Heraklion

Heraklion

Crete is a pearl of the Mediterranean sea, a land of legends and natural treasures.

Flight schedules

Scheduled flights

Airport served: 

HERAKLION-NIKOS KAZANTZAKIS

From 15/04/2024 to 21/10/2024

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Low-cost scheduled flights

Airport served: 

HERAKLION-NIKOS KAZANTZAKIS

From 17/04/2024 to 26/10/2024

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View all periods

Airport served: 

HERAKLION-NIKOS KAZANTZAKIS

From 15/05/2024 to 26/10/2024

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5 good reasons to go to Heraklion

An island with 1000 villages
An island with 1000 villages
Although Crete has had many occupants (the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans…), the Venetians seem to have had the most influence on the island. Why not visit the Venetian ports of Chania, Heraklion and Rethymno! These beautiful cities harbour many Cretan treasures. Then head off to explore small villages such as Loutro.
Sunbathe on Crete’s mythical beaches
Sunbathe on Crete’s mythical beaches
The island is known for its enchanting beaches. Pretty beaches at Limanakia, Matala, Preveli, Phalasarna and Loutro are bathed by beautiful, clear sea waters. But Elafonisi and Balos have to come top of the list. The former has sand with a pretty pink sheen, and the latter features a turquoise blue lagoon.
Wander around Crete’s mythical sites
Wander around Crete’s mythical sites
Crete is famous for its history and mythology and is teeming with archaeological sites. Some of the most incredible finds on the island include the four Minoan Palaces of Knossos, Malia, Zakros et Phaistos. Other sites such as Archanes and Gortyn are also extremely interesting.
Stunning views from Heraklion
Stunning views from Heraklion
Head towards Lasithi Plateau as you leave Heraklion. If you’d like to gaze over the “valley of windmills”, you’ll need to climb the Dikti mountain range. And make sure you visit Dikteon cave, where Zeus was born! From Lasithi, head towards the Cretan monasteries and Agios Nikolaos. You’ll have uninterrupted views over the Mediterranean sea.
Eat like a Cretan
Eat like a Cretan
Fish, snails, olive oil, fresh and dried vegetables are key to Crete’s Mediterranean cuisine. You can also try a glass of raki, a traditional Cretan drink. Unlike continental Greek raki, this one isn’t flavoured with aniseed. After the meal, don’t order a Turkish coffee (that would be sacrilege!), try out a Greek coffee instead!

Offres de vols aller-retour

To see / do

Culture and history

The island’s capital

The island’s capital

Heraklion’s Venetian port is guarded by Koules Fortress and is one of the main attractions for visitors to the island. And you can get to know the city by taking a walk around its fortifications. You’ll be able to see fountains, city squares and churches. Agios Minas is the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Heraklion and was constructed in the 19th century. Why not visit the Archaeological Museum which features a number of very beautiful collections.

History and mythology

You really must visit the archaeological site at Knossos, just 5 km from Heraklion. Excavations have revealed an impressive palace. The one you can see was built on top of an even older palace, constructed around 2000 BC.  Over the centuries, natural disasters destroyed several different versions of Knossos. Archaeologist Arthur Evans thought he’d found the palace of ‘King Minos’, a mythical Cretan king and constructor of the Minotaur’s Labyrinth.

Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge

In the west of Crete lies Samaria Gorge National Park. From May to October, you can follow the 16 km hiking route between Omalos and Agia Roumeli. The pathway is all downhill and takes you through a treasure trove of Cretan nature. You’ll be surrounded by plants and wildlife for the length of your walk and all the way to the sea.

Outings

The artisans of Crete

The artisans of Crete

It’s easy to find souvenirs in Heraklion and all over the island. You’ll be able to buy knives, leather items (lots of boots), ceramics, wickerwork etc, all made by genuine artisans. If you’re interested in fine woven items or embroidery, then you must visit Anogia village.

Cretan vineyards

Crete is scattered with vineyards producing high-quality wines, especially reds. On the ‘wine roads’ of Crete, you’ll discover PDOs from Peza, Ahinos, Dafni and Sitia. You’ll be able to taste high-quality wines with plenty of character from the Heraklion region, Chania and Lasithi Plateau.

Gastronomy

Cretan snails

It’s not just the French who eat snails. The Cretans are also partial to a few. If you’d like to try a traditional snail dish, then boubouristi is just for you. The snails are boiled in water then sautéed in a frying pan. And the dish is finished off with a few herbs and wine or wine vinegar.

Divine kalitsounias

Divine kalitsounias

You can’t leave Crete without trying kalitsounias. Kalitsounias are delicious little pastry parcels made using mizithra, a mild, soft, white cheese. They are often flavoured with cinnamon, but other flavourings such as honey can sometimes be used. Cretans often make them in the period leading up to Easter.

Practical information

Flight duration

3h30

Time difference

+1h GMT

Currency

Euro

Distance

2417 km

Average temperature

Spring

22°C (max 27°C)

Summer

27°C (max 30°C)

Autumn

19°C (max 25°C)

Winter

14°C (max 17°C)

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* All the information on this page is provided for information purposes only. Changes to the programme, flight offers and schedules may be made at any time and without notice. Check with airlines or travel agencies for more information.