null: Heraklion

Heraklion Greece

Heraklion is the capital of Crete and usually the starting point for holiday visitors wishing to explore the island. With about 130 000 inhabitants, it is the fifth largest town in Greece. The city is marked by different influences of Venetians, Saracens and Greeks. History is very much alive in Heraklion just like in most Greek cities. All around the old part of the city, a visitor can walk following the old Venetian walls that meet at a bastion, called Koules Fortress that dominates the old harbour of the city. The Venetians began the construction of the city walls in 1462 and they took more than a century to complete. The walls are about 4km in length and of a triangular shape with seven bastions and is now one of the icons of the city. The central square, surrounded by stores, cafes, and restaurants, is dominated by the fountain of the Lions, built by a Venetian governor in the 17th century. The Archaeological Museum at Heraklion is impressive and it is the pride and joy of the city. The displays are satisfyingly thorough and well laid out, all aspects of life in Crete from prehistory through to the Roman period is covered in a series of spacious galleries. The Palace at Knossos is the second most popular tourist site in all of Greece, second only to the Acropolis, the site is in incredible shape and there is much to see. It is also in a beautiful setting with great views over the countryside. Heraklion offers a vast array of historic and archaeological holiday attractions, including its world-famous museum and the nearby site of Knossos, heart of the ancient Minoan civilisation. The shoreline in the city, Amoudara, is a three kilometre strip of sandy beach, lots of cafes, bars and hotels and the site of Technopolis, a modern multiplex cinema and open-air theatre. The most beautiful beaches outside the city are found in Kartero and Malia.

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Recommended airport

Nikos Kazantzakis (HER)

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