Villas in Heraklion

Heraklion is a city with so many things to do that whether you want to enjoy the warmth of a paradisiacal beach, be dazzled by a beautiful view of the sea, see the history of a very old port or relax in the comfort of a luxurious villa. You can find beautiful villas near the historic centre of Heraklion, which is a highly visited place and where you can find the archaeological museum of Heraklion, with its many varied collections, this museum is the gateway to the history of the city since It helps to understand other tourist visits such as the Minoan Palace of Knossos or the Koules fortress.

Perfect for families with few children and even for very large families, the villas offered by the city of Heraklion cover every need and offer all the comforts to make your vacation unforgettable. The villas range from a massive twelve-person property with six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a large play area, two jacuzzis, a huge pool, ocean views and even the option of a chef, up to a comfortable property with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a balcony, a pool and ocean views, ideal for a small family.

If you are the type o traveller that needs to known the ancient past, the culture and how people lives in the places you visit, Heraklion has many options to make you understand the hall meaning of the city. Located in the historical centre of the city, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is the obligatory gateway to the history of the city and a must for lovers of culture and knowledge. It has pieces dating back more than 5500 years old and its main attraction are collections from the Cretan Minoic period, it also contains detailed explanations of other historical visits to Heraklion such as the Venetian walls and the old port of the city.

The current city of Heraklion is built around an invaluable amount of monuments and architectural pieces, belonging mainly to the Byzantine period, which are still very well preserved today and make it an especially attractive city for lovers of history, architecture and the legends behind each construction: the Church of Santa Caterina del Sinaí, built in the 16th century by the Venetians, which houses Byzantine icons; the Venetian walls, which were built between the 14th and 17th centuries, surround the city and have a star-shaped structure designed by the architect Michelle Sanmicheli in the 16th century; the Church of San Marcos, built in the 13th century and rebuilt in the 16th century, became a mosque during the period of Turkish rule and is currently used as a municipal museum; the Monastery of San Pedro and San Pablo, from the 13th century; The Church of San Tito, built in Byzantine times and profoundly remodelled in the 15th century by the Venetians, are just some of the architectural works that you will find in this incredible city.

Just 5 kilometres south of the city of Heraklion, the palace of Knossos or Knossos is not only the most important Minoan palace on the island of Crete but it is also the one that occupies the largest area, with twenty thousand square meters. During the visit to the palace you will be able to have a close, first-hand encounter with Minoan history; know the type of constructions of the Aegean civilizations of the copper and bronze ages and witness the most important archaeological finds in all of Crete. This visit is a mandatory stop for all visitors to Heraklion.

The Koules fortress is the defensive bastion that we find at the entrance to the beautiful port of the city of Heraklion. This fortress castle was built by the Venetians at the height of their splendour, in the 13th century. It is easily reached from the city and around it are usually moored fishing boats and civilians. The contrast of the old fortress with the modern of the boats, of the historical with the current, offers us a beautiful walk.

Taking into account the large number of fortified walls that the Venetians built in Greece, saying that Heraklion's is the most robust of all speaks highly of the city. Witnessing the Venetian walls of Heraklion is an experience in itself, it is exciting to approach the imposing sculpture of the lion that rests in the main entrance or to walk the walls with your eyes or hands, as they attest to the architectural complexity of the Venetians in Crete.

The Heraklion Lodge is so beautiful and photogenic that even from the outside it invites you to connect with it. Built in 1630 by General Morosini as a meeting point for the ruling classes. It is part of the Heraklion landscape and has become a symbol of the city. A pleasant place to walk and enjoy and take good photos in the beautiful eclectic combination that the building offers and that in sight, is proof of the different civilizations that have populated the city.

In Greece and Crete it is a tradition to always offer a glass of fresh water to everyone who sits down to have a drink in these establishments, perhaps as a reminder of Francesco Morosini, who ordered the construction of a magnificent system of aqueducts that reached the very centre of the city. Visit the surroundings of the fountain, look thirsty and be part of the tradition, in addition, in these same places they are used to serving traditional Mediterranean food so that you can also enjoy a good dish from the region.

Become part of the grandeur of the Agios Minas Cathedral, recognized for its great size and magnificence; Go inside and enjoy the best of Byzantine iconography and architecture, the symmetry of the stained glass windows and the marvellous works of art arranged on the ceilings.

Right next to the Cathedral of Agios Minas we find the Basilica of Santa Ekaterini (1555), where in addition to enjoying its beautiful Byzantine construction on the outside, you can enter and appreciate a magnificent collection of Cretan art unique in the world. The best known works date from the 16th and 17th centuries and belong to the painter Michael Damaskenos, one of the great artists of religious art in Greece.