The prefecture of Heraklion is located in the centre of Crete. In antiquity it was the most important centre of the Minoan civilization; today it is a beautiful, densely populated region. Knossos, Phaestos, Gortina, Malia are some of the attractions for thousands of visitors to Heraklion. The homonymous capital of the prefecture abounds in monuments mainly from the period of the Venetian occupation: the Byzantine walls of Handakas, the renowned castle of Koule, the legendary lions. Kazantzakis Museum at Varvarou is worth visiting. Other must visits are: Knossos, Phaestos, Gortina, Malia.
There are numerous verdant villages to explore, immaculate beaches on the northern side of the prefecture and sheltered coves to the south. Tranquil Tsoutsouras, cosmopolitan Hersonissos and everywhere the Cretan hospitality. In Heraklion and its villages traditional eateries and picturesque seaside taverns offer tantalizing Cretan specialties: pies of wild greens, cockles, boiled goat, fish, sea urchins, octopus and cuttlefish, sweet tarts “kaltzounia” and delectable Cretan wine often accompanied by the sound of the Cretan lyre.
You can buy the renowned, handmade Cretan knives, copies of Minoan depictions, a Creta n kerchief or famous Cretan cheeses.
Iraklio areas:
HERSONISSOS, ARVI, AMMOUDARA, NEA ALIKARNASSOS, AGIA PELAGIA, PISKOPIANO, IRAKLIO TOWN, HANI KOKKINI, KERATOKAMPOS, KALI LIMENES, MALIA, AKROTIRI LENTA, MATALA, MIRES, GOUVES, ARKALOHORI, TSOUTSOUROS, FODELE, TIMBAKI, KAMILARI, STALIDA, ARCHANES, ANO VIANNOS, KALAMAKI, ZAROS, ANALIPSIS, TYLISSOS, KASTELI, GOURNES, KAMARES
