Heraklion

Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is a large urban centre and the economical centre of the island. It many facilities and activities on offer and an exciting night life. Many archaeological sites can be visited in Heraklion as well as beautiful churches. Heraklion also has cultural events in the summer.
Heraklion is full of picturesque villages perched on top of beautiful hills or mountains together with a variety of beautiful beach resorts and busy coastal villages.

Apart from the designer shops in Heraklion, there are many small shops off the main streets, which sell local products. There are also 'curio' shops where you will easily find typical Cretan gifts. <

The Museum of Heraklion houses one of the most magnificent collection of Minoan art and culture, originally built in during 1904 - 1912. It housed the most valuable finds from Crete until 1937, when the construction of the modern, earthquake-proof building was started. There are approximately twenty rooms or galleries showing exhibits which cover a period of 5,000 years collected from excavations carried out in all parts of Crete.<

The central square of Herklaion is dominated by the massive 'Agios Minas' Cathedral, built in the nineteenth century and is one of the largest churches in Greece. The building took thirty years to construct and had a very grand, lavish celebratory opening in 1896.

The famous Saturday market is almost a kilometre long display of fruit and vegetables.

The famous Minoan Palace of Knossos is located about 5-6 km south of the city of Heraklion and is the greatest of all. The Palace has been built twice, the second time, even more beautiful, with it's wonderful courtyards, temples and a theatre.

There is a vast selection of Restaurants, tavernas, cafe-bars offering a large choice of the local Cretan cuisine to 'fast food' and more international food. There is also a variety of night life on offer such as cinemas, bars and night-clubs.