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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Cretan olive oil
Extra-virgin olive oil in tins or bottles.
Price: EUR 8-20 per litre (USD 9-23)
Where: 1866 Street stalls, My Cretan Goods (Dodekanisou 15)
Thyme honey
Dense thyme honey, a Cretan staple.
Price: EUR 6-12 per jar (USD 7-14)
Where: 1866 Street, Aromattika The Store
Raki (tsikoudia)
Distilled grape spirit sold in bottles; also with herbs or honey.
Price: EUR 8-18 per bottle (USD 9-21)
Where: 1866 Street, My Cretan Goods
Herbs and spices
Dried oregano, dittany, thyme and mountain tea.
Price: EUR 2-6 per bag (USD 2.30-7)
Where: 1866 Street herb stalls
Graviera and myzithra cheese
Hard graviera and soft myzithra from Cretan dairies; vacuum-packed for travel.
Price: EUR 12-20 per kg (USD 14-23)
Where: Tyrokomika Manouras (Kornarou Square), Mitato Masaouti deli, 1866 Street
Cretan knives and woven goods
Traditional knives, woven bags and textiles.
Price: EUR 15-80 (USD 17-92)
Where: 1866 Street and 25 Avgoustou souvenir shops
Gold and silver jewellery
Minoan-inspired pendants and Greek jewellery.
Price: EUR 20-300 (USD 23-345)
Where: 25 Avgoustou and Dedalou jewellers
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
1866 Street Market
Narrow central market street with food stalls, souvenir shops and small tavernas; hours vary by shop, most close mid-afternoon on Saturday and Sunday.
Where: Central Heraklion, between Lions Square and the market square
Saturday Local Market (1866)
Saturday local-produce market on 1866 Street.
Where: 1866 Street
Hours: Saturday morning to afternoon
Laiki Agora (Itanou)
Neighbourhood open-air produce market used by residents.
Where: Eastern Heraklion
Hours: Thu and Sat 8:00AM-2:00PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
25 Avgoustou Street
Pedestrian-friendly main street running up from the harbour with souvenir shops, jewellers and fashion.
Dedalou Street
Popular pedestrian street with international labels, local boutiques and jewellers such as Belibasakis (Dedalou 12).
Lysimachou Kalokairinou Street
Old Town street near the Historical Museum square with small independent shops and tavernas.
Eleftherias Square district
Square near the Archaeological Museum with bookshops, bakeries and cafes.
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Talos Plaza
Shopping centre on the coastal road with international and Greek chains such as Bata, OVS and Yamamay; phone +30 281 025 5555.
Hondos Center
Department store on 25 Avgoustou street in the centre of the shopping district.
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Fixed prices apply in most Heraklion shops; modest haggling is possible only at souvenir stalls on 1866 Street.
Ask for a bundle discount when buying several items from one stall.
Prices at the market for food are per kilo; check the sign before ordering.
Carry cash for market stalls; small shops often accept cards for purchases above EUR 10 (USD 11.50).
Compare olive oil and honey prices at two stalls before buying.
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Currency: Euro (EUR); 1 EUR is about 1.15 USD.
Vat: VAT is included in marked prices (24 percent standard rate).
Tax Free: Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds on purchases over EUR 50 (USD 57.50) from shops that offer Tax Free forms; present the form and unused goods at the airport customs desk.
Import Allowance: Non-EU travellers returning home are subject to their own country's allowances for alcohol and food; EU travellers face no limit for personal use.
Sunday Trading: Most shops close Sunday; tourist shops and 1866 Street souvenir stalls open on summer Sundays.
Eu Travellers: No customs or VAT refund applies within the EU.