survival guide for heraklion
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Everything you should know about your exchange in HeraklionTRANSCRIPT
Survival Guide
Welcome to
Heraklion !
Heraklion, the amazing amalgam of an ancient island and a bustling metropolis awaits you to discover its beauties
Heraklion
Heraklion Survival Guide
Table of contents Heraklion, the proud center of Crete
University of Crete
How to get to Heraklion
Map of the city
Hospitals and Labs
Boarding and lodging
Transportation
Exploring the City
Around the area
Events
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Heraklion
The proud center of Crete
Heraklion (Ηράκλειο in Greek) is the largest city and the largest urban
center in the island of Crete, South Greece, the capital of the region
and the economic center of the island. It is a very dynamic and
cosmopolitan town, particularly during the summer period when
thousands of visitors can be seen shopping in the market or visiting
the museums and other places of interest.
Heraklion is built near the ruins of Knossos, which was the capital of
the Minoan Crete. Minoans lived more than 4000 years ago and their
civilization was the first advanced civilization in the European
continent. There is no archaelogical evidence about it, but Knossos
may well have had a port at the site of Heraklion as early as 2000 BC.
The city of Heraklion begun to develop in the middle of the 9th
century AD by the Saracens. They built a moat around the city for
protection, and named the city الخندق ربض , abḍ al-ḫandaq ("Castle of
the Moat"). The Saracens allowed the port to be used as a safe haven
for pirates who operated against Imperial shipping and raided
Imperial territory around the Aegean. In later times, Heraklion came
under Byzantine, Arabic, Venetian and Ottoman rule; its conquerors
initially gave it the name Khandaq or Handak which was corrupted to
Candia, though the Cretans used to refer to it as the “Great Castle”.
Heraklion may seem confusing to a visitor at first, particularly if you
arrive expecting to see a picturesque little island town. It's
modernized and urbanized, a maelstrom of traffic, concrete and dust.
But behind this facade you can discover a vibrant working small
metropolis with a great number of attractive features which do much
to temper initial impressions. All over the city you can find traces of
its glorious past. Byzantine churches, Ottoman fountains and
Venetian walls have gotten into the landscape of the city.
University of Crete
It is the principal higher education institution on the island of Crete,
and one of the country's most academically acclaimed and reputable
ones. The University ranked 51st in the Times Higher Education
(THE) annual list of the top 100 universities founded in the past 50
years. It was established in 1973 and started functioning in the
academic year 1977-78.
The University of Crete, is a multi-disciplinary, research-oriented
institution, located in the cities of Rethymnon (official seat) and
Heraklion, in the island of Crete. It is a University well-known both
nationally and internationally for its state of the art research,
undergraduate curricula, and graduate programmes. It is considered
one of the best universities in Greece mainly due to its research
influence: it ranks in the top 400 Universities of the World by the
Times Higher Education list. It is notable that it achieves this
distinction although it has less than 30% of the faculty members in
comparison to other larger academic institutions in Greece. You can
find more information here.
Medical School of Heraklion
Originally envisaged in 1976 as part of a School of Health Sciences,
the Medical School was actually established in 1983 and received its
first students in 1984-85. Since 1989 the Medical School has been
operating at the Voutes Campus, Heraklion, adjoining the University
Hospital, which was inaugurated in the same year. This is one of the
newest medical and research complexes in Greece.
Since the inception of the Medical School, there has been an
emphasis on basic sciences and its integration with clinical practice
and research. This is reflected in the education and training programs
for undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as in bench and
clinical research. You can find more information here.
How to get to Heraklion
By plane
In the city, there is an international airport from where you can catch a
bus or taxi and within 15-20 minutes you will have arrived in the city
center. It has connections from all over the world and it boasts the
second highest traffic in Greece during the summer period. You can find
more information here.
By bus
If you arrive in the airport of Chania, you can reach Heraklion by bus (3
hours away). There are a lot of low cost flights that connect to Chania,
so you might also want to consider that option. You can find more
information about the timetables and ticket prices of the buses here.
By ferry
There is also a port that connects Heraklion with the port of Piraeus in
Athens and some small greek islands. The ferry travels at night, takes
about 9 hours and leaves from Piraeus at around 9:00 pm, and arrives
at around 6:00 am in Heraklion. During the summer period there is also
a morning route. Tickets to Heraklion cost about 22 euros with an ISIC
card.
Map of the city
How lost would you be if it weren’t for us?
This map is a valuable tool that lists many things of interest about the
city itself. We will keep it updated throughout your exchange with
things that we think are worth sightseeing, places to shop and dine,
nightlife areas and above all places that will be useful for your
exchange! Click on the map below to see more information. If you
notice something that you’d like to see as well, tell us and we’ll add
it!
Hospitals and Labs
University Hospital of Heraklion (PAGNH)
First opened its doors in 21/05/89, it is one of the newest tertiary care
hospitals in Greece. It covers all of Crete and most of the nearby
islands in tertiary care needs. You can find more information about it
here.
Here you may find a list of our research exchange projects and clinical
departments.
The University Hospital, hosts the SCOPE clinics while the medical
school next to it hosts the SCORE laboratories.
During the first day of your exchange your Contact Person will guide
you to your appointed clinic or laboratory, in order to greet you to
your professor.
Boarding & Lodging
Boarding
You will each get a meal per working day (Monday to Friday) from our
university cafeteria (located inside the medical school which is
attached to the University hospital. There will be a small variety of
foods available (3 main courses approximately with side dishes, salads
and desert/fruit) that you can choose from and that you can also pack
to go. If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences (lactose or
gluten intolerance, food allergies, vegeterianism, veganism etc.)
please let us know and we will try to accommodate you with
alternatives, because our university cafeteria's lunch menu is fixed and
unchangeable. Most of the meals are typical greek dishes that we eat
ourselves each day. During August, we will arrange for you to eat at a
local restaurant in the city center, as the university cafeteria is closed.
Please keep in mind during your stay here in Heraklion city:
The water from the tap is NOT suitable for drinking.
All locals drink bottled water that is available at very cheap prices in
supermarkets. We cook using regular water from the tap but we do
not drink it straight from the tap.
Lodging
Student Flat
Offered only during non-summer months, a student will open his or
her house to welcome you and to offer accommodation for your
exchange period. You are kindly requested to be polite with him/her
and to respect his/her property and remember that he/she opens
his/her house to make you feel more comfortable in a house instead
of staying in a hostel.
Student Dormitories
During the months of July and August you will be hosted in our
Student Dormitories. The building itself used to be part of the
Mathematics department and has since recently been renovated
internally and reused as Student Dorms. The exterior may look old
but it's the inside that counts. Most of the rooms have two single
beds in them so you’ll have a roommate! It is located right next to
Heraklion’s 2nd general hospital, Venizeleio Hospital (not the one
you’re placed in).
Accommodation
We'll provide you with two sets of towels (body, face and general
use) and two sets of sheets and also some kitchenware. The rooms
have a/c inside. Every two rooms are connected with a small hallway
that has closets, storage space and an external door. Each room has
its own bathroom with a standing shower (no bathtub). There are
also communal kitchens, washing machines and driers, and common
rooms. We will provide cleaning services once per 10 days, but in the
meantime we require you to keep the place in a proper condition.
We’ll also give you the Wi-Fi code upon arrival.
Transportation
How to reach the University and Hospital
The University and the Hospital are outside the city (Voutes area) but
next to each other, so both SCORE and SCOPE incomings use the
same bus. The number of the bus which you are going to use is
number 11 “Hospital-PAGNI”. You can get it from everywhere in the
center and it passes around every 15 minutes.
You can use any bus that passes from the hospital/university to go to
the center. There is also bus number 2 “Knossos”, that passes
approximately every hour, and it takes you directly to your
dormitories. You can even check here on your right, how long it is
going to take before it passes in front of you!
From the dormitory
You can use any bus that passes from your dormitory to go to the city
center.
In order to get to the University directly without changing buses in the
center, there is line number 21”Knossos/Mastampa-PAGNI” that
passes directly in front of your Dormitory and takes about 40’. Every
60’ from 7:00 till 15:00 and at 17:00, 19:00 and 21:00.
In order to get back to your dormitory (stop: Venizeleio Hospital) you
can use bus lines 2 “Knossos/Knossos Skalani” and 3 “Fortetsa”.
Keep in mind that buses throughout the city stop at around 23:00, and
that, during the weekend, and especially on Sunday, bus routes are
much more sparse than usual.
Where can I buy a ticket?
You can buy tickets from automatic machines in the center or from
the kiosks – “Periptera”. There are also ticket selling machines at the
bus stop in the university and at the one in the Hospital. You can find
more info as well as approximate times of arrival of city buses here.
During the beginning of your exchange we’re going to provide you
with a paper that states that you’re a university of Crete’s student for
the time period of your exchange. Thus, you will be able to buy
tickets with 25% discount, but you will have to carry it with you. If
you buy the ticket from the mentioned places, it costs 1.2 euros
(orange ticket). For routes solely inside the city center, the cost is 90
cents (green ticket, discounted). You need 1 ticket per route.
Keep the paper with you at all times. Many drivers may not accept
the paper from the university, so always carry an extra one with you.
Exploring the city Liberty square
It’s the main square of Heraklion, around which most of its traffic
passes around. It provides an excellent view of the harbor and is
mostly used as a meeting spot, as it is located next to everything.
Lions Square - “Liontaria”
The Lions in Heraklion is the square of the Fontana Morosini, the
ornate Venetian fountain with four lions with water gushing from their
mouths. The Fontana Morosini is in Eleftheriou Venizelou Square in the
centre of Heraklion, but the inhabitants of the city never use the
official name, usually referring to it as the Lions Square or the Lions
for short. There are many cafeterias, bars, clubs, shops and
restaurants in the streets that lead from here. It is the heart of the city
and it is filled with people at every time of the day (and the night).
Located right next to it, is St. Mark’s Basilica, where a lot of artistic
displays take place throughout the year, as well as the newly built
”Vikelaia” Library of Heraklion. You can also find St. Titus Church a
few meters away, whose blue dome dominates the night.
Fort Koules
The Venetian Castle of Heraklion is called Koules, which means fortress
in Turkish. It is an impressive fortress that surrounds the harbor of
Heraklion, Crete. The Koules Castle is a massive fortress with two
storeys that used to guard the entry to the port. The Castle was
constructed by the Venetians in the early 13th century, when they
conquered the town. Nowadays it has a 2km walkable port that is
referred to as the “Bypass high-way” due to the high number of middle
aged people walking at every time of the day there, as per doctor
recommendations. Very good for afternoon strolls.
The Seaside Highway
From fort Koules all the way to the other side of the city, the highway
is equipped with an amazing view of the Aegean, and a very long
walkway that you can get also ride bikes on. You can rent bikes for free
from the kiosk in the square below Talos plaza, the city’s mall, although
we do not recommend that you ride them in the centre of the city or in
the streets.
Georgiades Park
A beautiful Park located next to Liberty Square. It is just a perfect place
to escape from under the hot summer sun. An oasis of green in the
cement-fileld city. Not recommended late at night due to its
remoteness.
Archeological Museum of Herakion
Located in Liberty Square, it houses Crete’s most renowned treasures
such as the disk of Phaistos and many other artefacts found
in Knossos and other sites around Heraklion. An amazing museum, that
really reflects the magnificent history of our island. You can find more
information here.
Cretaquarium
A public aquarium located near the town of Gournes in Crete, Greece,
15 km east of the city of Heraklion. One of the biggest and most
modern aquariums in Europe, it is the habitat of lots of species located
in the Mediterranean. You can get there by using an intercity bus. You
can find more information about the aquarium here and about the
buses here.
The Minoan Palace of Knossos
Over 20,000 square meters and the largest of all Minoan palatial
structures. It was built of ashlar blocks, had many floors and was
decorated with really beautiful frescoes. The old palace was built
around 2000 BC but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1700 BC.
The newer, more complex palace, was built almost immediately
after the first one was destroyed. In the middle of the 15th Century
BC, the Achaeans took over the island of Crete and settled in the
palace. The palace was once again destroyed by fire in the middle
of the 14th Century BC and henceforth ceased to function as a
palatial centre. You can find more information here. You can get
there using bus No 2, it is right next to your dormitories.
St. Minas’ Cathedral
Located next to the city center, it is the church of the saint-patron
of the city and the largest temple in Heraklion.
The venetian Walls and their gates.
Surrounding the city center, the walls of the city have a walkway
on top that can be walked on, and it offers a spectacular view of
the city. Not recommended after nightfall due to lack of
illumination. You can also see there the tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis,
author of “Zorba the Greek” among other works. It is located in the
highest point of the city, with a spectacular view.
Around the area Around Heraklion there are many beaches that you can go using even
the city buses! But just in case you want to visit something further
away, here are our favourite picks from all around Crete.
The Caves of Matala, the village of Matala
The most ancient village in Crete lies about 70 km south of Heraklion.
Matala was the ancient port of Phaestos and Gortyn and a former
fishing community. The remains of the ancient city stay submerged
under the sea. It is built on the coastline of Messara bay inside a small
and beautiful inlet. This beach is famous for its artificial caves that are
carved into rocks located to the north of the coast.
Palm forest of Vai
It is one of the most popular sights in Crete and one of the most
beautiful and special places in the whole Mediterranean. It’s just like a
tropical beach, with its palm trees and small islet in the middle of the
bay. It is located 24 km east of Sitia (east Crete).
Plaka & Elounta
The village of Plaka is located in the stunning setting of the Mirabello
bay, right opposite the island that houses Spinalonga. It used to be
a tiny fishing village and only a few years ago was frequented by a
few individualistic travellers. Both are located a mere 5km from one
another and are very popular tourists’ destinations. From there you
can take a boat that will take you to Spinalonga Island.
The island of Spinalonga
Officially known as Kalydon, is located in the Gulf of Elounda in
north-eastern Crete next to the town of Plaka. The island was used
as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957. It is notable for being one of
the last active leper colonies in Europe. There were two entrances to
Spinalonga, one being the lepers' entrance, a tunnel known as
"Dante's Gate". This was named so, because the patients did not
know what was going to happen to them once they arrived.
Chania
Chania Town is the heart of the island, with all the major events taking
place there and some of the most popular beaches and the most
amazing restaurants, taverns, bars and cafes giving this amazing city a
different vibe. Right after Heraklion, the second largest city in Crete, the
cosmopolitan city of Chania will undoubtedly cast a spell on you
whichever type of holidays you prefer. Feel the local hospitality at every
step of your way in a place that will offer you the most amazing
beaches with exotic waters like Elafonissi, Balos and Falasarna.
Balos Lagoon
The famous lagoon of Balos is surely the mostly photographed beach in
Crete, a most favourite subject of all tourist guides for Greece. Balos is
famous for its turquoise waters, the wild natural beauty and the
beautiful exotic scenery. The sea is very shallow and warm.
Elafonissi
A tiny island with white sand, separated from the shore by a lagoon
no more than a metre deep. Elafonissi means “deer island”, but you
won’t see any deer on the island or in the surrounding area. The
island is 75km from Chania and it will take you about an hour and a
half to get there. The sand of Elafonissi is white, but in many places
it is pinkish due to the thousands of broken seashells it contains. The
limpid, blue-green waters will remind you of an exotic paradise.
Samaria Gorge
The Samaria gorge is the longest one in Europe. Rare flora and
fauna have survived in this area and are protected. The path starts
from Xyloskalo (near Omalos) in the White Mountains and comes to
an end at the village of Agia Roumeli at the Libyan sea. Walking
through the gorge usually takes from 3 to 5 hours. Nevertheless
beware: the Samaria gorge is not just an easy stroll. The path is
16km long and although it is maintained in good condition, it is quite
stony and also steep. You can find more info here.
Rethymnon
Today's old town (palia poli) is almost entirely built by the Venetians. It
is one of the best preserved old towns in Crete. The town still
maintains its old aristocratic appearance, with its buildings dating from
the 16th century, arched doorways, stone staircases and narrow
streets. The city's Venetian-era citadel, the Fortezza, is one of the best-
preserved castles in Crete.
Agios Nikolaos
A picturesque town in the east of the island. The town has three faces
to the sea: the Lake and port, Kitroplatia beach and the Marina. Its
unique features start with the lake ("Voulismeni"), a folklore-inspiringly
deep body of water which is connected to the sea by a narrow inlet. It
is surrounded and overlooked by cafes and restaurants - a busy
gathering place for local residents and visitors alike. A few km outside
of it you can find Siteia, a charming little town.
Events Depending on the month of your stay there are many events
happening in Heraklion, that you may be interested to see and
experience first-hand. Here you can find a complete list of events that
are happening in Heraklion throughout the year.
Festival of Matala
A three-days-long music festival on the beach of Matala is an
unforgettable experience that attracts tourists and world renowned
bands alike. It is an all-day free event, one of the biggest events in
Crete. Accommodation can be provided in Matala but people tend to
camp for the event. Usually, it happens around mid June. You can find
more information here.
On behalf of
The Local Committee of
Heraklion
We’re looking forward to meeting you!
National Exchange Officer (NEO)
National Officer on Research Exchange (NORE)
Publisher Hellenic Medical Students’ International Committee (HelMSIC)
General Secretariat Mikras Asias 75 Athens 11527
Greece Phone: +302107462033 E-mail: [email protected]
www.helmsic.gr
Copyright © 2016 - HelMSIC