Heraklion is the capital and main gateway of Crete, Greece's largest island. Here the Minoan civilization's Knossos, a Venetian harbour, lively markets and sunny beaches all meet. For a traveler from Tbilisi it's an ideal summer destination. Let's see how to reach Heraklion from Tbilisi, what to know about the visa and budget, and what's worth seeing on the island.
✈️ Getting there from Tbilisi
- There's no direct scheduled TBS → HER flight yet — the trip is with a connection
- In summer seasonal charter flights with tour operators are common
- Popular connections: Athens or Istanbul, ~6-9h total
- Ticket price: $280-520 return, depending on the season and how early you book
- Heraklion International Airport (HER) — ~5 km from the center, ~15 minutes
- Time difference: Crete is 1 hour behind Tbilisi
🛂 Visa, ETIAS and entry
Georgian citizens don't need a visa in advance for a short visit to Greece — visa-free stays of up to 90 days within any 180 days are allowed in the Schengen zone. Greece is a full Schengen member, so the border rules are standard — see visa-free countries for Georgia.
From 2026 you'll need an ETIAS authorization before entering Schengen — online, for a small fee. Details in the ETIAS 2026 guide. Also make sure your passport is valid for long enough — see the passport validity rules.
Greece's currency is the euro (EUR). Cards are accepted almost everywhere in the city and resorts; a little cash is handy for small tavernas and the market. For exchanging money, see the currency exchange guide.
🏛️ Top attractions
- Palace of Knossos: Europe's oldest city and the center of the Minoan civilization (~5 km from the center)
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum: the world's finest collection of Minoan art
- Koules Fortress: a Venetian fort in the old harbour
- The Loggia and the Morosini Fountain (Lions Square): the heart of Venetian architecture
- Amoudara Beach: a long sandy shore close to the city
- Day trips: the pink sand of Elafonisi or the island of Spinalonga
💰 Budget
- Hotel: 3★ $65-110/night || 4★ $115-190/night (higher in season)
- Food: a taverna lunch $10-18; dinner at a good restaurant $21-34
- Transport: bus from the airport to the center $1.50-2.50
- Knossos ticket: $15-21 (a combined ticket with the museum is cheaper)
- A day trip to the beaches: $21-42
🗓️ Best season and practical tips
The best time to visit Heraklion is May-June and September-October — the sea is warm and the heat is much milder than in July-August. In midsummer the island is crowded and hot (35°C+), so visit Knossos early in the morning, where there's little shade. Heat tips are in the European heatwave travel guide.
If you want to explore Greece more deeply, add Athens or the Aegean island of Rhodes to one trip — both connect to Crete by a domestic flight. For internet, get an eSIM on arrival, and to compare flights and dates — the Travel365 price calendar.
There's little shade at Knossos and the sun is strong — a hat, water and sunscreen are essential. For the island's far beaches (Elafonisi, Balos) a rental car or an organized tour is better, as public transport there is rare.
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