Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Heraklion is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete, known for its rich history, archaeological sites, and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 140,000 residents, making it a lively urban area. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds of around 50 Mbps, with access to fiber connections in many areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD. Euros are the official currency, and major credit and debit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is commonly preferred by locals and visitors. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is supplied at 230V, 50Hz, using Type C and Type F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major mobile providers include Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind, offering prepaid SIM cards and data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks like Eurobank and National Bank of Greece provide services for expats, along with digital banking platforms like Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local rentals through Airbnb, booking platforms like Booking.com, and long-term rentals available on local real estate websites. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted in most shops, restaurants, and cafes. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com are popular for short-term stays, with many listings available throughout the city. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel types like Kastro Hostel and Creta Blue Boutique Hotel offer budget-friendly lodging options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old Town and near the Venetian Harbor are recommended for tourists, filled with attractions and dining options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The areas near the University of Crete and the coastal suburbs of Amoudara and Karteros are favored for digital nomads, offering quieter locales with good amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Azoia Cowo hosts professionals with fast internet and collaborative workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kochilas Cafe offers good coffee, reliable Wi-Fi, and a relaxed atmosphere for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups organized through local Facebook groups and platforms like Eventbrite facilitate networking among professionals. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check groups like 'Heraklion Expats' on Facebook for community meetups and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | GetTaxi and Bolt provide convenient transportation options within the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented at local shops, and e-scooter services are becoming increasingly available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Amoudara Beach, just 10-15 minutes from the city center, is a popular spot for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air offer flights connecting Crete to various Greek islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Heraklion International Airport is served by multiple airlines including Ryanair and easyJet. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The E75 highway connects Heraklion to other major cities on Crete, facilitating easy travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | While Heraklion has limited train services, KTEL bus station connects to various destinations across Crete. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Single journey tickets and daily passes for buses are available through KTEL. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate frequently across the island, making regional travel accessible. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Venizeleio General Hospital is the primary healthcare facility in Heraklion. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Om Yoga Studio offers classes suited for all levels, along with wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness House and Gold's Gym provide standard gym facilities and group classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats like Lavato offer laundry services at reasonable prices. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Wolt and e-food are popular apps for food delivery, offering various local and international cuisine. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Moussaka and dakos (Cretan salad) are must-try local dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Roots Vegan and Minoa cater to plant-based diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Loukoulos serves famous Cretan pastries and desserts, a delight for sweet lovers. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like the Heraklion Central Market offer affordable produce and traditional products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online stores like e-Fresh and Skroutz facilitate grocery and product shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some stores offer grocery delivery services, including MyMarket. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The area around the Venetian Harbor features numerous bars and live music venues. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Dramia Brewery offers tastings and tours showcasing local beer production. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bars like Paliokastro specializing in local Crete wines provide excellent tasting experiences. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try local street food at stalls near the Old Port featuring gyros and souvlaki. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Avli offer a blend of Mediterranean and international cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the Palace of Knossos are top attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Historical Museum of Crete showcases the island's rich history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Koules Fortress and the Venetian Harbor are significant historical sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of Agios Titos is an important religious site with Byzantine architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Heraklion Carnival and the Festival of Wine are popular annual events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The area around 1866 Square is known for its cultural vibrancy and cafes. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Theatre of Crete frequently hosts cultural events and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Heraklion Central Market is a bustling location for local produce and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Venetian Harbor offers live music events frequently, especially during summer. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The city features vibrant street art, especially in the Kerameikos area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes at Cretan Flavours provide experiences in traditional Cretan cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Vassilakis Estate showcases contemporary Greek art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Morosini Fountain is a notable historic landmark in the city center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cretan culture is rich in history, and local festivals often highlight this heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Lassithi Plateau offers stunning natural landscapes and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Samaria Gorge National Park is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve located about 2.5 hours away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths around Amoudara provide scenic walking and cycling routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Koules Fortress offers a perfect photo spot overlooking the harbor. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands of Elounda are known for migratory birdwatching in season. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on beaches around Heraklion allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services like ACS offer parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like iRepair handle electronic repairs including mobile phones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often offer table tennis facilities to locals and expats. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The International Center for Greek Language offers language classes for all levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Heraklion Public Library has resources and study space available. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Cultural Center of Heraklion hosts many local activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local video game cafés provide multiplayer experiences and comfort. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Crete offers a gaming experience alongside entertainment shows. |
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. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €256,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The standard corporate tax rate is 24%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax rate is set at 5%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax residents are taxed on their worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 44%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 24%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Greece has strict CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation is based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A standard rate of 3% applies during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Non-habitual residency can offer low taxation for digital nomads. |