Things to Do

Heraklion, the capital and the largest city of Greek island Crete. It is a place where thousands of years of history combine with the modern Mediterranean lifestyle. Its Minoan, Venetian, and Ottoman heritage is visible throughout the city, from the nearby palace of Knossos to the fortified old Venetian harbor.

Conference participants are invited to explore the city independently or take part in the cultural and social activities organized as part of the official program.

Palace of Knossos

Located just a few kilometers south of Heraklion, the Palace of Knossos is the most magnificient Minoan palace on Crete. It was served as a ceremonial and political center of Europe´s earliest advanced civilization, Minoan civilization. It offers deep insight into Bronze Age architecture and the myths of King Minos, Minotaur, Daedalus and Icarus and the Labyrinth.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Located in the center of Heraklion, the Heraklion Archeological Museum is one of Greece´s most important museums and home to the world´s finest collection of Minoan art. The galleries show the story of Minoan Crete through remarkable finds from Knossos and more, from the famous Phaistos Disc to the Snake Goddess figurines and the Bull-leaping fresco.

Martinengo Bastion

One of Crete’s most atmospheric landmarks, the Martinengo Bastion is a monumental piece of Venetian fortification in Europe and the final resting place of writer Nikos Kazantzakis. Its hilltop setting offers sweeping views over Heraklion and the surrounding hills, along with a strong sense of the city’s layered history.

Fortress of Koules

Another key part of the Heraklion´s Venetian fortification, the Fortress of Koules stands at the entrance of the old harbor, where it guarded the city and its port form the sea. Built in the 16th century with walls up to 8.7 meters thick, it played a key role in the Cretan war and the long siege of Candia. Today, its vaulted chambers host exhibits on the fortress´s history and artifacts recovered from shipwrecks.

What to do in Heraklion

Heraklion is a city full of history and things to do. The most famous attraction is the palace of Knossos located outside of the city and the Archeological Museum in the city center, where in both places you can watch the Minoan life unravel. Another important museum is the Historical Museum, also in the city center, which is the perfect place to have a look at the more recent history of the town. Also, the Natural History Museum of Crete will give you a great taste of the local fauna and flora. By the sea you can also visit the fortress of ‘Koules”, and you can take a walk anytime on the Venetian Walls or besides and under them, visiting the bastions and the city gates.On the bastion of Martinengo you will also find the tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis

The city, being on a crossroad of the Mediterranean history for centuries, is filled with sights (archeological sites, Venetian and Turkish buildings, churches, fountains) with historical significance that are scattered throughout the city.

Here are the top attractions of Heraklion:

https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/cities-and-towns-in-crete/heraklion-city

Take a stroll by the seaside or get lost in the old city town inside the venetian walls! The city itself is walkable and here you can find maps and suggested routes to discover it:  https://www.heraklion.gr/en/visitor/walking-town

Last but not least, the closest beaches, reachable also by bus, are Ammoudara and Karteros.

Suggested Restaurants

Here are some suggested restaurants (and there are many more, as usually most taverns in Heraklion and Crete are very good and traditional)
(30-50 euros per person)

Peskesi

Peskesi

Peskesi

(15-25 euros per person)

Peskesi

Peskesi

Peskesi

Peskesi

Peskesi

Peskesi

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