Heraklion

Heraklion (sometimes referred to as Heraklio) is the largest city and capital of Crete island with population of approximately 156 000. It is located in the north part of Heraklion Perefectura, close to Knossos Palace where the Minoan Civilization arose and where, as mythology states, the labyrinth of the Minotaur was.

Like in the rest major cities on the island, here you can see the remains of the Venetian Rule - houses, streets, walls, fortress, etc..

Except for Knossos which is a main destination, tourists also visit the archeological museum, the Venetian Port with the fortress and the local market which takes place every Saturday.

5 km away from Heraklion is the international airport Nikos Kazantzakis. There are many beaches in the region, as the most famous of them are Ammoudara, Linoperasma, Aghia Pelagia, Amnisos, Gouves, etc. Most of the beaches are located around the suburbs or areas around Heraklion and the distances are not small but the public transportation is well organized.