Staying in the old harbor in Heraklion
Check which way your room faces before booking here. A sea-facing room and a room above a road can offer quite different nights, even within the same building. The route inland along August 25 Street climbs gently toward the center. Use the Venetian arsenals as your reference point when comparing addresses, since listings described as harbor stays can extend toward the ferry port.
At a glance
- Best for
- First visit, the waterfront
- At night
- Busy on the front
- Getting around
- On foot, buses on the main road
- Price level
- €€€
The streets behind the Venetian arsenals and the Koules fortress, with fish tavernas, a walk on the breakwater and the main sights within fifteen minutes.
Good for
- The harbor, the fortress and the sunset walk
- Fish tavernas on the doorstep
- Walking to the museum, the fountain and the market
Think twice if
- You want a beach: the harbor is not one
- Traffic on the main road will bother you
What is near The old harbor
Agios Titos
Walk inland along August 25 Street for about 10 minutes from the arsenals to reach the church and its square.
Historical Museum of Crete
Allow about 10 minutes west along the waterfront from the arsenals. It makes a useful indoor stop when the seafront is windy.
Morosini fountain
Allow around 15 minutes uphill from the harbor, following August 25 Street into the pedestrian center.
Eating in The old harbor
Compare menus on the waterfront with those a street or two inland. Fish is an obvious choice here, but ask whether a dish is a starter or a main before ordering several plates. For breakfast, head toward the center for bakeries and coffee counters rather than assuming every waterfront kitchen opens early.
Getting around from The old harbor
There is no railway or metro. Walking inland along August 25 Street gives you a straightforward route into the center. For city bus line 2 to Knossos, head toward the central stops around Eleftherias Square and confirm the boarding point locally. Leave extra time when carrying luggage uphill.
Hotels in The old harbor
Search the area on the booking sites, where the prices are. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Other areas of Heraklion
Staying in the old harbor in Heraklion
Can I walk here from the ferry?
Usually, but the distance depends on your ferry berth. Check the route from the passenger exit, since the old harbor and ferry quays are separate places.
Is a sea-facing balcony useful?
It can be pleasant for watching harbor activity, but wind affects how much you use it. Check whether the balcony also overlooks a busy road.
Is the harbor walk suitable with a pushchair?
The waterfront offers relatively straightforward walking, but paving and kerbs vary. The exposed harbor wall is less comfortable in strong wind.