
Heraklion
greece
About Heraklion
Heraklion is a large port city best known for its Venetian walls and the fresco-covered Palace of Knossos archaeological site dating back to the Minoan civilisation. Unsurprisingly, as Crete's capital and with this much culture and history, it's also home to excellent museums such as the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and plenty of ancient architecture. Pockets of modernity and a youthful café scene give it a contemporary feel too.
In Heraklion, you can stay in a hostel with roomy verandas that have city views, a centuries-old renovated neoclassical building or a chilled spot by the port with a pool. A traditional blue-painted home with an olive grove is a stylish place to stay if you're seeking somewhere a bit out of the city. To max out on mezze, pick a Heraklion hostel with a restaurant serving classic Greek cuisine. Hoping for a little privacy? Many hostels in Heraklion are apartment-style complexes with rooms that have their own balconies.
Eleftherias Square is Heraklion's centre, with the paved and pedestrianised Dedalou Street, the main area for designer boutiques, leading off it. Try smaller streets of the city, like 1866 Street, for more independent shops. Korai Street runs parallel to Dedalou Street and has a bohemian feel thanks to the outdoor cafés and bars attracting young people with upbeat music and the kind of strong coffee Greece is famous for. Down by the fishing harbour, you'll find the city walls that hint at the city's turbulent history.
You can soak up Heraklion's rich history by exploring the imposing Venetian fortress on the harbour and checking out the red-domed Saint Minas Cathedral. Crete's beaches are rightly famous, so you should make sure to factor in some time by the sea too. Karteros is a sandy beach about 8km east of the city. Here, you can relax with an ouzo cocktail from one of the nearby bars or ride a horse along the sands.
You can get to Heraklion's port via boat from Athens all year around. In the summer, routes are added from islands around Greece, including Santorini and Karpathos. There are three airports on Crete but the nearest to the city is Heraklion International Airport, 6km away. If you're landing here, a regular bus service runs towards Eleftherias Square. For journeys out of Heraklion, the city has two KTEL bus stations: one by the port with buses to the east and west of the island and one by Chanioporta for southern destinations.
City Info
2 Hostels in Heraklion

Located in Heraklion
Intra Muros Boutique Hostel is a renovated 100+ year old stone-built Neo-Classical building within walking distance of all major attractions and interesting spots of Heraklion.
Located in Heraklion
So Young Hostel will aid you to explore and discover Heraklion, Greece and the World.
Heraklion is a fantastic destination for backpackers offering a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and affordability. Whether you're planning a short trip or making it part of a longer backpacking journey, this city should definitely be included in your travel itinerary. When looking for accommodation in Heraklion, hostels provide the best value and opportunity to meet fellow travelers.
Whether you're looking for a social party hostel, a quiet retreat, a centrally located base for exploring the city, or something in between, Heraklion has options for every type of traveler. Many hostels in Heraklion offer additional amenities like free breakfast, communal kitchens, outdoor spaces, and organized activities.
When visiting Heraklion, don't miss the opportunity to:
- Explore the local cuisine and nightlife
- Visit historical landmarks and cultural sites
- Connect with other travelers at hostel events
- Discover hidden gems off the tourist path in Heraklion