Heraklion travel guide

Heraklion Tourism | Heraklion Guide

You're Going to Love Heraklion

With a population of 137,154, Heraklion is a must-see destination in Crete, Greece. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. We recommend you stay at least 5 days in order to fully appreciate everything Heraklion has to offer.

When to visit Heraklion

Heraklion in April
Estimated flight+hotel price
£187
2 travellers
Flight to Heraklion
3 nights at hotel
Heraklion in April
Estimated flight+hotel price
£187
2 travellers
Flight to Heraklion
3 nights at hotel

How to Get to Heraklion

Plane

When flying to Heraklion, you’ll arrive at Heraklion Airport Nikos Kazantzakis (HER), which is located 3 km from the city centre. The shortest flight to Heraklion from the United Kingdom departs from London and takes around 3h 50m.

Train

AccesRail is the only carrier operating train routes to Heraklion.

Car

Another option to get to Heraklion is to pick up a car hire from Athens, which is about 320 km from Heraklion. You’ll find branches of Centauro and Record Go, among others, in Athens.

Bus

Heraklion’s bus station is located 0.4 km from the city centre.

Plane

When flying to Heraklion, you’ll arrive at Heraklion Airport Nikos Kazantzakis (HER), which is located 3 km from the city centre. The shortest flight to Heraklion from the United Kingdom departs from London and takes around 3h 50m.

Train

AccesRail is the only carrier operating train routes to Heraklion.

Car

Another option to get to Heraklion is to pick up a car hire from Athens, which is about 320 km from Heraklion. You’ll find branches of Centauro and Record Go, among others, in Athens.

Bus

Heraklion’s bus station is located 0.4 km from the city centre.

Airports near Heraklion

Airlines serving Heraklion

Lufthansa
Good (4,666 reviews)
KLM
Good (848 reviews)
SWISS
Good (938 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,539 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,618 reviews)
Air France
Good (983 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,582 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (484 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,122 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,864 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (871 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,176 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (827 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (833 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,654 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (716 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (773 reviews)
easyJet
Good (1,443 reviews)
Eurowings
Good (194 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Heraklion

From 5-star hotels such as the Legacy Gastro Suites to great affordable options like the Atrion Hotel, Heraklion offers a range of accommodations for every taste. Average rates range from around £56 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to £93 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Kronos Hotel and Mirabello Hotel.

Where to stay in popular areas of Heraklion

Most booked hotels in Heraklion

Gdm Megaron, Historical Monument Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (9.4, Excellent reviews)
£142+
Yianna Caravel by Checkin
4 stars
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
£76+
ibis Styles Heraklion Central
4 stars
Excellent (9, Excellent reviews)
£108+
Galaxy Hotel Iraklio
5 stars
Excellent (9, Excellent reviews)
£106+
Aquila Atlantis Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
£104+
Knossos Beach Bungalows Suites Resort & Spa
5 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
£117+

Hiring a car in Heraklion

Hiring a car in Heraklion costs £19 per day, on average, or £96 if you want to hire it for 5 days.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 5% more expensive than at Heraklion N. Kazantzakis Apt..

Expect to pay £1.68 per litre in Heraklion (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between £20.14 and £26.85. The most frequently booked car type in Heraklion is Economy (Class Economy Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini car hire (Renault Twingo or similar) is, on average, 82% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Hiring a car in Heraklion costs £19 per day, on average, or £96 if you want to hire it for 5 days.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 5% more expensive than at Heraklion N. Kazantzakis Apt..

Expect to pay £1.68 per litre in Heraklion (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between £20.14 and £26.85. The most frequently booked car type in Heraklion is Economy (Class Economy Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini car hire (Renault Twingo or similar) is, on average, 82% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.