Romantic Heraklion: Old Walls and Harbour

Heraklion is the working capital and main port of Crete, and it is better described as a city with a few good evenings than as a romantic retreat. The pleasures are small: a walk along old Venetian walls, a harbour view, a long dinner in a square. For a stronger romantic stay, many couples use the city as a base for a day on the south coast or among the wine villages.

Evening light at Koules Fortress

The Venetian fortress at the harbour mouth has a roof terrace with views over the port and the open sea. Entry is EUR 10, or EUR 5 reduced, and the fortress is closed every Tuesday. In summer it closes at 20:00, so aim for the late afternoon. Closing times shorten in September and October, and winter hours are 08:30 to 15:30. In winter the roof is best around lunchtime.

The rampart walk

The Venetian walls run about 3 km around the old city, and the rampart walk is free and open at any time. A slow evening stroll along the top gives wide views over rooftops and sea. Wear flat shoes, because the stone is uneven, and carry a torch or phone light if you stay after dark.

A table in town

Lions Square, also called Eleftheriou Venizelou Square, centres on the Morosini Fountain, and the harbour front is a short walk away. Both have cafes and tavernas where an evening can pass slowly. The Venetian Loggia, now the town hall, and the cathedral of Agios Minas are close, so a short stroll before dinner is easy. Small tavernas often take cash only, so carry some euros.

Wine villages

Archanes and Peza are the wine villages inland from the city. A tasting and a lunch among the vines makes a calm half day. Most visits are arranged through a local operator or by car.

Matala for the south coast

Matala is on the south coast, roughly 60 to 75 km and 1.25 to 1.5 hours by road. The caves cut into the cliff cost about EUR 5 to enter, paid in cash. Buses go from KTEL Station B at Chanioporta. Combine it with Phaistos (EUR 15) for a full day.

Beaches

The old harbour is a working port and not a place to swim. For a swim, Ammoudara is an organised beach with facilities about 5 km west of the centre. Agia Pelagia, about 23 km north-west, is a sheltered cove. Summer winds from the north can make the sea rough on exposed beaches, so check conditions on the day.

Rooms

Hotel choice is wide, so compare current listings and reviews before booking. A room in the old town keeps the walls and the harbour within walking distance.

Read more: Couple activities in Heraklion has more ideas for two.

Check fortress hours on the Hellenic Heritage Koules page . To compare places to stay, search Booking.com .