A flight to Heraklion brings you to the heart of Crete’s friendly, seaside capital. Famous as the place where Zeus fell in love with Europa (their offspring were the Minoans), no visit to Heraklion is complete without a visit to the once elegant Minoan palace of Knossos (5km south of present-day Heraklion).
Step back in time at the Museum of Heraklion to see black-and-white Minoan pottery, exquisite Minoan gold jewellery and Ancient Egyptian stone carvings. Meet the locals in Plateia Venizelou, Heraklion’s main square, where they gather round the handsome Lion Fountain.
Away from the crowds, trek the 18km Samaria Gorge tucked away on the little visited south-west coast of Crete (170km from Heraklion). Swim in Crete’s only freshwater lake – Kournas (100km from Heraklion) or soak up the rays on lovely beaches west of Chania (138km from Heraklion).
Lamb is the Cretan meat of choice, spit roasted for festivals or oven baked until tender (kleftiko). Fresh fish and seafood are served grilled or marinated with lemon juice. Tsipouro, a Cretan liqueur, is usually offered with the bill – beware it packs a punch! Take home Cretan olive oil bought from Heraklion Market in the south of the city. |