Heraklion (Iraklion) Crete’s Capital
Heraklion’s medieval name was Candia
The Arab traders from al-Andalus (Iberia) who founded the Emirate of Crete moved the island's capital from Gortyna to a new castle they called "Castle of the Moat" in the 820s.
This was Hellenized as Chándax or Chándakas and Latinized as Candia, which was taken into other European languages: Italian and Latin as Candia, in French as Candie, in English as Candy, all of which could refer to the island of Crete as a whole as well as to the city alone.
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Heraklion (Iraklion) Crete’s Capital
is Crete's main port of entry for visitors arriving either by sea or by air. Heraklion was once the Venetians leading port (the fortress stands guard in the harbour) of the Eastern Mediterranean and remains of the 16th-century wall built around the old city are still visible when Heraklion's medieval name was Candia.
Heraklion is Crete’s Capital and Greece’s fifth largest city. Hectic, a bit noisy as most large city’s. A long waterfront to stroll about with historic buildings of Venetian time to admire, a harbour fortress, arsenals and more.
Virtually everything you're likely to want to see and do lies within the walled city. Heraklion or Iraklion is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island. It is the fifth largest city in Greece with a population of around 142,000.
Agios Georgios Gate to Walled City Photo Y Skoulas
Enter Heraklion’s walled city
South Gate to walled City
Inside the walled city
Visit The Historical Museum, the history of Crete since early Christian times.
Visit The Archaeological museum whose 20 halls also include the world's greatest collection of Minoan art.
Visit Churches like Agios Markos, Agios Titos, Agios Minas and more.
Morosini Fountain
Busy taverna-lined square centered on a 1600s Venetian Morosini fountain a lion inspired work from 1625 located in the city center.
Venetian Arsenal
The remains of the Venetian Arsenal at present restored to a few arches, once reached down to the sea. The Venetian Arsenal a complex of former shipyards and armouries clustered together.
The 'Arsenals' are vaulted elongated structures located on the south of the Venetian harbour. In their original form they were 50 meters long, 9 meters wide and 10 meters high and linked to each other through arched openings.
The Venetians used them to manufacture, repair, or kept their vessels.
Heraklion streets
Meidani Street is the heart of the commercial center of the city and the entrance to the Heraklion central market.
The most historical and beautiful street in Heraklion is (and always was) the 25th of August Street with the beautiful neoclassical buildings, the Venetian Loggia and the church of Agios Titos, connecting the Venetian harbour to the Square of Lions.
Sleeping in Heraklion
Heraklion is Crete’s main port of entry for travellers arriving either by sea or by air. Do spend a few days in Heraklion. A short stay in Heraklion is recommended for the curious travellers either to stroll around the harbour or visit the Archaeological Museum, whose 20 halls represent a whole civilization, unique collection of ceramics, gold and silver ornament and much more, The Palace of Knossos, ruins and partly restored Minoan Palace lies only 6-7 km outside Heraklion. Accommodation In no particular order.
is a historical monument, a status symbol for the Cretan, built in 1920 and converted into a Luxury Hotel in 2003. Ideally located overlooking the old harbour of the town and just aside from the boisterous bustle but within 6-7 minutes to museums, restaurants, shops, and cafes.
3 star located on Ikaros Avenue, the road connecting the airport and the port with the city center of Heraklion. Only In a few minutes by car, city center (2 km), the port (1.5 km), the airport (1.5 km), the municipal beach (5 km) and the Archaeological Site of Knossos (10 km.). The hotel area is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, supermarkets and shops and is directly connected by buses to all of Crete.
4 star only 12 suites. Located near Morosini Fountain and Municipal Art Gallery, other points of interest near the accommodation include Venetian Walls, Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Air condition, Free WiFi, 24-hour reception desk.
All the above hotels can be Book direct or you can find them and other alternatives on
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Knossos & Heraklion Tours by locals
the most important center of the Minoan civilisation Knossos and one of the most popular archaeological sites in Greece.
There are 58 tours in Heraklion-Crete. Set filters (above) and click on to narrow your search. Displaying 24 of 58 tours.
Heraklion Overview : What really brought the great Minoan civilization to its knees? A spectacular earthquake from nearby Thera? Invading mainland hordes? The lost world of the Minoans has fascinated scholars for years.,...
Just outside Heraklion
Knossos
A World Heritage Site
Remember, Knossos is only 6 km from Heraklion and a visit there can be combined with a visit to the Archaeological Museum. There are several travel agents in the streets down to the harbour, who can arrange your visits.
The master craftsman Daedalus built the labyrinth for the mythical King Minos in order to isolate the Minotaur, a creature that was half man, half bull. The King of Athens son Theseus, butchered him and found his way out of the labyrinth with the help of Minos' daughter, Ariadne.
El Greco Museum
is located on the edge of the village of Fodele in Crete, west of the city of Heraklion. It celebrates the mannerist painter El Greco, who grew up in the village.
Link Fodele village, history, attraction.
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Distance from Heraklion city to El Greco Museum approximately 33km, (around 35-45minutes driving).
Easy to Get to Heraklion by Ferry
Heraklion Port
The Heraklion port is located in the city center next to the Venetian harbour (only 2km Heraklion Airport) and along the Crete National Road 90.
Heraklion has the third busiest port in Greece.
Heraklion to Athens sailing time 7-13 hours by ferry. Santorini is the nearest Island with a port to Heraklion port and the sailing time between 2-3 hours.
The port service include local bus service, taxi stand, car hire desk, terminal, ferry ticket office.
Easy to Get to Heraklion by air
Heraklion Airport (HER)
located 5km east of the city center. Daily flights from Athens. From March/April until end of October several European charter flights and low fare airline fly to Heraklion (Iraklia) Airport, named after the famous novelist Nikos Kazantzakis (Zorba the Greek1946)
Ktel. Local bus service from the airport, info here
Taxi from Heraklion airport to the city centre will only take 10 minutes depending on the traffic. Taxis in Crete are charged at a flat rate, and the journey from Heraklion airport to the city centre will cost around 25 - 30 Euros
Local and International car hire service desk at the airport
National and International flights to Heraklion