This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Heraklion.
Heraklion (Iraklion), Greece, is the largest city by population and the capital of Crete, a Greek island located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is the most populous island of Greece and a very popular tourist destination. Around six hundred twenty thousand people permanently live on the island, whereby Heraklion has more than one hundred seventy thousand inhabitants.
Heraklion has a very rich history, which dates back to ancient times. For example, history lovers can look at artifacts of the Minoan civilization (which are more than three thousand years old) in the local Archaeological Museum, which is a great place for history lovers. The building houses the most important items from the Minoan civilisation and excavations across the island.
The famous Palace of Knossos is a must-see on the island. It is dated to approximately the twentieth century BC, and is the largest of the preserved palatial centres of the Minoan Civilization. The sight is fairly compact, and generally, Knossos is considered to be one of Europe's oldest cities. Koules Fortress, also known by the name of “Castello a Mare,” is situated at the entrance of the old harbour of Heraklion. Venetians built the complex in the early sixteenth century; nowadays, the worth-seeing complex is restored and open to the public.
The local airport has regular flight links from Athens airport and many other major Greek cities. Between spring and autumn, international flights from many important European airports are available, as well. Additionally, tourists have the possibility to take one of the ferries from the Greek mainland as well as from other Greek islands.
The summer in Heraklon is very dry and hot. Average maximum temperatures around twenty-eight degrees Celsius are usual. Heatwaves with temperatures up to forty degrees Celsius may occur, as well. In spring and autumn, the climate is comfortable with mean high temperatures ranging from sixteen to twenty-three degrees Celsius.
There are countless hotels and holiday apartments in and around Heraklion. Options for a Heraklion (Iraklion), Greece hostel will be very limited, but do exist. Most accommodations offer free Wi-Fi and free parking spaces. Your Heraklion (Iraklion), Greece hostel is located in the centre and you can get there easily from the harbour. Keep in mind that the island is very busy in summer, so you may have difficulties finding spare beds in inexpensive accommodations such as a hostel in Heraklion (Iraklion), Greece, during the peak season.
Written by local enthusiast for Heraklion hostels
Flo
