Heraklion

Capital of Crete, with the Minoan palaces of Knossos and Phaistos, Venetian fortresses, the Diktaean Cave of Zeus, and the Gulf of Elounda to the east.

Heraklion is the capital and largest city of the Greek island of Crete, set on the central north coast and serving as the island's main air and sea gateway. This destination is centered on Heraklion and covers central and eastern Crete. In the city you'll find the Archaeological Museum, a treasure house of Minoan civilization, plus the Venetian walls and Koules Fortress. Just 5 km south of town, the Palace of Knossos is the core site of Europe's oldest civilization. Further south, the Messara Plain has the Palace of Phaistos, Gortyn and Matala Beach. To the east lie Malia, the Lasithi Plateau, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and the island of Spinalonga. Chania and Rethymno in western Crete are covered under separate destinations.

Season: Mediterranean climate. May–Jun and Sep–Oct (20–28°C) are best for visiting ruins and swimming. Jul–Aug is hot, dry and the most crowded, so visit archaeological sites in the morning. Winters are mild and rainy, and many seaside resort facilities close.

Things to do: ① A day in the city: the Archaeological Museum, Lions Square, the 1866 Market Street, the city walls and Kazantzakis' Tomb; ② Knossos plus the Archanes wine country; ③ The south: Gortyn, Phaistos and sunset at Matala; ④ The east: Malia and the Lasithi Plateau with the Cave of Zeus, or Agios Nikolaos, Spinalonga and Voulisma Beach.

Getting there: Athens to Heraklion is about 50 minutes by air, with direct summer flights from many European cities; overnight ferries run from Piraeus. The main sights in the city are walkable, buses serve Knossos, and renting a car is recommended elsewhere. Suggested stay: 3–5 days.

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Itineraries