Survival Guide

Welcome to

Heraklion !

Heraklion, the amazing amalgam of an ancient island and a bustling metropolis awaits you to discover its beauties

Heraklion

Heraklion Survival Guide

Table of contents Heraklion, the proud center of Crete

University of Crete

How to get to Heraklion

Map of the city

Hospitals and Labs

Boarding and lodging

Transportation

Exploring the City

Around the area

Events

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Heraklion

The proud center of Crete

Heraklion (Ηράκλειο in Greek) is the largest city and the largest urban

center in the island of Crete, South Greece, the capital of the region

and the economic center of the island. It is a very dynamic and

cosmopolitan town, particularly during the summer period when

thousands of visitors can be seen shopping in the market or visiting

the museums and other places of interest.

Heraklion is built near the ruins of Knossos, which was the capital of

the Minoan Crete. Minoans lived more than 4000 years ago and their

civilization was the first advanced civilization in the European

continent. There is no archaelogical evidence about it, but Knossos

may well have had a port at the site of Heraklion as early as 2000 BC.

The city of Heraklion begun to develop in the middle of the 9th

century AD by the Saracens. They built a moat around the city for

protection, and named the city الخندق ربض , abḍ al-ḫandaq ("Castle of

the Moat"). The Saracens allowed the port to be used as a safe haven

for pirates who operated against Imperial shipping and raided

Imperial territory around the Aegean. In later times, Heraklion came

under Byzantine, Arabic, Venetian and Ottoman rule; its conquerors

initially gave it the name Khandaq or Handak which was corrupted to

Candia, though the Cretans used to refer to it as the “Great Castle”.

Heraklion may seem confusing to a visitor at first, particularly if you

arrive expecting to see a picturesque little island town. It's

modernized and urbanized, a maelstrom of traffic, concrete and dust.

But behind this facade you can discover a vibrant working small

metropolis with a great number of attractive features which do much

to temper initial impressions. All over the city you can find traces of

its glorious past. Byzantine churches, Ottoman fountains and

Venetian walls have gotten into the landscape of the city.

University of Crete

It is the principal higher education institution on the island of Crete,

and one of the country's most academically acclaimed and reputable

ones. The University ranked 51st in the Times Higher Education

(THE) annual list of the top 100 universities founded in the past 50

years. It was established in 1973 and started functioning in the

academic year 1977-78.

The University of Crete, is a multi-disciplinary, research-oriented

institution, located in the cities of Rethymnon (official seat) and

Heraklion, in the island of Crete. It is a University well-known both

nationally and internationally for its state of the art research,

undergraduate curricula, and graduate programmes. It is considered

one of the best universities in Greece mainly due to its research

influence: it ranks in the top 400 Universities of the World by the

Times Higher Education list. It is notable that it achieves this

distinction although it has less than 30% of the faculty members in

comparison to other larger academic institutions in Greece. You can

find more information here.

Medical School of Heraklion

Originally envisaged in 1976 as part of a School of Health Sciences,

the Medical School was actually established in 1983 and received its

first students in 1984-85. Since 1989 the Medical School has been

operating at the Voutes Campus, Heraklion, adjoining the University

Hospital, which was inaugurated in the same year. This is one of the

newest medical and research complexes in Greece.

Since the inception of the Medical School, there has been an

emphasis on basic sciences and its integration with clinical practice

and research. This is reflected in the education and training programs

for undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as in bench and

clinical research. You can find more information here.

How to get to Heraklion

By plane

In the city, there is an international airport from where you can catch a

bus or taxi and within 15-20 minutes you will have arrived in the city

center. It has connections from all over the world and it boasts the

second highest traffic in Greece during the summer period. You can find

more information here.

By bus

If you arrive in the airport of Chania, you can reach Heraklion by bus (3

hours away). There are a lot of low cost flights that connect to Chania,

so you might also want to consider that option. You can find more

information about the timetables and ticket prices of the buses here.

By ferry

There is also a port that connects Heraklion with the port of Piraeus in

Athens and some small greek islands. The ferry travels at night, takes

about 9 hours and leaves from Piraeus at around 9:00 pm, and arrives

at around 6:00 am in Heraklion. During the summer period there is also

a morning route. Tickets to Heraklion cost about 22 euros with an ISIC

card.

Map of the city

How lost would you be if it weren’t for us?

This map is a valuable tool that lists many things of interest about the

city itself. We will keep it updated throughout your exchange with

things that we think are worth sightseeing, places to shop and dine,

nightlife areas and above all places that will be useful for your

exchange! Click on the map below to see more information. If you

notice something that you’d like to see as well, tell us and we’ll add

it!

Hospitals and Labs

University Hospital of Heraklion (PAGNH)

First opened its doors in 21/05/89, it is one of the newest tertiary care

hospitals in Greece. It covers all of Crete and most of the nearby

islands in tertiary care needs. You can find more information about it

here.

Here you may find a list of our research exchange projects and clinical

departments.

The University Hospital, hosts the SCOPE clinics while the medical

school next to it hosts the SCORE laboratories.

During the first day of your exchange your Contact Person will guide

you to your appointed clinic or laboratory, in order to greet you to

your professor.

Boarding & Lodging

Boarding

You will each get a meal per working day (Monday to Friday) from our

university cafeteria (located inside the medical school which is

attached to the University hospital. There will be a small variety of

foods available (3 main courses approximately with side dishes, salads

and desert/fruit) that you can choose from and that you can also pack

to go. If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences (lactose or

gluten intolerance, food allergies, vegeterianism, veganism etc.)

please let us know and we will try to accommodate you with

alternatives, because our university cafeteria's lunch menu is fixed and

unchangeable. Most of the meals are typical greek dishes that we eat

ourselves each day. During August, we will arrange for you to eat at a

local restaurant in the city center, as the university cafeteria is closed.

Please keep in mind during your stay here in Heraklion city:

The water from the tap is NOT suitable for drinking.

All locals drink bottled water that is available at very cheap prices in

supermarkets. We cook using regular water from the tap but we do

not drink it straight from the tap.

Lodging

Student Flat

Offered only during non-summer months, a student will open his or

her house to welcome you and to offer accommodation for your

exchange period. You are kindly requested to be polite with him/her

and to respect his/her property and remember that he/she opens

his/her house to make you feel more comfortable in a house instead

of staying in a hostel.

Student Dormitories

During the months of July and August you will be hosted in our

Student Dormitories. The building itself used to be part of the

Mathematics department and has since recently been renovated

internally and reused as Student Dorms. The exterior may look old

but it's the inside that counts. Most of the rooms have two single

beds in them so you’ll have a roommate! It is located right next to

Heraklion’s 2nd general hospital, Venizeleio Hospital (not the one

you’re placed in).

Accommodation

We'll provide you with two sets of towels (body, face and general

use) and two sets of sheets and also some kitchenware. The rooms

have a/c inside. Every two rooms are connected with a small hallway

that has closets, storage space and an external door. Each room has

its own bathroom with a standing shower (no bathtub). There are

also communal kitchens, washing machines and driers, and common

rooms. We will provide cleaning services once per 10 days, but in the

meantime we require you to keep the place in a proper condition.

We’ll also give you the Wi-Fi code upon arrival.

Transportation

How to reach the University and Hospital

The University and the Hospital are outside the city (Voutes area) but

next to each other, so both SCORE and SCOPE incomings use the

same bus. The number of the bus which you are going to use is

number 11 “Hospital-PAGNI”. You can get it from everywhere in the

center and it passes around every 15 minutes.

You can use any bus that passes from the hospital/university to go to

the center. There is also bus number 2 “Knossos”, that passes

approximately every hour, and it takes you directly to your

dormitories. You can even check here on your right, how long it is

going to take before it passes in front of you!

From the dormitory

You can use any bus that passes from your dormitory to go to the city

center.

In order to get to the University directly without changing buses in the

center, there is line number 21”Knossos/Mastampa-PAGNI” that

passes directly in front of your Dormitory and takes about 40’. Every

60’ from 7:00 till 15:00 and at 17:00, 19:00 and 21:00.

In order to get back to your dormitory (stop: Venizeleio Hospital) you

can use bus lines 2 “Knossos/Knossos Skalani” and 3 “Fortetsa”.

Keep in mind that buses throughout the city stop at around 23:00, and

that, during the weekend, and especially on Sunday, bus routes are

much more sparse than usual.

Where can I buy a ticket?

You can buy tickets from automatic machines in the center or from

the kiosks – “Periptera”. There are also ticket selling machines at the

bus stop in the university and at the one in the Hospital. You can find

more info as well as approximate times of arrival of city buses here.

During the beginning of your exchange we’re going to provide you

with a paper that states that you’re a university of Crete’s student for

the time period of your exchange. Thus, you will be able to buy

tickets with 25% discount, but you will have to carry it with you. If

you buy the ticket from the mentioned places, it costs 1.2 euros

(orange ticket). For routes solely inside the city center, the cost is 90

cents (green ticket, discounted). You need 1 ticket per route.

Keep the paper with you at all times. Many drivers may not accept

the paper from the university, so always carry an extra one with you.

Exploring the city Liberty square

It’s the main square of Heraklion, around which most of its traffic

passes around. It provides an excellent view of the harbor and is

mostly used as a meeting spot, as it is located next to everything.

Lions Square - “Liontaria”

The Lions in Heraklion is the square of the Fontana Morosini, the

ornate Venetian fountain with four lions with water gushing from their

mouths. The Fontana Morosini is in Eleftheriou Venizelou Square in the

centre of Heraklion, but the inhabitants of the city never use the

official name, usually referring to it as the Lions Square or the Lions

for short. There are many cafeterias, bars, clubs, shops and

restaurants in the streets that lead from here. It is the heart of the city

and it is filled with people at every time of the day (and the night).

Located right next to it, is St. Mark’s Basilica, where a lot of artistic

displays take place throughout the year, as well as the newly built

”Vikelaia” Library of Heraklion. You can also find St. Titus Church a

few meters away, whose blue dome dominates the night.

Fort Koules

The Venetian Castle of Heraklion is called Koules, which means fortress

in Turkish. It is an impressive fortress that surrounds the harbor of

Heraklion, Crete. The Koules Castle is a massive fortress with two

storeys that used to guard the entry to the port. The Castle was

constructed by the Venetians in the early 13th century, when they

conquered the town. Nowadays it has a 2km walkable port that is

referred to as the “Bypass high-way” due to the high number of middle

aged people walking at every time of the day there, as per doctor

recommendations. Very good for afternoon strolls.

The Seaside Highway

From fort Koules all the way to the other side of the city, the highway

is equipped with an amazing view of the Aegean, and a very long

walkway that you can get also ride bikes on. You can rent bikes for free

from the kiosk in the square below Talos plaza, the city’s mall, although

we do not recommend that you ride them in the centre of the city or in

the streets.

Georgiades Park

A beautiful Park located next to Liberty Square. It is just a perfect place

to escape from under the hot summer sun. An oasis of green in the

cement-fileld city. Not recommended late at night due to its

remoteness.

Archeological Museum of Herakion

Located in Liberty Square, it houses Crete’s most renowned treasures

such as the disk of Phaistos and many other artefacts found

in Knossos and other sites around Heraklion. An amazing museum, that

really reflects the magnificent history of our island. You can find more

information here.

Cretaquarium

A public aquarium located near the town of Gournes in Crete, Greece,

15 km east of the city of Heraklion. One of the biggest and most

modern aquariums in Europe, it is the habitat of lots of species located

in the Mediterranean. You can get there by using an intercity bus. You

can find more information about the aquarium here and about the

buses here.

The Minoan Palace of Knossos

Over 20,000 square meters and the largest of all Minoan palatial

structures. It was built of ashlar blocks, had many floors and was

decorated with really beautiful frescoes. The old palace was built

around 2000 BC but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1700 BC.

The newer, more complex palace, was built almost immediately

after the first one was destroyed. In the middle of the 15th Century

BC, the Achaeans took over the island of Crete and settled in the

palace. The palace was once again destroyed by fire in the middle

of the 14th Century BC and henceforth ceased to function as a

palatial centre. You can find more information here. You can get

there using bus No 2, it is right next to your dormitories.

St. Minas’ Cathedral

Located next to the city center, it is the church of the saint-patron

of the city and the largest temple in Heraklion.

The venetian Walls and their gates.

Surrounding the city center, the walls of the city have a walkway

on top that can be walked on, and it offers a spectacular view of

the city. Not recommended after nightfall due to lack of

illumination. You can also see there the tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis,

author of “Zorba the Greek” among other works. It is located in the

highest point of the city, with a spectacular view.

Around the area Around Heraklion there are many beaches that you can go using even

the city buses! But just in case you want to visit something further

away, here are our favourite picks from all around Crete.

The Caves of Matala, the village of Matala

The most ancient village in Crete lies about 70 km south of Heraklion.

Matala was the ancient port of Phaestos and Gortyn and a former

fishing community. The remains of the ancient city stay submerged

under the sea. It is built on the coastline of Messara bay inside a small

and beautiful inlet. This beach is famous for its artificial caves that are

carved into rocks located to the north of the coast.

Palm forest of Vai

It is one of the most popular sights in Crete and one of the most

beautiful and special places in the whole Mediterranean. It’s just like a

tropical beach, with its palm trees and small islet in the middle of the

bay. It is located 24 km east of Sitia (east Crete).

Plaka & Elounta

The village of Plaka is located in the stunning setting of the Mirabello

bay, right opposite the island that houses Spinalonga. It used to be

a tiny fishing village and only a few years ago was frequented by a

few individualistic travellers. Both are located a mere 5km from one

another and are very popular tourists’ destinations. From there you

can take a boat that will take you to Spinalonga Island.

The island of Spinalonga

Officially known as Kalydon, is located in the Gulf of Elounda in

north-eastern Crete next to the town of Plaka. The island was used

as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957. It is notable for being one of

the last active leper colonies in Europe. There were two entrances to

Spinalonga, one being the lepers' entrance, a tunnel known as

"Dante's Gate". This was named so, because the patients did not

know what was going to happen to them once they arrived.

Chania

Chania Town is the heart of the island, with all the major events taking

place there and some of the most popular beaches and the most

amazing restaurants, taverns, bars and cafes giving this amazing city a

different vibe. Right after Heraklion, the second largest city in Crete, the

cosmopolitan city of Chania will undoubtedly cast a spell on you

whichever type of holidays you prefer. Feel the local hospitality at every

step of your way in a place that will offer you the most amazing

beaches with exotic waters like Elafonissi, Balos and Falasarna.

Balos Lagoon

The famous lagoon of Balos is surely the mostly photographed beach in

Crete, a most favourite subject of all tourist guides for Greece. Balos is

famous for its turquoise waters, the wild natural beauty and the

beautiful exotic scenery. The sea is very shallow and warm.

Elafonissi

A tiny island with white sand, separated from the shore by a lagoon

no more than a metre deep. Elafonissi means “deer island”, but you

won’t see any deer on the island or in the surrounding area. The

island is 75km from Chania and it will take you about an hour and a

half to get there. The sand of Elafonissi is white, but in many places

it is pinkish due to the thousands of broken seashells it contains. The

limpid, blue-green waters will remind you of an exotic paradise.

Samaria Gorge

The Samaria gorge is the longest one in Europe. Rare flora and

fauna have survived in this area and are protected. The path starts

from Xyloskalo (near Omalos) in the White Mountains and comes to

an end at the village of Agia Roumeli at the Libyan sea. Walking

through the gorge usually takes from 3 to 5 hours. Nevertheless

beware: the Samaria gorge is not just an easy stroll. The path is

16km long and although it is maintained in good condition, it is quite

stony and also steep. You can find more info here.

Rethymnon

Today's old town (palia poli) is almost entirely built by the Venetians. It

is one of the best preserved old towns in Crete. The town still

maintains its old aristocratic appearance, with its buildings dating from

the 16th century, arched doorways, stone staircases and narrow

streets. The city's Venetian-era citadel, the Fortezza, is one of the best-

preserved castles in Crete.

Agios Nikolaos

A picturesque town in the east of the island. The town has three faces

to the sea: the Lake and port, Kitroplatia beach and the Marina. Its

unique features start with the lake ("Voulismeni"), a folklore-inspiringly

deep body of water which is connected to the sea by a narrow inlet. It

is surrounded and overlooked by cafes and restaurants - a busy

gathering place for local residents and visitors alike. A few km outside

of it you can find Siteia, a charming little town.

Events Depending on the month of your stay there are many events

happening in Heraklion, that you may be interested to see and

experience first-hand. Here you can find a complete list of events that

are happening in Heraklion throughout the year.

Festival of Matala

A three-days-long music festival on the beach of Matala is an

unforgettable experience that attracts tourists and world renowned

bands alike. It is an all-day free event, one of the biggest events in

Crete. Accommodation can be provided in Matala but people tend to

camp for the event. Usually, it happens around mid June. You can find

more information here.

On behalf of

The Local Committee of

Heraklion

We’re looking forward to meeting you!

National Exchange Officer (NEO)

National Officer on Research Exchange (NORE)

Publisher Hellenic Medical Students’ International Committee (HelMSIC)

General Secretariat Mikras Asias 75 Athens 11527

Greece Phone: +302107462033 E-mail: info@helmsic.gr

www.helmsic.gr

Copyright © 2016 - HelMSIC