Tour Director Travel Guide: Heraklion, Greece
Welcome to Heraklion, a city that EF Ultimate Break Tour Director Kyri describes as “unapologetically Cretan.”
Heraklion, on the Greek island of Crete, is the city where I was born and raised. I lived there until I was 31 years old, so it's not just a city to me, it is a living map of childhood memories, family traditions, local flavors, sights, and sounds.
Crete is a special place. A place where you will experience true hospitality. Where you’ll meet warm, honest, and maybe a little stubborn (hey, that's Crete) people who will welcome you like family. History is everywhere, you've got the Palace of Knossos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe, and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. And the food? Next level. Deeply local, fresh, and unapologetically Cretan.
Heraklion’s hidden gem: The Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis
A place most visitors skip, the Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis, pays tribute to one of the most famous Greek writers—and a symbol of Crete itself. At the tomb, you’ll find no crowds or ticket lines, just quietness, peace, and a view of the city and sea that takes your breath away.
While you’re there, take inspiration from Kazantzakis’s most famous quote, which embodies the raw, defiant independence of Cretan people: "I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free."
If someone only has 24 hours to visit Heraklion, they absolutely can’t miss
Make a reservation at one of my favorite farm-to-table restaurants, Peskesi (they own the actual farm, too!). From their salads to their traditional Cretan pasta to their lamb, the menu is a love letter to Cretan cuisine and agriculture. Their staff explains each dish with such pride, as if it was their yiayia's recipe.
Attend a late-night Cretan glendi (a feast and party). Hang with locals who don’t have a care about time and enjoy the live lyra (a traditional instrument) and the raki (a Greek spirit).
- Find some time to hang out at a kefeneia (a small establishment that’s something between a taverna and a bar) in the little streets of the city, where locals get together to have a drink with some meze, chat, argue about football or politics, and sometimes even sing.
And then there’s the food…
I have so many favorites, but here are a few that you definitely need to try to get a taste of Crete, and the Mediterranean diet.
Dakos
Cretan barley rusk topped with grated fresh tomato, local mizithra (a soft goat cheese) or feta, olive oil, and oregano.
Antikristo
Whole lamb cooked for hours over an open fire, facing the flames. That, or any other type of lamb you find on the menu—Crete is know for its lamb dishes.
Horta
Boiled wild greens, served with lemon and olive oil.
Raki
Also known as tsikoudia, raki is a strong local spirit made from grape pomace. You won't escape any meal without being offered a glass.
The Port of Heraklion is an emotional experience
It’s just a port, right? Not at night. After dinner, the lights reflect off the water, parents and kids are strolling, teenagers are listening to music, an older couple sits on a bench enjoying the view of the lit Venetian fortress, the ferries carry people to mainland Greece, and a fisherman is coming in the old port in his small boat. Here, you realize you’re standing on layers of history (Minoan trade, Venetian & Ottoman conquests, WWII bombings…) and yet it’s calm and peaceful. And life keeps happening in front of your eyes.
If you’re looking for an under-the-radar destination that’s rich in ancient history, brimming with a unique, local culture, and as beautiful as anywhere else on Earth, look to my hometown and my favorite place—Heraklion.
