Erasmus in Heraklion
Information and tips for Erasmus students in Heraklion
| Private rooms Heraklion | 1 | 350/month |
| Apartments Heraklion | 18 | 1561/month |
Why do Erasmus in Heraklion? This city is the capital of the island of Crete, and has a mix of history and modernism that transports you to ancient Greece, but with modern touches. Here you will be able to delve into the greek lifestyle, also enjoying life on an island. Furthermore, being the capital of Crete, it has good connections so you can visit more parts of Greece. Athens, Santorini and Rhodes are just a ferry ride away!
Stay reading this article about Heraklion because we are going to tell you a lot of interesting things about this Greek city! We start by talking about the cost of living, then we tell you about the festivals, leisure, culture and gastronomy of the city and the country. Finally, we mention the advantages of doing the Erasmus and Heraklion and the cheap accommodations you can find.
Cost of living in Heraklion, Greece
Housing usually represents the largest expense in a student's monthly budget. It usually costs between €200 and €400 per month, depending on the type of accommodation you are looking for. For example, a room in a student apartment is usually the cheapest option, since it costs approximately €250. Before accepting the hosting contract, you have to look at its characteristics. Make sure it has what you are looking for, since some that are offered do not have hardly any appliances and if you are staying for a short time it does not make sense to incur the expense of buying what you need to move in comfortably.
About transportation, we tell you that there are discounts for students! If you present your University ID on the bus, they will give you a discount on the spot. A single ticket costs €1.7 without the discount, and €1 with your student ID.
In total, between rental, transportation and purchase, it is estimated that the cost of living in Heraklion is about €500 - €600 per month. However, remember that this always depends on the type of accommodation you choose and the lifestyle you lead.
Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Heraklion
In the city centre, you will find various bars to have a drink with your friends and to party in a relaxed way, as the party of Heraklion is actually half an hour from the city centre, in a town called Malia! In this resort you will find several nightclubs, such as Apollo Club, which offers several themed parties throughout the year, and admission is free in summer. There is also another area, very famous among Europeans looking to spend an incredible vacation, Limenas Chersonisou. Here you will also find many clubs and bars so you can have a great time with your friends. You can go to these towns by bus, which costs about €3 - €4, or by taxi, which costs around €30 - €40.
But it's not all parties and bars in the capital of Crete. Heraklion is a very touristy city, so it always offers activities for all tastes. For example, as the capital of the island, Heraklion has connections with other important points in Greece. You have to make the most of this! We recommend that you take an excursion to Santorini, Rhodes or Athens, or a virgin island like Khrysí. All these excursions are by boat, and with a stop at the beach, so don't forget your swimsuit and towel. However, we also suggest that you explore the island of Crete itself as much as possible, visiting places such as the beaches of Kolokitha or Elafonissi, the lagoon of Balos, the Arkadi monastery and the old Venetian port of Chania.
You can also visit the many historical monuments that this city has to offer, as described in the following section.
Culture and gastronomy in Heraklion, Greece
Greek gastronomy has Turkish, Mediterranean and Balkan influences, and its main ingredient is olive oil. In fact, the island of Crete is one of the points where the highest quality oil in Greece is produced. So now that you know, you have to try it! The oil is not only used in its exquisite gastronomy, but it is also the main ingredient of natural cosmetic products.
Another outstanding product on this island is its wine. The main producers still use the methods of their ancestors, which makes the wine taste excellent.
Indispensable dishes that you have to try during your stay in Heraklion are Tiropitakia, pita triangles stuffed with Greek feta cheese, and the Gyro, different types of meat (lamb, chicken and/or beef) in a pita roll, accompanied by vegetables and tzatziki sauce. Nor can we forget one of the best-known dishes of Greek gastronomy: the Mousaka, an aubergine lasagna with a flavour that will not leave you indifferent. And we can't forget dessert! Most of the desserts here are Turkish-influenced, and are therefore very sweet and with much honey. We recommend the Baklava, a puff pastry with vanilla, walnuts and honey, and of course, Greek yoghurt, which you can accompany with your favourite toppings.
On the cultural side, Heraklion has plenty to see and learn more about Greek culture. You can visit the historical monuments and buildings, such as the Venetian walls that surround the old port, or the Koules fortress, where it is essential to go to enjoy the sunset. As for religious buildings, the Cathedral of Agios Minas, the church of Agia Ekaterini and the church Agios Titos. On the outskirts of the city, and following line 2 of the KTEL bus, is the Palace of Knossos, which is the most important Minoan monument on the island of Crete, you cannot miss it!
Advantages of doing Erasmus in Heraklion
- In this Greek city, located on the island of Crete, you will be able enjoy the Mediterranean climate all year round, with mild temperatures. This surely makes your stay incredible, since in winter it is not very cold, so you can go to the beach all year round.
- Heraklion has a gastronomy with Mediterranean, Balkan and Turkish influences,So eating here is an experience for the senses, with fresh and quality ingredients. As a student, one of your favourite dishes will surely be Gyro!
- Being the capital of Crete, this city is quite well connected to other major Greek cities, like Santorini, which allows you to enjoy Greece without the crowds of the best-known cities.
Cheap student accommodation in Heraklion, Greece
Do you need accommodation in Heraklion and don't know how to get it? In Erasmus Play you can find the best verified flats, rooms and apartments for students in Heraklion.
Frequently asked questions about doing Erasmus in Heraklion
How much does it cost to live in Heraklion as a student? |
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| Living in Heraklion as a student costs approximately €500 per month. The cheapest accommodation option, and also the most common among students, is a room in a shared apartment, which costs around €300 per month. | ||||
What is student life like in Heraklion? |
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| Student life in the capital of Crete is diverse, as there are two universities and several research institutes.As it is not such a well-known destination, you can enjoy the advantages of being on a Greek island, but without the crowds of the most famous spots.Furthermore, as in many Erasmus destinations, you have the possibility of joining the ESN (Erasmus Student Network). This is an organisation of students, both local and international, who come together to carry out different activities. Some of them are parties, game nights and international lunches or dinners among others. Join the ESN Heraklion to make your stay even better! | ||||
How much does student accommodation cost in Heraklion? |
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| Student accommodation in Heraklion costs between €250 and €400 per month. Students usually choose a room in a student apartment, which is the cheapest option. | ||||
How much is the Erasmus scholarship to study in Heraklion? |
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| The Erasmus scholarship depends directly on your home university, so the best thing you can do to find out about it is to ask the International Relations Office. | ||||
What App to download for my Erasmus in Heraklion? |
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| To be part of an international community of students who are also going to study in Heraklion, you have to download the Erasmus Play App. In this App you can meet your future roommates or also meet people who will be in this Greek city at the same time as you. And all this before reaching Heraklion! |
