Four Days in Heraklion: Family-Friendly Itinerary
In Heraklion, whichever stone you lift, you'll uncover a fascinating history spanning centuries!
In the city centre, there are plenty of choices for exploring the market on a safari, as well as options for coffee and food.
If you're looking to enhance your trip with history lessons, consider starting at the Historical Museum of Crete. There, you'll have the chance to admire paintings by El Greco! Additionally, the museum offers plenty of engaging activities for children.
In the afternoon, enjoy a stroll along the Venetian harbour of the city, taking in the view of the Koules fortress with the Venetian shipyards in the background.
The following day, venture east to Nea Alikarnassos, a town established by refugees who arrived from Asia Minor in 1922. A notable landmark with a poignant history is the Church of Agios Nikolaos, the patron saint of the area.
En route to Hersonissos, you'll come across the area of Gournes, home to the former American base. Here, you can journey back to the era of dinosaurs—a treat that children will surely love!
In the area, even during the quieter winter months when tourists are scarce, you'll find several options for restaurants, cafés, and sweet shops to choose from.
At night, you'll return to your base in Heraklion.
Day three can kick off with a dose of art and religion! Where do these two intersect? At the Museum of Christian Art, conveniently located next to the Holy Metropolitan Church of Agios Minas, the patron saint of Heraklion.
Another route, which you can also explore on foot, leads to the Cultural Conference Centre of Heraklion, situated across from the tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis in Martinengo.
Your day can be filled with leisurely strolls through shops and endless opportunities to indulge in delicious food and fine drinks.
On your final day, journey back in time! Treat yourself and your children to a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, situated in the heart of the city, near Eleftherias Square. Take a leisurely stroll around the city, passing by the statue of Venizelos, to marvel at the view. Then, head to Georgiadis Park for some relaxation!
In the afternoon, after you have enjoyed a delicious meal and recharged your batteries, head to the 25th August Street, which leads to the port of Heraklion. Along the way, you'll pass by the Church of St Titus, a church with significant historical importance.
Photo: Region of Crete
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Το Ηράκλειο είναι η «καρδιά» της Κρήτης, η μεγαλύτερη πόλη του νησιού, εκεί, όπου ο επισκέπτης βλέπει τα πάντα.
Όπου και να κοιτάξεις, αντικρίζεις ένα κομμάτι Ιστορία, από τα μινωικά χρόνια ως και σήμερα.
Οι επιλογές για διασκέδαση και ψυχαγωγία είναι αναρίθμητες, παραδοσιακές ταβέρνες, μοντέρνα εστιατόρια, κουτούκια, ουζερί, μπαρ, καφετέριες, καφενεία με χρώματα και αρώματα μιας άλλης εποχής…
Το Ιστορικό Μουσείο Κρήτης παρουσιάζει μια συνολική εικόνα της ιστορίας της Κρήτης από τους πρώτους χριστιανικούς αιώνες ως τη σύγχρονη εποχή. Ιδρύθηκε το 1953 από την Εταιρία Κρητικών Ιστορικών Μελετών, η οποία είχε συσταθεί δύο χρόνια νωρίτερα. Στεγάζεται σε διώροφο νεοκλασικό κτίριο, το οποίο κατασκευάσθηκε το 1903 στη θέση παλαιότερου μεγάρου της οικογένειας Καλοκαιρινού, και έχει χαρακτηρισθεί ως ιστορικό διατηρητέο μνημείο. Η επέκταση του Μουσείου προς τα δυτικά, αποτέλεσε εγχείρημα συνδυασμού της μοντέρνας με την παραδοσιακή αρχιτεκτονική.
