Heraklion

5 stories · 3 publicationsRSS
Digest

See. Knossos↗×2 pubs Visit for Minoan frescoes and ancient ruins, a compact site accessible to most. The Prince of the Lilies↗ See this iconic Minoan fresco, though its reconstruction is a subject of debate.

Eat. bougatsa Try this local pastry with cottage cheese, honey, or cinnamon and sugar. O Kafenes tou Kagiampi Enjoy traditional Greek dishes at this old-fashioned taverna. Kafeneio O Ntokos Tiny place next to the fish market with delicious mezedes.

Stay. Prince of Lillies Hotel Family-run hotel in Karteros, about 7 km east of Heraklion. Mirabello Hotel Good value, friendly atmosphere, centrally located in a quiet part of the city. Life Hotel Walking distance to the port and bus station, good for those near the port.

Lonely PlanetSep 9, 2026

16 Best Things to Do in Greece

Traveling to Greece delivers in myriad ways: ancient history, stunning vistas from coastal cliff towns and the freshest food.

22 things in this story
  • CreteSightGreece's largest island, offering unique cuisine and beautiful beaches.
  • Palace of KnossosMuseum4000-year-old Bronze Age capital, said to be the Minotaur's labyrinth.
  • Archaeological MuseumMuseumShowcases fascinating treasures of Minoan culture in Heraklion.
  • Elsewhere
  • AcropolisAttractionAthens, GreeceQuintessential landmark of Western civilization, still spectacular after 2500 years.
  • SantoriniSightThira, GreeceBelle of the Cyclades islands with famed sunsets and volcanic bowl.
  • MeteoraSightKalabaka, GreeceSix ancient Orthodox monasteries seem like something from an epic movie.
  • FalasarnaSightChania, GreeceBeach with soft cream sands on the island of Crete.
  • ElafonisiSightChania, GreeceBeach with pink, coral-tinged arcs on the island of Crete.
  • DelphiSightArachova, GreeceSanctuary of Apollo, once the bright light of the ancient Greek world.
  • Byzantine upper townNeighborhoodThessaloniki, GreeceA Byzantine maze in Thessaloniki, rich with ancient history.
  • Tomb of Philip II of MacedonMuseumVergina, GreeceMagnificent riches from ancient eras near Thessaloniki.
  • Mt OlympusSightLitochoro, GreeceGreece's highest mountain and mythical home of the ancient Greek gods.
  • PreveliSightRethymno, GreeceStunning beach on Crete backed by a palm forest and monastery.
  • ZagorohoriaNeighborhoodIoannina, GreeceQuaint stone villages in the mountains, bases for hiking Vikos Gorge.
  • Vikos GorgeTrailIoannina, GreeceSplendid natural landscapes in Northern Pindos National Park.
  • Corfu TownNeighborhoodCorfu, GreeceA traveler's favorite on Corfu island with a Venetian fortress.
  • ListonSightCorfu, GreeceScenic arcaded terraces in Corfu Town's Old Town.
  • MystrasSightSparta, GreeceExtraordinary and important Byzantine city ruins in the Peloponnese.
  • MycenaeSightMykines, GreeceImportant ruins in the Peloponnese, once ruled by Agamemnon.
  • EpidavrosAttractionEpidaurus, GreeceAncient theater ruins in the Peloponnese.
  • Mani peninsulaNeighborhoodAreopoli, GreeceWild territory in the Peloponnese, known for fortified towns.
  • ancient OlympiaSightOlympia, GreeceSite of the very first Olympic Games, with ruins of stadium and buildings.
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Atlas ObscuraSep 3

The Prince of the Lilies Fresco in Heraklion, Greece

The Prince of the Lilies is one of the signature images of Minoan Crete, reproduced on postcards, book covers, and museum posters worldwide: a slender, muscular figure wearing a crown of lilies and peacock feathers, striding forward through a garden, one hand on his chest. It's usually presented as a king, sometimes a priest-king, ruling from Knossos around 1500 BCE. The problem is that almost…

4 things in this story
  • KnossosAttractionPalace site where the fresco was excavated.
  • Prince of the LiliesPublic artworkFresco reconstructed from fragments, possibly not a single figure.
  • Arthur EvansPlaceExcavated fresco fragments in the early 1900s.
  • Émile GilliéronPlaceRestorer who controversially reconstructed the fresco.
Read the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

Lonely PlanetAug 28

How to Plan an Offseason Trip to Greece

The offseason in Greece trades hot days for quiet trails, uncrowded ancient sites and local festivals. This is why we love it.

9 things in this storyRead the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetAug 15

15 of the best things to do in Crete

Experience the best of Crete with this guide to the island’s top beaches, historic sites, hikes and more.

15 things in this story
  • KnossosAttractionVisit for Minoan frescoes, see dolphins frolicking.
  • Elsewhere
  • Lerapetra MuseumMuseumIerapetra, GreeceSee the striking statue of the goddess Persephone.
  • Samaria GorgeTrailAgia Roumeli, GreeceHike 18km through sheer rock faces, spot rare goats.
  • Falasarna BeachSightKissamos, GreeceCatch the sunset at this west-facing beach.
  • Spinalonga IslandSightElounda, GreeceDay trip to see former quarantine facilities and fort.
  • Archaeological Museum in IerapetraMuseumIerapetra, GreeceSee the impressive statue of the goddess Persephone.
  • Koutsounari BeachSightIerapetra, GreeceEnjoy a swim in its warm waters.
  • Mosque of Kioutsouk HasanSightHania, GreeceDominates the Venetian harbor.
  • Lasithi PlateauSightAgios Nikolaos, GreeceTour by bicycle among windmills and orchards.
  • FortezzaAttractionRethymno, GreeceVast fortress built in the 16th century to protect the port.
  • KouremenosSightPalekastro, GreeceThrill-seekers flock here for windsurfing.
  • PalekstroSightPalekastro, GreeceWander through evocative ruined houses and roads.
  • Zakros GorgeTrailAno Zakros, GreeceMeandering green river, towering rock walls, Minoan burial sites.
  • Kato Zakros beachSightKato Zakros, GreeceEnd point of Zakros Gorge, has small tavernas.
  • Koraï QuarterNeighborhoodIraklio, GreeceFind the best of the action in nightlife.
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Condé Nast TravelerSep 29, 2025

The Best Time to Visit Greece—and How Long to Stay

Whether you’re looking for buzzy beaches or a quiet coastal escape, here’s the best time to visit Greece.

13 things in this story
  • Knossos PalaceAttractionPalace on the island of Crete
  • CreteSightIsland offering archaeological wonders
  • Elsewhere
  • AcropolisAttractionAthens, GreeceCultural site in Athens, perfect for hiking
  • MonastirakiNeighborhoodAthens, GreeceThe area is home to clothing boutiques, souvenir shops and specialty stores, and is a major tourist attraction in…
  • Temple of Apollo at DelphiSightDelphi, GreeceCultural site, best visited in cooler weather
  • SantoriniSightThira, GreeceIsland known for iconic sunsets and volcanic beaches
  • MeteoraSightKalabaka, GreeceMainland cultural site, good for day trips
  • PeloponneseSightPatras, GreeceIt is connected to the central part of the country by the Isthmus of Corinth land bridge, which separates the Gulf of…
  • PlakaQuarterAthens, GreecePláka is the old historical neighborhood of Athens, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis,…
  • Akrotiri archaeological siteSightThira, GreeceWell-preserved Minoan ruins on Santorini
  • Mykonos Grand HotelHotelMykonos, GreeceLocated on Ayios Yiannis beach, opposite the island of Delos, this "delightful and marvelous" 2001 hotel was built on…
  • Mykonos BluHotelMykonos, GreeceΚάνουμε το ταξίδι της Ηλεκτροκίνησης πραγματικότητα, με το δίκτυο με τους πιο γρήγορους ταχυφορτιστές στην Ελλάδα!
  • OiaSightThira, Greece
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →
Ask AI · Heraklion

AI answers grounded in the 5 recent stories about Heraklion shown on this page. It can be wrong — the linked articles are the source of truth.

↑↓ to navigate · Enter to open · Esc to close