The Bus Ride from Gouves to Heraklion
Almost every time we are in Crete, we take a trip to Heraklion. From Gouves it’s just abou t18 kilometers – perfect for a spontaneous day trip. Even the bus ride it self has become partof our Cretan tradition. The bus stop is only 300 meters from our hotel, and the local bus takes us straight into the
center of Heraklion. The ticket costs around €3.50 per person – cheap, easy, and a bit adventurous. We love watching the sea and olive trees along the way.
Strolling Through the City
Our first stop is usually Dedalou Street – a lively shopping avenue filled with small boutiques and charming local stores. Last year, I bought a tiny olive tree there, which still grows happily at home, reminding me of Crete every day.
In the old town market…
…you can find everything – fragrant spices, local olive oil, fresh fruits,
and handmade souvenirs. Afterwards, we stop at one of the restaurants on the main square for a light meal and refreshing cocktails while soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
The Venetian Harbor
The Venetian harbor, with its long promenade, is a place where time seems to slow down. From the beginning, it doesn’t look that far – but walking to the end takes much longer than expected. I walked maybe a hundred meters, my daughters twice as far, and they came back laughing: “That’s a really long walk!”
Visiting Knossos and a Little Anecdote
We also visited Knossos, the ancient Minoan palace where white peacocks walk freely among the ruins. On our first trip, we took the Hop-on Hop-off bus and got off at Knossos. It was an extremely hot day, and we decided to buy hats from a small shop across the street. The friendly old man who ran the shop insisted we try his homemade Raki. My daughters drank it politely, but he kept pouring more! After a few glasses, we couldn’t stop laughing.
When we returned to exchange a hat that broke, he offered us even more Raki. We finally escaped to the entrance of Knossos, a little dizzy but full of joy.
In the End
This day will stay in our memory for a long time – like a gentle ray of sunlight in the heart of our recollections.
