🏙️ A Half-Day Farewell to Heraklion
Though half a day in Heraklion may sound short, it was just enough time to squeeze in one more round of exploration before heading back to Athens. The city, where traces of the ancient Minoan civilization coexist with modern Mediterranean charm, offered the perfect way to end the Cretan journey.
🛍️ A Little Time Travel
The first stop was Hondos Center, which had finally reopened after the long New Year and Epiphany holidays.
@Hondos Center
⏰ Hours: 09:00 – 21:00 / 💤 Closed on Sundays
One of Greece’s most common retail chains, the Hondos Center feels somewhat like a mix between a department store and a hypermarket. It sells everything from cosmetics and household goods to groceries and local products, making it a great place to observe daily Greek life. Rather than luxury brands, the store focuses on practical items that locals actually use. Olive-oil soaps, honey-based beauty products, and herbal teas are among the most popular souvenirs.
💡 Tip
Unlike in Korea, where large stores close every other Sunday, Greek shops close every Sunday. Always check opening hours before you plan your shopping day!
I bought a few local items that day—one of them, a honey hair mask, I’m still using today. Every time I open it, the scent takes me right back to Crete. After browsing, I noticed more shops in the city center were beginning to open, so it was time to hit the shopping streets again.
🏙️ Heraklion’s Shopping Streets
@Korai → @Dedalu → @Dikeosinis → @1866 Street
Apparently, I wasn’t the only one waiting for shopping time. The streets were already lively with locals and tourists enjoying the first weekday after the holidays. Boutiques, cafés, and small artisan shops lined the streets, especially along Dedalu Street, which is known for local fashion brands and souvenir stores. It’s also dotted with cozy cafés—perfect for a mid-morning coffee break.
@Bazaar
⏰ Hours: 09:00 – 21:00 / 💤 Closed on Sundays
A convenient local retail shop selling household items, snacks, and daily necessities. Many products were on sale, so it’s a nice stop if you enjoy casual shopping while traveling.
After a quick stroll through the 1866 Street area, I stopped for lunch—one last seaside meal before catching the evening flight to Athens.
🌊 The Last Meal by the Sea
And just like that, I found myself back at the same restaurant where I’d had my first meal in Crete.
@Ippokampos Seaside Restaurant
Located near the harbor roundabout, this restaurant offers the perfect mix of sea breeze, fresh seafood, and relaxed local vibes. Normally, I like to try different restaurants when traveling, but my companion has a habit of returning to favorites—and this was one worth revisiting.
This time, we ordered assorted shellfish—whelks, mussels, and scallops—along with a refreshing crab salad. The dessert was unforgettable: a warm, chewy Greek-style doughnut served with vanilla ice cream and honey. Nothing fancy, but it was pure bliss. We finished with honey pastries and orange slices, enjoying every bit of that generous Mediterranean sweetness.
Before leaving, I told the owner that we’d had both our first and last meal in his restaurant. He smiled and wished us a safe trip home, shouting “Be strong!” as we walked away. That small moment of warmth summed up Crete perfectly—kind people, slow days, and sunshine in every detail.
🚶♀️ A Last Stroll Through the Old Town
Between the shopping streets and the waterfront, Heraklion’s old town is full of little treasures. Agios Titos Church, built in the 10th century, is dedicated to Saint Titus—the first bishop of Crete and a disciple of Saint Paul. Over the centuries, it served as a Catholic church under Venetian rule and later as a mosque during Ottoman times before being restored as an Orthodox church. Inside, you’ll find golden icons and beautifully lit mosaics, making it one of the city’s spiritual landmarks.
Nearby lies the Bembo Fountain, a 16th-century Venetian relic that once provided the city with fresh water. Though the fountain no longer flows, it remains a popular meeting spot surrounded by cafés and benches.
After one last coffee by the square, it was time to head to Heraklion Airport, board an Aegean Airlines flight, and watch the Cretan coastline fade into the distance. The island seemed to wave goodbye in its own quiet way—through soft light, salty air, and a sense of calm that lingered long after takeoff.
💡 AI’s Local Picks
👜 Hondos Center
A Greek household shopping favorite—perfect for picking up olive-oil soaps, herbal teas, and natural honey-based skincare.
☕ Crop Coffee Roastery
A beloved local roastery offering strong espresso and great brunch options. A popular hangout among locals.
🍽️ Ippokampos Seaside Restaurant
Fresh seafood with a sea view. Try the grilled squid, shrimp pasta, and honey desserts—they’re unforgettable.
🎨 Agios Titos Church & 25th August Street
A classic Heraklion walking route combining culture, architecture, and shopping. Ideal for a half-day itinerary.
🎫 Travel Tip: Route Suggestion
Start at Hondos Center → walk along 25th August Street → visit Agios Titos Church → see Bembo Fountain → finish with a seaside meal. A perfect way to enjoy Heraklion in half a day.
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