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Heraklion: Venetian monuments, Minoan findings and amazing beaches

Heraklion

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The prefecture of Heraklion, the largest prefecture of the island of Crete, occupies the middle-eastern part of the island. It borders to the east with the prefecture of Lassithi and to the west with the prefecture of Rethymno.

There are 18 medicinal springs in the prefecture. The most important are those of Leondas, Hassoura, Vromolimni and Borthiana. The sand of the Pitsidia beach, in the community bearing the same name, is recommended for rheumatic ailments (sand baths).

 

Heraklion Map

The prefecture of Heraklion is one of the most productive prefectures of Greece and it boasts the most developed economy in Crete. The main factors of growth are agriculture and tourism.

Heraklio, besides being the seat of the prefecture, is also the main city and the most important harbour of Crete. The city and the area of Heraklion attract many visitors, as Heraklio is one of the most important cultural centres of Crete. The natural beauties and the great beaches also contribute to its popularity.

Heraklion Attractions

In the city of Heraklion you can admire the old walls of the city, the Liontaria (Lions) – Venetian fountain of Morozini on Eleftherios Venizelos square, the Venetian mansion of Loggia and the Great Koule (castle) which used to protect the Venetian harbour.

You can also visit the austere and imposing tomb of the renowned author N. Kazantzakis on the outskirts of the city and the Dominikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco) Park, where the Big Gate used to be.

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is one of the biggest and most important globally, as it is home to unique findings of the Minoan Era. In the Historical Museum the visitor can see historical, religious and ethnological exhibits, as well as characteristic works of Cretan folk art. Two more important museums are located in Heraklio, the Natural History Museum and the Museum of the Battle of Crete.

The Vikelas Municipal Library, one of the largest in Greece, is home to more than 80.000 books.

In the city of Heraklion are located many churches with unique murals and holy paintings. Some of them are: the Byzantine church of Agios Markos (St. Mark), the metropolitan church of Agios Minas (St. Minas) the protector Saint of the city, the church of Agios Titos (St. Titus), the church of Agia Ekaterini (St. Catherine), which has been converted into an Ecclesiastic Art Museum, the churches of Panagia ton Stavroforon (St. Mary of the Crusaders) and Agios Matthaios (St. Matthew), and the ruins of the Venetian church of Agios Petros (St. Peter).

5 km southeast of Heraklion is located Knossos, the most important archaeological site of Crete, since Knossos was the centre of the Minoan civilization.

Besides the sights inside the city of Heraklion, there are also many surrounding areas with archaeological interest or natural beauty. Some of them are: Agia Pelagia, Viannos, Hersonissos, Malia, Matala, Festos.

In the prefecture of Heraklion, the visitor can also enjoy many amazing beaches, either cosmopolitan or more secluded. One of the most cosmopolitan beaches and very popular with young people is the beach Kokkini Hani. Also worth visiting is the busy beach of Matala, with an abundance of natural caves in the hills surrounding it.

If tranquillity and natural beauty is what you’re looking for, you should visit the beaches: Kokkini Ammos, Keratokabos, Kouthoumas. The Kommos beach is a sanctuary for the Caretta-Caretta sea turtle. The Ammoudara beach with warm water, is ideal for water sports.

The prefecture of Heraklio with its historical and cultural wealth, the great natural sights and the warm hospitality of its residents is an attractive vacation destination.

How to get there

By air: By plane from Athens to Heraklion (50 minutes). By plane from Thessaloniki to Heraklion (1 hour and 15 minutes).

Coastally: Time-tables from Piraeus to Heraklion and from Piraeus via Cyclades.

The prefecture is also coastatlly linked to Kasos, Karpathos, Rhodes, and by air to Santorini, Rhodes, Larnaka.
Heraklio is linked to the whole Crete with intercity buses.

Heraklion Photos

Heraklion Useful Telephone Numbers (Calling code for Greece 0030)

Heraklion Municipality
 2810 245245
Olympic Airways
 2810 244846
Venizeleio Hospital of Heraklion
 2810 368000
Aegean Airlines
 2810 344324
Heraklion Police Station
 2810 302270
Eleftherios Venizelos Airport
 210 3530000
Heraklion Tourist Police
 2810 283190
Heraklion Urban Bus Station
 2810 220795
Heraklion Traffic Police
 2810 282031
Heraklion Bus Station
 2810 255965
Heraklion Port Authority
 2810 244912
Knossos Archaeological Plac
 2810 231940
Piraeus Port Authority
 210 4226000
Gortynas Archaeological Place
 28920 31144
Heraklion Airport
 2810 337311
Festos Archaeological Place
 28920 42315

 



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