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The largest island of Greece has a rich history and a great presence. Its visitors are thrilled by its countless archaeological sites, as well as by the famous local hospitality and the vivid nightlife. Here are some of the best options for a night out in Crete, from modern, international-style night bars to the classic tsipouradika.

Picturesque harbor in Crete

Miniatoura

Bar, Cafe, Coffee, Snacks

Opus
Courtesy of Opus
Miniatoura is a tiny cafe-bar located in Chania, on the beautiful square of Agia Aikaterini. This cozy place offers nice coffee, snacks, as well as full meals, from burgers and salads to club sandwiches and meze dishes. A special thing about this place is its rich wine menu, with more than 100 labels, including some amazing local wines. The music is alternative and depends on the time of the day. Miniatoura also hosts a number of special cultural events.

Opus

Bar, Restaurant, Wine Bar, Wine, Mediterranean, Greek

Elegant and warm wine bar inside the walls of the old city of Heraklion, hosting artistic events and live music concerts all year long. It serves dishes of the Mediterranean and the Greek cuisine, like lamb chops and fried chicken, perfectly accompanied with wines from all around Greece.

Plastelina

Located in the heart of the touristy Heraklion, Plastelina is widely known for its tasty cocktails, the nice pop-rock, electro and funky music and its young friends that create a vivid atmosphere, especially on Fridays. The bartender is always friendly and is always willing to recommend a drink according to your preferences.

Maistrali

Maistrali is a small family tsipouradiko located in Rethymno, close to the city’s harbor, and is definitely worth a visit to enjoy the great tastes, the view and local tsipouro. Some of the best culinary options include burger with cheese and of course shrimp spaghetti and the fresh fish. Courtesy of Maistrali

Εukalyptos

Eukalyptos is situated in an amazing location, under the shade of huge eucalyptus trees and the Venetian walls of Heraklion. It is a great place to drink a coffee during the daytime, but its highlight is at night, when it becomes a hot-spot for people of all ages who want to enjoy a cocktail or a drink. If you’re hungry, it also provides a number of tasty choices, from burgers to local salads and ice creams.

Tertipi

Tertipi is running as a typical Greek tsipouradiko in Chania. Located in a small narrow street of the city, away from the noise of the touristy Chania, it serves a wide range of drinks that include the local tsipouro or the Cretan tsikoudia, which are accompanied with free large meze dishes. This cozy place is decorated in great taste and offers an interesting exploration of the Cretan cuisine and lifestyle.

Safe As Milk

Bar

Nice music, inexpensive and safe (as milk) drinks and cocktails in a lively street in the heart of the old city. Safe As Milk is a highly preferred bar by the residents of Chania and the tourists who come by to enjoy the good mojitos and the overall pleasurable atmosphere.

Colombo Kitchen and Bar

Bar, Mediterranean, European, Greek

Safe as Milk
Courtesy of Safe As Milk
A wonderful place located on the picturesque old port street of Chania that serves exceptional dishes and drinks under the sounds of relaxing jazz music. Here you will taste some delicious gourmet dishes and flavors that melt in mouth, all offered at reasonable prices. Colombo Kitchen and Bar often hosts artistic and cultural events, including live concerts and international poetry evenings. The service and the atmosphere are friendly.

Cuckoo

Cuckoo is a popular bar in the city of Heraklion with excellent service, warm environment and nice music. It hosts various events in order to create a vivid atmosphere but also promote the local cultural production, from student parties to live concerts and acoustic performances. Unfortunately it is closed during the summer, but if you come by during any other time of the year you’re guaranteed a good time.
Address & telephone number: Cuckoo, 1 Adamantiou Korai Street, Heraklion, Greece, +30 6987988061

Cuckoo

El Mondo Bar

Bar, Beer

El Mondo Bar is one of the oldest bars in the harbor area of Chania, established in 1981. It is a fantastic bar, with a cheerful DJ playing all kinds of music, depending on the moods, until late every night. If you’re into dancing and you are open to new friends, locals and tourists, this is your place!

About the author

Vagelis Tsirmpas is a 23-year-old Athens-born travel enthusiast who holds a BA in interpreting and a MA in translation. He studied in Corfu, the island of his heart, and uses foreign languages as a passport to different cultures. After traveling to various European countries, his next goal is a trip to Africa. Paraphrasing Marx, Vagelis does not only want to travel around the world, but also change it. Therefore, he has actively participated in student unions and self-organized solidarity groups.

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