Greece - Korina Miller [373]
Festivals & Events
Iraklio’s Summer Arts Festival happens at the Nikos Kazantzakis Open Air Theatre ( 2810 242977; Jesus Bastion; box office 9am-2.30pm & 6.30-9.30pm), near the moat of the Venetian walls, the nearby Manos Hatzidakis theatre and at the Koules fortress Click here. Check www.heraklion-city.gr for the program or consult the Municipal Cultural Office ( 2810 399211; Androgeiou 2; 8am-4pm) behind the Youth Centre cafe.
Sleeping
While the majority of Iraklio’s larger and more established hotels operate year-round, most of the smaller, budget places close in the low season.
BUDGET
Hellas Rent Rooms ( 2810 288851; Handakos 24; dm/d/tr without bathroom €12/30/42; Apr-Nov; ) Iraklio’s de facto youth hostel is a relaxed place with a reception area and rooftop bar three flights up. The rooms are somewhat stuffy, but have fans, wash basin and balconies. The shared bathrooms are basic but clean. Breakfast (€3) is available on the upstairs bar terrace.
Mirabello Hotel ( 2810 285052; www.mirabello-hotel.gr; Theotokopoulou 20; s/d without bathroom €35/45, d with bathroom €65; ) On a quiet and central side street, the relaxed Mirabello has spotless though somewhat cramped rooms, with TV, phone, balconies and upgraded bathrooms. Some share single-sex bathrooms.
Hotel Rea ( 2810 223638; www.hotelrea.gr; Kalimeraki 1; d with/without bathroom €40/30; Apr-Oct; ) Popular with backpackers and even families, this friendly, family-run budget place, in a lane parallel with pedestrianised Handakos, offers simple rooms with fans and sinks; some have private bathrooms, while others are shared. There’s a small, basic communal kitchen. Family rooms go for €60.
Hotel Lena ( 2810 223280; www.lena-hotel.gr; Lahana 10; s/d with bathroom €45/60, without bathroom €35/50; year-round;) On a quiet street, friendly Hotel Lena has 16 comfortable, airy rooms with phone, TV, fans and double-glazed windows. Most have private bathrooms but even shared bathrooms are pleasant and upgraded.
Kronos Hotel ( 2810 282240; www.kronoshotel.gr; Sofokli Venizelou 2; s/d €50/60; ) This well-maintained older waterfront hotel has comfortable rooms with double-glazed windows and balconies, phone and TV. Most are fridge-equipped; some have sea views.
MIDRANGE
Kastro Hotel ( 2810 284185; www.kastro-hotel.gr; Theotokopoulou 22; s incl breakfast from €50, d & tr incl breakfast €75-90; ) A refurbished, cheery B-class hotel in the back streets, the Kastro offers large rooms with fridge, TV, hairdryer and ISDN internet.
Irini Hotel ( 2810 229703; www.irini-hotel.com; Idomeneos 4; s/d incl breakfast €70/100; ) Close to the old harbour, this midsized (59-room) hotel has all mod cons in its airy rooms, with flowering balconies. Pay less by skipping breakfast.
Marin Hotel ( 2810 300018; www.marinhotel.gr; Doukos Beaufort 12; s incl breakfast €75, d incl breakfast €95-125; ) This refurbished hotel has front-facing rooms with great views of the harbour and fortress, some with big balconies. Rooms are attractive and well-appointed.
Atrion ( 2810 246000; www.atrion.gr; Hronaki 9; s/d incl breakfast €95/110; ) One of Iraklio’s better hotels, the renovated Atrion has rooms tastefully deorated in neutral tones, the upper ones enjoying sea views and small balconies.
TOP END
Lato Hotel ( 2810 228103; www.lato.gr; Epimenidou 15; s/d €100/127, ste from €175; ) The full boutique experience awaits at the well-designed Lato, marked by its superior service. Overlooking the fortress, and a short walk from the bus and port, it’s one of Iraklio’s best hotels. The rooms’ chic contemporary design is complemented by spectacular views, especially in the spacious suites; ascend to the atmospheric rooftop restaurant and bar for panoramic views. The Lato also boasts a spa centre, a beauty salon, and a fine-dining restaurant, Brilliant (right), downstairs.
Megaron