Central Market, Heraklion

The Central Market street runs from Meidani to Kornarou Square and is flanked by various shops, creating a bustling atmosphere that reflects both the city's past and present. Named after the Cretan uprising of 1866, the market hosts a variety of stalls and shops offering souvenirs, affordable clothing and footwear, fresh fruits and vegetables, aromatic herbs and spices, as well as dairy and meat products. Alongside these, visitors can find small cafes and tavernas, contributing to the lively ambiance.

As you explore the market, you'll encounter additional streets branching off at right angles, each housing more shops, supermarkets, a bank, and an indoor car park. Karterou Street, near the top of the market, is particularly known for its fishmongers who proudly present their fresh catches. While the city's daily shopping dynamics have shifted towards suburban street markets, the Central Market in Heraklion retains its special charm. The crowded, tightly-packed shops exude an "old-fashioned" allure, standing in contrast to the modern storefronts and flashy windows of nearby commercial streets.

The Central Market, deeply embedded in the heart of Heraklion, serves as a living testament to the city's enduring history, with remnants of old Heraklion interspersed between the shops, such as the Venetian archway in the Koudoumas coffee shop and a hidden 16th-century church accessible through Touli's bakery.