A Foodie's Guide to Heraklion, Crete in 2 Days

  • Day 1: Breakfast at Ta Kioupia
    10 minutes (0.6 miles) from The Palace of Knossos

    Ta Kioupia is a small café located near The Palace of Knossos. They serve traditional Cretan breakfast dishes such as bougatsa, dakos, and kaltsounia. The café has a lovely courtyard perfect for enjoying a relaxing breakfast before starting your day.

  • Day 1: Lunch at Peskesi
    25 minutes (2.2 miles) from Ta Kioupia

    Peskesi is a farm-to-table restaurant located in the heart of Heraklion. They serve traditional Cretan dishes made with local ingredients. The atmosphere is cozy and charming, perfect for a relaxing lunch.

  • Day 1: Dinner at Kastella
    20 minutes (1.7 miles) from Peskesi

    Kastella is a seafood restaurant located by the Venetian Harbor. The restaurant has a great view of the harbor and serves fresh seafood dishes such as grilled octopus, sea bass, and shrimp saganaki. The atmosphere is romantic, perfect for a dinner with a loved one.

  • Day 2: Breakfast at Koukouvaya
    15 minutes (1.1 miles) from Ammoudara Beach

    Koukouvaya is a cozy café located near Ammoudara Beach. They serve a variety of breakfast dishes such as pancakes, omelets, and French toast. The café also has a great selection of coffee and tea.

  • Day 2: Lunch at Beer O'Clock
    20 minutes (1.6 miles) from Koukouvaya

    Beer O'Clock is a gastropub located in the heart of Heraklion. They serve a variety of pub food dishes such as burgers, wings, and nachos. The pub also has a great selection of beer from all over the world.

  • Day 2: Dinner at Peskesi
    15 minutes (1.2 miles) from Beer O'Clock

    Peskesi is a farm-to-table restaurant located in the heart of Heraklion. They serve traditional Cretan dishes made with local ingredients. The atmosphere is cozy and charming, perfect for a relaxing dinner.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Ta Kioupia (1 hour, €10)
  • Peskesi (1.5 hours, €30)
  • Kastella (2 hours, €60)
  • Koukouvaya (1 hour, €10)
  • Beer O'Clock (1.5 hours, €20)
  • Peskesi (1.5 hours, €30)

  • Total Estimated Costs: €160

Transportation

Heraklion is a small city that can easily be explored on foot. Taxis and buses are also available at reasonable prices. A taxi ride from the airport to the city center costs around €15 and takes about 20 minutes.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion or taking a day trip to the nearby island of Spinalonga. If you have less time, cut out one of the meals or replace Peskesi with a simpler taverna that serves traditional Cretan dishes.

Airports

Heraklion International Airport (HER) is located 3 miles east of the city center. The airport is the second-busiest in Greece and serves both domestic and international flights.

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