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Capital of Crete

Iraklio, Iraklion or Heraklion Crete

Capital of Crete - Heraklion Ηράκλειο

This town has many names Heraklion, Heraklio, Iraklio, Iraklion, and in the past Handax and Candia.

The township has a colourful history and is located in the central north of the island. As the main administrative capital, it has many government buildings, a hospital, a university, as well as the international Heraklion airport and huge ferry port.

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About Heraklion

With a population of over 210,000, it is the capital of the region also called Heraklion, as well as the capital of the island.

Heraklion has the largest archaeological museum in Crete, which is one of the most fascinating on the island, and the site of the Palace of Knossos lies just 5 km outside the city.

Iraklio is a modern town, with a lot of history interwoven amongst its bustling streets. From the central Morosini Fountain to the beautiful Kornarou Square and Eleftherias Square, the architecture, monuments and museums are surprising amongst the modern concrete buildings.

At the old harbour side lies the ruined Venetian fortress, and large Venetian arsenals form wide arcs. Traditional fishing boats ring the harbour side, and fishing nets trip up the tourists as they wander by. Good fish tavernas are here, close to the marina.

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Capital of Crete
Walking Notes

Capital of Crete - walking along 25th of August Street from the port to the city centre reveals much of the city’s character, with charming restored Venetian buildings on either side, a large and beautiful tree-lined plateia in front of the exquisite Agios Titos church (above), and as one approaches the square of the Liondaria, the beautiful Venetian Loggia (below) is on your left.

Near the Liondaria is a perfect spot to sit and enjoy a bougatsa Greek pastry and Greek coffee, then continue on to explore the local markets on 1866 Street.

In the evenings, the cafe bars of the Koraii district are full to overflowing, a loose and friendly atmosphere prevails, one thousand conversations are all happening at the same time, these narrow pedestrian streets are wonderful to explore in the evenings.

Strolling up from the port along 25 August Street, the visitor will see many of the prettiest parts of the town and then come upon the intersection where the markets or laiki agora begins.

After walking through the markets, relax in the large plateia or square of Kornarou, circled by cafes near the Bembo Venetian Fountain and Turkish Fountain (pictured below).

Heraklion is very central to the whole of Crete, from here you can explore not only the ancient history of the Palace of Knossos but local beaches such as Ammoudara and Agia Pelagia.

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Q&A

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Accommodation

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Experiences

Capital of Crete - at the very centre of the island, Heraklion makes a great base from which to embark on the most fascinating experiences on Crete.

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Exploring Heraklion Crete

In the region of Heraklion, there is just so much to explore:

• Heraklion Region
  
• Knossos Palace
• Ancient Site of Malia
  
• Phaistos Ancient Minoan Site
  
• Gortyna Ancient Site
  
• Wineries

Explore the beaches of the region

• Ammoudara Beach
• Agia Pelagia Beach
• Kato Gouves Beach
• Kokkinos Pirgos Beach
• Matala Beach
• Tris Ekklisies Beaches

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Map

Map of Heraklion with our suggestions for accommodation marked.

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Videos

A video homage to the Capital of Crete - Heraklion - where modern life is woven with the threads of time.

"Where the Thread of History Begins"

Enjoy the Cretan Cuisine Festival in Heraklion

Here Apo shows us the top 5 free things to do in his home town of Heraklion.

All about Heraklion, featuring the Venetian Loggia, Agios Titos Church and Plateia, Morosini Fountain and 25 August Street, as well as the local markets. This traveller discovers Koules Fortress and the Old Harbour with its fishing boats, ancient churches, vineyards, Knossos ancient palace, and so much more in Heraklion.

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FAQ

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Getting Here

Travel to Heraklion on a one hour flight from Athens with Olympic Air or Aegean Airlines.

There are many flights per day.

Ferries leave Pireaus port of Athens every evening bound for Crete, the crossing takes around 9 hours.

Ferries from Santorini (Thira) are available and faster in summer, the crossing takes only 2 hours.

See more details below.

Car hire in Crete is a really good idea as it is a large island 60 km by 260 km. There is so much to explore.

When you book with our car rental partners - Rental Centre Crete - you are supporting a local company with excellent service and easy online booking. We are sure you will be well looked after by the team. Choose from hybrid, electric or regular vehicles.

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About the Team

Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia are the
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