Discover the Charming Old Town of Heraklion

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Yia sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Andio]
• YesΝαι
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ohi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Πώς είσαι;
  [Pos ise;]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσύ;
  [Kala. Esi;]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάς Αγγλικά;
  [Milas Agglika;]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalaveno]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na do to menou, parakalo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den troo kreas]
• Cheers!Στην υγειά μας!
  [Stin yia mas!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na plirosο, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voithia!]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fyge!]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Kaleste tin Astinomia!]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε έναν γιατρό!
  [Kaleste enan giatro!]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Eho hafi]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [Eimai arrostos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha ithela na agorasο...]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάω
  [Apla kitao]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Poso kostizi;]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Afto ine poli akrivo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να μειώσετε την τιμή;
  [Boreite na meiosete tin timi;]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti ora ine;]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία η ώρα
  [Ine mia i ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Misi (10)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proi]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apoyevma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vradi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Simera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Aurio]
• 1Ένα
  [Ena]
• 2Δύο
  [Dyo]
• 3Τρία
  [Tria]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tessera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pente]
• 6Έξι
  [Exi]
• 7Εφτά
  [Efta]
• 8Οχτώ
  [Ohto]
• 9Εννιά
  [Ennia]
• 10Δέκα
  [Deka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένας/η...
  [Pou ine enas/i...]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Pia ine i diefthinsi;]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Boreite na mou dixete (sto charti);]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Pote ine to epomeno (leoforeio);]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (προς ....)
  [Ena isitirio (pros ....)]

Old Town Heraklion is steeped in the legacy of the Minoans, one of the earliest advanced civilizations in Europe, flourishing around 3000-1100 BC. The nearby archaeological site of Knossos, just a short distance from the city, serves as a testament to the sophistication of Minoan culture, featuring elaborate palaces, advanced plumbing, and vibrant frescoes that depict daily life and religious practices.

From 1204 to 1669, Heraklion was under Venetian control, which significantly influenced its architecture and urban layout. The construction of impressive fortifications, including the iconic Koules Fortress, and the development of the Loggia, a beautiful Renaissance building, reflect the Venetians' efforts to enhance the city's defensive and aesthetic appeal. This period also saw the establishment of trade routes that linked Heraklion to major Mediterranean ports.

The Ottoman Empire seized Heraklion in 1669, marking a period of significant cultural and demographic shifts. The Ottomans introduced new architectural elements, such as mosques, and influenced local customs and cuisine. Notably, the historic Agios Titos Church was converted into a mosque, showcasing the blend of Christian and Islamic heritage that characterizes much of Old Town today.

During World War II, Heraklion played a strategic role in the Battle of Crete in May 1941. The city was subjected to intense aerial bombardment, and its fortifications were put to the test against Allied and Axis forces. The remnants of this tumultuous period can still be seen in the architecture and memorials throughout Old Town, serving as a reminder of the resilience of its inhabitants.

Following the war, Old Town Heraklion underwent a process of reconstruction and revitalization. Efforts were made to restore historical buildings and promote cultural heritage. The establishment of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in the mid-20th century further solidified the city's status as a cultural hub, showcasing artifacts from the Minoan civilization and attracting scholars and tourists alike.

Old Town Heraklion is easily accessible from various neighborhoods within the city. If you're coming from the airport, a taxi or shuttle service will take approximately 15 minutes. Bus routes also connect the airport to the city center. If you're in nearby neighborhoods like Nea Alikarnassos or Agios Nikolaos, local buses frequently run to the city center. For those driving, parking is available in designated areas, but be prepared for limited spaces, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Old Town is primarily pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. The narrow, winding streets are best navigated by walking. Bicycles can also be rented for those who prefer cycling, and there are bike lanes in some areas. Public transport, such as buses, connects Old Town to other parts of Heraklion. Taxis are available but not typically necessary for short distances within Old Town.

Old Town is generally safe for tourists; however, standard precautions are advisable. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas. Avoid poorly lit streets at night and keep valuables secure. While no specific high-crime areas are known, it's best to stay alert in busy markets or tourist hotspots.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, and medical assistance. The nearest hospital is located in the city center, and pharmacies are widely available for minor health concerns. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. If you need assistance, locals are usually very willing to help.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately when visiting churches and religious sites; avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; always cover your shoulders and knees when entering sacred places. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat for the elderly; don't eat or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Kalimera' (Good Morning); avoid overly casual body language. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and enjoy meals in traditional tavernas; don't refuse hospitality, as it may offend your hosts.

To experience Old Town like a local, visit the bustling markets such as the Central Market for fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with shopkeepers and locals to learn about the history and culture of Heraklion. Don't miss out on the lesser-known alleys and hidden squares that offer a glimpse into local life. For authentic dining, seek out family-owned tavernas that serve traditional Cretan dishes away from the tourist traps.