In short
Just steps away from the everyday buzz of the center, the Venetian Walls of Heraklion hold one of the city's most beautiful and most overlooked experiences. A true hidden gem, perfect for a quiet afternoon away from the noise of downtown.
A Bit of History
Through the centuries, these fortifications have seen Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans pass through Heraklion, each leaving their mark on the city. Today, the walls have been fully reclaimed by the city itself, transformed into a park where you can walk right along the top, looking down over the noisy streets and the everyday life below.
They're a living space, one you can actually walk through, and along the way you'll come across the grave of Nikos Kazantzakis at the Martinengo bastion, marked by his famous epitaph: "I hope for nothing, I fear nothing, I am free." It's a spot that draws visitors from all over the world and offers one of the most striking views of the city.
The Perfect Spot for an Afternoon Walk
As the sun starts to go down, the ridge of the walls turns into one of the best sunset spots in the whole city. The sky over the coastal avenue shifts into shades of orange and pink, the old stone glows gold, and the sea stretches out endlessly in front of you. For the very best view, head to St. Andrew bastion, near the Natural History Museum of Crete. From up there, you get an uninterrupted view of the sky melting into the sea, one of the most photographed sunsets in Heraklion.
The pathway atop the walls is also great for families. There's a playground for the little ones, and a small kiosk for a coffee or a cold drink while you take in the view. The pathway atop the walls is also great for families. There's a playground for the little ones, and a small kiosk for a coffee or a cold drink while you take in the view. The wide, open walkways are also great for a run or just a walk, away from cars and crowds.
Good to know:
One more thing worth knowing: the walls regularly host festivals and concerts, so it's worth checking social media for upcoming events before you go. In summer, the open air municipal cinema also runs there, with daily screenings for just 4 euros.
After the Walk…
Once you've enjoyed the sunset, the walk can easily continue with something delicious nearby. Lakkos and Smari are two small, traditional restaurants "kafeneia" close to the walls, each with its own character.
Lakkos sits right on the little square of the Lakkos neighborhood, an area once known for its refugees and rebetiko music. The walls between the tables are covered in paintings, strings of little lights hang overhead, and there's even a small photo exhibition, so it's the perfect place to chill and sip a cold beer.
Smari, on the other hand, is a small, family run restaurant. Don't skip the omelette there and make sure to try the grilled plates too, lovingly prepared by the family's grandmother and grandfather over the grill they light up every single night.