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Time zone: GMT +2 hours
Country Phone Code: +30
Local Area Phone Code (Iraklion): 2810
Electricity: 220 volts, European 2 round thin pins.
| 2007 Greek National Public Holidays |
On the following dates, shops and businesses will either close or trade for limited hours, and public transport may run limited services.
1st January - New Year's Day
6th January - Epiphany Day
19th February - Ash Monday
25th March - Feast of the Annunciation/Independence Day
6th April - Orthodox Good Friday
8th April - Orthodox Easter
9th April - Orthodox Easter Monday
1st May - Labor Day
28th May - Whit Sunday
15th August - Assumption of the Virgin Mary
28th October - Ohi Day celebrating Greek resistance to Mussolini
11th November - St Minas day (local holiday)
25th December - Christmas Day
26th December - Boxing Day
| Events and Festivals in Crete |
There are many festivals and events held in Crete throughout the year, some of which draw upon the island's ancient cultural and religious traditions.
March/April (Easter Season)
July to August (Wine Festival)
June to September (Heraklion International Cultural Festival)
| Shopping hours in Heraklion |
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09:00am to 14:00pm and 17:30pm 20:30pm
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09:00am to 14:00pm and 17:30pm 20:30pm
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09:00am to 14:00pm and 17:30pm 20:30pm
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Shops in tourist areas may stay open seven days a week especially during the summer. Museum opening times vary.
Knossos
Knossos is the most important archaeological site of Crete, the center of the Minoan Civilization of the 2nd millennium BC. It is the ancient city, where the Palace of the mythical King Minos is located.
Estimated travel time by car: 10 minutes
Archaeological Museum of Heraklion (closed for reconstuction)
It houses the treasures of the Minoan Civilization, including the famous discus of Festos, from the ancient Greek and Greco-Roman periods from the various archaeological sites of the island of Crete.
Estimated travel time by car: 5 minutes
Historical Museum of Heraklion
Exhibits of early Christian, Byzantine, Medieval and recent Cretan history are presented in a very interesting way in this neoclassical building. The highlights among others are El Greco's Holy Mount Sinai painting, the city-model of Iraklion showing the 17th century character and personal objects of the world famous Cretan writer Nikos Kazantzakis.
Estimated travel time by car: 10 minutes 
Venetian Fortress (Koules)
Koules is one of the most important fortresses of the Mediterranean. Together with the city walls, the gates, the ramparts, it forms the impressive complex of the 16th century fortification of the city of Candia (as Heraklion was known during the Venetian era).
Estimated travel time by car: 5 minutes
Martinengo Rampart - Kazantzakis' Grave
Part of the Venetian City walls with a panoramic view of the greater area of Heraklion on which, Nikos Kazantzakis' Grave is found.
Estimated travel time by car: 5 minutes
Aghios (Saint) Titos Cathedral
Very interesting Greek Orthodox Church which was transformed into a mosque during the Turkish Occupation and re-established into a Christian church after 1898. The mixture of architectural elements is a record of the history of the city.
Estimated travel time by car: 5 minutes
Morosini Venetian Fountain - Lion's Fountain
Francisco Morosini erected this fountain in 1629, as a monument for the construction of the water supply system of the city.
Estimated travel time by car: 5 minutes
Basilica of San Marco
Built by the Venetians originally in 1239 in the center of the Medieval City. Nowadays, it is very carefully restored and it houses the Municipal Gallery of Iraklion where one can see representative works of Modern Greek artists amd other art events.
Estimated travel time by car: 5 minutes
Aghios (Saint) Minas Cathedral
One the most interesting Greek Orthodox churches. Its architectural style is cruciform with a domed basilica and wall paintings continuing the famous Byzantine tradition.
Estimated travel time by car: 5 minutes 
Venetian Loggia
Elegant building for the gathering and recreation of the noblemen during the Venetian era. The Loggia is a typical example of the Palladian architecture. Today it is restored and serves as Heraklion's Town Hall.
Estimated travel time by car: 5 minutes
Saint Catherine's Church of Sinai
It functions as in icon gallery and is famous for its exquisite collection of Byzantine icons of the renowned Cretan School.
Estimated travel time by car: 5 minutes
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