HERAKLION TRAVEL GUIDE

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AREAS

Heraklion

The city of Heraklion is located in the centre of the north coast of Crete. The city is the capital of the Prefecture and the capital of the island since 1972. The old town is built within the Venetian walls and the new town extends from them. A bustling and busy city with all the necessities and amusements one would expect to find in a capital.

There are many sights and ancient monuments to be found in and around the city. The Loggia, Heraklion council offices, is considered the most elegant of Venetian monuments, close to the recently renovated Lions Square fountain. The Loggia was awarded first prize in the Europa Nostra Awards of 1987 for being the best renovated and maintained European Monument. The majestic Koule Venetian Fortress is in the harbour area of the town. The imposing walls surrounding the old town reflect the need for protection in olden times. All around the old town are many monuments and buildings that stand as a testament to the various cultures and occupation of its many invaders through the ages.

Heraklion was the centre of the Minoan civilisation and the Archaeological Museum in the city offers a plethora of relics spanning the millennia of the habitation of the island.

Avdou

The village of Avdou is located 39 km southeast of Heraklion towards the Lassithi Plateau. In its historical past the men were involved in the many battles against the Ottoman Empire and during WWII. The village is a centre for alternative tourism for lovers of the natural countryside environment. Avdou is also the only parachuting centre on Crete.

Agii Deka

The village of Agii Deka (Ten Saints) is on the Messara plain close to the ancient city of Gortyna; it is named after the ten Cretan Christians who were executed by the Roman Emperor, Dekios, in 250 AD. A small Byzantium church was built on the location where their remains were found. The village also has the small Gortyna Museum exhibiting local discoveries.

Agios Myron

The village of Agios Myronas is built around ancient Ravko, which flourished during Minoan times about 1200 BC. Ravko was a strong city like Knossos and Gortyna. It was destroyed in 166 BC during the civil war between Gortyna and Knossos.

It is named after the sainted Myronas, Bishop of Knossos, who was born here and was witness to the persecutions by the Roman Emperor Dekios. The Byzantium church of the village is dedicated to St Myronas as is the small Skiti cave that has a therapeutic ‘holy water’ spring.

Agios Myronas is also renowned for the maleviziotiko wine produced here.

Arhanes

The picturesque town of Arhanes is built on the slopes of a hill 15km from Heraklion. The pretty town has cobbled roads and paths and the neoclassical buildings have been lovingly restored and painted in earthy colours with many traditional Kafenions.

In and around the town are the ruins of a Minoan villa, the ancient cemetery of Fourni, fine Byzantium churches, The Farming Museum and the Natural History Museum of the Gouhta Ecological Archaeological Park.

Matala

Matala is a small sandy cove on the south coast with caves in the rocks overlooking the bay. The caves were very popular with the Hippies who came and lived in them. The caves that are carved in the rocks were tombs in Roman times and are now under the protection of the Archaeological Service.

Malia

The seaside resort is a very popular destination for holidaymakers and is 34 km east of Heraklion. The resort has long sandy beaches that are organised and offer all types of sea sports and activities.

Just 3 km from the town is the archaeological site of the Minoan Palace of Malia.

Hersonissos

The seaside resort of Hersonissos is located 27 km east of Heraklion making it a popular destination for holidaymakers and conference delegates as there are many quality hotel complexes in the area. The village has many historical monuments as well as a lively nightlife offering entertainments to suit all tastes.