I have walked past the Info Point of Visit Heraklion hub hundreds of times in the past couple of years. This week, I discovered a “must-visit” information portal about the city and Crete overall. Located directly adjacent to the famous Lion’s Fountain on 25th August Street, the visitor center has a wealth of information and surprises for visitors and locals alike.
On random days each week, I often visit my friends at Heraklion’s most famous sidewalk cafe, Phyllosophies (shameless plug), which sits right on the Lion’s Square in front of the impressive Venetian Fountain (Instagram below). On my first experience with the visitor center, I was met by a lovely and super helpful lady named Eleni. At first, she was unsure whether I could take photos from inside, but after I explained my profession and interests in Crete, she helped me understand how the centre helps people learn and explore Crete’s capital.
Through pamphlets, maps, free postcards, and myriad interactive and audiovisual experiences, Heraklion’s “must see” visitor information spot presents this fantastic city’s over 5,000 years of history. Topics from sightseeing, gastronomy, gifts of nature, events, and much more are delivered in classy and artful style both in the center, and online. With my free map, I realized how many of the city’s sites I had written about, reviewed on Google and Tripadvisor, and passed without realizing the beautiful experiences I had missed (no one has seen it all).
Eleni and I discussed many of the “best places” in Crete and Heraklion, and her colleagues also chimed in with recommendations they thought I may not have experienced. Other visitors were fascinated by the “self portrait” interactive that puts one at any of dozens of Heraklion locations. Sunset over Koules, Knossos, a walk along the Venetian Wall, and even Crete attractions like Balos Lagoon and Rethymno Town are part of that experience, too.
The bottom line is that every tourist or local wants to learn more about the town named after the Greek hero Hercules.
Readers should check out the Visit Heraklion website here to learn more. Those interested may also email tourism@heraklion.gr or call +302813409777.