Where Ancient Myths Meet Modern Life

A Gateway to Legends and Sun-Kissed Shores

Welcome to Heraklion, the bustling, sun-drenched capital of Crete, where ancient history and vibrant city life converge. This is not just a city; it's the doorway to Europe's oldest civilisation and a perfect base for exploring the island's diverse landscapes. Imagine standing in the legendary Palace of Knossos, wandering through a bustling market filled with the scent of fresh herbs, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea, all within easy reach. Heraklion offers a compelling mix of culture, cuisine, and convenience.

At Britisholidays, we specialise in crafting holidays that blend discovery with relaxation. We understand that a trip to Crete is about uncovering ancient secrets and enjoying the famous Greek philoxenia (hospitality). From our selection of central city hotels and seaside resorts to our expert-guided historical tours, we have the perfect package to make your Cretan adventure both enriching and effortless.

Why Choose a Britisholidays Heraklion Holiday?

Using Heraklion as your base is a smart traveller's choice, offering access to the island's best sights with all the amenities of a modern city.

• Financially Protected Holidays: Book with absolute confidence. Every holiday package booked with us is financially protected, ensuring your money is safe.

• Pay Your Way: Dreaming of Minoan palaces and Cretan cuisine? With our flexible instalment plans, you can secure your holiday with a low deposit and pay the rest in manageable monthly payments.

• Expertly Curated Hotels & Tours: We've personally selected our partners, from stylish city-centre hotels to family-friendly beach resorts on the coast. Our tours are led by knowledgeable, local experts.

• Perfect Strategic Location: Heraklion is the island's main hub, with easy access to the airport, central bus station, and the key archaeological sites of Central and Eastern Crete.

• 24/7 In-Resort Support: Explore with peace of mind, knowing our team and local partners are on hand to assist you throughout your stay.

Ready to follow in the footsteps of the Minoans?
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Discover the Soul of Crete: Experiences from Your Heraklion Base

A holiday based in Heraklion puts the island's most iconic historical and natural wonders at your fingertips.

Journey into the Realm of Myth

Step back 4,000 years and explore the cradle of European civilisation.

• The Palace of Knossos: Walk through the labyrinthine ruins of the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete. With our packages, you'll get skip-the-line access and a guided tour to unravel the myths of King Minos and the Minotaur.

• Heraklion Archaeological Museum: Complement your visit to Knossos at one of the most important museums in Greece, housing breathtaking Minoan artefacts, including the famous Phaistos Disc and Snake Goddess figurines.

Explore the Vibrant City & Coast

Discover the many layers of Heraklion's history and enjoy its beautiful coastline.

• The Venetian Harbour & Koules Fortress: Stroll along the historic harbour and explore the mighty 16th-century fortress that once protected the city.

• Cretan Cuisine & The Central Market: Dive into the vibrant market on 1866 Street, a feast for the senses. Sample local cheeses, olives, and herbs, then enjoy authentic Cretan dishes like dakos (rusk salad) and fresh grilled fish in a traditional taverna.

• Agia Pelagia Beach: Just a short drive from the city, discover this popular resort with a beautiful, sheltered bay perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Embark on Unforgettable Day Trips

Use Heraklion as your launchpad to explore the diverse landscapes of Central Crete.

• The Minoan Palace of Phaistos: Visit another spectacular Minoan palace with stunning views over the Messara Plain.

• The Lasithi Plateau & Psychro Cave: Journey into the mountains to see thousands of white-sailed windmills and explore the fabled Dikteon Cave, the legendary birthplace of Zeus.

• Traditional Villages of Archanes: Wander through this beautiful, wine-producing village with its neoclassical houses and charming squares, nestled in the foothills just south of Heraklion.

Find Your Perfect Heraklion Holiday Package

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a foodie, or a family seeking sun and culture, we have a Heraklion package designed for you.

For the Culture & History Buff

A deep dive into the ancient world and authentic Cretan life.

• What's Included: A centrally-located 4-star hotel in Heraklion, guided tours of the Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum (with skip-the-line tickets), a rental car for a day to explore the Lasithi Plateau, and a food tasting tour of the central market.

• Perfect For: History lovers and travellers seeking a profound cultural immersion.

• Call to Action: View Our Minoan Explorer Packages

For Families & Beach Lovers

The perfect blend of fascinating history and fun in the sun.

• What's Included: A family-friendly beach hotel in Agia Pelagia or Amoudara, tickets to the Palace of Knossos, a day-trip by boat to the island of Dia, and a visit to the Cretaquarium, one of the largest aquariums in Europe.

• Perfect For: Families who want to mix education with relaxation and beach time.

• Call to Action: Discover Our Family Beach & History Holidays

For the Independent Explorer

All the freedom of the open road, with the logistics taken care of.

• What's Included: Flight and hotel packages with a choice of hand-picked Heraklion hotels, a pre-booked rental car for your entire stay, and a comprehensive Britisholidays digital guidebook with self-drive routes and hidden gems.

• Perfect For: Travellers who love to discover a destination at their own pace.

• Call to Action: See Our Crete Flight, Hotel & Car Hire Deals

For the City & Sun Seeker

Enjoy the energy of the city with the option to escape to nearby beaches.

• What's Included: A stylish city-centre hotel in Heraklion with a pool, a guided historical walking tour of the city, and a flexible 5-day public bus pass to explore the nearby beaches at your leisure.

• Perfect For: Travellers who want a vibrant urban base with easy options for coastal relaxation.

• Call to Action: Browse Our City Break & Coast Packages

Your Heraklion & Crete Questions, Answered

What is the best time to visit Heraklion?
The ideal times are late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) for warm, sunny weather perfect for sightseeing and swimming, without the peak summer crowds. July and August are hot and very busy.

Is Heraklion a good base for exploring Crete?
Absolutely. Its central location on the north coast makes it an excellent hub for exploring the key archaeological sites of Central Crete and the picturesque east. For the far west of the island (like Chania), a longer drive or an overnight stay is recommended.

How many days do I need in Heraklion?
We recommend a minimum of 3 to 4 full days to properly explore the city, Knossos, and take one or two key day trips.

Are your packages flight-inclusive?
Yes! Our packages typically include return flights from major UK airports to Heraklion International Airport (HER) and private transfers to your hotel. You can also book accommodation-only if you prefer.

Your Cretan Adventure is a Click Away

Don't just dream of ancient palaces, azure seas, and mouth-watering meze. Let Britisholidays turn your Heraklion holiday into a reality. With our financial protection, flexible payment plans, and expertly crafted packages, you can book with confidence and look forward to a journey through myth and history.

Browse our packages online, or for a personalised itinerary, speak directly to one of our Greece specialists.