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Heraklion (Iraklion, Ηράκλειο) is the largest city of Crete . With almost 140,000 inhabitants, it is the fourth largest Greek city. Together with the neighboring towns, it forms an agglomeration of around 200,000 people. The important role played by Heraklion in Crete is underlined by the fact that the city is also the administrative capital of the island .
Currently, the city is known by many names that have existed over hundreds of years of its history. It's worth mentioning and knowing the few most important ones that are still used in Crete:
Panorama of the Venetian harbor
Some scientists suppose that although there is no direct evidence, the origins of this city can reach as far as 2000 BC. It is believed that in the Minoan era, in the area of present Heraklion, there was a town that served as the sea port of Knossos. The official confirmed date for the founding of modern Heraklion is 824, when the Saracens came to Crete. During this period, Heraklion served as a nest of pirates splitting Byzantine warships flowing in the area. It was only the expedition that the Byzantines carried out in 961 that put an end to this activity of the city of Rabḍ al-ḫandaq ("The Castle of the Moat"), as it was then called Heraklion. It was this year that the army under the leadership of the future Byzantine emperor - Nicefor Phokas, landed in Crete. After a long siege, Heraklion collapsed, the city was plundered and burned, and most of the inhabitants were murdered. Despite the tragic end of the reign of Saracens in this city, Heraklion is quickly rebuilt and under its name Chandax begins its nearly 250-year history under the leadership of Byzantines.
Year 1204 is another landmark date in the city's history. As a result of the 4th Crusade and the political games that were fought after it ended, Heraklion passed under the control of the Venetians. However, this is done in a rather unusual way, because the city changed its owner on the terms of purchase / sale (allegedly for a thousand pieces of silver).
Rybackie łodzie w przystani portowej
The Venetians are re-naming the city from the Byzantine Chandax to the Italian Candia. Under this name Heraklion operates several centuries, and with time the term Candia is also used in relation to the whole of Crete. During this period, the city is experiencing rapid development, the effects of which are still visible today. It is the huge walls surrounding the old part of the city (with a thickness of up to 40 meters), 7 bastions and the fortress in the port is the work of new owners. After 1212, the Venetians begin to settle in Candia. The mixing of two coexisting cultures leads to the flourishing of literature and art, whose influences radiate throughout the whole of Crete. The period of this dynamic development is now called the Cretan Renaissance.
The year 1669 put an end to the reign of the Venetians in Heraklion. After the (longest) siege lasting 24 years, the Ottoman army captured the city. However, this success was paid by the Turks with high losses. Only in the last 22 months in the bloody battles killed more than 70 thousand. soldiers. The new rulers, like their predecessors, have renamed the city, which from 1669 was to be called Kandiye. Among the Greek inhabitants, however, the name "Megalo Kastro" (Μεγάλο Κάστρο), ie the Grand Castle, was more popular. Unfortunately, the Ottoman era is the time when Heraklion is in decline. As a consequence of neglect, the Venetian seaport is silted, and most of the ships sailing to Crete were calling to Chania , which at that time took over the role of the most important city of Crete (and the capital of this island).
It was not until 1898 that as part of the autonomy of Crete, he regained some of his former independence. Until 1908, Crete was under the occupation of the great powers, and Candia was a part controlled by the British. During this period, the city changes its name again and is renamed today's current, or Heraklion. It was not until 1913 that Heraklion and the rest of Crete were incorporated into the Kingdom of Greece.
Another date that has a strong impact on the current appearance of the city is 1941. As a result of German bombings conducted as part of the invasion of Crete, a large part of Heraklion is destroyed. Despite the reconstruction, the city never regains its original appearance. In 1971, the administrative center was moved to Heraklion, and thus the city takes over the title of the capital of Crete from Chania .
International meeting of Nikos Kazantzakis in Heraklion
Heraklion is located in the central part of the northern coast of Crete. The easiest and most convenient way to reach this city is by renting a car. Of course, there is nothing to prevent you from using the quite good bus communication that is served by KTEL.
Due to its size and its administrative function, Heraklion is very well connected with the rest of Crete. Along the southern outskirts of Heraklion runs the Nowa Droga Narodowa, which is the best transport route connecting it with the other largest cities of the island, that is looking from the western end of the island with: Kissamos, Chania , Rethymnon , Malia , Agios Nikolaos and Sitia. Mostly this route does not require more skills from the driver, as it is a road that does not differ from the Polish national and express roads. Difficulties can be encountered while driving from the city of Sitia, where a large section of the E75 route runs along the former National Road. Also when driving through Malia, you have to take into account traffic jams that are created by cars passing through this place.
The center of Heraklion, like in the case of other major cities of Crete, is a maze of narrow streets, where in most cases one-way traffic is in force. I strongly advise you not to drive your car into this thicket of streets. Even the best maps and GPS navigation will not be enough help in finding yourself in this maze, and problems with parking and dense traffic will only deepen your irritation. Hiking is definitely the best way to explore Heraklion. The car can be parked in the vicinity of the port (eg along Leoforos Nearchou street, where it is relatively easy to find a vacancy), or on one of the several paid car parks that are located on the outskirts of the old town.
Wąskie ulice dużego miasta
Skuter to ulubiony środek transportu Greków
Widok na Heraklion z Twierdzy Weneckiej
Pomnik Nieznanego Żołnierza
Budynek Prefektury w Heraklionie
Fontanna Morosiniego na Plateia Venizelou
Kościół Ag. Markos - obecnie galeria
Ag. Titos - kościół św. Tytusa
Loggia Wenecka
Below you will find a list of the most important places that we think are worth seeing in Heraklion:
↤ click the appropriate part of the island to change the bottom map
Knossos is one of the flagship monuments visited by tourists, it is also the most popular place where organized trips go.
Heraklion (Iraklion) is the largest city of Crete. With almost 140,000 inhabitants, it is the fourth largest city in Greece.
Dozens of craft workshops located in this small mountain village make Margarites one of the four main centers where traditional Cretan ceramics are made.
International airport. Nikos Kazantzakis in Heraklion is currently the largest airport in Crete.
Heraklion (Iraklion) is the largest city of Crete. With almost 140,000 inhabitants, it is the fourth largest Greek city.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
Rethymnon with around 40,000 inhabitants are the third largest city of Crete. This place was populated already in the Minoan period. Historically, the city was an important commercial center.
Thrapsano is a small town inhabited by slightly over 2,500 people, the vast majority of which until recently maintained their activity as a potter.
Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
According to Greek mythology, Zeus hid (and perhaps even gave birth) in the Ida cave. This myth is the greatest asset of this cave, which is not as interesting and beautiful as the Dikte cave.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Plakias is a perfect place for people who like to spend time hiking. In the area of the town and the surrounding area, there are several hiking trails that lead to interesting beaches.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
The Kourtaliotiko Gorge, also known as the Asomatos Gorge, is perhaps one of the most spectacular natural attractions available in the central part of Crete.
Agia Triada is a small Minoan archaeological site in the south of Crete, located near Timpaki, located on the western slope of the hill about 40 meters above sea level.
Około 60 kilometrów na południowy zachód od stolicy Krety - Heraklionu znajdują się ruiny drugiego co do wielkości starożytnego pałacu - Fajstos.
Currently, Melidoni Cave (originally called Gerontospilios) is associated mainly with the tragic events that took place here in 1824.
This fortress is a perfect example of Crete's multiculturalism. Located today in Greek hands, it was built by the Venetians, but is called a name taken from the Turkish language.
It is one of the most important and largest museums in Greece and one of the most important in Europe.
Tylissos is one of the few places in Crete that has kept its name since ancient times.
Plaża w Damnoni jest położona po sąsiedzku z Plakias - popularną turystyczną miejscowością
Agios Pavlos is a small town located on the southern coast of Crete near Saktouria.
Triopetra is located at the foot of the Siderotas mountain about 52 km south of Rethymno.
gia Galini (Αγία Γαλήνη) jest jednym z najpopularniejszych nadmorskich kurortów na południowym wybrzeżu Krety.
The observatory is located at the top of the Skinakas mountain at an altitude of 1750 m. The idea for its construction was born in 1984.
The Late-Romanesque cemetery in Armeni is located on the outskirts of this town, located less than 10 km south of the center of Rethymno.
The museum presents the dramatic history of Crete written over the last several hundred years.
The modern settlement known as Argyroupolis was built on the site of the ancient city of Lappa (also called Lambi)
Lentas is a good idea for those who want to get away from villages steeped in industrial tourism.
This ancient quarry, consisting of two parts by modern times, is called Λαβυρινθάκι and Λαβύρινθος.
If anyone of you is looking for a good restaurant near Matala and Kalamaki, then we would like to recommend estiório Chrisopigi.
Psiloritis (Timios Stavros - Holy Cross) is the top of the highest mountain of Crete, rising to 2456 m above sea level.
Rouvas Gorge is one of the most interesting places in this part of Crete. The interesting trail leads in a perfect way to the changing appearance of this gorge.
Matala is one of the most popular towns not only of the southern coast but also of the whole of Crete. In the 1960s and 1970s, this small fishing village was a mecca for hippies.
The Odigitrias Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of southern Crete. Unfortunately, in terms of popularity, he is far from other Cretan monasteries.
Kali Limenes (meaning Dobre Porty or Piękny Przystanie) is a coastal town located in the Asterousia Mountains on the southern coast of Crete.
In addition to the famous grand palaces on the island in the Minoan period, a number of smaller residences were created. One of the most important examples is the Vathipetro discovered about 5 km north of Archanes, on the southeastern slope of Mount Juchtas in the central part of Crete.
When traveling around Crete, it is not difficult to pay attention to the fact that most of the beaches there are relatively small and short. For this reason, people who are used to our national Baltic standards, where the sandy coast stretches for kilometers, may experience a special disappointment. However, fortunately, nothing is lost, because Crete in its rich arsenal of various beaches can boast of those that allow for long walks along the coast. One of them, our favorite is the Kommos beach located in the south of the central part of the island.
Although there are countless caves in Crete, only a few can be visited. Sfendoni is the largest cave open to the public. content comes from: http://www.crete.pl www.CRETE.pl
The old Venetian port and the lighthouse are one of the most recognizable elements of Rethymno.
Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of hotels with the highest standards of service. Beautiful landscape and an amazing view of the Mirambello bay is the reason why Elounda was so quickly and greedily absorbed by modern mass tourism. In luxurious SPA resorts, the most famous guests from Greece and around the world spend their holidays. It was in this place that Lady Gaga rested,
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. Although the official number of residents does not exceed 58 thousand. however, together with the neighboring towns, Chania forms an agglomeration with a population of approximately 130,000. people. Chania is located on the northern coast of the island, about 70 km west of Rethymno and 145 km west of Heraklion.
Agios Nikolaos (Άγιος Νικόλαος) is a small town with less than 20,000 inhabitants. permanent residents (according to statistical data from 2001). This city is the capital of the Lasithi nomos. It is located in the central-eastern part of Crete, about 65 kilometers east of Heraklion. It is one of the first tourist resorts in Crete. Already in 1965, much earlier than in other cities of this island, the first hotel was opened here. Currently, Agios Nikolaos does not play such an important role in servicing tourist traffic in Crete, as it did years ago. Despite the fact that the city must now compete with other towns located in this area of Crete (such as Plaka, Elounda, Istro, Kalo Chori), every year thousands of tourists rest here from all corners of Europe.
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