A Day of History in Heraklion
Heraklion is steeped in a long and rich history. Arabs, Venetians, Ottomans—they all left their mark on Crete’s largest city.
If you want a taste of the stories that don’t make it into the history books, start with a visit to the Historical Museum of Crete. Then, head to Piazza Pastarella for a lunch break with an Italian twist.
Take a stroll to the Venetian harbour and admire the mighty Koules fortress, standing guard over the old city.
This walk can be enjoyed any time of year. Heraklion is magical all 12 months of the year!
Your journey begins at the Historical Museum of Crete, where time seems to rewind and the island’s history unfolds before your eyes. There are often temporary exhibitions worth discovering.
Time to eat! Just a short walk away, you’ll find Piazza Pastarella, where Italy meets Greece on your plate. Order a thin-crust pizza made from 24-hour fermented dough, and pair it with a glass of wine.
And to finish your meal on a sweet note, try the restaurant’s famous tiramisu.
No visit is complete without a walk to Heraklion’s Venetian harbour. It feels like stepping into another era—perhaps a more romantic one, though not without its battles.
Inside Koules, you’ll find a proud guardian of stories marked by hardship and resistance. It’s easy to feel like a hero in a fairytale.
Round off your day with a walk back into the city centre, where plenty of shopping options await.
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