Explore the best Heraklion Food Tours with Greece Foodies
Heraklion is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece, and for good reason! The city has a wealth of history and culture, and is home to some of the best food in the country.Enjoy traditional Greek cuisine and local wine at Heraklion food tours. If you’re looking to explore the culinary side of Heraklion, there’s no better way than on one of our food tours.
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Explore Heraklion like a local
Heraklion is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece. Located on the island of Crete, Heraklion is home to a number of beaches, restaurants, and bars. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of activities, such as hiking, windsurfing, and snorkeling.
Heraklion is also a great place to learn about Greek culture and history. The city is home to a number of museums, including the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the Heraklion Museum of Contemporary Art. visitors can also take a walking tour of the city to learn about its architecture and history.
And of course, it is a great place to visit for those who want to experience Greek culture and cuisine.
There are a number of restaurants that serve traditional Cretan dishes, such as Dakos and Marathopita. Heraklion is also home to a number of bakeries and cafes that serve pastries and greek coffee. Visitors can also find a number of shops that sell souvenirs and clothing. Heraklion food tours is a great place to visit for those who want to experience Greek culture and cuisine.
Savor the Heraklion food
When you book one of our Heraklion food tours, you’ll get to explore the best of the city’s culinary scene with Greece Foodies. We know all the best places to eat, drink, and shop for food in Heraklion, and we’re excited to share them with you. Our tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will introduce you to the local food culture and tell you all about the history and origins of the dishes you’ll be trying. And of course, you’ll sample plenty of delicious food along the way. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to try something new, our Heraklion food tours are sure to please.
What to see in Heraklion
The best things to do in Heraklion, according to locals!
Knossos
The site has been inhabited for over 9,000 years, reaching its peak around the year 2000 BC with the construction of the palace.The Bronze Age city and palace at semi-mythical Knossos were constructed by the Minoan civilization.
Agios Minas Cathedral
It took 30 years to construct during the second half of the 19th century. The Agios Minas Cathedral is one of the largest in Greece, with space for 8,000 worshipers.
Archaeological Museum
Findings from Minoan sites all over Crete have been brought here, and many of the exhibits are masterpieces of ancient art. . No museum in the world is better than this one for learning about Minoan history.
Amoudara Beach
Amoudara is a sandy beach that starts on the western shoulder of Herakion's city center and stretches for an additional six kilometers.
Lions Square
Also known as Liontaria, the square dates back to the Venetian times when it was known as Grain Square or Piazza delle Biade.
Open Markets
If you’re looking for the right present to take back home, or even a memento of the legendary Cretan diet, head to 1866 Street and wander the streets of Heraklion’s famous open market.
Top-10 best Cretan Food to Try
Crete food is wholesome and tasty, using locally-sourced natural ingredients that are often in season. To whet your appetite, we’ve picked out ten of our favorite foods from the iconic island of Crete.
Uncover Well-Known Heraklion traditional products
The quality and rich flavor of Santorini’s products is the result of the island’s fertile volcanic soil, dry environment, and high temperatures and strong winds; these factors combine to produce peculiar items that can only be grown in Santorini or products with unique characteristic flavors.
A great alcoholic beverage, which is also called raki. An original Cretan table wouldn΄t be complete without plenty of tsikoudia and dancing. Let its incredible favor astound your palate.
Heraklion olives are small and black, with a unique flavor that is both bitter and sweet. They are typically used in salads or as a decoration on appetizer plates.
Heraklion cheese is made from sheep’s milk and has a strong, salty flavor. It is often used in traditional dishes such as dolma and kleftiko.
Introducing a delicious meze meal made with cured pig loin!Apaki, a favorite local food, can also easily be incorporated into many dishes such as omelets, pasta, or salads.
Enjoy a fine glass of wine produced in one of the world’s oldest wine-producing regions. Learn about the history and various styles of Cretan wines, which date back thousands of years.
Relish delectable snails, a beloved Cretan dish. You can try them in different recipes, such as boiled and fried with herbs with a seasoning of vinegar and rosemary or cooked with tomato, zucchini, and potatoes. This food is for adventurous travelers!
How to get to Heraklion
The airport is located just 4km from the city center, making it easy to get to Heraklion by plane. There are direct flights to Heraklion from major cities in Europe, and the flight time is usually around 3 hours. Heraklion is also well-connected to Athens, with several flights departing each day. The average flight time from Athens is just over an hour. When you arrive at Heraklion Airport, there are plenty of taxis and buses that can take you into the city center. You can also rent a car if you want to explore Crete at your own pace.
Heraklion is the capital of Crete and the largest city on the island. It’s also one of the busiest ports in Greece, with regular ferry service to Athens and other islands. Getting to Heraklion by ferry is easy and convenient, and it’s a great way to see some of the stunning scenery of the Mediterranean Sea. Heraklion is served by two main ferry terminals: Heraklion Port and Heraklion New Port.
Heraklion Port is located in the city center, just a short walk from many of the major attractions. Heraklion New Port is located about 3km outside of the city center. There are several ferries per day from Heraklion Port to Athens, with a journey time of about 9 hours. Ferries from Heraklion New Port to Athens take slightly longer, at 10-11 hours. There are also regular ferries from Heraklion to other islands, including Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes.
Getting around Heraklion
Heraklion is the largest city on the island of Crete, and it’s easy to get around whether you’re using public transportation or a taxi. The city has an extensive network of busses that can take you to all of the major sights, and taxis are also readily available. Heraklion is a lively city with plenty to see and do, so getting around is easy and part of the fun. There are busses that run to all of the major tourist destinations, and taxis are always an option if you need to get somewhere fast. It is a great city to explore, and getting around is half the fun.
Rent a car or a motorbike in Heraklion
Facts about Heraklion that will blow your mind
People have lived in Heraklion for thousands of years. The history of Heraklion goes back thousands of years. Early records come from the Minoans, an Aegean Bronze Age civilization that flourished from roughly 2000 BC to the Greek Dark Ages.
Heraklion is the fifth largest city in Greece. Crete might be a modestly-sized island but there’s nothing modest about its colourful and chaotic capital. Heraklion is home to more than 225,000 people in an area stretching across 264 sq. miles (684.3 km2).
Zeus, the father of the Greek Mythological Gods, was born in Crete. As legend has it, Zeus’ mother gave birth and hid baby Zeus in a cave on Mountain Ida, to save him from his father Cronos who wanted to eat him up! There is some doubt as to whether baby Zeus was raised by the mythical nymphs or wild animals.
Heraklion local products with a protected designation of origin
Heraklion is a city on the island of Crete that is rich in history and culture. The city is home to many local products that are loved by locals and tourists alike. The city is also home to many local businesses that produce products such as olive oil, honey, wine, and hand-crafted pottery.
Graviera Kritis
Local cheese. It has a firm texture, a light yellow tint, and is a hard table cheese. It has a mildly sweet and nutty flavor. Before being sold, this cheese develops for 3 to 5 months. Next to feta, it is the most widely consumed Greek cheese, and it is available practically everywhere.
Pine Thyme Honey of Crete
This aromatic honeyis a natural fusion of pine honey and thyme honey that is powerful and deliciously different. The abundance of pine trees and fragrant thyme bushes in Crete's habitat draw the bees needed to produce this elixir. The most revered honey in all of Greece is arguably this one.
Cretan Rusks PGI
Cretan rusks are a type of bread that originates from the island of Crete. The bread is made from a mixture of wheat flour, water and salt, and it is usually flavoured with aniseed. The dough is formed into a large loaf, which is then cut into thin slices and left to dry in the sun. Once dry, the slices are fried or baked to create a crispy, delicious bread that can be enjoyed with dips, cheeses or simply on its own.
Cretan Spirits: Raki vs Ouzo
Local spirits – every country has its own, notably Raki and Ouzo. In Germany this is Schnapps, in America it’s bourbon, and in Italy it’s Grappa. So, when it comes to great Greek national liquors, there’s only one possible choice; Ouzo. Or is there?
Savor the Heavenly Traditional Foods of Heraklion
Our dear foodie, a visit to Crete would be vain without joining a food tour and trying its signature dishes and local wines.
Enjoy an authentic gastronomic experience by selecting one of our carefully crafted Heraklion Food Tour or Cooking Classes in Heraklion. Indulge in the freshness and divine taste of the most famous Heraklion traditional foods.
In all of Crete, “choclioi,” or Cretan snails, are highly appreciated. Only during the summer months when they are dormant or right after a rain when they emerge from the shell, are they eaten fresh. The rest are frozen and readied for Lent.
Marathopita is a round flat thin pie made with flour and olive oil and filled with fennel. In the Greek language, “maratho” means “fennel” and “pita” is for pie. Fennel is a very popular and aromatic herb in Crete that is present in several dishes in the Cretan cuisine.
Antikristo is a traditional way of grilling meat that is deeply rooted in Cretan culture. The meat is cut into pieces and passed through huge skewers. These skewers are placed around a fire opposite each other and cook slowly for 4 – 6 hours.
A specialty of the western region of the island of Crete is tsigariastó. Typically, extra virgin olive oil is used to cook the lamb or goat slowly at extremely low heat.
Even though Dakos is an appetizer popular in all of the Crete΄s regions, we couldn’t help mentioning it. Savor the flavorful dried barley bread chunks topped with fresh tomatoes, feta, oregano, olives, and olive oil. Sounds yummy, right?
One of the most popular and traditional desserts or sweets from the island of Crete is Xerotigana. They are delicate fried pastry strips made with a unique rolling technique. A generous drizzle of honey syrup, sesame and nuts complete it, making it an irresistible Cretan sweet.
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Heraklion is one of the largest cities in Greece and the capital of Crete. It is located on the north coast of the island, and is a popular tourist destination. Heraklion is home to a number of interesting sights, including the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Heraklion Fortress. The city is also known for its lively nightlife and vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s history or just enjoy some time on the beach, Heraklion is an ideal place to visit.
With its stunning beaches, picturesque streets, and vibrant nightlife, Heraklion is an ideal destination for a summer vacation. However, the city can also be enjoyed during other times of the year. Fall is a great time to visit Heraklion, as the weather is still warm and sunny but the crowds have thinned out. The city is also less crowded during the winter months, making it a perfect time to explore without having to fight for space on the beaches or in restaurants. So whether you’re looking for a summer getaway or a winter escape, Heraklion is an excellent choice.
There are many different ways to experience the food of a city, but one of the best is to take a food tour. Food tours offer a chance to sample a wide variety of dishes in a short amount of time, and they provide insights into the local food culture. Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is home to several excellent food tours. From local wine tasting to traditional Cretan food tours.
