The flight from Santorini to Crete takes about two and a half hours. Since it was the off-season, there were no direct flights between Santorini and Crete, so I had to transfer in Athens. The funny thing was that even though departure time was still far off, the plane simply took off as soon as everyone had boarded. Classic Aegean Airlines—so chill and unbothered.
🏛️ A Journey Back in Time: First Day in Heraklion, the Gateway to Crete
From Heraklion Airport, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the city center by Bus No. 1. The nearest stop to my hotel was
Eleftherias Square, where I got off. The fare was just €1.5, and unlike many airport buses elsewhere, it wasn’t particularly expensive.
As I traveled further south, I could literally feel the warmth increasing. It was early January, yet the daytime temperature hit 22°C! Back in Korea, that’s a time when it’s perfectly normal for the high to be around zero, but here, you could comfortably walk around in short sleeves. The Mediterranean climate—absolutely my favorite.
After dropping off my luggage at the hotel, I headed toward the seaside restaurant area for a late lunch. Because it was the off-season and the holidays—New Year’s and Epiphany—most stores in the city were closed. The restaurant I originally planned to visit was also closed, so I just walked into one that happened to be open. Many of Heraklion’s eateries cluster along the coast, near the spot marked as “Fish Market” on Google Maps.
Heraklion gives off the cozy charm of a mid-sized seaside city with no high-rise buildings—open skies and a laid-back atmosphere.
🍽️ @Ippokampos
For my starter, I ordered a tomato soup topped with cheese. Determined to make up for the quick meals I had in Santorini, I went all in on seafood this time.
I chose a crab dish served with rice—it turned out to be a flavorful seafood stir-fry, rich in ocean aroma and taste.
I also tried tsikoudia, the local traditional spirit distilled from grapes. Interestingly, it turns cloudy when mixed with water. For dessert, they brought out pastries soaked in honey and some fresh oranges.
All that for just €25. I had expected prices to be higher on an island, but it was an incredible deal—almost like a full course meal, even though I just ordered a main dish. Greece keeps surprising me… I’d love to come back in summer. It’ll be hotter, for sure, but I can already imagine how lively it must be.
Crete is the largest island in Greece and the birthplace of Aegean civilization—the heart of the ancient Minoan Civilization. Its capital, Heraklion (Ηράκλειο), literally means “City of Heracles,” named after the mythical hero said to have completed one of his labors here. During the Venetian era, it flourished as a fortified city, and later came under Ottoman rule. This layered history remains visible throughout the city, where Venetian fountains, Turkish-style buildings, and Greek Orthodox churches coexist side by side.
🌆 @25is Avgoustou Street (25th of August Street)
After finishing my late lunch, I stepped outside and suddenly felt like evening had already fallen—probably because of the short winter daylight. Most of the stores were closed, but I decided to take a stroll anyway.
The main shopping street, 25is Avgoustou Street, extends from the roundabout near the fish market. The name commemorates August 25, 1898, a tragic day when many Greeks were massacred during an Ottoman invasion. The street stands as a reminder of that history.
⛪ @Agios Titos Church — Church of Saint Titus
One of Heraklion’s most iconic landmarks, this church is dedicated to Saint Titus, the disciple of Apostle Paul and the first bishop of Crete. It was originally built around the 10th century, later became a Catholic church during the Venetian era, was converted into a mosque under Ottoman rule, and has since been restored as an Orthodox church.
The domed roof and arches reflect classic Byzantine architecture, and the icons inside are stunningly detailed. Beyond religion, the church itself is a microcosm of Heraklion’s complex history.
🏛️ @Kallergon ~ 1821 ~ 1866 ~ Dikeosinis ~
Walking along Kallergon and Dikeosinis Streets leads to the
Piazza Venizelou, the city’s central square. At its heart stands the
Bembo Fountain, built in the 16th century during the Venetian era by Governor Bembo to provide fresh water to residents. Even today, locals gather around the fountain to relax and meet.
⛲ @Turkish Pump House
Right behind it is the Bembo Fountain—but I completely missed it that day. How ironic that you sometimes overlook what’s right in front of you.
🏙️ @Eleftherias Square — Eleftherias Square
Heraklion still had traces of Christmas decorations throughout the city. Even though it was January, there was an outdoor market and a live music performance happening in the evening. Most shops were already closed, but I lingered for a while, listening to an unfamiliar band play unfamiliar songs before heading back to my accommodation.
💡 AI Recommendations
🥙 Paralia Seaside Restaurant
A local seafood restaurant along the Heraklion coast. Grilled squid and shrimp pasta are especially popular, and you can enjoy your meal outdoors while feeling the Mediterranean breeze.
🏺 Heraklion Archaeological Museum
One of the highlights of any trip to Crete. The museum exhibits artifacts from the Minoan civilization excavated in Akrotiri and Knossos, with must-see pieces such as The Prince of the Lilies Fresco and The Golden Bee Pendant.
🕍 Church of Agios Minas
The main cathedral of Heraklion and one of the largest Greek Orthodox churches. Built in the 19th century, it’s renowned for its golden mosaics and magnificent domed ceiling.
🍨 Kirkor Patisserie
A traditional dessert café in the heart of Heraklion’s Old Town. Famous for Greek pastries like baklava and kataifi, it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon break with a cup of strong Greek coffee.
🎫 Tip: Suggested Route
Airport → Eleftherias Square → 25th of August Street → Agios Titos Church → Bembo Fountain → Seaside Restaurant.
A perfect half-day route to experience Heraklion’s culture, history, and flavors all in one go.
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