General Information about Heraklion Crete Greece
Heraklion or Iraklion is the largest city and administrative capital of Crete. According to the rankings, Heraklion is among the top 20 most visited regions in Europe. The city is also the commercial and technological center of the island. The city of Heraklion was an important port for navigation and visitors to the mainland and other islands.
Heraklion International Airport, Nikos Kazantzakis, is located about 5 km east of the city. There are so many places to explore, steeped in history and major events. It's packed with museums, summer art festivals, historical tours, and incredible nightlife. It has a rich archaeological past and is the birthplace of painter El Greco and author Nikos Kazantzakis.
Heraklion is a vibrant university city with distinctive historical and cultural sites and an energetic atmosphere.
What really will draw you in at Heraklion is Koules, a small Venetian castle built in the 16th century, set in a bustling harbor filled with decades of small fishermen, sailboats, and yachts. August 25th Street - architectural "exhibition" with neoclassical buildings and souvenir shops.
Old Town - you'll spot the Church of Agios Titos, one of the most important landmarks in the city center, on August 25th Street. Around it is a nice square with a few cafes and bars.
Morosini Fountain - Lions' Square - with its famous fountain, one of the liveliest places in Heraklion, which never rests. Thousands of passersby and tourists will pass through the square, shop in its shops, sit in the cafe and visit an exhibit at St. Mark.
Knossos Palace - Take a bus or rent a car and drive to one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Europe. Walk through the chambers of the Minoan kings and queens at Knossos and admire the grandeur of the ancient buildings.
Heraklion has many museums to visit, first of all, the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Cretan History, the Museum of Christian Art, and the Natural History Museum.
Heraklion is also famous for its beautiful beaches, ideal for swimming in the clear waters of the Aegean and the Libyan Sea. Matala, famous as a hippie place, Karteros, Agia Pelagia, Lygaria and many more.
One thing is for sure, whatever the purpose of your visit, your stay in Heraklion will be unforgettable.