Heraklion

Heraklion is the capital of Crete, the principal port and is the fourth largest city in Greece. The Koules or Castello a Mare (Fort on the Sea in Italian)  is a fortress located at the entrance of the old port of Heraklion and is the city’s emblem and landmark. 

The city has had many cultural influences in its rich past and this is reflected in its architecture which include Byzantine churches alongside Venetian mansions and Turkish fountains as well as a thriving modern day Cretan presence with many restaurants, coffee shops and bars to cater to every taste. Its lovely to stroll along the waterfront, the harbour is home to brightly coloured fishing boats and fish tavernas, whilst the pedestrianised old town is a maze of narrow streets. 

Places of interest include the Heraklion Archaeological museum which is one of the most significant museums of Greece and showcases the best artifacts from Knossos and the Minoan period. The ancient palace of Knossos is located 6km southeast of the city and is the second most visited archaeologic site after the Parthenon. Knossos was the largest centre of population on Crete during Minoan times. Other places to visit include the Museum of Natural history, the Martinengo bastion overlooking the city, where the renowned writer Nikos Kazantzakis’ tomb  and the food market of Heraklion, where you will find traditional Cretan products such as Cretan olive oil, raki, local wine, honey, herbs, etc.