Caf退Old TownDaily 06:30-23:30Public cafe
Hacienda follows a third-wave brief across several Heraklion branches, opening at half past six for espresso, filter and a full brunch menu.
Order: A long black, with an avocado toast alongside
Tip: Several Hacienda branches operate across the city, so check which one you are heading for before you set out.
Sources from: Brazil, Ethiopia, Colombia
How they serve: Espresso, Filter
Caf退Old TownPublic cafe
Frankly My Dear is the Karterou specialty coffee bar in Heraklion, working freddo espresso and filter alongside a full brunch and cocktail list.
Order: A freddo espresso, with a fresh juice alongside
Tip: The Karterou room is a five-minute walk uphill from the Agora and much quieter than the square cafes.
Sources from: Rotating single origins
How they serve: Espresso, Freddo espresso
Caf退Old TownPublic cafe
Think Tank is the specialty coffee benchmark in Heraklion, a neoclassical espresso and wine bar on Idaiou Androu with its own resident barista.
Order: The house espresso, pulled by the resident barista
Tip: A sommelier works the wine side of the same room, so a coffee visit can easily turn into a Cretan tasting.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Colombia, Brazil
How they serve: Espresso, Filter
Café€Old TownDaily 07:00-23:00Public cafe
ML Espresso Bar pours third-wave coffee on Eleftherias Square in Heraklion, rotating single origins through espresso and hand-brewed filter.
Order: A filter of whichever Ethiopian is on that week
Tip: The counter is small and built for takeaway rather than sitting down with a laptop.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Kenya, Colombia
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Takeaway