As the largest and most populous island in Greece and a place steeped in significant history and distinctive culture, Crete is a summer protagonist capable of beguiling every visitor. Simultaneously, its multifaceted features and the authentic lifestyle of its residents ensure that it remains one of the most enchanting Mediterranean destinations year-round.
Thus, those who know it well often say that winter in Heraklion is an unparalleled travel experience not to be missed. It’s not just Crete’s mild climate and strategic location between the Southern Aegean and the Libyan Sea that guarantee plentiful sunshine and warmer temperatures—even in December or January—but the city itself. As the island’s capital, it stands as a multifaceted urban centre that remains vibrant regardless of the season.
Setting Sail for Heraklion with MINOAN LINES
Thanks to MINOAN LINES and its fleet, Heraklion remains an easily accessible destination from Athens, even during the winter months. The modern, impressive, and swift vessels “Knossos Palace” and “Festos Palace”—rightfully referred to as “floating palaces”—operate daily routes from Piraeus to Heraklion (and vice versa), offering an upgraded travel experience to passengers, founded on the company’s 50 years of maritime activity.
While Heraklion may seem like a metropolis by Crete’s standards, it is in fact a more measured and balanced city. It possesses the traits of a significant urban centre, offering all the conveniences for shopping and nightlife one could ask for. Yet, it successfully merges these with the relaxed rhythms of life found in smaller provincial locales. It is no coincidence then that many visitors over the last 15 years have affectionately dubbed it “Little Athens”.
What immediately captivates first-time visitors is its Venetian harbour, a signature symbol of the city: your gaze will be drawn to it while you are still aboard the MINOAN LINES ferry. At the Koules fortress and its surroundings, you will also enjoy one of the most beautiful winter strolls. The route to the end of the harbour is approximately 4.5 kilometres, and many enjoy it for their daily exercise. During this season, you can make the most of it even more, avoiding the summer crowds.
Do not miss the opportunity to also take a stroll on one of Heraklion’s lively pedestrian streets. On 25th August Street, you will find some of the city’s most beautiful neoclassical buildings, one of which is the home of MINOAN LINES. Here is where their ideas are born and part of the future of travel is shaped. Their building is an architectural gem that carries the grandeur of a bygone era.
On board the “Knossos Palace” and “Festos Palace”, you’ll quickly understand why more and more people are likening them to floating palaces. These are vessels stretching 214 meters, capable of accommodating a grand number of passengers and vehicles and moving at high operational speeds. On a primary level, their names directly reference the internationally renowned archaeological sites of Knossos and Phaistos. But, hidden behind the use of the word “palace,” lies a targeted hospitality experience rooted in MINOAN LINES’ years of operation of, which will make you feel you are enjoying the comforts of a hotel and amenities reminiscent of carefully curated resorts.
A destination full of winter surprises
The attractions of Heraklion, of course, are not limited to the harbour and the Koules. That’s why it’s worth taking the time to wander further into the city, admiring the medieval monuments bequeathed to the city by the Venetians: the prominent Basilica of Saint Mark, the characteristic Loggia (the old club of the Duke of Crete, which now houses the Town Hall), and the intricate fountain that locals call “Liontaria.” And of course, you will stand in awe of the impressive Venetian walls that define old Heraklion, offering a wonderful panoramic view of the city and the surrounding sea. Ascending to one of the seven bastions here, you will reach the tomb of the great Cretan writer Nikos Kazantzakis. But don’t miss the chance to pass by the Monastery of Saint Catherine, as well as the beautiful church of Saint Titus.
There’s something you absolutely must schedule, and that’s a visit to the Archaeological Museum, located at the northeastern tip of Eleftherias Square. Winter is the ideal time to immerse yourself in its 12 rooms, but also to fully absorb the timeless allure of Minoan Crete, as this is where the most famous artworks associated with it are housed: the frescoes of the Prince of the Lilies and the Bull-Leaping, the Knossos tablets, and the Phaistos Disk. And if you’re inclined to explore the archaeological site of Knossos, the distance to the hill of Kefalas – where the globally acclaimed palace of the mythical Minos stood – is small.
Crete without its acclaimed cuisine is inconceivable – after all, the island is internationally renowned for its traditional and utterly distinctive diet. Being in the capital, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge to the fullest. And the best way to do that is to pair it with the myriad of options available for a night out. Winter, in particular, is deemed the ideal time to experience the city of Heraklion at a leisurely pace. Enjoy your coffee while observing the friendly arguments of the locals over which café serves the best hot chocolate. The city’s ‘rakadika’ – traditional tavernas that serve raki – also add a unique touch, inextricably linked to the experience of visiting Crete: here you will combine food and drink, enjoying the local tsikoudia (raki). The options are truly abundant, but our suggestion is to make your way through the market or head to Milatou Street.
As for the food, the Heraklion’s sweet ‘bougatsa’ cream pie is a must-try experience in its own right. Made with an authentic Asia Minor recipe that was adopted as Cretan after the Catastrophe of 1922, it is today considered one of the island’s top gastronomic products. Moreover, typical Cretan delights that you’ll taste in almost every taverna include potatoes with stakovoutyro (a creamy butter), marathopites (wild herb pies), kalitsounia (small pies filled with sweet mizithra cheese and cinnamon), the delectable stamnagathi greens, “boubouristi” snails, antikristo lamb, and tsigariasto (smoked) goat. And if you come across gamopilafo (wedding rice) cooked the old-fashioned way – with zygouri – make sure you give it a go; you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks to the fleet of MINOAN LINES, Heraklion remains easily accessible during winter (as in every season of the year). The ships “Knossos Palace” and “Festos Palace” operate daily routes to and from Piraeus, ensuring seamless connectivity for even those who don’t plan multi-day trips. So make sure to book your tickets in time at www.minoan.gr, at the central agencies, at the port offices of MINOAN LINES, or through your travel agent. Also, be sure to inquire about all the special offers and/or combination discounts, so that you can travel with your car, should you wish to be completely autonomous upon arriving in Heraklion.
At the bars and restaurants of our ships, you’ll find a rich selection of morning snacks, beverages, and freshly made sweets. But there’s also a carefully curated full menu, accompanied by an updated list of Cretan wines and, of course, drinks for those who wish to stay at the bar until late. At any moment, our specialised staff is at your disposal to meet any of your unexpected needs. Choose the seat category that suits your needs and, if you wish to travel with your beloved four-legged friend, remember that MINOAN LINES offers specially designed pet cabins, so you won’t have to part with your pet while at sea.
Finally, don’t miss the opportunity to relax in the spacious lounges of “Knossos Palace” and “Festos Palace”. Thanks to the comfortable airplane-type seats, you will feel like you are relaxing in your home. And if you miss your privacy, there’s the specially designed area of the new VIP seats, where a 10-inch TV screen, USB port, LED light, as well as a personal serving table are provided. With such amenities, you can be sure that your winter outing to and from Heraklion will be a comfortable and relaxing experience, truly embodying the motto of MINOAN LINES, which wants your journey to start from the moment you think of it.
