Acrobatic handstand somersault on the pier in Heraklion by Silva Wischeropp

This acrobatic, maritime scene was captured on 10 August 2026 in the late evening at the Heraklion pier (Crete) during the golden hour, using a Nikon D800 whilst I was on a beach and photography holiday.
What is fascinating about this image is the successful snapshot of a girl performing an acrobatic gymnastics manoeuvre (a handstand) right on the extremely long pier in the soft, golden evening light, just before the sun sinks behind the mountainous backdrop of the hinterland.

The special charm of Heraklion’s pier (also known as the Molo) lies in its unique combination of historic surroundings, car-free open spaces and the chance to experience the Cretan sea at first hand.
It is not only an architectural heritage site, but also the city’s liveliest leisure spot.

Its key features include:
Historic Entrance & Koules Fortress
The walk begins right at the old Venetian harbour. Here stands the imposing Koules Fortress (Rocca a Mare), built in the 16th century. Its thick walls, adorned with stone lions of St Mark, transport visitors straight back to the era of Venetian rule.

An ‘escape’ from the hustle and bustle of the city
Heraklion is a lively, often noisy city. However, as soon as you set foot on the pier’s pedestrian walkway, you are completely safe from road traffic. There are no cars, just the soothing sound of the waves,
which makes the pier the most popular spot for joggers, cyclists and walkers.

Unique expanse and panoramic views
At around 2.5 kilometres in length (each way), the pier is surprisingly long.
All the way to the lighthouse at the end, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama:
on one side, the deep Cretan blue of the open sea; on the other, the colourful, traditional fishing boats and the silhouette of the town.