Sit on a harbour wall at Heraklion Port and watch fishing boats bobbing on the sparkling Cretan waters. Visit the ancient fort that protected the harbour and see the old walls that have stood here for over 400 years. Sample local cuisine at one of the many restaurants near the water’s edge. Watch the coming and going of the small ferries that run between the Greek islands or book a passage on one and enjoy a daytrip away from the mainland.
Heraklion Port is split into two main areas: the ancient Venetian port and the modern transportation hub with regular ferries and numerous restaurants, shops and tourist information booths. If you arrive in Crete by boat there is a good chance this is where you will land, as it’s Crete’s busiest port and the best place to get ferries to other islands.
Make sure you stroll around the Venetian harbour. Colourful fishing boats bob on the water in front of remains of Venetian monuments built over 400 years ago. Stop to admire Koules Fortress, built near the harbour to protect the city from invasion. Inspect the wall overlooking the sea and you will find a large relief of the winged lion of St. Mark.
Look in the direction of the city and you will see high Venetian arches, also known as the Arsenali. These were used to protect boats that had come in for repair. They also stored gunpowder and weapons. Stop in at one of the many cafés or restaurants next to the water and enjoy the catch of the day cooked using a delicious local recipe with olive oil and fresh vegetables.
Make your way to the modern Heraklion port to take a ferry to one of the other islands. Book a daytrip or cruise and enjoy some time on the sparking blue Mediterranean waters. An attractive promenade along the nearby seafront offers more restaurants and shops.
Heraklion Port is at the end 25th of August Street, a 15-minute walk from Heraklion’s town centre.
