10 Local Nightlife Experiences in Heraklion
Where to Go in Heraklion at Night?
After a day spent exploring the Minoan ruins of Knossos or learning the local culture in the city’s museums, where do you find the best local nightlife experiences in Heraklion? Our guide will take you on a journey through the capital of Crete after dark.
Traverse through streets and neighbourhoods to find bars housed in ancient structures, lively and authentic tavernas or wild party clubs. It doesn’t matter if you prefer a modest craft ale in a no-frills local bar or dancing along to playlists from Crete’s best DJs and live vocalists, Heraklion will deliver a nightlife experience to remember.
1. Milatou Street
A colourful street full of entertainment
Ideal para: Alimentação, Vida noturna
Brimming with some of the city’s best bars and pubs, Milatou Street is a thriving hotspot for nightlife experiences. From sophisticated wine bars in classy restaurants to chilled out speakeasies serving the tastiest cocktails, you could spend all night here and still not discover everything this street has to offer.
Visit the unique Xalavro Open Bar that was once a dilapidated house but is now one of the most celebrated cocktail bars in Heraklion. Or spend an hour at La Brasserie, a vibrant bar serving up karaoke, Latin music and carefully curated DJ setlists. Alternatively, take a seat at one of the tavern terraces and enjoy the cool night air with all the warm ambiance that Greece is known for.
Localização: Heraklion 712 02, Greece
Milatou Street
2. Theotokopoulos Park
A convivial green space
Ideal para: Vida noturna, Casais
By day, Theotokopoulos Park is an inviting and relaxing green space in central Heraklion but by night, it transforms into a vivid social hub for residents and visitors alike. All manner of surrounding bars and eateries spill out onto the park, and don’t be surprised if the festivities go on until the early hours.
Grab an ice-cold beer and sit amongst the plants, listening to live music drifting from the bars. Such a lovely open space is also perfect for a little stargazing with a glass of wine. Why not spread a blanket on the ground, lie down and marvel at the skies with a special someone for a romantic date night?
Localização: Theotokopoulou 30, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
Theotokopoulos Park
3. Venetian Port
Ancient Venetian-built harbour
Ideal para: Casais, Vida noturna, Foto
You’ll find the stunning Venetian Port in the heart of Heraklion, and its unique Venetian and Ottoman architecture will leave you astounded. After you’ve photographed the twinkling lights dancing over the imposing Koules fortress, stroll along the marina to the sound of lively chatter and live music until the smell of sizzling seafood entices you into one of the many restaurants.
Now only used by yachts and fishing boats, the Venetian Port has become a major attraction for those seeking a calmer alternative to Heraklion’s clubs. It’s the place to go when you want to savour a glass of ouzo whilst admiring the sea, serenaded by an occasional concert on the ramparts of the Koules fortress.
Localização: I. Merineli 2, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
Venetian Port
4. Leoforos Sofokli Venizelou
A bustling seaside street
Ideal para: Casais, Vida noturna, Alimentação
With gorgeous and peaceful waterfront views, it’s easy to see why Leoforos Sofokli Venizelou attracts visitors of all kinds. The street is especially pretty come sunset when you can watch the blue sea transform into a burning rainbow of red and orange from the tranquil Karavolas Park or Nearchou Square.
A multitude of taverns and bars line the long street, so it won’t be difficult to find somewhere to enjoy the night. ENVY is a particularly popular choice, unmissable thanks to its iconic castle-like facade, and we love their incredible sushi platters and delicious pizzas.
Localização: Heraklion 713 03, Greece
Leoforos Sofokli Venizelou
5. Malia
World-famous electrifying nightlife scene
Ideal para: Vida noturna, Casais
If you’d like to experience Heraklion nightlife away from the city, why not travel 30 minutes east to the coastal town of Malia? Still in Crete’s Heraklion region, Malia’s iconic strip is world-famous for its wild parties and dynamic clubs.
Challenge your friends to beer pong in the Street Bar before grooving to the cheesiest 80s, 90s and 00s pop tunes in the Pop Bar. If R&B is more your vibe then you’ll want the Apollo Club, which is frequently described as Malia’s best nightclub. Don’t be fooled by the Candy Club’s cute pink and white striped exterior either, because inside you’ll find the latest chart-topping DJs and mind-blowing events.
Localização: Malia 700 07, Greece
Malia
6. Edem Island Beach Bar
An amorous nightspot for couples
Ideal para: Casais, Vida noturna, Econômico
If the idea of a great night involves a laidback bar right on the sand that serves the tastiest cocktails on the beach, then Edem Island Beach Bar will deliver. Located on the golden Ammoudara beach, by day it’s a chilled-out bar serving casual and inexpensive, but delicious, food and drink. When night falls, the space becomes elegant and intimate, perfect for romantic nights under the stars.
Innovative cocktails take centre stage here and are best appreciated beside the quiet rumbling of waves, mesmerising views and great company. Edem Island Beach Bar encourages you to live the island life, where ‘summer is eternal’.
Localização: Leof. Andrea Papandreou 209, Gazi 714 14, Greece
Abre: Daily from 9 am to 1 am
Telefone: +30 69 3479 1046
Edem Island Beach Bar
7. Jailhouse Rock Bar
A classic rock and roll bar
Ideal para: Vida noturna, Viagens alternativas
You can’t say that the Jailhouse Rock Bar doesn’t know how to set the atmosphere. Housed inside a 1,100-year-old arcade that was once an Arab-Byzantine fortification, this rock and roll bar is one of the most unique nightlife experiences in Heraklion. The quirky, vintage decor sets a moody tone that goes hand in hand with the classic rock tunes playing over the speakers.
Guests rave about the drinks selection, which is not only vast but also boasts some of the more obscure, top-quality spirits. You can expect live bands on occasion too, as well as themed parties and events that will really help to make your Cretan holiday memorable.
Localização: Agiostefaniton 19, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
Abre: Monday–Saturday from 7 pm to 4 am (closed on Sundays)
Telefone: +30 69 7333 4093
Jailhouse Rock Bar
8. Guernica
Will have you returning time and time again
Ideal para: Vida noturna, Casais
Touted as one of the oldest and most authentic bars in Heraklion, Guernica charms its visitors with colourful mosaics, a picturesque courtyard and a friendly atmosphere. You’ll love sitting amongst the greenery and stargazing with an ice-cold beverage in hand.
Guernica’s interior is no less inviting with a romantic fireplace and replicas of famous paintings adorning the walls, including the bar’s namesake: Picasso’s Guernica. The music is of various genres and always played loud, so you’re sure to hear some tunes you can dance to. We won’t be surprised if you become a regular during your stay.
Localização: Andreou Kritis 2, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
Abre: Daily from 6 pm to 3 am
Telefone: +30 28 1034 3880
Guernica
9. Bofor Music Stage
A spectacular live music club
Ideal para: Vida noturna, Casais
Located close to the street of Leoforos Sofokli Venizelou, the Bofor Music Stage is an ideal place to end your night on a high after an evening of bar hopping. You’d be forgiven if, at first glance, you thought Bofor was like a regular nightclub with a thumping sound system and flashing lights. However, you’ll soon realise that people flock here for more than the DJ beats.
Instead, they come for incredible live music performed by a talented band, with a regular rotating host of vocalists. With a multitude of genres, the Bofor caters for all audiences with music so good you won’t be able to resist dancing along.
Localização: Doukos Mpofor 10, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
Telefone: +30 69 4837 1397
Bofor Music Stage
10. Beer O’Clock
For craft beer connoisseurs
Ideal para: Vida noturna, Alimentação
Describing itself as a ‘rock bistro’, Beer O’Clock prides itself on delivering over 100 types of beer from all over the world, alongside mouth-watering burgers. Whether you want to sample handcrafted beers produced in Crete or something more international, you’ll have a huge range of drinks to choose from.
Sit indoors and you’ll be treated to a soundtrack of vintage rock as you drink, or let the cool night breeze and a cold beer refresh you in the outside seating area. Some visitors declare the Beer O’Clock’s burgers to be the best on the island, so make sure you try one and see for yourself.
Localização: Par. Minotavrou, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
Abre: Monday–Saturday from noon to 1 am (closed on Sundays)
Telefone: +30 28 1034 4161
Beer O'Clock
Este artigo inclui opiniões da equipe editorial dos Go Guides. A Hoteis.com remunera os autores dos textos publicados neste site, o que pode incluir custos de viagens e outras despesas.