Heraklion, Greece 🇬🇷
#728
35.33908, 25.133284
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Heraklion is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 140,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed of 50 Mbps, with many cafes providing free Wi-Fi. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD. Local banks include Alpha Bank, Eurobank, and National Bank of Greece. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally considered non-drinkable, it is advisable to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers such as Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind with decent coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | ATM and card usage is widely accepted; Revolut and TransferWise are popular amongst expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels and apartments to local guesthouses. Airbnb is popular for short stays. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in shops and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo offer numerous options for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel El Greco and Kastro Hotel are affordable options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Cretalabs is a popular coworking space located in the city center. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Mokka Cafe offers a cozy environment with reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | TechMeetups Crete organizes regular events for professionals and entrepreneurs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | There are various Facebook groups, such as 'Expats in Crete', that organize meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use Beat or local taxis for quick, convenient transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Companies like Crete Wheels offer bike rentals to explore the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Amoudara Beach, located approximately 10 minutes by car from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Aegean Airlines operates domestic flights connecting Crete to other Greek islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | British Airways and Ryanair offer international flights into Heraklion Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The E75 highway connects Heraklion to other parts of Crete. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; buses are the main public transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus passes are available for local transport; a single ticket costs about €1.20. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Use KTEL buses for regional travel to other parts of Crete. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Venizelio General Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga on the Beach provides classes with a scenic backdrop. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fit City Gym offers modern facilities and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat Crete provides self-service laundry facilities. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Wolt and e-food.gr are popular food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Moussaka is a must-try traditional dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Avocado is a popular vegan-friendly restaurant. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Komboloi Cafe serves delicious traditional Greek desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Heraklion Central Market offers a variety of local goods at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Greek websites like Skroutz.gr provide online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | XLSuperMarket offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The area around 25th August Street has numerous bars and nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Creta Beer provides local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Oinos Ouzeri offers a selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local souvlaki stands are popular, especially at night. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | There are several pizzerias and international cuisine restaurants throughout the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Knossos Palace are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Historical Museum of Crete hosts fascinating exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Venetian Fortress (Koules) is a historic landmark by the harbor. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of St. Menas is a notable religious structure. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Heraklion Wine Festival takes place every August. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center offers vibrant culture with shops and galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Vikos Theater hosts local performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Platia Kornarou is a lively square with local vendors. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local tavernas often have live traditional music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found in various neighborhoods of Heraklion. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered at Cretan Culinary Experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Museum of Contemporary Art showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Morosini Fountain is a notable historical site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Minotaur legend and Minoan civilization are integral to local culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Lassithi Plateau offers stunning views and hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Samaria Gorge National Park is a significant natural site, about 2 hours away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path along the Heraklion waterfront is perfect for walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The fortress offers an excellent viewpoint over the city and sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Elounda Lagoon nearby is a birdwatching paradise. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beaches around Agia Pelagia allow bonfires on certain nights. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post offices provide parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer phone and laptop repairs, like FixIt. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Greek classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Heraklion Municipal Library provides quiet study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various centers host events and activities for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Zone offers a space for video gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Crete offers gaming facilities near Heraklion. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €132,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax based on global income, with various deductions for expats. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 24% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% standard rate. |