A day at the Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion or the Cretaquarium is a long one. You walk a lot, you stand in the sun, and by the time you head back to your hotel you are hungry and a little tired. If your hotel is in Analipsi, Hersonissos or Gouves, there is a good place to stop for dinner after Knossos, right on the way.
Why have dinner after Knossos in Analipsi
Analipsi is on the north coast road between Heraklion and the Hersonissos resorts, so there is no detour. You can leave the car at the hotel or park next to us, freshen up, and walk over. From the hotels in Analipsi it is between 5 and 20 minutes on foot. Our guide to getting to Sirtaki has the time from each hotel, and the map shows the way.
A simple plan for the evening
1. Drive back from Heraklion. The coast road to Analipsi is about 25 km.
2. Hotel first. Drop your bags, shower and change, or come as you are. Nobody minds a dusty traveller.
3. Reserve online. Book a table with no credit card, so you do not have to wait. Please check the opening hours when you book.
4. Eat slowly. Sit in the garden, order a few dishes to share and let the day settle.
What to order when you are very hungry
- To share: a few meze to start, such as dakos, dips with pita and graviera with honey. Our first-timer's guide to meze explains them.
- For the meat lover: a Cretan Black Angus steak, dry-aged for 25 days and grilled over charcoal. See the Black Angus guide.
- Something home-cooked: Mama Eleni's Greek classics, such as moussaka or the slow-baked kleftiko. More in the menu guide.
- With a glass: ask us for a Cretan wine, or read the wine guide.
Too tired to go out?
Some days the best plan is a shower and a quiet room. In that case, order online and collect your food in front of the restaurant, then eat on your balcony. We explain how in Exhausted After an Excursion?, and you can go straight to the takeaway page.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Sirtaki from Heraklion and Knossos?
Analipsi is about 25 km from Heraklion, on the north coast road towards Hersonissos. Knossos is just outside Heraklion.
Can we come straight from the museum or the aquarium?
Yes, but we suggest you reserve online first, so a table is ready for you.
Is there parking?
Yes. Parking is free on the road next to us, and we will call a taxi for the way back.
Do you have takeaway if we are too tired?
Yes. Order online and collect in front of the restaurant. See the takeaway page for what is available and until when.
Dinner after Knossos should be easy, so reserve, sit down and let the day settle. More answers are in our FAQ.
