Good to know about Heraklion

• Dinner is a late social affair, often starting at 9 PM or even later, so if you dine earlier, expect restaurants to be quiet, especially those popular with locals. Source
• While the olive harvest runs from late October to January, early picking, especially in October/November, yields a greener, more intensely flavored olive oil, which locals refer to as *agourelaio* and is highly prized. Source
• Tap water is officially safe but often has an unappealing chlorinated or metallic taste due to high mineral content and aging pipes, leading most locals to prefer bottled water for drinking. Source
• Nightlife in Heraklion itself is more geared towards locals and students with a varied scene, but if you seek the wildest, younger, international party crowd, you need to travel 30 minutes east to Malia, where clubs peak after midnight and run until dawn. Source
• For city buses, always buy your ticket in advance from kiosks or machines as it costs €1 more if purchased onboard; for intercity routes, book ahead during summer, and know that outside the city center, options become limited after 11 PM. Source
• While water quality is generally good, certain city areas are permanently prohibited from swimming due to river mouths and sewage outlets, and central city beaches are often less appealing than nearby alternatives due to wind and urban integration. Source
• Major festivals like the Heraklion Summer Arts Festival run long (July-September), but specific events like the Matala Beach Festival (June/July) and the Gastronomy Festival (October) are annual highlights, while the newer Candia Walls Festival in September uniquely utilizes the Venetian Walls. Source
• While the airport is only about 5 km from the city center, buses are frequent but can take around 20 minutes, and taxis can be scarce during peak times, making pre-booking a transfer advisable. Source