Heraklion

🏛️ Heraklion: between Minoan remains and Mediterranean life

📍 Location and role

• Located on the north coast of Crete, Heraklion is the largest city on the island and his administrative capital.
• She is the main port and the economic center of Crete, while being a gateway to the ancient sites and beaches of the south.

🏰 History and heritage

• Founded in antiquity, Heraklion was influenced by the Minoans, the Arabs, the Venetians and the Ottomans.
• She was called Candie under Venetian occupation, period during which the massive ramparts and the Koules Fortress, which still watches over the port.
• A few kilometers away is the Palace of Knossos, center of the Minoan civilization and cradle of the myth of the Minotaur.

🖼️ Museums and culture

• The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the richest in Greece, housing Minoan treasures: frescoes, pottery, jewelry and statues.
• The city also has art galleries, the Byzantine churches, and the lively squares where ancient architecture and contemporary life blend together.

🌆 Urban atmosphere

• The city center is a mix of pedestrian alleys, of lively cafes, of colorful markets and of local shops.
• The Eleftherias and Lions Squares are meeting places where you can enjoy a Greek coffee or a glass of raki while watching life go by.
• The atmosphere is Mediterranean, warm, sometimes effervescent, but always welcoming.

🍽️ Cretan gastronomy

• Heraklion is a great place to discover the Cretan cuisine : grilled vegetables, fresh fish, local cheeses, olive oil, and sweets such as loukoumades.
• The traditional taverns alongside modern restaurants, offering a palette of authentic and inventive flavors.

🌊 Access and excursions

• The city is served by a international airport, a seaport and a road network which allows easy access to other regions of the island.
• From Heraklion you can explore :

• The sandy beaches à l’est (Amnissos, Karteros),
• The mountain villages like Archanes,
• The archaeological sites like Gortyn or Phaistos.

✨ Why Heraklion is so attractive

It is a city where the millennial past dialogue with modern life, where we can stroll between the Venetian ramparts, taste a typical dish, Then dive into Minoan history. Heraklion is lively, contrasting, and deeply Cretan.