Palace of Knossos
The Palace of Knossos in Crete is one of Greece’s largest and most important archaeological sites, and its history goes back to the 7th millennium BC. It was the political, religious, and commercial center of the Minoan civilization. When visiting Crete, it simply cannot be missed because of its architecture, murals, and unique historical significance. The palace is made of many parts. On the east side, there were the royal apartments, a sanctuary, and the Queen’s Apartment. The throne room was found on the north side of the sacred apartments, with an entrance from the main courtyard. It was said to be designed by Daedalus, the most famous inventor of the time. Once a visitor entered, it was said to be a maze inside, and it was almost impossible to leave.
Rating Heraklion for The British
Sea View
Heraklion has one of the most beautiful coastlines of any area in Crete, and the areas around Heraklion are excellent for homes with sea views. Some popular areas to get a sea view near Heraklion are Paleokastro, Xeropotamos, Karteros, and Gouves.
Rating: 9 out of 10
Direct Flights
From London, you can fly directly to Heraklion in about 4 hours. There are several direct flights per week between London and Heraklion. Consider that it might take a lot longer to get to other Greek islands from London, like those in the Cyclades. For example, to get to Paros or Naxos, you would also need to take a ferry or a connecting flight from Athens. The total travel distance would be more like 8 hours from London.
Rating: 9.5 out of 10
Property Prices
Prices in Heraklion highly depend on the area where you buy a home. According to national averages from Spitogatos, average prices are 1300-1800 Euros per square meter. Compared to other popular islands in Greece, like Mykonos and Santorini, prices in Heraklion are lower. For example, average prices in the Cycladic Islands are 3500 Euros per square meter, according to Spitogatos.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Internet Speed
Internet Speeds are available in Heraklion via Speedtest by Ookla. The average speed is 40-50 MBPS. Compared to other areas of Greece, this is average.
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
English Speakers and Expatriate Community
This area of Greece is growing a lot in popularity, so you can expect to see many visitors, many who are English speaking (or even other Brits), if you’re lucky.
Rating: 9 out of 10
Heraklion Overall Rating for the British: 9.3/10
Heraklion offers a unique blend of urban amenities and traditional Cretan charm, making it an attractive destination for British expats seeking a balanced lifestyle.