Ever been to Athens?
Most would agree it’s a mixed bag of phenomenal sites, legendary eats, and some less desirable streets.
While Greece’s multitude of paradise islands are at close hand, even icons like Athens can be overlooked, given its edgy vibes and graffiti-lined streets.
Even more so are other Greek cities in Athens’ shadow rather than the aesthetically pleasing whitewashed villages we often see portrayed as Greece’s top highlights.
One such place doesn’t receive the attention it deserves.
Even I’m guilty of not giving Crete’s biggest city a fighting chance during my visit, opting for the peaceful seaside charm of Chania.
Now that Athens’ crowds have been making headlines throughout 2024 to the point of locals asking tourists to stay home, it’s time to give another Greek city with timeless marvels and dreamlike villages a chance.
Welcome to Heraklion, Crete’s stunning capital!
Swapping Athens’ Grit For The Delights Of Heraklion
Walking through the streets of Athens can be a real joy or a real bummer. In all my travels, it’s the only place I’ve been pickpocketed.
Visiting the Embassy to replace a passport is never an additional itinerary you want to experience; I promise you that.
Athens beholds some of the most fascinating sites in the world, but beyond taking selfies at the ever-so-popular Acropolis, many tourists simply use Athens as a gateway to somewhere else, often considered a better place whether it be Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos, or Crete.
As you wander Athens, you can’t help but notice how the city could be so much better if only there were a sense of pride to maintain it’s supreme beauty, yet many of the city’s historic streets have become eyesores with unsightly defaced walls.
Unless you’re here for the ancient sites or unmatched cuisine, that’s where the plethora of Greece’s alternatives come into play, and if city vibes are what you’re seeking, then look no further than Heraklion.
You’ll discover busy streets that will captivate you at every nook and cranny from sights, sounds, and smells of daily life by people-watching from a bougatsa shop, to browsing bustling weekend bazaars, to checking out ancient sites, such as The Palace of Knossos, just as Instagram-worthy as the Acropolis, with considerably fewer tourists in your way.
Crete’s capital has an intriguing timeline dating back to the inception of the Minoan civilization, which some experts in the field consider to the ‘most brilliant in human history‘.
Skip forward to the years under Roman rule, Venetian rule, and eventually the Ottomans, Crete ultimately became ‘Greek’ in 1913, yet many significant historical sites remain immaculately preserved for viewing today, such as the Venetian Walls and Morosini Fountain (also known as “Lion’s”).
Forget Santorini! Visit Heraklion’s Collection Of Dreamlike Villages
If there’s any place in Greece to describe as “dreamy”, it’s gotta be Santorini, right?
This may be true, but Heraklion’s collection of dreamlike villages will leave your jaw on the floor.
Crete is an astounding island as a whole, but Heraklion alone ticks off a lot of boxes. Beholding incredible sites within the city limits, venturing away from the busy streets into a handful of idyllic villages just might be the highlight of your trip.
First on your list should be Archanes, boasting rows of colorful homes, picturesque churches, quaint alleyways, and traditional Cretan cuisine and exquisite local wine.
Another is Alagni, where paying a visit to Lyrarakis Winery is a must and home to one of Crete’s most underrated resorts, Alagni Cretan Resort.
Rounding out the top 3 is Gortyna, for those who just can’t get enough history. Here you’ll find quiet streets, tranquil lakes, and even more ancient ruins.
Heraklion Is A Beach Destination Too!
Wrapping up Heraklion’s appeal, you can’t venture all the way to Greece without hitting up the beach!
There are a variety of beaches that are easy to reach here, each with its own flair. Some are off-path, some are local favorites, and some are packed with European vacationers.
Better yet, there are some truly awesome beachside stays as well. The 5-star Lyttos Beach Hotel even offers a private beach for guests.
Offering pristine blue waters, these are the top 3 beaches to visit in Heraklion, according to TripAdvisor:
- Matala Beach
- Stalis Beach
- Kokkina Amos
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