Heraklion is the capital and the largest city of Crete. The Byzantine era and the Venetian and Ottoman occupancies have left their indelible marks on this historic town. Today, Heraklion has all those characteristics of a big city. However, if you have a stroll in the city, you will discover many beautiful 'corners', bearing the glamor of past times!

Trademark of Heraklion is the Venetian fortress Koules, which dominates the harbor entrance, reminding a very sad moment in the history of Crete, as it is the place where Cretan rebels were tortured. Today, the fortress functions as a venue for cultural events in an attempt to disconnect it from the memories of the martyred past.

An important attraction of the city is the Venetian Walls with four gates and seven ramparts, which enclose the Old Town; Chandakas. This is the largest fortification in the whole Mediterranean! Gates, arcades, bastions and powder kegs compose a scene that seems to have sprung from the past! In the southern section of the walls, Martinengo bastion, there is the tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis; a famous Greek writer. Today, several gates and galleries are used as exhibition halls or event spaces, while during summer months, the Bethlehem Gate turns into an open air cinema premise.

Reference point and meeting place for both locals and visitors is the Lions (Eleftherios Venizelos) square, where one of the most beautiful Venetian monuments dominates. This is the Morosini Fountain; the famous fountain with the four lions which were symbols of the Venetians’ power. Pay attention to the magnificent reliefs adorning the reservoir of the fountain.

During your stay in Heraklion walk down the pedestrian “August 25” street. Along the route, you will see magnificent neoclassical buildings, gift shops as well as stylishly cafés. Your eyes will be captivated by the impressive church of Agios Titos. An important landmark in the “August 25” street is the church of Agios Markos, which today houses the Municipal Art Gallery. There, exhibitions and concerts are hosted, while in the courtyard you may find the Municipal Band, playing covers of modern pieces! At this street, you will come across Loggia; the former Venetian noblemen club, where the Town Hall is housed today. If you are lucky, you might find one of the bazaars organized for charitable or other purposes with handmade and used items.

Of great interest is the Aquarium Cretaquarium- Thalassokosmos where fish, corals, tiny seahorses, jellyfish and sharks will take you into the magical underwater world!

Heraklion is home to several notable museums which include the Archaeological Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Historical Museum of Crete, the Museum of the Battle of Crete and National Resistance and the Museum Agia Catherine of Sinai.

During your stay in Heraklion, do not forget to visit Knossos, which will introduce you to the secrets of the Minoan civilization on a magical journey through history and time! There, you will see, among others, the famous Palace with the Royal Apartments, the Vaults and the Throne room, the Little Palace, the Royal Villa, the House of Frescoes and the Royal Tomb. The trip to the Minoan civilization continues with a visit to Phaistos and the Minoan town of Archanes. In the archaeological site Fourni, northwest of Archanes, there lies the largest prehistoric cemetery in the Aegean. At the Piso Livadia area, there is Vathipetro Minoan Palace. In one of its wings, a wine press was spotted, whilst in the courtyard, a mill installation was discovered.

It is also worth visiting the cosmopolitan Malia; a small town with two “faces”. The old Malia with its narrow streets, the houses with the bougainvilleas and the taverns with live music, is suitable for those seeking tranquility and relaxation. To the contrary, the coastal Malia, with its bars and nightlife clubs, is an ideal choice for those who love vivid nightlife.

In Heraklion, the present harmoniously coexists with the past, in a city full of life, which yet maintains with respect its great historical heritage. Whether you seek relaxation or prefer more intense rhythms, Heraklion promises to seduce you with its many "faces"!