A Stop at "Sarantavga" Café: A Must-Visit in Heraklion

Located in the old market of Heraklion, on 1866 Street, among the tourist shops, you'll find the historic Sarantavga Café, established in 1924. The entire city has clinked glasses of raki and nibbled on tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives at Sarantavga. The walls of the café tell a rich history, adorned with photos of friends, well-known figures from Heraklion, famous visitors, and actors from Greek cinema.

Today, the café is run by three friends. They have preserved its traditional charm, expanded by purchasing the shop across the street, and refurbished it to welcome the locals once more.

Two things are certain if you stop by Sarantavga: you'll rest with a beer and good conversation, and you'll taste high-quality Cretan cuisine made by Mama Argyro. Expect homestyle dolmadakia (stuffed grape leaves), slow-cooked goat, snails "boubouristi", and local meats from the village, all prepared with their own olive oil and served with their homemade raki to aid digestion. You'll also find seasonal vegetable dishes and handmade sweets to satisfy your cravings.