Holiday rentals and lettings in Heraklion

Heraklion is the capital of Crete and a beautiful port city with a fairy-tale vibe. Within the town, you can find a plethora of holiday rentals with balcony views overlooking the ancient churches and squares, while outside of the urban area you can choose from a wide range of houses set in the divine Crete countryside, whilst remaining within easy reach of all the town has to offer.

Heraklion boasts modern one and two bedroom properties with unforgettable balcony views over the town’s most iconic sights. Look for the options to the west of the town that flank Ammoudara beach and offer views to die for over the Aegean Sea. To the south of the town, spectacular houses abound that embody luxury countryside living. They cater to groups of all sizes and come with sumptuous swimming pools, patios with mountain views, open and spacious living areas, and BBQs. A little further, but still just 15 minutes south of the town centre and you can find some lovely holiday rentals around Archanas, a blaze of colour and creativity.

Heraklion is located on the north of Crete and is the hub from where all people arrive and leave the island. There are two ways to get to Heraklion. The conventional (by plane to its international airport), and the unconventional (by ferry from Athens). We highly recommend the latter! An overnight journey, you save on the cost of a hotel, and there is no more spectacular way to arrive at ancient Heraklion than by sea!

Many travellers arrive to Heraklion and continue on to more resort-like parts of the island without giving themselves enough time to see the local sites. Don’t make this mistake! The town is full of history and attractions. It boasts a fantastic waterfront and old town with well-priced restaurants, highly-rated museums, and whimsical squares where you can spend the afternoon watching the bustling Cretian world go by.

Heraklion is a delight for lovers of architecture and tradition. Don’t miss Loggia Town Hall (Crete's best-preserved Venetian building and free to enter), Cathedral of St. Minas (the largest church in Crete, renowned for its extensive religious iconography), Morosini Fountain (dating back to 1628, the centre of action in the old city), and Agios Titos Church (with a history stretching back a full ten centuries). Asides from these landmarks, the town of Heraklion has an architectural delight to be discovered on every street corner!

Heraklion’s No.1 beach is called Ammoudara, conveniently located just 15 minutes from the centre of town. Come for the golden sand and clean, clear waters, soft sand that slopes gently into the sea (ideal for kids), a plenitude of free sun loungers, and excellent cafes and bars right on the beach. Or why not take in the hippy vibe at Matala? A beach and restaurant destination, Matala is a wildly popular destination for day trippers from Heraklion. The sea is crystal clear and deep, the tabernas rustic and well-priced, and the locals especially friendly.

Heraklion grew up around the sea, and still today, the old town is orientated around the harbour. The old fortress walls, which were once supposed to protect the Cretan capital from attacks, still house impressive buildings from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

A great day awaits both kids and adults at Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos, with 32 huge glass tanks containing from the most delicate of seahorses to aggressive hunter sharks. The background music is calming and soothing, and the environment very natural, with the tanks placed on a backdrop of rocks, sand, and seaweed.

An impressive Venetian fortress dating from the 1500s. Magnificent wooden doors open into rooms replete with period pieces. The walls are 8 metres thick, making it a great place to visit in the heat of the day!

The Natural History Museum of Crete is highly rated by its visitors. Visitors love the earthquake simulation, dinosaur displays, and the children's interactive area where children can experiment with light, mirrors and optical illusions. The entrance fee is also great value for money!

. Bougatsa is a delicious creamy delight made from filo pastry and topped with a dusting of cinnamon. Make sure to try the mithzira cheese version with honey. It might be your first, but it definitely won’t be your last!