Heraklion (Irakleion) is the capital and largest city of Crete, a port city of about 179,000 people beside the Palace of Knossos, with a Venetian harbour, 16th-century walls and the world's finest collection of Minoan art.
Heraklion's nightlife centres on Lions Square and the bar strips on Korai and Chandakos streets, where students, locals and visitors mix until 2:00AM or later. Cocktail bars sit behind Lions Square, beer pubs and rock bars on the side streets, and a handful of clubs on the coastal road west of the port. Bigger club scenes are in Hersonissos and Malia.
Bars fill from about 9:00PM, spill onto the street on summer evenings and turn into DJ spots after midnight. Clubs on the coast road open late and many run seasonally.
At a glance
- Peak hours
- Bars 10:00PM-2:00AM; clubs 1:00AM-5:00AM
- Average drink
- Beer EUR 4-6 (USD 4.60-7); cocktails EUR 8-12 (USD 9-14), up to EUR 14 (USD 16) at premium bars; club entry free before midnight, EUR 10-15 (USD 11.50-17) after.
- Dress code
- Smart-casual at bars; clubs on the coast road may refuse flip-flops and sportswear on busy nights.
- Cover charge
- Opening hours and seasonal closures change; verify on the venue's own page or by phone.
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Lions Square and Korai Street
About 15-20 bars within 300 m around the Morosini Fountain and Korai street, from rock to cocktails.
Best for: bar-hopping and first drinks
Chandakos Street
Cafe-bars running from below Lions Square down to the seafront promenade.
Best for: live Greek music and relaxed drinks
Agios Titos and Kallergon Squares
Coffee-to-cocktail terraces and the Pagopoieion cultural bar.
Best for: early evening drinks
Coastal road west of the port
Seafront clubs (Envy, Island of Desire) a short taxi ride from the Old Town.
Best for: dancing after 1:00AM
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
The Bitters Bar
Speakeasy-style cocktail bar a few steps behind Lions Square.
Known for: Prohibition-era speakeasy known for cocktails made with homemade marmalades
Idis 25, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Beer O'Clock
Beer pub offering a different ale or weiss beer to try each night.
Known for: Rotating ale and wheat beers; happy hour 4:00PM-8:00PM
Minotavrou 23, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
High Hopes Taproom
Craft beer taproom on Chandakos street.
Known for: Craft beer taproom
Chandakos 58, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Fix Bar
Rock and alternative bar on the Korai bar strip, opening about 9:00PM.
Known for: Rock and alternative music; local crowd under 30
Korai street, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Veneto
Early-evening wine and cocktail spot in a Venetian building.
Known for: Wine list and cocktails in a historic Venetian building
Epimenidou 9, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Guernica
Hidden rock-origin bar in the centre with a dance room open late.
Known for: Started as a rock pub; dance room open late
Chandakos area, Old Town, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Opus Bar
Bar on Kapetan Charalampi street in the Old Town.
Known for: Cocktails and drinks in the Old Town
Kapetan Charalampi 3, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
La Brasserie
Brasserie-bar on Korai street.
Known for: Drinks on the Korai strip
Korai 7, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Think Tank
Espresso-wine bar in a neoclassical building in the centre.
Known for: Specialty coffee and Cretan wines in a renovated neoclassical building
Andreou Kritis 7, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Pagopoieion
Cafe-bar in a former ice factory, with art shows, concerts and literature nights.
Known for: Former ice factory hosting exhibitions, concerts and readings
Papagiamali 1, Agiou Titou Square, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Envy
Cover: Free before midnight; around EUR 10-15 (USD 11.50-17) with drink after, on busy nights
Island of Desire
Guernica Club
Cover: EUR 5-8 (USD 5.75-9)
Club Sensation
Live entertainment
Music, theatre, and performance venues.
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Start on Lions Square around 9:00PM and walk Korai street for bars.
Taxis from the Old Town to the coastal clubs cost about EUR 5-7 (USD 5.75-8); use the taxi rank at Eleftherias Square or call a radio taxi.
Clubs on the coast road are largely seasonal, mid-June to early September.
Carry photo ID; some venues check.
Keep valuables in a front pocket on crowded streets.