Located in the heart of Crete and close to two of the island’s most significant archaeological sites, Knossos Palace and Phaistos Palace, Heraklion is the ideal destination for those seeking to explore the rich history and culture of this ancient land Situated in the eastern part of the island, between Rethymno and Lassithi, Heraklion is a bustling region that offers a perfect blend of stunning beaches, a lively town, and a wealth of hidden treasures from the Venetian era
The capital of Heraklion, Heraklion Town, is the most popular city in Crete and a hub of activity Within the region, visitors can discover two of the most important monuments of Crete – Knossos Palace and Phaistos Palace The impressive Minoan Palace of Knossos, covering over 20,000 square meters, is the largest of all Minoan palatial structures Its colorful murals, imposing red columns, and grand throne room provide a glimpse into the ancient Minoan civilization Meanwhile, the Minoan Palace of Phaistos, located on the picturesque Kastri hill, boasts a beautiful natural setting and draws history enthusiasts from around the world
Despite its bustling city center, Heraklion Town maintains a charming and almost fairy-tale atmosphere Strolling through the town, visitors can admire the Koules Fortress at the Venetian port, Turkish and Venetian fountains, and Venetian buildings such as the Loggia The town is also home to several museums, including the Archaeological Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Natural History For those looking to relax and soak up the sun, the region offers a variety of beautiful beaches along its northern and southern coasts, including the famous Matala beach, Agia Pelagia, and Malia There are also many hotels conveniently located near these beaches for those planning a beach vacation in Crete
Heraklion’s ancient history is closely tied to the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the center of the Minoan civilization This period, which thrived from the 16th to the 14th century BC, was marked by a prosperous society based on agriculture and trade The Minoans were known for their advanced navigation system and their skill in shipbuilding, as well as their beautiful pottery This peaceful society is believed to have been destroyed around 1,500 BC by a volcanic eruption on the nearby island of Santorini, which caused tsunami waves and covered the towns in volcanic ashes
In the medieval era, Crete faced challenges and struggles, with limited development until the Roman period when Ancient Gortyn was established in southern Heraklion The island then became part of the Byzantine Empire, but it was frequently attacked by pirates and enemies In the 9th century, the Arabs occupied Crete and established a new town at the site of Heraklion called Radth al Khandak, or Castle of Handakas The Byzantines regained control in the following century, but in the 14th century, the city was surrendered to the Venetians, who ruled Crete for four centuries This was a period of great prosperity for Heraklion, with flourishing arts, trade, and cultural achievements Many intellectuals and artists sought refuge in the city after the fall of Constantinople in 1453
The Venetians built defensive walls around Heraklion, which took a century to complete, and these fortifications played a strategic role in the long battle between the Ottomans and the Venetians After a 25-year siege, the Venetians were forced to leave the town, and the Cretans continued to resist the Turkish rule for centuries In 1898, Crete gained autonomy and was finally united with Greece in 1913
During World War II, Heraklion was a target for German forces due to its strategic location The war caused significant damage to the city, but many Venetian monuments still stand, including the iconic defensive walls, the fortress, and various fountains and artworks that showcase a European influence Visitors can also visit the tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis, the famous Cretan writer, located on a hill just outside the walls Close to the New Gate, there is a theater dedicated to his memory
Heraklion is easily accessible from both Chania Airport, located 147 km away with a driving time of 2 hours and 9 minutes, and Heraklion Airport, located just 5 km away with a driving time of only 8 minutes With its rich history, beautiful beaches, and lively town, Heraklion is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the beautiful island of Crete
