Heraklion

Heraklion is the largest and most densely populated prefecture  on the island of Crete.It offers to visitors many archaeological treasures,picturesque villages,significant coastal settlements as well as vast valleys with olive groves and vineyards.The prefecture is mountainous to the central area,to the north and to the south are lowlands with many seaside villages and  resorts.

The capital is the Heraklion city with its bustling and sprawling port where most of the island’s trade and industry is concentrated.It is a busy city with all the necessities one would expect to find in a modern place.

Heraklion has its own Venetian castle.Within the Venetian walls is built the old town and the new town extends from them.

Heraklion sightseeing

The majestic Koule Fortress in the harbour area of the city was built in the 13th century by the Venetians for storage purposes and turned into a prison by the Ottomans.

The Loggia, the most elegant of Venetian monuments was a social club for the Venetian nobility.

The Lions Square fountain with four marble lions built by the Venetian governor Morozini.

The Archaeological museum of Heraklion is one of the most important in Greece.The museum houses finds from Neolithic to Roman times.It hosts a major collection of Minoan antiquities,remains from various Minoan palaces and representative samples of all the periods of Cretan history.

The Historical museum  houses documents,sculptures,historical relics, paintings and many more,and depicts from early Christian times up to these days, the evolution of Cretan civilisation.

Knossos.Located 5 km from the city of Heraklion,is the most important monument of Minoan civilisation.It was built about 2000 B.C. but was destroyed about 1900 B.C. by an earthquake.A larger palace was built around 15th century B.C.The building complex of Knossos, covering an area of 22,000 m², was discovered in 1878 by Minos Kalokairinos and Sir Arthur Evans conducted systematic excavations at the site between 1900 and 1931,bringing to light the palace and the main structure.The Royal Palace of Knossos, the largest of the Minoan period,belonged to the Minoan King, Minos.It is also connected with the thrilling myth of the Minotaur’s Labyrinth and the legend of Daidalos and Icaros.

The Minoan Palace of Phaestos covering an area of 18,000 m², is the second largest after Knossos.Built on a hill of the Messara plain was ruled by Radamanos, brother of King Minos.Archaeological finds from the palace such as the famous disc of Phaistos, the large collection of vases,and many more are exhibited at the Museum of Heraklion.

The Royal Villa of Agia Triada, located 3 km from Phaestos, is believed to have been used as a summer palace by the king of Phaestos.

The Mimoan palace of Malia similar to the ones at Knossos and Phaistos.The site has been inhabited from Neolithic times.

Gortyna was inhabited for the first time towards the end of the Neolithic period.The Doric town of Gortyna was one of the strongest in ancient Crete.

Worth visit areas of Heraklion

Arhanes,the picturesque village with the neoclassical buildings painted in earthy colours and many traditional cafe.

Hersonissos seaside resort,is a popular destination for tourists, with a lively nightlife.The place has many historical monuments.

Malia is a popular seaside resort with long sandy organised beaches.

Agios Myronas village is built around ancient Ravko.The Byzantium church of the village is dedicated to St Myronas as is the small Skiti cave that has a therapeutic ‘holy water’ spring.Also the village is famous for the «Maleviziotiko» wine produced here.

Also,the historical Avdou and the beautiful Agii Deka are villages that are worth visiting.

Malia, Hersonissos and Stalida are the most popular resorts attracting mainly young people due to the lively nightlife.

Monasteries

The most important are The Monastery of Agios Georgios which is the largest in Crete,The Vrondisiou Manastery,The Paliani Monastery founded in the 7th century is one of the oldest in Crete,The Monastery of the Kalyviani Madonna  founded in the 14th century.

 Beaches

Heraklion has a great number of beaches,that extend throughout its north and south coasts.Some of the most popular are Hersonissos,Ammoudara,Stalida,Kokkini Hani,Agia Pelagia,Fodele,Matala

How to get to Heraklion:
By plane from Athens or by ferry from the port of Piraeus.