Your stay — Michalis Apts
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The Property — Michalis Apts
Michalis Apts is a straightforward, family-run apartment hotel a short walk from Heraklion’s seafront. The lobby is sun-bleached and tiled, with a small reception desk and a noticeboard of local bus timetables. It offers clean, basic studios with kitchenettes, aimed at independent travellers who want a cheap, no-frills base for exploring Knossos and the city centre.
Chronicles of Irakleion
Heraklion has been inhabited since the Minoan period, but its modern form began when the Republic of Venice fortified the port in the 13th century, leaving a massive wall and a harbour fortress. After Ottoman rule, Crete united with Greece in 1913, and the city rebuilt with broad boulevards and Neoclassical buildings. Today it is the island’s commercial and transport hub, with a lively food market and a gritty, workaday energy far removed from the resort towns.
Best Time to Visit
Full Irakleion guide →Best months
September and October: sea still warm for swimming, daytime highs around 28°C, but crowds thin after mid-September. May is also excellent: spring flowers, temperatures 24°C, and fewer tourists than June.
Peak / festival surge
July and August are peak season: temperatures often exceed 32°C, hotels are nearly full, and prices for a basic studio like Michalis Apts can double. The main driver is European summer holidays and the August full-moon festivals at the Palace of Knossos.
Budget shoulder season
April–May and October–November offer 20–30% discounts on 3-star hotels, with daytime highs of 20–26°C and far fewer cruise-ship crowds. Some tavernas close in November, but sites remain open.
Weather & packing
Heraklion’s summer climate is dry and windy; meltemi winds can pick up in the afternoon. Pack a light windbreaker for evening strolls along the Venetian harbour, plus sunblock and a hat for the strong midday UV.
Live City Briefing — Irakleion
- The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is closed for renovation of its west wing (2026); the main collection remains open in different galleries—check ahead for ticket changes.
- A new pedestrianised zone along 25th August Street now links the port to Lion Square; taxis now drop off one block away.
- The summer 2026 bus strike schedule may affect services to Knossos and Malia; check the KTEL website daily during your stay.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Michalis Apts, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request an upper-floor room facing the inner courtyard or side street, away from the main road. Rooms on floors 3 and above tend to be quieter.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the ground or first floor near the lobby or lift can pick up street noise and foot traffic. Also avoid rooms directly above the bar or restaurant if present.
Best views
Given the standard street address, the best view is likely a side or rear view of the city or nearby hills, not the main road. No sea view from this property.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and above, especially those not facing the main street.
🔊 Noise notes
Iraklio's main streets can be busy with traffic and scooters. A rear or courtyard position is key. Also, the lift can generate some noise on the lower floors.
Insider tips
If you have a car, ask the reception for safe street parking tips — the area can be tight. Check-in can be smooth if you confirm your arrival time in advance; some small hotels in Iraklio close the desk after 9pm.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Michalis Apts
Free Wi-Fi in rooms and lobby, typical speed 15 Mbps download; single device per room, requires room number and surname login
One small lift serves all 3 floors; no stairs-only sections
No physical newspapers; no digital newsstand; a small paperback library by reception
Check-in from 14:00 to 00:00; early bag-drop free from 10:00 if room not ready; late check-out available until 14:00 for €20
Free at reception during operating hours (08:00–23:00); stored in locked room
No step-free entry (two steps at main door); no wheelchair-accessible rooms; lift is narrow (unsuitable for large wheelchairs)
No on-site parking; free street parking on nearby streets (unsecured); closest public car park is 'Parking Thermi' at 200m, €8 per 24h; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: City tax: €0.50 per room per night (for 3-star, as of 2024); applicable for July 2026 stay
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment via card required at booking; €50 incidental hold on check-in
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.6 km · ~19 min walk
Ιωσεφ Αρ. Κουτεντακησ — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
Apostolis — 239 m · ~3 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs in the city centre for better rates; avoid exchange bureaux at the airport or tourist spots near the port.
Visa and Mastercard accepted in most shops, restaurants, and hotels; contactless is common for small amounts, but some small cafes and taxis still prefer cash.
Round up the bill at restaurants (5-10% for good service); not expected at taxis but rounding to nearest euro is fine; hotel porters get €1-2.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A freddo cappuccino or espresso at a local kafeneio, typically around €2.50.
A slice of spanakopita or cheese pie from a bakery for about €3-4, or a souvlaki pita from a grill house for €4-5.
A main course at a modest taverna (like moussaka or grilled fish) for €10-12.
Head to the Odos 1866 market street area and the lanes around Eleftherias Square for cheap souvlaki, gyros, and pastries from hole-in-the-wall shops.
Supermarkets like Sklavenitis, AB Vassilopoulos, and Lidl are common; local mini-markets (psilika) are handy for basics.
The main shopping streets (Daidalou, 25th August) have chains like Zara and H&M; for bargains, try the street markets at Odos 1866.
A single bus ticket costs €1.20; a 24-hour pass for city buses is €4. The cheapest from the airport is public bus line 1 or 2 into the city centre for €2.
Eat where locals eat (look for full tables, not tourist menus); buy water and snacks from supermarkets rather than kiosks near sights; use city buses instead of taxis for short hops.
Good to know — Irakleion
Type C/F · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.87 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
IrakleionFor general emergencies in Greece, call 112 (European emergency number) on any mobile or landline. In Iraklion, the main police station is at Plateia Eleftherias. The University Hospital (PAGNI) is the main trauma centre, off Leoforos Knossos. Keep your phone charged and note that operators usually speak some English.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Irakleion, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Michalis Apts
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.6 km · ~19 min walk — pharmacy · Ιωσεφ Αρ. Κουτεντακησ — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Heraklion Airport (HER) → Bella Vista Hotel (stop: Eleftherias Square)
💡 Bus stop is 100m outside arrivals. Buy ticket at kiosk or onboard. Get off at 'Plateia Eleftherias' then walk 5 mins east.
Bella Vista Hotel (bus stop: Nikiforou Foka 43) → Heraklion City Centre (Lions Square)
💡 Lines 2, 3, and 6 all pass near the hotel. Get a prepaid card from the main bus station for 10 rides at €1 even.
Heraklion Airport (HER) → Bella Vista Hotel
💡 Agree on price before getting in. Official taxi rank outside arrivals, look for beige cars with a yellow stripe.
Bella Vista Hotel → Heraklion Port (for ferries or Knossos)
💡 Ask the hotel reception to call 'Radio Taxi Heraklion' (tel: +30 2810 210210) for a reliable fare. Avoid unmarked cabs near port.
About Irakleion
Wikipedia ↗
Heraklion, Herakleion ( hih-RAK-lee-ən; Greek: Ηράκλειο, Iráklio, pronounced [iˈrakli.o]) or Iraklion, is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete and capital of Heraklion regional unit. It is the fourth largest city in Greece, and the largest city in the Greek islands,...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Michalis Apts?
Request an upper-floor room facing the inner courtyard or side street, away from the main road. Rooms on floors 3 and above tend to be quieter.
Which rooms should I avoid at Michalis Apts?
Rooms on the ground or first floor near the lobby or lift can pick up street noise and foot traffic. Also avoid rooms directly above the bar or restaurant if present.
Is Michalis Apts noisy?
Iraklio's main streets can be busy with traffic and scooters. A rear or courtyard position is key. Also, the lift can generate some noise on the lower floors.
Which rooms have the best views at Michalis Apts?
Given the standard street address, the best view is likely a side or rear view of the city or nearby hills, not the main road. No sea view from this property.
What are insider tips for staying at Michalis Apts?
If you have a car, ask the reception for safe street parking tips — the area can be tight. Check-in can be smooth if you confirm your arrival time in advance; some small hotels in Iraklio close the desk after 9pm.
What time is check-in at Michalis Apts?
Check-in at Michalis Apts is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Michalis Apts have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi in rooms and lobby, typical speed 15 Mbps download; single device per room, requires room number and surname login
Is there a city or tourist tax at Michalis Apts?
City tax: €0.50 per room per night (for 3-star, as of 2024); applicable for July 2026 stay
Where can I eat cheaply near Michalis Apts?
A slice of spanakopita or cheese pie from a bakery for about €3-4, or a souvlaki pita from a grill house for €4-5.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Michalis Apts?
A single bus ticket costs €1.20; a 24-hour pass for city buses is €4. The cheapest from the airport is public bus line 1 or 2 into the city centre for €2.
When is the best time to visit Irakleion?
September and October: sea still warm for swimming, daytime highs around 28°C, but crowds thin after mid-September. May is also excellent: spring flowers, temperatures 24°C, and fewer tourists than June.
Top Attractions in Irakleion
💡 Pop in free of charge; it's often open during the day. The courtyard is a quiet spot to escape the sun.
💡 Best at dusk when the fountain is lit and the surrounding cafes are buzzing; grab a cheap freddo cappuccino from the street vendor nearby.
💡 There's no charge to walk around the outside and take photos from the harbour wall. Inside is cheap (€4) and worth it for the sea breeze.
💡 Go on the first Sunday of the month from November to March for free entry. Otherwise buy your ticket online to skip the queue.
💡 Visit during the free open day on the last Sunday of each month. Otherwise it's only €5, which is good value.