Heraklion, Greece, Greece

Heraklion, Greece Greece

Heraklion is the capital of Crete and often serves as the starting point for holiday visitors eager to explore the island. With a population of about 130,000, it ranks as the fifth largest city in Greece. The city bears the marks of various influences from the Venetians, Saracens, and Greeks. History is very much alive in Heraklion, as it is in most Greek cities. Throughout the old part of the city, visitors can stroll along the ancient Venetian walls that converge at a bastion known as Koules Fortress, which dominates the city's old harbor. The Venetians began constructing the city walls in 1462, and it took them over a century to complete. The walls stretch about 4 km in length, forming a triangular shape with seven bastions, and they have become one of the city's iconic features. The central square, surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants, is highlighted by the Lions Fountain, built by a Venetian governor in the 17th century. The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion is impressive and is the pride and joy of the city. The exhibits are comprehensive and well-organized, covering all aspects of life in Crete from prehistory to the Roman period 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 remarkable condition and offers much to see. It is also set in a beautiful location with stunning views of the countryside. Heraklion offers a wide range of historic and archaeological attractions, including its world-famous museum and the nearby site of Knossos, the heart of the ancient Minoan civilization. The city's shoreline, Amoudara, features a three-kilometer stretch of sandy beach, numerous cafes, bars, and hotels, and is home to Technopolis, a modern multiplex cinema and open-air theater. The most beautiful beaches outside the city can be found in Kartero and Malia.
Recommended airport
Nikos Kazantzakis (HER)
Points of interest
  • Amnissos beach
  • Archdiocese of Crete
  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Nearby destinations
  • Crete (Crete Island) a 22.83 km
  • Hersonissos, Crete a 22.10 km
  • Malia, Crete a 30.30 km

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Autotour La Crète en liberté

5 Destinations 7 Nights
Holidays package
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From US$1,395 Per person
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Destinations: Heraklion, Greece, Matala, Crete, Rethymno, Crete, Hersonissos, Crete, Saint Nicholas, Lasithi, Rethymno, Crete, Heraklion, Greece

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13 Destinations 18 Nights
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From US$4,445 Per person
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Destinations: Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Turkey, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Marmaris, Rhode Island, Crete (Crete Island), Heraklion, Greece, Santorini Island, Mykonos, Athens

Gran Tour de Turquía e Islas Griegas

10 Destinations 16 Nights
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From US$4,131 Per person
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Destinations: Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Turkey, Kusadasi, Athens, Santorini Island, Crete (Crete Island), Heraklion, Greece, Rhode Island, Athens

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12 Destinations 16 Nights
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From US$3,594 Per person
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Destinations: Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Turkey, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Marmaris, Rhode Island, Crete (Crete Island), Heraklion, Greece, Santorini Island, Athens

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7 Destinations 9 Nights
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From US$3,526 Per person
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Destinations: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini Island, Crete (Crete Island), Heraklion, Greece, Chania, Crete, Elafonisi, Crete, Chania, Crete, Crete (Crete Island), Athens

Leyendas de Turquia y Crucero por las Islas Griegas

9 Destinations 12 Nights
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From US$3,237 Per person
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Destinations: Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Turkey, Kusadasi, Patmos, Greece, Heraklion, Greece, Santorini Island, Athens

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7 Destinations 12 Nights
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From US$2,891 Per person
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Destinations: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini Island, Crete (Crete Island), Heraklion, Greece, Chania, Crete, Heraklion, Greece, Crete (Crete Island), Rhode Island, Athens
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