delicious ideas in the city center
Here you can see a list of my favorite places for food. Of course you will find many more as you walk around the city and most of them are good, as most restaurants in Heraklion work all year round for the locals and are not just touristic and seasonal . So feel safe to eat where you like but depending on your taste try my suggestions as well!
Of course don't miss the chance to eat souvlaki and gyros,the traditional greek fast food!
Authentic traditional Cretan cuisine with a great spirit of hospitality, excellent choises of wine. Reservation might be needed.
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Merastri
17 ChrisostomouAuthentic traditional Cretan cuisine with a great spirit of hospitality, excellent choises of wine. Reservation might be needed.
ΣΙΓΑ ΣΙΓΑ means SLOWLY SLOWLY. This place exists since 1999 and is a traditional greek kafeneio with great mezedes and nice atmosphere.In the very city center stop here for raki or a cold beer.
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Siga Siga
2 MinotavrouΣΙΓΑ ΣΙΓΑ means SLOWLY SLOWLY. This place exists since 1999 and is a traditional greek kafeneio with great mezedes and nice atmosphere.In the very city center stop here for raki or a cold beer.
I love this place. Great homemade food in a traditional kafeneio with the best host,Mitsos who cooks and serves and is the spirit of this unique restaurant where you can stare at the pictures around for hours and learn a bit more about the revolutionary history of Greece. Politics,art,great food and good wine. What else could you ask?! Its also very close to the apartment!
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The cafe of Kagiampi
12 MonofatsiouI love this place. Great homemade food in a traditional kafeneio with the best host,Mitsos who cooks and serves and is the spirit of this unique restaurant where you can stare at the pictures around for hours and learn a bit more about the revolutionary history of Greece. Politics,art,great food and good wine. What else could you ask?! Its also very close to the apartment!
Eating here is an experience! Every single plate has something, a touch of magic I might say! Creative greek cuisine in a cosy yard in an old neighborhood in the city center. That's why you have to make a reservation!
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Vourvouladikon
50 Monis KardiotissisEating here is an experience! Every single plate has something, a touch of magic I might say! Creative greek cuisine in a cosy yard in an old neighborhood in the city center. That's why you have to make a reservation!
If you have an appetite for fish this is the place to go. Best quality of seafood on the seaside next to Kules castle. First choice for locals for over 20 years.
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Ippokampos
3 Leof. Sofokli VenizelouIf you have an appetite for fish this is the place to go. Best quality of seafood on the seaside next to Kules castle. First choice for locals for over 20 years.
A very interesting and alternative place with best quality falafel and fresh salads. Enjoy a healthy breakfast or meal with fresh bio products, nice atmosphere and friendly staff.
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The chickpea
9 MeramvellouA very interesting and alternative place with best quality falafel and fresh salads. Enjoy a healthy breakfast or meal with fresh bio products, nice atmosphere and friendly staff.
Traditional cretan cuisine served with a gourmet touch in a nice atmosphere. Very central, situated behind Lions Square in an old renovated building. A cultural experience you should try but first make a reservation!
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Peskesi
6-8 Kapetan CharalampiTraditional cretan cuisine served with a gourmet touch in a nice atmosphere. Very central, situated behind Lions Square in an old renovated building. A cultural experience you should try but first make a reservation!
Creative Mediterranean cuisine, great choices of wine, nice atmosphere in the center of the city. Famous for its meat quality. Excellent choice for a nice meal.
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Kouzineri
& EvropisCreative Mediterranean cuisine, great choices of wine, nice atmosphere in the center of the city. Famous for its meat quality. Excellent choice for a nice meal.
Situated on a central pedestrian street a good choice for a nice Greek meal before or after shopping in Daidalou street or when visiting the archaeological museum.
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Adipodas
13 KoraiSituated on a central pedestrian street a good choice for a nice Greek meal before or after shopping in Daidalou street or when visiting the archaeological museum.
If you are in a mood for rock, cold beer and a yummy burger this is your place!
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beer o'clock
Parodos MinotavrouIf you are in a mood for rock, cold beer and a yummy burger this is your place!
Creative Mediterranean cuisine of high quality. Always a choice for the locals. Try the desserts as well!
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Prassin Aloga
21 KidoniasCreative Mediterranean cuisine of high quality. Always a choice for the locals. Try the desserts as well!
Goody's Burger House
6 MichelidakiGreek fast food. Why not?!
Traditional kafeneio just a few steps away from the flat. Visit for a greek coffe or raki and meze.
Καφενείο Φουσκας
1-7 LasthenousTraditional kafeneio just a few steps away from the flat. Visit for a greek coffe or raki and meze.
I love this place! You can enjoy your coffee in the back yard, have a tasty meal or have a drink in a nice environment, which can be dark or colorful, quiet or lively, depending on the hour or your mood ! Definitely check it out!
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Μαύρος Κάτης
2 Agiou MinaI love this place! You can enjoy your coffee in the back yard, have a tasty meal or have a drink in a nice environment, which can be dark or colorful, quiet or lively, depending on the hour or your mood ! Definitely check it out!
Vranas
13 KarterouVery fresh fish! Located in the central fish market serves fresh sea plates.
Great food in a quite yard. You might get lucky and attend one of the live performances there(usually rembetiko music with bouzouki etc) If by any chance you are interested in rembetiko ask for additional info.
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Vardis Taverna
Kianis AktisGreat food in a quite yard. You might get lucky and attend one of the live performances there(usually rembetiko music with bouzouki etc) If by any chance you are interested in rembetiko ask for additional info.
Lakouba
Kafeneio with an attitude! Serves several interesting small plates.
A well preserved secret garden in the city center. Delicious homemade food and mezedes by Maria.
Ontas Taverna
25 EllisA well preserved secret garden in the city center. Delicious homemade food and mezedes by Maria.
Here you can taste traditional lamb cooked by the fire,the way they do it in Anogeia. Only for meat lovers!!!
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O,ti Thes
85 PlastiraHere you can taste traditional lamb cooked by the fire,the way they do it in Anogeia. Only for meat lovers!!!
Serves cooked food. Nice environment,good quality, years of experience. You can also enjoy breakfast or coffee here as the bakery is right next to the kitchen.
Veneris Bakery
10 GiannitsonServes cooked food. Nice environment,good quality, years of experience. You can also enjoy breakfast or coffee here as the bakery is right next to the kitchen.
I need a drink!
Well you are on vacation so you need to relax and have a drink! Here are some ideas.
If you are a beer lover you might find it interesting to try some local beers-not only the "famous" ones(fix,mythos,alpha,etc) -ask for cretan ones( ΣΟΛΟ,Brinks(Rethymnian beer) ...)
If you are a wine lover, than you are in paradise as there are numerous wines to taste and wineries to visit(ask for additional info). Of course you must try raki ,with food,fruit or sweets,always a good time for cold raki!
From early in the morning for a coffee break till late in the night for a cold drink, Polytechnion rocks around the clock!!! Try the cocktails here. You will be surprised! Keep in mind you might find some special event going on there, a party or a live performance. Or you might meet some famous greek artists as they often visit after their concerts!
Polytechneio Cafe
9-11 PsaromiligkonFrom early in the morning for a coffee break till late in the night for a cold drink, Polytechnion rocks around the clock!!! Try the cocktails here. You will be surprised! Keep in mind you might find some special event going on there, a party or a live performance. Or you might meet some famous greek artists as they often visit after their concerts!
Xalavro Open Bar
10 MilatouOpen bar in the city center. Enjoy!
Roof garden in the city center. Enjoy your coffee or drink and grab a bite. One of my favorites!
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THINK TANK
7 Andreou KritisRoof garden in the city center. Enjoy your coffee or drink and grab a bite. One of my favorites!
A wine bar just a few min away from the Lions square. Serves great cocktails as well.
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OPUS
ΧαραλάμπηA wine bar just a few min away from the Lions square. Serves great cocktails as well.
An interesting bar located in the Lions square. Great music,wonderful drinks.
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The Bitters Bar
25 IdisAn interesting bar located in the Lions square. Great music,wonderful drinks.
Dark Tales
3 VlastonRock, metal, gothic, dark! The only one in the city!
Guernica
2 Andreou KritisThis bar is old, is classic, is good!
Great place! Excellent service. Serves yummy dishes, good coffee, a variety of beers and wines and delightful cocktails. Situated in a park any time of the day is good for a stop there!
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Crop
street AretousasGreat place! Excellent service. Serves yummy dishes, good coffee, a variety of beers and wines and delightful cocktails. Situated in a park any time of the day is good for a stop there!
Food and drinks around the city
Here is a list of places you can visit outside the city. Just a few ideas.
Well this is the best bar to chill out and relax, enjoy your drink or cocktail, taste a variety of beers and listen to good music right in front of the beach. Totally recommended!!!
μπαράκι Μαρίας στις Γούβες (ή αλλιώς πειρατικό ή αλλιώς λεωφορείο ή αλλιώς)
Well this is the best bar to chill out and relax, enjoy your drink or cocktail, taste a variety of beers and listen to good music right in front of the beach. Totally recommended!!!
Beautifull place on the beach. Relax and enjoy your coffee, lunch, dinner or drink on the beach. Romantic, chill out, nice music, great food, variety of cocktails. Sounds good?!
13 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
ISLA Party Restaurant
Μαρίνα ΓουβώνBeautifull place on the beach. Relax and enjoy your coffee, lunch, dinner or drink on the beach. Romantic, chill out, nice music, great food, variety of cocktails. Sounds good?!
The best taverna in Hersonissos. Great food! It is not central but it is worth to visiting.
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Areston Taverna
60 EleftheriasThe best taverna in Hersonissos. Great food! It is not central but it is worth to visiting.
Διχαλο ταβερνα
ChersonisouGreat meat plates ! You can even enjoy a ribeye here! Recommended!
Gourmet restaurant in Skalani. Enjoy Argyro's creative plates.
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Elia and Diosmos - Olive-Mint
1 DimokratiasGourmet restaurant in Skalani. Enjoy Argyro's creative plates.
Traditional family tavern with homemade cretan food. This place has even been awarded! Not so beautiful but very yummy!
Tavern Marazakis Nikos [traditional Cretan cuisine]
263 DimokratiasTraditional family tavern with homemade cretan food. This place has even been awarded! Not so beautiful but very yummy!
Things to do in Heraklion.
Welcome to Heraklion! A lively and historic city in the center of Crete.
I have lived here most of my life so I know a few things I can share with you, my guests! Here are some things I suggest you do while you are here. I chose places that are either in the city or outside but easy to access. Of course there are much more places to visit around Crete or in the area but you should better ask for particular info. I will be happy to help you plan your trip.
Although what you see might not be exactly real, as archaeologists( Evans) have re-created the palace, you will get a good idea of what this great sophisticated culture was like.
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Minoan Palace of Knossos
8 ΦειδίουAlthough what you see might not be exactly real, as archaeologists( Evans) have re-created the palace, you will get a good idea of what this great sophisticated culture was like.
One of the most important museums of Greece. You must visit. Here you will also see actual findings from the Knossos palace and much more.
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Heraklion Archaeological Museum
1 ChatzidakiOne of the most important museums of Greece. You must visit. Here you will also see actual findings from the Knossos palace and much more.
A very interesting museum about the history and culture of Crete. Has a nice cafe too.
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Historical Museum of Crete
27 Leof. Sofokli VenizelouA very interesting museum about the history and culture of Crete. Has a nice cafe too.
On the Venetian walls of the city you will see the tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis, the great Cretan author. It's a chance to take a walk over the walls to see the city from a different view.
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Grave Monument of Kazantzakis
ΚρήτηςOn the Venetian walls of the city you will see the tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis, the great Cretan author. It's a chance to take a walk over the walls to see the city from a different view.
If you are an admirer of Nikos Kazantzakis you might want to visit the museum dedicated to his life and work.
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Kazantzakis Museum
If you are an admirer of Nikos Kazantzakis you might want to visit the museum dedicated to his life and work.
Kules is a Venetian castle situated in the entrance of the harbor of Heraklion. It is a well preserved castle you can visit during the day and also a nice place to take a long walk and relax. Also a common running place if you need some exercise.
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Rocca a Mare Fortress
Kules is a Venetian castle situated in the entrance of the harbor of Heraklion. It is a well preserved castle you can visit during the day and also a nice place to take a long walk and relax. Also a common running place if you need some exercise.
Saint Minas is the city's cathedral. Interesting if you are into religious tourism. Behind the church there is a nice square where you can have a coffee. Also visit the small old church next to the cathedral and Saint Katherine's church on the back side.
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Saint Minas Church See of the Archbishop of Crete
25 Agiou MinaSaint Minas is the city's cathedral. Interesting if you are into religious tourism. Behind the church there is a nice square where you can have a coffee. Also visit the small old church next to the cathedral and Saint Katherine's church on the back side.
Situated behind Saint Minas cathedral an ecclesiastic museum.
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Ecclesiastical Museum Agia Ekaterini
1 Monis OdigitriasSituated behind Saint Minas cathedral an ecclesiastic museum.
The symbol of Heraklion the Lions fountain is the very center of city, a common meeting place and the starting point for your walks around the city.
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Lions Square
The symbol of Heraklion the Lions fountain is the very center of city, a common meeting place and the starting point for your walks around the city.
A very interesting and beautiful church in the city center. It was build as a mosque and now is an orthodox church.
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Agios Titos Church
Platia Agiou TitouA very interesting and beautiful church in the city center. It was build as a mosque and now is an orthodox church.
Another Venetian monument that is currently the Town Hall of Heraklion. In between the Lions square and Saint Titus church.
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Venetian Loggia - Town Hall
92 25is AvgoustouAnother Venetian monument that is currently the Town Hall of Heraklion. In between the Lions square and Saint Titus church.
The Venetian basilka of saint markus is a municipality art gallery. Check if an exhibition is running while you are here. It's opposite the Lions Square.
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Βασιλική Αγίου Μάρκου
The Venetian basilka of saint markus is a municipality art gallery. Check if an exhibition is running while you are here. It's opposite the Lions Square.
A very interesting museum where you can see dinosaurs, animals that live in Crete, live the stimulation of an earthquake and visit other exhibitions that take place around the year.
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The Natural History Museum of Crete
Leoforos Sofokli VenizelouA very interesting museum where you can see dinosaurs, animals that live in Crete, live the stimulation of an earthquake and visit other exhibitions that take place around the year.
Another interesting place you can visit, Thalassokosmos is an exiting aquarium where you can see all kinds of sea creatures, even sharks!
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Cretaquarium - Thalassocosmos
Another interesting place you can visit, Thalassokosmos is an exiting aquarium where you can see all kinds of sea creatures, even sharks!
Traditional village introducing tourists to the way Cretans lived in the older times. You have coffee or a meal as well.
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Arolithos Traditional Cretan Village
Traditional village introducing tourists to the way Cretans lived in the older times. You have coffee or a meal as well.
Dinosauria Park
If you are a dino lover check this place!
Planetarium of Crete. I have not visited yet but I hear its interesting.
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Planet Crete
556 Palea EO Irakliou Agiou NikolaouPlanetarium of Crete. I have not visited yet but I hear its interesting.
During the summer an artistic festival takes place in this theater and many other places around the city. For more information you will find the program of the festivals in the flat. Check it out, you might have a chance to see something interesting!
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Kipotheatron "N. Kazantzakis"
1 Geor. GeorgiadouDuring the summer an artistic festival takes place in this theater and many other places around the city. For more information you will find the program of the festivals in the flat. Check it out, you might have a chance to see something interesting!
This is a cinema where you can see all the latest movies. But also a festival runs where famous Greek singers and theaters perform. Check online for the appearances while you are here.
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Technópolis
116 Leof. Andrea PapandreouThis is a cinema where you can see all the latest movies. But also a festival runs where famous Greek singers and theaters perform. Check online for the appearances while you are here.
One of the beaches that are closer to the city. Its next to the airport and it gets quite exiting watching the airplanes land.
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Amnissos beach
One of the beaches that are closer to the city. Its next to the airport and it gets quite exiting watching the airplanes land.
Long sandy beach near heraklion in touristic area. Easy to access by bus.
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Ammoudara
Long sandy beach near heraklion in touristic area. Easy to access by bus.
Watercity Waterpark Crete
AnopolisWater games !!!
What about riding a horse in the sunset on the beach ?
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Ktima Ippikou Omilou Irakleiou
What about riding a horse in the sunset on the beach ?
Pancretan Stadium
Lots of sports facilities.
Coffee please!
We Greeks LOVE coffee! You might know frappe-the famous cold coffee made in greece but you should also try a greek coffee, served hot, always prepared with "meraki"! Of course cappuccino is also very famous here but we have invented freddo! It is cold coffee espresso or cappuccino. Try it!
Old Cafe
19 KagiampiTraditional kafeneio on a shady pedestrian street.
Indigo
76 25is AvgoustouSpeciality cafe with great view to Saint Titus square.
Speciality coffee served by the best baristas in the city. Great plates and sweets too.
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Hacienda.
25 Leof. Andrea PapandreouSpeciality coffee served by the best baristas in the city. Great plates and sweets too.
Kirkor
31 Pl. El. VenizelouEnjoy your coffee in the central square with a bougatsa! Yummy!
The only cafe looking to the Kule castle. Beautiful place to take a break while walking around the harbor.
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Cafe Marina
19 Leof. MpoforThe only cafe looking to the Kule castle. Beautiful place to take a break while walking around the harbor.
FIX CAFE
2 AretousasClassic and loved cafe in the park.
Yummy homemade pies with vegetables and meat and delicious handmade ice cream with fresh milk. Take a break here for a snack!
Kosmiri
22 KidoniasYummy homemade pies with vegetables and meat and delicious handmade ice cream with fresh milk. Take a break here for a snack!
On the back side of Saint Minas Cathedral Miniatoura serves quality coffe and drinks as well as great dishes and sweets. Nice for breakfast or branch.
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Miniatoura
11 Monis OdigitriasOn the back side of Saint Minas Cathedral Miniatoura serves quality coffe and drinks as well as great dishes and sweets. Nice for breakfast or branch.
just a few ideas
Just a few ideas on other things you might like
Thrix Mix HAIR & SKIN
21 MilatouJust in case you need a change on your style. Hair, tattoo and piercing.
arts and crafts. You can also print or photocopy something you might need on your journey.
paperworld.gr
6 Agiou Minaarts and crafts. You can also print or photocopy something you might need on your journey.
Stadio Eleftherias
9 PiranthouStadium in the city(close to the apartment too).Perfect for your run or training.
Super market close to the appartment. Here you can also find lots of greek and cretan products.
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Super Market Xalkiadakis
7 KoroneouSuper market close to the appartment. Here you can also find lots of greek and cretan products.
Nice little store where you can finda selected traditional products, fresh Bio fruit and vegetables and a variety of herbs and spices. Located in the central market.
Τό Ἀλάτι τῆς Γῆς - Salt of the earth
4 GiannitsonNice little store where you can finda selected traditional products, fresh Bio fruit and vegetables and a variety of herbs and spices. Located in the central market.
If you like Crete and want to stay for ever then you will need an agent to help you find your new home!
ΜΙΝΩΪΚΗ γη
21 KatechakiIf you like Crete and want to stay for ever then you will need an agent to help you find your new home!
ο χοχλιός
This place is a few steps away from the flats entrance in Mastracha Str. It is a co-operative space where you can shop bio,ecological and traditional products. You can also sit to enjoy your coffee or taste mezedes prepared every day for your delight. Several events are also organized there.
Mastracha 8
8 Mastrachaο χοχλιός
This place is a few steps away from the flats entrance in Mastracha Str. It is a co-operative space where you can shop bio,ecological and traditional products. You can also sit to enjoy your coffee or taste mezedes prepared every day for your delight. Several events are also organized there.
This is Da. It is a self-managed social space for discussions, exhibitions, concerts, assemblies and other cultural, social and political events that began to operate in the spring of 2015 in Heraklion, Crete. It brings together diverse and related groups and individuals with the expectation for participation, self-organization and social engagement.
In particular, DA provides space for ConQueer, the Solidarity Initiative for Refugees and Immigrants, the Organizational Group of the Integral Cooperative of Heraklion, the Solidarity Initiative for VioMe as well as the independent group Art and Politics on a weekly basis. Apart from these, the site also gives other people or collectives the opportunity to exhibit their work, perform events, produce shows, organize bazaars, collective kitchens or anything else that promotes equality, solidarity and self-organization.
In case you have questions about how the space works, you want to receive the news of Da. or suggest / organize something here, contact your management team by sending a message here or at da@riseup.net.
categories
Da is right behind the appartments entrance and next to your balcony.
Da
15 NtentidakidonThis is Da. It is a self-managed social space for discussions, exhibitions, concerts, assemblies and other cultural, social and political events that began to operate in the spring of 2015 in Heraklion, Crete. It brings together diverse and related groups and individuals with the expectation for participation, self-organization and social engagement.
In particular, DA provides space for ConQueer, the Solidarity Initiative for Refugees and Immigrants, the Organizational Group of the Integral Cooperative of Heraklion, the Solidarity Initiative for VioMe as well as the independent group Art and Politics on a weekly basis. Apart from these, the site also gives other people or collectives the opportunity to exhibit their work, perform events, produce shows, organize bazaars, collective kitchens or anything else that promotes equality, solidarity and self-organization.
In case you have questions about how the space works, you want to receive the news of Da. or suggest / organize something here, contact your management team by sending a message here or at da@riseup.net.
categories
Da is right behind the appartments entrance and next to your balcony.
Culture, art, politics, cinema, music. This is a cultural meeting point just under your feet, on the ground floor.
Ξύλινη Tabya
Culture, art, politics, cinema, music. This is a cultural meeting point just under your feet, on the ground floor.
sweet ideas
Several ideas on where to taste the most interesting sweet creations in the city.
It is not central or easy to find but this ice cream is made with love and passion and the best ingredients. I totaly recommend it! Actually I'm addicted to it!
Παγωτό από τη Στέλλα
29 PriansouIt is not central or easy to find but this ice cream is made with love and passion and the best ingredients. I totaly recommend it! Actually I'm addicted to it!
Gloria
45 ChrisostomouThe best milkpie (galaktoboureko) in the city.
Eiffel Γλυκοπωλείο
11 Leof. IoniasSweet sweet sweet
Mpougatsa is a kind of a pie with milk cream,served with cinnamon. If you are on Lions Square take a break and try it!
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Kirkor
31 Pl. El. VenizelouMpougatsa is a kind of a pie with milk cream,served with cinnamon. If you are on Lions Square take a break and try it!
Storoloi
Plateia Kallergonyummy ice cream on Lions Square