Heraklion, Crete: Food Guide 101

Greek food is one of our favorite cuisines all over the world. And there's no way you can snob the traditional dishes served at each table-top in Heraklion, Crete. Fresh seafood, home-grown herbs, sheep's milk, Crete cheese and tons of olive oil are the 'notorious' ingredients behind every sumptuous meal in Crete. Discover the most loved traditional food in Crete that later on, can be your favorite meal. Dig in!

Here are two of the dishes you should try when traveling to Heraklion, Crete. PS. Promise us you won't leave the town unless you've enjoyed these treats.

1. Dakos

Welcome to Crete. Where they serve the healthiest pizza for you. Salad pizza? That's the idea of it! But Cretans used barley rusk instead of the usual pizza crust. So this barley rust is from a dried bread baked multiple times and stored for months before it gets soaked in water (or olive oil), then served with fresh crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and goat's milk cheese. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper plus a drizzle of olive oil- BAM! This Dakos treat is for you! 

2. Kaltsonia

Aside from having a palatable food walk in Heraklion market (cheese tasting), you should buy a piece (or a whole bag) of the Cretan Cheese Pie or locally known as the Kaltsonia. A hand-made dough shaped like a small cup stuffed with different treats such cheese: Malaka or Myzithra. The pie is then dipped to It's topped with a handful of honey to balance the saltiness of the pastry. Indeed, Kaltsonia is best served along Greek coffee. Perfect for a late afternoon delight!

As much as we want you to find comfort in the delightful dishes in Crete, we'll be honored to introduce you one of the best Heraklion hotels in town. Check out the Ambelos Apartments Crete situated in the tranquil village of Agia Pelagia. 

Agia Pelagia Hotel: Ambelos Apartment and Studios

You've been itching to go to Crete and start your food adventure up to the innermost layer of the island, but you're having a hard time in booking your accommodation. That's not the case if you call the help of Ambelos Apartment in Heraklion. Their friendly and welcoming staff team makes it possible to escape the stressful reservation process. 

A breathtaking view of Ambelos Apartments and the Cretan Sea.

Ambelos Apartment is known for it's naturally beautiful infrastructure dwelled on a mountain-top. It's where you'll find your sanity with the help of chirping birds and the cool breeze of air. Ambelos studios is one of the excellent Agia Pelagia hotels that offers a  variety of fully-airconditioned apartments with kitchen, bathroom, a living room, and a bedroom. The provide a unique view of their vineyard by having a wooden balcony for guests to stay at. 

A balcony at the Ambelos Apartments overlooking the vineyard.

Ambelos Apartments is currently running a promo in early bird reservation of studios! Yep, ladies, and gents, they offer a free overnight stay (1 to 2 nights) depending on how early you have booked your accommodation with them. That's right, pay zero as long as you comply with their required days of reservation prior to your arrival. That seems a jackpot! So come along and visit the Ambelos Apartments and grab your opportunity out of this promo!

The Samaria Gorge + Traditional Heraklion Hotel

Are you an adventure seeker + nature lover? We'll guide you to the ultimate adventure of your Cretan visit. Shorts. Check! Hiking boots. Check! Awesome tour guide and new-found friends. Check! Chocolate bar. Check! Here's the start of our #TheNatureProject, only in Crete!

Do you have any idea on what's waiting for you in Heraklion, Crete? We know the answer is the friendly nature. The  flora and fauna, Gorge Samaria, and the forever sunny weather of Greece. Feel free to join as today as we unveil Mother Nature's gift to Crete!

The Samaria Gorge

WARNING! Just kidding, this is only a friendly reminder: A visit to the Samaria Gorge requires a lot of walking. Warming up is important before the hike. Yet, if you're not feeling comfortable and confident in walking 16 long kilometers in 6-7 long hours, we don't recommend you to push for this trip. But if you dare, you're more than welcome to the Samaria Gorge! So, let's fire this up, shall we?

Bring friends with you to the Samaria Gorge for a 'no dull moment' during the hike!

Samaria Gorge is the most popular ravines in Crete. Especially in summer, where each tourist's itinerary boils down to hiking the Samaria trail. The gorge is open to public from the beginning of May to the end of October. It has one of the most safest paths in all paths in Crete. The park is under the supervision of Department of Forestry. And there is the presence of guards and doctors who can help you along the trail, in case of any emergency. Safety and security are not going to be a major problem here.

Tourists are ant-size compared to the gorges.

One of the many things you'll love about the Samaria is that it owns huge, super gigantic gorges. The canyons you see in the States or anywhere abroad may appear no match. Prepare yourself to walk over stones, stones, and again, various type of stones. From uneven stones to a forest path, small wooden bridges, rivers, topped with a sunny weather would mean the best excursion day ever!

The wooden bridges against the stong current of the river.

You'd also find springs along the way. Tip: Bring a water bottle/container with you and just fill it up whenever you feel the need to. The water is fresh and clean and is safe to drink. Enjoy the free refreshment on short breaks on the way! 

Scorching sun + Tired swollen feet of travelers= Fun times by the river for a refreshment!

"But, what if I need to pee?". With the thousands of visitors hiking to Samaria gorge every day, it is a need to provide restrooms in many levels of the park. And the good thing is that they have many comfort rooms scattered within the park.

For a hassle-free hike to the Samaria gorge, make sure to bring the following:

-Water bottle you can refill later in the trip. 

-Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat for heat protection. 

-Food (there are no canteen, cafeteria, or restaurants in Samaria village) 

-A good pair of hiking shoes. 

-Your camera (and a selfie-buddy)

LIFE-SAVING TIPS: 

-Do rest, for a couple of minutes but not more than an hour. Samaria gorge is an open area. Which means you are exposed to the gorges, the rock formations, and danger. Like, a chunk of stone can fall from above any moment of your life. 

-Don't be too loud. Not only you should respect other hikers within the campground, but also, any loud sound can penetrate the rock from the gorges. And again, it can fall literally, any moment of your life.

-The latest entry to the Samaria Gorge National Park is in the afternoon. You need to walk back to the beginning of the trail or ride a taxi upon exiting the park.

Again, there are no establishments such Heraklion hotels within the Samaria village. But one of the closest towns to it is the village of Agia Pelagia. Agia Pelagia hotels, provide proximity to the Samaria site. Plus, it's where you'll find travel organizers that arrange the tour to the Samaria Gorge.

Ambelos Apartment and Studios- Heraklion, Crete

Fairytale starts here at Ambelos Apartments Crete.

If you want a wide view of the entire Heraklion from above, get that unlimited viewing at the Ambelos Apartments Crete. The 20-acre land of Ambelos Apartments lies on top of a hill in the quiet village of Agia Pelagia. They also have an outdoor pool for its guests. Their bar is always open to serve you refreshments. You may even love it here since the hotel offers extra perks such as its proximity to the Mononaftis Bay (300m), beaches (1km), and the Heraklion town (20km). Ambelos Apartments is one of the most reviewed places among Heraklion hotels. A lot of folks are more than satisfied with the quality of the service they provide and for the establishment itself. nd you know what? These folks eventually became their regular customers.

A large and aesthetically beautiful room at the sophisticated AmbelosApartments and Studios.

Agia Pelagia: The Beach Life

Agia Pelagia is one of the iconic towns in Heraklion, Crete. It is surrounded by various types of beaches, tranquil waters, and the vibrant people who live within its proximity. We thought it would be fun to cite some of the top beaches in Agia Pelagia for your next trip to Heraklion, Crete! But before we even get to that part, let me ask you, what are your plans? Do you even have one? Have you done your homework in finding the cheapest yet comfortable Heraklion apartments? How long are you staying here? Oh, forget about it. Cause it'll be more fun if we sprinkle a spoon of spontaneity to everything, right?

All aboard! Let's discover the top favorite beaches in and near the peaceful coastal town of Agia Pelagia- your next holiday destination!

Agia Pelagia Beach

If you're looking for an organized beach that is perfect for family bondings, Agia Pelagia beach is right in the heart of Heraklion. With all the developed infrastructures around it, without a doubt, Agia Pelagia beach is the most famous and the favorite of many in our list. You have everything that you need for a relaxing holiday at Agia Pelagia beach- resorts, taverns, scuba diving facilities, restaurants, and even luxurious Agia Pelagia hotels. Although, you can't expect much of a 'Mykonos-like' party in this beach, there are genuine seaside cafes where you can still catch a fab night out with your friends.

Koudouma Beach

A secluded beach hiding beyond lush of greens somewhere in between the roads of Sternes and Harakas is our second best beach in Agia Pelagia, the Koudouma beach. A traveler who takes the effort to spend some time off the beaten track is a traveler who can access what other's can't. Don't mind the quite long drive to Koudouma beach cause once you get there, there's no turning back to such precious gem in Crete! The Koudouma beach is not the typical white-sand beach you're thinking of for it own tiny, (almost powdered) black pebbles kissed by the Aegean sea. But still, it offers a laid-back beach life away from the city and from anyone else. So what are the things you can find here? Just trees that would give you shade from the hot afternoon sun and some caves you can sneak into. And oh, there's a little monastery right in front of the beach.

Which beach did you like the most? The organized and populous Agia Pelagia beach? Or the silent sanctuary that is the Koudouma beach? I know, it's hard to even pick a personal favorite! Make sure to include these beautiful beaches in your itinerary the next time you visit Heraklion, Crete!

Where to Stay?

We don't want to spoil this dream vacation for you as much as we want you to enjoy the beach life Agia Pelagia in Heraklion offers. That's why we've chosen the best and accommodating hotel for you!

Welcome to the Perla Apartments in Crete! It is seated in the little town of Agia Pelagia, and yes, it's near the beaches we've talked about earlier. Who doesn't want to experience the local life in the most popular region of Crete? Rent out traditional Heraklion apartments and feel the chill vibe throughout your vacation. With the brand new rooms and facilities such as an indoor and outdoor cafe that is suitable for your morning coffee, a bar that makes you the finest drink, and a huge swimming pool. Some of the highlights of their services are their maid and cleaning services, car rentals, and laundry service. The grandiose hotel also allows you to bring your furry friend with you in your hotel room cause they're simply a part of your trip!