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BakeryBougatsaLions SquareWalk-in only
Kirkor has baked bougatsa on Lions Square in Heraklion for generations, and is still the first place locals name when you ask them about breakfast.
OrderBougatsa with custard, cinnamon and icing sugar
TipA bougatsa counter rather than a cafe, so expect to eat standing or take it away.
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BakeryCretan pies and patisserieOld TownWalk-in only
Savoidakis bakes right across Heraklion, and its kalitsounia are the ones food tours stop for, alongside a long counter of sweets and gelato.
OrderKalitsounia, the Cretan cheese pie
TipA Heraklion chain with several city branches. The Dikaiosinis counter is the handiest one from the Agora.
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BakeryBreads and tsourekiOld TownWalk-in only
Artopoiio Christoforos Veneris bakes bread, pies and tsoureki on Evans in central Heraklion, with the oven working directly beneath the shop.
OrderTsoureki, plain or with chocolate
TipThe bakery works below the shop, so the pastries come up warm. At Christmas it bakes a chocolate panettone.
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BakeryNeighbourhood bakeryOld TownWalk-in only
Veneris Bakery & Coffee is the neighbourhood bakery on Meandrou in Heraklion, where the owner still makes the breads and the pastries himself.
OrderA savoury pastry straight off the tray
TipFamily-run and far enough from the tourist streets that the queue is almost entirely local rather than visiting.
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BakeryCretan bakery chainNea AlikarnassosWalk-in only
Kritikos Fournos runs bakeries across Heraklion, and the Ikarou branch is the easy stop for ekmek kataifi and a box of cakes to carry back home.
OrderEkmek kataifi, the syrup and cream classic
TipA Heraklion chain with several branches, useful because the Ikarou shop opens early on the airport road.
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BakeryBoulangerie and patisserieOld TownWalk-in only
Queen Boulangerie is the late-opening patisserie on Agiou Titou in Heraklion, baking through the day and still selling pastries at eleven at night.
OrderA pastry from the late-night counter
TipThe counter runs late into the evening, so it covers the gap after the tavernas stop serving.