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Guide to Crete|
Home > Guide To Crete > Heraklion
Holidays To Heraklion-
Location Of Heraklion in Crete
Heraklion is the Capital city of Crete and is situated
on the east side of the island. Its the main economic centre of Crete and has a
wealth of hotels, Tavernas, shops and businesses for you to explore. It holds many
Museums and interesting gardens and sights for those who visit Crete for the history
with stunning architecture and ruins dotted around the city.
Heraklion -
The population is around 150,000 people, quite small compared to Cities at home but Heraklion sprawls over the landscape and is home to the famous Knossos Palace, Knossos Museum and the Naval Museum. Its also the birthplace of Nikos Kazantzakis a famous Cretan author who wrote such books as Zorba the Greek. So popular is Nikos Kazantzakis that the airport in Heraklion is named after him. This airport is used for all international flights and domestic flights into the east of Crete.
The cultural heritage of the city of Heraklion offers a variety of forms of modern entertainment. Every year, the city, as well as numerous villages in the surrounding area, organize cultural events such as theatrical performances, art exhibitions, musical nights and festivals which attract a lot of people, locals and visitors alike. For those inclined to modern entertainment and clubbing, the city offers ample opportunities for night life. Heraklion is a city with one foot rooted in the past, the other foot stepping into the future.
It is a very dynamic and cosmopolitan town, particularly during the summer period when thousands of visitors can be seen shopping in the market or visiting the Museums of Heraklion and other places of interest. Today Heraklion is the top choice for tourist destinations in the Mediterranean.
If you begin a walk around Heraklion, starting at the fishing harbour close to the
modern port, what will strike you first is the Venetian fortress at the harbour gate.
The fortress was originally built by the Venetians and called Rocca al Mare, but
is now known by its Turkish name, Koules. It has a mixed history; for centuries it
was used as protection against invaders, as were the great city walls and ditches.
These are among the longest city walls in Europe.
With its huge dark hallways and cells, the fortress was also a prison to many Cretan rebels and those who broke the rules imposed by successive occupiers of Crete. Koules is built on two tiers and offers a commanding view of Heraklion from the battlements. Nowadays, the harbour itself is home to brightly coloured fishing boats and busy Tavernas selling fresh fish.
Koules Fortress at night
Walk slowly through the Agora, the Market Street that runs alongside a shopping boulevard called 1866, after a Cretan uprising. The market is large and sprawling, from top to bottom, with some shaded sideways exits, this old Market Street is still a place for ‘Herakliotes' to come every day to find socks, shirts, herbs, fish and fresh meat. It's a good place to find thyme honey, Raki (the Cretan clear spirit) from among shops selling everything from selections of Cretan music to the finest cheese. There is also a weekly market located now towards the outskirts of the city and hosts more locally made products at lower prices. Usually you will find dates and times differ and local travel agents in your resort are your best point of contact. A map of Heraklion can be found here to help you find your way around the city.
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Restaurants and bars in Heraklion
Heraklion has a wealth of restaurants offering everything from traditional Greek
food to more continental dishes. Three of the most popular restaurants have to be
Kyriakos -
Heraklion has some of the best hotels in Crete from 5 star luxury hotels in the city centre down to smaller 2 and 3 star hotels. We have picked 3 of the best hotels based on internet reviews. You can book Heraklion hotels by clicking on the bottom links.
Galaxy hotel -
The Galaxy Hotel is situated in the heart of Heraklion,
within walking distance of the famous Archaeological museum and the Palace of Knossos.
Click to book
Mirabello Hotel -
Click to book
Lato Boutique Hotel -
An ultra-
Click to book
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