image
Koules fortress port of heraklion
Koules fortress Heraklion kids love greece
Koules fortress Heraklion view
Koules-forthress-Heraklion.jpg

Heraklion Beachfront

    Heraklion was built with its back facing the sea for purely historical reasons. However, now that Heraklion is done with pirates, conquistadors and cannons, the city has begun to discover its lost seafront.

    Construction work in recent years has given the city many miles of seafront road. You can take a stroll or a bike ride with your kids and enjoy this coastal city with its calming waves and peaceful sea breezes.

    If you are looking for more peaceful scenery, walk along the promenade, starting at the fortress of Koules, to the far end (the Heraklion bypass road). Escape from the stresses of the city and feel part of the Cretan seascape.

    The pedestrian road of the 25th of August connects the old port and the city centre. It is bordered by beautiful neoclassical buildings (mainly from the Venetian era). Among them are Aghios Titos (Saint Titus), Loggia (Logia) and Vasiliki tou Aghiou Markou (Basilica of Saint Mark) which today houses the Municipal Gallery. You can literally walk among living history!

    The final stop of this beautiful walk is the open air central market of Heraklion at 1866 road. At the market you can buy all sorts of little trinkets such as delicious Cretan graviera (cheese), honey scented with thyme and small bunches of dictamnus and aromatic sage.

     

    Families should know

    • School-aged children may find the walk very tiring. Be prepared that you might need to make numerous stops
    • Be very careful with your children when you cross any city roads. Most drivers do not prioritize pedestrians
    • Do not forget to take hats, sunscreen, and water for your children
    • The beachfront walk is not entirely suitable for strollers as there are some parts of it where access is difficult
    • On hot days, avoid walking at noon. The intense heat (and lack of shade) will make it a difficult family experience
    • The walk will take you on average 1.5 hrs (without any stops)

    Kids will love

    The fortress of Koules

    Parents will love

    The seaview and the serene landscape

    map Explore the map

    Best season to visit

    • summer
    • autumn
    • winter
    • spring
    • All
    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    • The best part of the walk is the pedetsrian street of 25th of August.

    • The seaside road is the only road in Heraklion where people may bike safely.

     
    Nearby

    Find out the where to go and what to do in Greece with the family. Book with us for amazing family memories.

    Relevant Articles

    Get inspired by our top ideas for vacation in Greece. Discover our blog full of ideas, insights about Greek destinations, reviews for kid friendly activities, hotels, beaches, museums and so much more!