The Best Bars in Heraklion, Crete
The capital of Crete is of course tourist central, with flights rumbling in from across Europe. So there’s a lively after-dark scene catering for hedonistic young holidaymakers and laid-back older couples alike. If you want trad-Greek-taverna-style watering holes you’ll find atmospheric spots on every corner – and in between. If you want to mingle with modern Cretans and savour the city’s finest bars beyond the tourist haunts, you might need a steer. That’s where we come in – our list of the best bars in Heraklion will speed you to the most coveted oases in the city.
1. Xalavro Cocktail Bar
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Cocktails
This chic, cavernous space spills out onto a large, balmy terrace: a modern bar furnished with rope and wicker decor in caramel hues. Its mixologists mean business. Far from your usual piña colada holiday fare, this is where you can get a whisky soda laced with popcorn, or a vodka swizzle featuring avocado and black pepper. Dressed-up couples on dates and suited after-work types meet here to unwind over mellow, clubby music. But holidaymakers will adore it too.
2. The Bitters Bar
Bar, Greek, Coffee
3. Opus
Bar, Restaurant, Wine Bar, Wine, Mediterranean, Greek
5. Dish Bar
Bar, Restaurant, Greek, European, Contemporary, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Pub Grub
6. Pagopoieion
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Restaurant, Contemporary
The name of this high-ceilinged, industrial space translates as “ice factory”. It’s certainly cool, with glasses dangling downward from a black-lacquered metal bar. But there’s nothing frosty about the welcome, as brunchers or after-work drinkers flow in for poached eggs, burgers – and later – ice-packed mojitos and sangrias. The crowd here is mostly young-professional locals, so aim to rub shoulders – and make the most of the tourist-free atmosphere for an evening.
7. Wets & Drys Days and Nights
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Restaurant, Contemporary
Heraklion’s only speakeasy has interiors much cooler than its name suggests. After entering – a code is required – you descend the black-painted staircase to discover exposed-stone walls, teal-and-grey cushioned seating, marbled tables and bold, tropical-print wallpaper. All in all a colourful setting that feels more contemporary than the competition. Hail one of the handsome barmen for an expertly mixed martini or Manhattan. Peckish? You can have dinner here, too.
8. Stone Project Cocktail Bar
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Cocktails
“Let’s dance!” suggests a Bowie-inspired lightning flash of neon art at this edgy cocktail bar, where tasselled vintage lamps hang above a glass counter filled with old cassette tapes. Alternative-music fans come here for the great playlist and regular DJ sets, enjoying the pop-art-sticker decorations and arty knick knacks as much as the beats. Try their potent take on tiki rum cocktail the Zombie – but maybe just the one.
9. Cuckoo Bar
Bar, Wine Bar, Wine
Here’s a petite, under-the-radar watering hole in the bar quarter around Milatou Street. It’s a quirky affair, with classic art muralled on its walls and bird-boxes mounted here and there. Live music bands and singers often appear, playing upbeat rock and folk, and you’re more likely to see people sipping wines and beers than complex cocktails. There’s a bohemian, Parisian wine-bar feel at first glance. But the young crowd of twentysomethings and students in jeans and logo T-shirts is pure 21st-century Greece.
10. Swing Thing
Bar, Greek
This convivial scarlet-painted cafe spills out onto the pavement – it’s all tables of smokers and drinkers – serving unusual creations garnished with plenty of fruit and herbs. Drinks come in milk bottles or shell-shaped glass dishes, maybe topped with whipped egg-white foam and knocked up by enthusiastic, chatty staff. Try the Greek-yoghurt-infused piña coladas. Just passing by? You can get Negronis to go, among other options, neatly poured into sealed glass flasks.
Gear up for your night out by spending the day discovering the best things to do in and around Heraklion and sampling delicious local cuisine in the best restaurants in the city, as chosen by local chef Stefanos Laverenidis. Not got your hotel yet? Browse the best hotels in Heraklion, or treat yourself to the ultimate luxury elsewhere in Crete, now bookable through Culture Trip.
This article is an update of one originally by Evangelos Tsirmpas.
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