| To
spend an evening the way most Iraklians themselves do, stroll about (the
famous Mediterranean volta), then sit in a cafe and watch others stroll
by. The prime locations for the latter have been Plateia Eleftheria (Liberty
Square) or Fountain Square, but the packed-in atmosphere of these places--and
the overly aggressive solicitation of your presence by some waiters--has
considerably reduced their charm.
For
far more atmosphere, go down to the old harbor and the Marina Cafe (directly
across from the restored Venetian arsenals). For as little as 1.5 Euro
for a coffee or as much as 5.00Euro for an alcoholic drink, you can enjoy
the breeze as you contemplate the illuminated Venetian fort, looking much
like a stage set.
Another
alternative is the Four Lions Roof-Garden Cafe entered by an interior staircase
in the shopping arcade on Fountain Square. It attracts a younger set of
Iraklians, but adult foreigners are welcome. The background music is usually
Greek. You get to sit above the crowded crossroads, and with no cover or
minimum, enjoy anything from a coffee1.50 Euro or ice cream (from 3.00Euro)
to an alcoholic drink (from 3Euro).
There
is no end to the number of bars and discos featuring rock-and-roll and/or
Greek popular music, although they come and go from year to year to reflect
the latest fads. Disco Athina, Odos Ikarou 9, just outside the wall on
the way to the airport, is an old favorite with the young set; newer favorites
include the Veneto Bar and the Club Itan, both on Odos Epimenidou.
For
those seeking traditional Cretan music and dancing--and by the way, almost
every Class A hotel now has a Cretan night, when performers come to the
hotel--there are a couple of clubs: Aposperides, out on the road toward
Knossos, and Sordina, about 5 kilometers (3 miles) to the southwest of
town, are well regarded; take a taxi to either. |
