knossos, which is also situated nearby, you can admire the Palace of Knossos, which is a well-kept testament of the Minoan civilisation.
Where to swim
Generally, Crete has astonishing beaches. The prefecture of Heraklion is characterised by organised bays that you will love for their exotic landscape, the golden beach and the turquoise waters in combination with the major touristic facilities. On the northern side, the beaches overlook the Aegean Sea, while on the southern side of Heraklion prefecture you can swim in the Libyan Sea. Matala, Malia, Agia Pelagia, Amoudara, Hersonissos and Stalida are only some of the beach resorts, where you can spend unforgettable moments. In a close distance to these beaches, you can find hotels, restaurants, traditional taverns and beach bars for all tastes.
