Accommodation in Heraklion:
It is highly recommended that you book accommodation in Heraklion and not near FORTH (which in any case there aren't many options, perhaps some Airbnb).
If anybody is planning to enjoy a few more days, Ammodoudara area is also an option. It is where the main "city beach" is. A long sandy beach outside Heraklion. You will need a taxi (10 min) to go from Ammoudara to FORTH and a taxi (10-15 min) or bus (20-25 min) to go to the city center.
There many options for accommodations in Heraklion which can be explored using Booking.com.
A number of hotels offer reduced rates for visitors of FORTH. These are:
- Aquila Atlantis Hotel (5*) - possible sea view
- Megaron (5*) - possible sea view
- Lato Boutique Hotel (4*) - possible sea view
- Capsis Astoria (4*)
- Ibis Styles Hotel (4*)
- Olive Green Hotel (4*)
- Metropole (4*)
- Marin Hotel (3*) - possible sea view
- Atrion Hotel (3*)
- Hotel Kastro (3*)
To obtain the FORTH rates, which are likely but not 100% certain lower than what Booking.com offers, you need to contact each hotel directly and mention that you are a visitor of FORTH.
All hotels mentioned in the above list are within walking distance to the city center with easy access to public transportation. Please check this Google map to obtain a useful perspective.
Restaurants
There are very many good restaurants in Heraklion. If one avoids the ones displaying photos of their plates, it's hard to go wrong. A number of restaurants with good food all within ~10 min walking distance from the city center. You may use Google Maps to locate them, as well as Tripadvisor to read reviews.
- Petousis - Excellent traditional Cretan cuisine
- Kouzineri - exceptional high quality steak house
- Peskesi - more elaborate/original cretan dishes
- Plani - small restaurant with a yeard with traditional Greek/Cretan cuisine
- Koukouvagia - more elaborate greek/cretan selections
- Ippokampos - excellent seafood selection just by the old port
- Paralia - excellent seafood selection just by the old port
- Mare coffee bar & food - breakfast/lunch/dinner coffe/drinks by the sea
