Heraklion International Airport
“Nikos Kazantzakis”
Review of Heraklion Airport
Heraklion International Airport Details
Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (IATA: HER) is the main airport of the island of Crete, and the country’s second busiest airport after Athens International Airport. It is located about 2 km east of the main city centre of Heraklion, near the municipality of Nea Alikarnassos. Named after Nikos Kazantzakis, the famous Greek writer and philosopher, originated from Heraklion, the airport serves apart from Heraklion, other well-known and visited areas of Crete, such as Aghios Nikolaos, Malia, Hersonissos, Stalida, Elounda and other.
The airport first opened in March 1939, but commercial flights started only on 1948. From 1968 until 1971, the runway was extended and a new terminal and other facilities were constructed, whereas in 1972 the shape of today’s airport was officially launched.
Heraklion Airport Public Transfers
Access to Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” is offered by bus services connecting the airport with Heraklion city centre and other areas of the municipality. Airport taxi services are also offered.
Note to oneself: Passengers are requested to not take any photographs or videos of the airport runway, as Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” is also a Hellenic Air Force base.
What to do in Heraklion
Heraklion is the largest city of the island Crete, a lovely vivid city built in the coastline of the island. Once you have arrived at its airport and even if Heraklion is not your main destination in Crete, there are a lot of things worth doing and visiting, before hitting again the road.
Firstly, take a stroll around the Old Town, where you can admire the 16th-century Venetian Fort of Koules. Across the road you will also see the Venetian Arsenals, with their stone facade and huge archways. Around Old Town, a circuit of massive defensive walls, partly demolished, were used as a protection. Inside of them, the pedestrian streets feature buildings of exceptional architecture, churches and squares with fountains where you can relax. In the heart of the Old Town you will see the Venetian Loggia, today’s Heraklion’s town hall and reproduction of the famous Basilica in Vincenza. Pretty close, the Morosini Fountain, surrounded by trees and cafés, is the center of action in the old city.
If you are a history enthusiast, then plan a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, where are displayed 3,500-year-old frescoes from Knossos, including the famous Prince of the Lilies, as well as Phaistos Disk, the clay disc featuring a curious spiral of symbols dated around 100 BC.
Another interesting option is a visit to the Natural History Museum of Crete, especially if you have children. The impressive modern museum offers fun activities for children and adults, including an earthquake and tsunami simulator, whereas features an entire floor devoted to stuffed animals that live or once lived around the Mediterranean Sea.
Booking your TaxiMover service for only a five-kilometers-route southeast of Heraklion, you can visit Crete’s biggest and best-preserved Minoan site. Knossos is one of the most important tourist attractions on Crete. The fabulous monumental palace was the centre of the civilization ruled by King Minos. Four wings are built around a spacious central courtyard, where ceremonies took place back in the 1450 BC. The mythical Labyrinth, where Minos had his son Minotaurus encaged, is believed to have been there as well.
In addition, you can always take a taxi and head to the beach! Only five minutes from Heraklion lies Ammoudara Beach with golden sand and clear waters. It is also the ideal place to practice kiteboarding, if of course the wind is on your side.
Other famous trips that visitors love to do – and TaxiMover drivers will also love to take you to – are to the archaeological site of Faistos (another Minoan palace, located 62 kilometers south of Heraklion), as well as to the beautiful beach of Matala (located 67 kilometers southwest of Heraklion and overlooking the Libyan Sea) with the amazing caves and turquoise waters, a beloved spot of the hippies back in the ‘60s.
So, whether you choose to stay in Heraklion but wish to make daily trips or you head for another city of Crete, you will either way need to commute. And is there an option more convenient than a private transfer service? Busy traffic and cramped buses can step aside, as TaxiMover transport service is now available. Book your transfer now and worry no more! All you have to do is type your destination and preferences and TaxiMover drivers will offer only the best prices for you. Pick the most suitable option and that was all! The road is yours!
Heraklion Airport TaxiMover Service
Get in Touch
+35725000197
+302102205628
info@taximover.com
