Heraklion

Heraklion lives up to its status as the capital of Crete, offering a wealth of holiday fun, archaeological treasures, wonderful Cretan food and a wide selection of beaches.
Heraklion is a multifaceted seaside city in Crete that embraces both past and present. The vibrant city of today, with squares and pedestrian walkways, is filled with youthful energy, restaurants and bars, but so much of its charm still concentrates around the Old Town and its romantic Venetian harbour.

Heraklion has excellent museums and one of the largest aquariums in Europe. And for history buffs, without doubt the most fascinating ancient treasure of the region (also known as Heraklion) lies just beyond the city limits. Knossos Palace wasn’t just the most important centre of Minoan civilisation but it was the home of the legendary Minotaur and its labyrinth. Sound interesting? Well, let’s introduce you to the best of Heraklion.

LOCATIONS OF INTEREST

Knossos

Mythical Knossos

The most important centre of the Minoan civilisation is just 5km from the centre of Heraklion. This is where master craftsman Daedalus built the labyrinth for the mythical King Minos to isolate the Minotaur, a creature that was half-man, half-bull. Theseus, the son of the King of Athens, slew him and found his way out of the labyrinth with the help of Minos’ daughter, Ariadne.

Heraklion, Museum

The Historical Museum

This impressive modern museum is housed in an elegant, 20th-century building. It has a diverse number of permanent exhibitions, including the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Collection, Numismatic Collection, Ceramics and Sculpture section, Nikos Kazantzakis rooms and the Ethnographic Collection.

how to reach us

Closest Airports:
Athens International Airport: 3 hours by car
Araxos Patra Airport: 45 minutes by car
Kalamata Airport: 1 hour + 40 minutes
Zakynthos Airport: a boat transfer is required

Closest Ports:
Patra Port: 1 hour by car
Katakolo Port: 20 minutes by car
Private transfer from / to all the above can be arranged