Heraklion to Santorini – Beaches, Culture, and Scenic Stays

About the destination: Heraklion is the capital of Crete and often serves as the starting point for holiday visitors eager to explore the island. With a population of about 130,000, it ranks as the fifth largest city in Greece. The city bears the marks of various influences from the Venetians, Saracens, and Greeks. History is very much alive in Heraklion, as it is in most Greek cities. Throughout the old part of the city, visitors can stroll along the ancient Venetian walls that converge at a bastion known as Koules Fortress, which dominates the city's old harbor. The Venetians began constructing the city walls in 1462, and it took them over a century to complete. The walls stretch about 4 km in length, forming a triangular shape with seven bastions, and they have become one of the city's iconic features. The central square, surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants, is highlighted by the Lions Fountain, built by a Venetian governor in the 17th century. The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion is impressive and is the pride and joy of the city. The exhibits are comprehensive and well-organized, covering all aspects of life in Crete from prehistory to the Roman period in a series of spacious galleries. The Palace at Knossos is the second most popular tourist site in all of Greece, second only to the Acropolis. The site is in remarkable condition and offers much to see. It is also set in a beautiful location with stunning views of the countryside. Heraklion offers a wide range of historic and archaeological attractions, including its world-famous museum and the nearby site of Knossos, the heart of the ancient Minoan civilization. The city's shoreline, Amoudara, features a three-kilometer stretch of sandy beach, numerous cafes, bars, and hotels, and is home to Technopolis, a modern multiplex cinema and open-air theater. The most beautiful beaches outside the city can be found in Kartero and Malia.

About the destination: Created by a massive volcanic eruption that is believed to have inspired the legend of Atlantis, Santorini is the most visually stunning island in the Aegean Sea. The island is essentially the outer edge of a submerged volcano, with its entire eastern coast consisting of a series of small towns situated on tall hills. Fira, the island's dramatically located capital, is perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea. Fira, along with the Parthenon, is one of the most recognized images of Greece. Its narrow streets are filled with souvenir shops, charming boutiques, and numerous jewelry stores. It is home to two beautiful churches, the Greek Orthodox and the Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist, as well as a small local museum. Fira also boasts a vibrant nightlife, with excellent restaurants and bars, and a few nightclubs. The city itself is a spectacle, especially at sunset. Another great spot to watch the sunset is the town of Ia, a small village perched on the rocky point of land at the northern tip of the island, 300m above the sea. The beaches in Santorini are unique compared to other Greek beaches due to their distinctive geographical features. Red and black volcanic pebbles cover the shores of Santorini's beaches, and steep cliffs create a scenic atmosphere. The most famous of these beaches is the Red beach, while Perissa, Kamari, and Perivolos are also very popular. Santorini is a truly magnificent destination. The placement of some of its main towns along the cliff-top edge of the caldera is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful sights in the world. The buildings seem to defy gravity as they cling to the cliffs and are stacked one on top of the other like a pile of sugar cubes. The sandy, multicolored beaches are just the cherry on top.

About the destination: Heraklion is the capital of Crete and often serves as the starting point for holiday visitors eager to explore the island. With a population of about 130,000, it ranks as the fifth largest city in Greece. The city bears the marks of various influences from the Venetians, Saracens, and Greeks. History is very much alive in Heraklion, as it is in most Greek cities. Throughout the old part of the city, visitors can stroll along the ancient Venetian walls that converge at a bastion known as Koules Fortress, which dominates the city's old harbor. The Venetians began constructing the city walls in 1462, and it took them over a century to complete. The walls stretch about 4 km in length, forming a triangular shape with seven bastions, and they have become one of the city's iconic features. The central square, surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants, is highlighted by the Lions Fountain, built by a Venetian governor in the 17th century. The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion is impressive and is the pride and joy of the city. The exhibits are comprehensive and well-organized, covering all aspects of life in Crete from prehistory to the Roman period in a series of spacious galleries. The Palace at Knossos is the second most popular tourist site in all of Greece, second only to the Acropolis. The site is in remarkable condition and offers much to see. It is also set in a beautiful location with stunning views of the countryside. Heraklion offers a wide range of historic and archaeological attractions, including its world-famous museum and the nearby site of Knossos, the heart of the ancient Minoan civilization. The city's shoreline, Amoudara, features a three-kilometer stretch of sandy beach, numerous cafes, bars, and hotels, and is home to Technopolis, a modern multiplex cinema and open-air theater. The most beautiful beaches outside the city can be found in Kartero and Malia.