Heraklion of Crete, Heraklion town, map, photos, sights, where to go

The city of Heraklion

Heraklion is the capital city of Crete and is the fifth largest city in Greece after Athens, Thessaloniki, Piraeus and Patras.

Its population amounts to approximately 140,000 residents, according to the 2001 census. It is one of the most attractive cities in the Mediterranean due to its geographical location, as it is located at the crossroad of three continents.
Financial resources of the region are the tourism, the agriculture and the trade.

Hotels and rooms to let in Heraklion

Heraklion has nothing to jealous of a big city ...

It has a remarkable range of museums.
The Archaeological Museum is one of them. It houses the most important findings of the Minoan civilization and ranks second in traffic after the Museum of Athens. Follows in the rank the Historical Museum of Crete with exhibits from the Byzantine era to the early 20th century, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of the Battle of Crete and the archaeological site of Knossos.

Furthermore, the region presents a significant growth in academic research. This is supported by the University of Crete, the technical colleges and the research centres.
Some of them are the Institute of Research and Technology (FORTH), the Technology Park (Science and Technology Park of Crete STEP-C), ELKETHE Centre for Marine Research and CretAquarium of ELKETHE.

It should be noted that the Aquarium of Crete is an attraction for all visitors as it hosts almost all the Mediterranean ecosystem.

Heraklion is the birthplace of many famous personalities. Nikos Kazantzakis, the Nobel poet Odysseas Elytis and El Greco are among them.

For your stay, you will find in the city of Heraklion and in the surrounding areas, many businesses of staying (hotels, apartments, studios etc.) of various classes and types, which will meet all your requirements.

Transports in Heraklion
The transportation is easy thanks to the road network. Ferries run daily, via which all places of the island are linked together and the urban bus of Heraklion carries out routes to the town and to the surrounding areas.

If someone wants to "enter" the island, can do it either by plane or by boat.
The airport, "Nikos Kazantzakis", has several flights daily and the harbour, headquarters of the two Cretan ferry companies, is the largest of the island with significantly increased traffic during the summer months.

It must be noted that there are many daily trips to the island of Santorini. As a result, the visitors can visit some of this island's towns, having the opportunity to tour to them. For their returning to Crete, they can embark on a high speed boat.

The first contact
The first contact with Heraklion is like an electric shock, as the city is so densely populated. But, with a second glance, it is evident that Heraklion is constantly changing and become more friendly, with pedestrian roads for endless walks in the heart of the city, but also and over the imposing Venetian walls, the fortress of Koule and the Lighthouse of the new port.
You can take walks to the seaside resorts and to the mountain villages, as Koutouloufari in Hersonissos or Mochos in Malia and Fodele near Agia Pelagia.

With a third look, everything that left behind the Minoan civilization, one of the largest and most important cultures, are revealed. All are located at Knossos, Malia, Archanes, Tylissos and at other areas of this place.
Ano Asites in HeraklionWith another look,the Hera - klion attracts the visitors as they have the opportunity to enjoy a drink in the old traditio- nal cafes of so-me mountain villages such as Ano Asites, Smari, Kera, Lyttos. Leaving the place, raki is certainly hidden in your luggage, while in the hearts of the visitors, Heraklion is placed with its exceptional beauty and the uniqueness of the locals.

Accommodation
For your stay in Heraklion of Crete, you can book a room in one of the hotels and Bed & Breakfast inns.
In Heraklion town, as well as in many other areas of Heraklion Perfecture, there are hotels and accommodations of various categories and types (rooms to let, residences, Bed & Breakfast inns, studios, hostels, guesthouses and furnished apartments) that can satisfy every visitor's demands and needs for a pleasant and enjoyable stay.
You will find wonderful hotels, rooms and apartments to let of all categories and price ranges.

Access
Access to Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is easy and convenient via the existing road network.
Access to attractions and to the various areas of Heraklion perfecture is fast and convenient, whichever place of the island is your starting point, because of the short distances.

For your convenience, you can use the route map on the field “Routes” with information about the mileage, the time you need and the route you will follow, selecting the points of interest.