Heraklion travel guide and information

The ultimate up to date Heraklion travel guide, through the knowledge of real experts.

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Aegean Taxi presence in Greece

We know Heraklion!

We have covered every inch of Heraklion island! Our Heraklion taxi fleet transports tourists in every beach, every restaurant, bar, and every tourist attraction in Heraklion. Our Heraklion Airport transfer and Heraklion Port transfer services welcome and transport thousands of tourists to and from the airport and ports of Heraklion.
How to get around in Heraklion

Our Services in Heraklion

Operating since 2015, Aegean Taxi offers a comprehensive set of transportation services for Heraklion

  • 100+ cars
  • 4 car categories
  • 24/7 operations

Heraklion statistics (2024)

545k

Passenger arrivals

350k

Passenger trips

210

Operational days

2.5M km

Distance covered

215

Places visited

220

Driverssurveyed

Our in depth and up to date knowledge of Heraklion, puts us in a unique position of authority, when it comes to travel itineraries and travel advice.
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Every year, we compile a list of all the popular places per category in Heraklion, and we are happy to share these in the sections below.
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Our Heraklion travel blog is the product of data gathering and analysis of thousands of rides from our Heraklion Taxi fleet. we hope you find these useful
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About Heraklion

Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete, serves as the primary gateway to Greece's largest and most diverse island. The city's bustling heart is its historic harbor, guarded by the imposing 16th-century Venetian Koules Fortress. A walk through the city reveals a rich tapestry of history, from the elegant Venetian Loggia to the lively Morosini Fountain in Lion's Square. Heraklion is not a quiet village but a dynamic urban center, offering a modern Cretan experience with world-class museums and cuisine, making it the essential starting point for exploring the island's legendary landscapes and ancient wonders.

The city's global significance is rooted in its role as the custodian of the ancient Minoan Civilization, Europe's first advanced culture. Just a few kilometers away lies the legendary Palace of Knossos, the mythical home of King Minos and the fearsome Minotaur in his Labyrinth. This is where the tales of Theseus and Ariadne were born. The priceless treasures, intricate frescoes, and mysterious artifacts unearthed from Knossos are masterfully displayed in the world-renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum, offering an unparalleled journey into the dawn of European history.

A scenic view of Mykonos

Heraklion: Knossos, the Museum, and the Myth of the Minotaur.

Read the blog post

Getting to Heraklion

By Air: Heraklion International Airport (HER), Crete's busiest gateway, serves a high volume of direct and charter flights from across Europe during a long tourist season. It also maintains frequent, year-round domestic connections with Athens and Thessaloniki.


By Sea: Daily ferries connect Heraklion with the port of Piraeus in Athens, typically as a comfortable overnight journey with cabin options. The port is also Crete's main link to the Cyclades, offering popular high-speed routes to Santorini and Mykonos.

Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (HER)

Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (HER) is Crete's busiest airport and the primary international gateway to the island. Conveniently located just 5 kilometers from the city center, it provides direct access to the Palace of Knossos, the world-renowned archaeological museum, and the central region's many resorts. The airport operates at peak capacity during the summer season and offers a comprehensive range of passenger amenities, including numerous shops, cafes, and car rental services.

For full details on flight arrivals, terminal services, and transport options across Crete, please read our complete guide.

A scenic view of Mykonos

Crete's New Era of Travel: The Heraklion Airport Replacement Project.

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Heraklion Airport Taxis

Heraklion Airport (HER) taxi services are the most direct way to reach the city center and Crete's bustling north coast resorts. As the island's busiest gateway, a pre-booked taxi is the preferred choice for a stress-free transfer to popular areas like Hersonissos. Whether you are visiting the Palace of Knossos, a beach hotel, or the ferry port, a taxi provides a quick and comfortable ride, avoiding the crowded public bus system.


Learn everything you need to know about booking a taxi from Heraklion Airport, including our guide on pricing, destinations, and trusted travel tips. Aegean Taxi offers a dependable and seamless transfer service, ensuring your Crete holiday begins the moment you land.

Heraklion Port (HER)

Heraklion Port is Crete's main seaport and one of the busiest in the Mediterranean, welcoming overnight ferries from Piraeus, catamarans from the Cyclades, and major international cruise ships. Conveniently situated next to the city center, it provides immediate access to the island's vibrant capital and the legendary Palace of Knossos. This bustling year-round port features a modern passenger terminal with a full range of services, including numerous cafes, ticket offices, and car rental agencies.

For comprehensive information on ferry and cruise itineraries, port services, and transport across Crete, please see our detailed guide.

A scenic view of Mykonos

Heraklion Port Expanded: A Modern Hub for Minoan Treasures.

Read the blog post

Heraklion Port Taxis

Heraklion Port taxi services offer the most efficient way to begin your Cretan adventure, allowing you to bypass the long queues that form when large ferries and cruise ships dock. A pre-booked transfer is the ideal choice for a direct and comfortable journey to the city center, the Palace of Knossos, or popular resorts like Hersonissos. Whether heading to your hotel or on a shore excursion, a private taxi is the most reliable way to navigate from the bustling port.


Learn all the essential details for booking a reliable taxi from Heraklion Port, with our guide covering tips for cruise passengers, fare estimates, and trusted recommendations. Aegean Taxi offers a punctual meet-and-greet service at the port, ensuring your exploration of Crete begins seamlessly.

Heraklion Beach Guide

Discover the diverse beaches of the Heraklion region, from the legendary hippie caves of Matala beach to the lively, sandy shores of Hersonissos and the calm bays of Agia Pelagia.
The unique sandstone cliffs and caves of Matala beach in Crete.Explore Heraklion's Beaches

Heraklion Restaurants

Explore the vibrant culinary heart of Crete in Heraklion's city center, from traditional tavernas serving authentic Cretan dishes like dakos to lively 'rakadika' offering local meze and raki.
A traditional Cretan dakos salad with fresh tomatoes and feta.Explore Heraklion's Restaurants

Heraklion Bars and Clubs Guide

Experience the dynamic nightlife of Crete, from the vibrant, year-round cocktail bars in Heraklion's city center to the high-energy superclubs of the nearby resort towns of Hersonissos and Malia.
A lively street with bars and nightlife in Hersonissos, Crete.Explore Heraklion's Nightlife

Heraklion attractions & sights

Journey back to the dawn of European civilization by exploring Heraklion's world-class sights, from the legendary Palace of Knossos to the priceless Minoan treasures in the Archaeological Museum.
The iconic northern entrance of the Minoan Palace of Knossos in Crete.Heraklion Sightseeing

Best time to Visit Heraklion

The best time to visit Heraklion depends heavily on your interest in its world-class archaeological sites. For the ideal conditions to explore the Palace of Knossos and the city's historical center, the shoulder months of May, June, and September are perfect, offering warm, sunny weather without the intense heat of mid-summer. The high season of July and August is the busiest and hottest, best suited for those looking to combine sightseeing with a vibrant beach holiday at nearby resorts. Because Heraklion is a major city, it remains lively year-round, making the cooler off-season an excellent choice for dedicated history enthusiasts seeking to enjoy the famous Archaeological Museum without the crowds.

Check the weather in Heraklion now

HERAKLION WEATHER

Getting Around Heraklion

While the historic center of Heraklion is very walkable, exploring the wider region of Crete is often done via the extensive public bus network or with a rental car. However, navigating the city's busy traffic can be challenging, and bus travel may not suit a tight holiday schedule. For the most direct and stress-free way to travel, a pre-booked service like Aegean Taxi is the ideal option. It provides reliable, door-to-door transfers, making it perfect for a comfortable journey from the port or airport to a resort in Hersonissos or a dedicated trip to the Palace of Knossos.


The main options on how to get around in Heraklion are the following:

  • Taxi
  • Car Rental
  • Bus
  • Water Taxi
  • Scooter
  • On foot

Heraklion health and safety

Heraklion is a safe, bustling city, but like any major urban center, it requires awareness. Be cautious of the busy city traffic as both a pedestrian and a driver. In crowded areas like the central market or the port, take standard precautions with your belongings. When visiting large, open-air archaeological sites like the Palace of Knossos, the Cretan sun can be intense, so a hat, water, and sunscreen are essential.

The city has some of the best medical care in the Greek islands. The University General Hospital of Heraklion (PAGNI) is a major, modern facility, and there are numerous high-quality private clinics and specialists available. For any emergency, the pan-European number is 112.

You will find pharmacies on nearly every corner in Heraklion. They are well-stocked, and there is always a rotating schedule of pharmacies that remain open overnight and on holidays for any urgent needs.

In case of an emergency in Heraklion please
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Heraklion practical information

When visiting Heraklion, a few practical tips will help you navigate this historic city. The currency is the Euro (€), and ATMs are widely available. While Greek is the official language, English is spoken in all areas frequented by tourists. It is advisable to drink bottled water rather than tap water. Most importantly, to save significant time, it is essential to book your tickets for the Palace of Knossos online in advance to bypass the long queues. Reserving a rental car before your trip is also highly recommended for exploring the vast island of Crete.

Frequently asked Questions

How can i find a taxi or transfer in Heraklion?

Apart from the designated taxi stands in the town center of Heraklion, port or airport, the best way is to use a private transfer service. Aegean Taxi offers a great fleet of cars at competitive prices, with english speaking drivers and is available 24/7. You can order a ride from www.aegeantaxi.com using the webapp in 3 simple steps, download the Aegean Taxi app, or simply call the call center on +302152154000

Is it easy to find a taxi in Heraklion?

No. Taxis in Heraklion can be very hard to find, especially in the peak months of July and August. If you want to book your ride in advance or on demend, the best way is to download the Aegean Taxi app or use one of the other 3 methods to book your ride

Are Heraklion Taxis and Transfers safe in Heraklion?

Yes. Heraklion is a cosidered to be very safe with no major incidents ever reported related to taxis or transfers. Aegean Taxi employs only professional english speaking drivers who are pre-screened and trained to offer an excellent service

Are taxis and transfers expensive in Heraklion?

Taxis in Heraklion operate with a government mandated taxi meter, however it is always possible to negotiate a flat fare with your driver. Private transfer services are available with a minimum €36 fare for half an hour which is the rate for a standard car. Vans tend to charge higher rates
FAQ