Located almost in the centre of Crete, Heraklion has since the early years played a significant part in the history of the island. It has worn different names during the years: Heraklion, Handakas, Candia and Heraklion again, officially in 1922. The city of today is modern and large commercial, industrial and agrarian, provincial centre. As the largest communication centre of Crete it is connected with our country's largest cities and with several foreign cities.

Heraklion's long-lasting history has contributed to the existence of a significant cultural and intellectual movement. They remind us mostly of large cities in other parts of Greece. Yet the part of the city surrounded by the famous Venetian walls has preserved many picturesque spots and monuments, standing as reliable witnesses of its history. Once you had to pass through the gates of the wall if you wished to enter the city. Today only two of the four gates are preserved: the Gate of Pantokrator (or the Chania Gate) on the west side and the Gate of Jesus (the new gate) along the southern side of the wall. At the southernmost point of the peribolus is the Martinengo bastion, the highest point of the castle and furthermore impregnable. Here is also the grave of the famous Nikos Kazantzakis. On a stone plate you can read the inscription of a phrase stated by the author, "I hope nothing, I fear nothing, and I am free".

At the old town's centre we meet the Square of Venizelos with the Venetian Morozini Fountain. The basilica of St. Mark, the Venetian Lotzia, beautiful fountains, and old churches such as Agios Titos, the fortress, the Venetian shipyards and many more scattered monuments make our walk through the city. Near Heraklion you can swim at the organized beaches of Ammoudara, Linoperamata and Kartero. At the Picturesque village of Fodele Domenikos Theotokopoulos was born, more famous under the name of El Greco. Brilliant palaces and magnificent residences surrounded Heraklion during antiquity. The Minoan civilization flourished in Crete from 3000 to 1200 BC and was considered to be one of the most important in Greece. While it lasted, more than one hundred cities prospered and grew into significant centres of civilization.

Greeks are a people that enjoy going out a lot, either for lunch or a drink or both (the weather helps a lot..). So Heraklion has numerous restaurants and tavernas that cater for all tastes. As far as night life goes there is a big number of bars and nightclubs, open throughout the year, with the number doubling during the high season.

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