The prefecture of Heraklion Greece is one of the four prefectures which form the Greek island of Crete. Its capital is the town of Heraklion, which is also the capital of the island. It is the economical center of the island. Located between the prefecture of Rethymno and the one of Lassithi, it is full of wonderful beaches, interesting archaeological sites, amazing landscapes, picturesque villages and impressive gorges.
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Heraklion Town is the largest city in Crete and the main transportation hub of the island. Koules Fortress, a large fortress at the entrance of the port, is the symbol of Heraklion Town and dominates over the lovely Venetian harbour. The fortress was originally built by the Venetians in the 13th century but then it underwent many transformations by the Ottomans, who ruled Crete till the late 19th century. Many beautiful beaches surround this town.
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In the centre of the town and close to the old port of Heraklion, there is an impressive building, the Venetian Loggia. This building of elegant architecture, that now houses the Town Hall, was constructed in the 17th century and was used as a meeting point for the noblemen. |
Hersonissos is one of the most developed tourist resorts of Heraklion Crete (28 km east of Heraklion Town). It has many tourist facilities, cosmopolitan atmosphere and a lovely port where fishing boats moor. The beaches around Hersonissos are among the most popular in Heraklion Crete. It is well organized and has many watersports centres.
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Matala (67 km south west of Heraklion Town) is the most famous resort on the southern side of Heraklion Crete. The organized beach next to some strange rock formations offers a nice environment to relax.
The caves of Matala are formed in the rock formations right above the beach. They were used as residences in the prehistoric times and then as graves in the Hellenistic and the Roman period.
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Ammoudara (5 km west of Heraklion Town) is a very long, sandy beach with clean water. The organized coast and the close distance from Heraklion Town makes it very popular. |
| Tymbaki (70 km south west of Heraklion Town) is a calm and relaxing beach on the south western side of Heraklion Crete, close to the famous resort of Matala. |
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Agia Pelagia (24 km north west of Heraklion Town) is a lovely fishing village that turns into a tourist resort in summer. Its calm ambience and the beautiful beaches make it a nice family place. |
| The Minoan Palace of Knossos lays about 5 km south of Heraklion Town. This is the most famous and largest Minoan site in Greece. Discovered in the early 20th century by the British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, the site was found almost intact and covered by ashes. This led scientists believe that the palace was destroyed by a tsunami wave caused by the volcanic eruption of Santorini in 1,550 BC. |
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The Minoan Palace of Phaestos is the second most important Minoan site in Crete, after Knossos. The design of the palace is a copy of Knossos, but in smaller scale and without many labyrinths. |
