Luxury villa rental in Heraklion

History of Heraklion

Occupied by Arabs and Byzantines between 395 and 961, the municipality of Heraklion was then passed into the hands of the Venetians and Ottomans. It was not until the epoch that Crete became part of Greece and in 1913, the city became a Greek city.

Now proudly wearing the Greek city cap, Heraklion continues to convey a medieval and ancient atmosphere through its historical monuments. The old harbour and the church of St. Mark take you back to the Venetian era, while the church of Agia Aikaterina invites you to discover Byzantine architecture.

Museums are also great in number in Heraklion. Enjoy strolling through the archaeological museum of Heraklion, where you will find an important collection of objects belonging to the Minoan civilisation or the historical museum that will tell you the story of an ancient synagogue.

What to do in Heraklion?

Besides visiting the historical remains, your holiday in Heraklion will also be punctuated by many outdoor activities. At the edge of the sea, you will indulge in a swim and a relax by sunbathing on Amnissos beach, located to the East of the city. To the West, lovers of nautical activities will delight on the beach of Ammoudara.

The night birds will delight themselves in the busy streets of the city. Cafeterias, bars, taverns and restaurants lining the illuminated squares will make your evenings even more enjoyable. In summer, concerts and open-air shows take place in the city, particularly in the Nikos-Kazantzakis Theatre. Do not forget to taste the traditional Cretan gastronomy with an explosion of flavours, such as slippers filled with the famous feta or vanilla.