Heraklion
 

Since the ferries leave for Santorini in the morning, I am thinking we should drive from Chania the night before and stay in town. Any hotel recommendations for Heraklion? How far are most hotels form the ferry docks?

I would definitely spend the night b4 your ferry in Herkalion. Its a good 2 hour drive along a highway and not an enjoyable drive particualrly if you're rushing to get to the am ferry. Herkalion gets a lot of bad press on this forum, but we really enjoyed 2 nights there. We stayed at GDM Megarom Hotel http://www.gdmmegaron.gr/ which was walking distance to the ferry. We called a few days in advance and got a very good discounted rate in September. There were several other hotels that were also close to the ferry. Sorry i dont know the name of them, but others will I'm sure.

We stayed at the Atrion the night before our flight; it was fine. Gets good reviews on Trip Advisor. I don't know how close it is to the dock, but I can't think it is very far.

We also stayed at the GD Megaron in July, which is very close to the ferry docks. However, unless you travel very light, you will need a cab from the hotel to the dock, since you have to cross an extremely busy street to get there.

We got a good rate by booking directly with the hotel, but you should also check some websites. Good luck!

Thanks for the tip - I booked rooms at the Lato Boutique as the rates at GDM were a bit out of my league. I have read the rooms are small at the Lato, but it's only for one night, so I think we will survive.

Any suggestions for one great meal while in the town?

Kyriakos, considered by some to be the best restaurant in town, largely Greek clientele. Reservations recommended.

Lato isn't bad. Smallish room but not the smallest room on the trip. Breakfast was the best we've had included in Greece, probably anywhere else, for that matter. We took a taxi from the ferry docks to the hotel for about 8 Euros, as I recall - even though it's close, the route by road is convoluted - and were glad we did since the closest walking route is uphill and up a VERY tall and steep flight of steps. Leaving Heraklion, I might consider walking to the ferry if traveling light (which I usually do). Easier to walk DOWN the stairs than up. You'll have time to check out the route and decide if you want to walk it or call a taxi.

If you like to eat ouzeria-style, several small dishes to share, try (H)Ippocampus, a short walk from the Lato. And if you can, leave Chania in time to stop by Knossos outside Heraklion.

Definitely hitting Knossos. Plans have changed slightly b/c we felt one night in Heraklion wasn't enough to do it justice - espcially given the amount of time one should spend at Knossos.

Thanks for the tip re: taxi to the ferry.

Is Heraklion pedestrian friendly at all?

There's a section of Heraklion that's pedestrian-only. Sorry, I can't remember the name of it!

Across the side street from the Megaron is Aigaiou Geuseis restaurant where we had a wonderful meal last May. The Lato, I believe, is just up the street. The restaurant has a website and even if you don't read Greek, written in English is Photo Gallery for you to click on. Dinner for two including a bottle of wine was 42 Euros.

http://www.aigaiougeuseis.gr/contents/main

There are many pedestrian friendly walkways in Iraklion. If you have time, try to walk the old Venetian wall from the Martinengo Bastion down to the water and the Agios Andreas Bastion. It's not more than 1.5 km and there are nice views of the city and surrounding area. A lot of money has been invested in restoration of the walls and bastions, and the walk is very peaceful above the hubbub of the traffic.

JQ