Crete is the southernmost Greek island in the Aegean Sea and one of the provinces of Greece. It comprises four administrative regions: Chania, Heraklion, Lasihi and Rethymno.

Crete stands out from the other Greek islands because of its spectacular scenery and the unique lifestyle of the locals.

Considered the birthplace of Mediterranean culture, the island blends exotic beaches with traditional villages and ancient archaeological sites in perfect harmony.

Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is a city with a rich history, linked to Constanta, founded in 824 near the Palace of Knossos on the north coast.

Here lies the main port of Crete, and it is also the most important industrial city of the island.

Heraklion is the fourth largest city of Greece, in ancient times being the main port of Knossos, due to the fact that it was the place where the Mintonians traded gold, pottery and saffron.

Nowadays, this region can boast modern tourist resorts, clean beaches and fabulous sights, and for this reason we can call it an ideal destination for all ages.

Although, at first glance, the city may seem crowded and hectic, once you start discovering the region you will realize that it is a truly magical place.

In this region you will find picturesque beaches, archaeological sites and other sights that will create unforgettable memories.

The first thing you think about after you choose the place where you will go on holiday is which period you will enjoy the most.

To save you from this problem, we come to your aid with some tips about the temperatures in Heraklion, in every season of the year.

We start by telling you that the best months for a holiday start from March to December, although, on average, the warmest months of the year are June, July, August and September, the penultimate of which is also the best for swimming.

January and February also bring with them the coolest time of the year, although temperatures can reach as low as 15℃.

The old town was built under the domination of the sea (an influence it still has today), centred on the most important monument, the Koules, an imposing forum built by the Venetians in the 16th century.

You can climb its ramparts to take pictures of the breathtaking scenery all around. From here, you can see the arsenals, the places where the Venetians repaired their ships, and the cliff, which offers a charming view.

The old town is surrounded by a long line of walls, and inside you can admire aristocratic buildings, churches and shops, all leading to a square with fountains and cafes.

Knossos Palace is the largest and best preserved archaeological site in Crete, lying five kilometres away in the south-east of Heraklion.
It is a monumental palace with an inner courtyard, around which the four sides of the building are built. According to legend, the inner courtyard is said to contain the labyrinth of King Minos.

The palace is elegant and elegant, and even today has a Bohemian feel. It includes ceremonial spaces, recreational areas, storage rooms, remarkable decorations and a complex water drainage system.

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion displays the superb frescoes of Knossos, dating back 3500 years, along with the Snake Goddess, a ceramic statue of a woman holding two snakes, and the Phaistos Disc, a clay disc with a strange spiral full of symbols.

Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is a huge aquarium where you can get to know the underwater life of the Mediterranean.
Cretaquarium is a place for adults and families with children alike, where you can enjoy 32 huge aquariums where you can see a variety of marine life, from tiny seahorses to scary sharks, unheard of jellyfish, turtles, octopuses and lobsters.

The aquarium is located in a former American military base in Gournes, 13 km from Heraklion.

The Palace of Phaestos is a fabulous Minoan palace, favoured by many tourists for its authenticity, having never been renovated before.
Today, you can see the ruins of a palace built around a spacious inner courtyard, situated on a sunny hill, behind which lies Mount Psiloritis.

The scenery here is quite enchanting, despite the fact that it was abandoned many years ago, as was Knossos (archaeologists are still looking for the reason why).

The village of Agioi Deka (or "Ten Saints") is the link between the northern and southern parts of Heraklion. The name "Ten Saints" comes from the ten Cretans who were killed by the Romans in 250 AD, in whose memory a church was built.
In this location you can visit many sights, such as the archaeological site of Ancient Gothyn, the ruins of an acropolis, an open theatre, one of the temples of Apollo and a Christian church.

If you are on holiday in Crete it is impossible not to get acquainted with the traditional cuisine. This place is known for its Mediterranean cuisine, which abounds in local products (fish, olive oil, honey and cheese).

We are happy to present you some of the dishes you will encounter in Heraklion:

Horiatiki - is the famous Greek salad, which has as ingredients: tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, pepper, feta cheese, black olives and olive oil.
Giouvetsi - lamb with rice
Pastitsada - veal or chicken cooked with fresh tomatoes, cinnamon, wine, onion and other spices
Let's not forget the traditional drink ouzo, which is also present in this part of Greece. You'll find it in special containers, in all sizes and shapes, at local shops.

Once in Heraklion, you will surely discover other traditional dishes that will delight you, so let you experiment and decide which one you like best.

• Country: Greece, a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, does not need a visa
  Official language: Greek
  Currency: EUR
  Time zone: UTC/GMT +1:00 hours, summer time +2:00 hours
  Telephone prefix: +30
  Internet domain: .gr
  Airport: Heraklion International Airport is the local airport. The airport is located 5 km from Heraklion, on the northern side of Crete.
  The distance from the airport to the city centre can be covered by local buses, which leave at frequent intervals, from morning to late at night, Monday to Saturday, with a reduced frequency on Sundays. If you choose the bus, be aware that a journey takes 20 minutes. Another option is to choose a taxi.
  Information about COVID-19: Entry rules to Zakynthos depend on the rules imposed by the Greek government. Find out the details of the official travel rules in Greece.