Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Heraklion is the historical capital of Crete, a jewel of the Cretan region. It serves as a commercial and tourist center of this unforgettable island, rich in history and traditions. The city of Heraklion was renamed by the Turks during their conquest to Handakas, but in the 19th century, it regained its legendary name - Heraclea, later becoming Heraklion. It is named after the great hero Hercules, who accomplished his feats on this island. It is the largest city on the island of Crete, holding the prestigious first place with a population of over 120,000 people. Developed on the site of the port that served the ancient center of the Mycenaean civilization - the city of Knossos, it was later significantly rebuilt by the Arabs, then destroyed by the Byzantines and almost entirely reconstructed by them under the name Megalo-Kastro ("Great Fortress"). During the Venetian rule, the city expanded significantly, acquiring many new fortifications and the name Candia. This is still a common name today, but the Cretans prefer the ancient name Heraklion, meaning "City of Hercules." In 1645, the Turks began a siege of the city that lasted nearly a quarter of a century - an unimaginable length of time for the rapidly expanding Ottoman Empire. In 1898, Crete gained independence, separate from mainland Greece, and only 15 years later joined the country itself, with Heraklion becoming its main maritime gateway. It was only in 1971 that it became the capital of the island and immediately transformed into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. This is not surprising - the city and its surroundings are home to a vast number of historical monuments, and it serves as the main gateway to the island, boasting not only an excellent port but also a nearby international airport (just 4 km east of the city limits) and numerous decent beaches (by local standards). Crete is the largest Greek island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located 110 km from Europe, 175 km from Asia, and 300 km from Africa. Geographically, it belongs to Europe. Crete is washed by three seas - the Cretan Sea to the north, the Libyan Sea to the south, and the Ionian Sea to the west. The area of the island is 8,261 km² (including the islands of Gavdos and Dia - 8,336 km²), with a coastline of 1,046 km. Modern Crete is one of the thirteen regions of the Greek Republic and is one of the largest economic and cultural centers of the country. The tourist infrastructure of Crete is better than that of other islands - Crete is considered one of the most popular European resorts. **Climate** Heraklion has a Mediterranean climate. During the summer season, dry and hot weather prevails, making it possible to enjoy the stunning beaches and magnificent natural beauty of the city from May to October. Temperatures in the summer range from +23° C in May and October to +38° C in July and August. The swimming season in Heraklion in the Aegean Sea opens as early as mid-May, when water temperatures reach +20° C. The winter season is relatively mild, with average temperatures in the coldest winter month of January reaching +16° C. This period is ideal for visiting the numerous attractions of this legendary city. ## About the Port of Heraklion, Crete, Greece Heraklion, Crete, Greece is a popular cruise departure port, offering access to incredible destinations. ## Main Attractions **Knossos Palace** The Palace of King Minos is a legendary architectural monument located on the island of Crete. According to ancient Greek legend, King Minos built it to hide the infidelity of his wife, who gave birth to a monster-the Minotaur-from a sacred bull. Visiting this architectural monument allows one to be transported back to the time when, according to legend, the bull still resided in the palace, and Theseus was heading to battle the beast. On the frescoes and walls, among other drawings, images of the bull have been preserved-sometimes peaceful, and sometimes enraged. The palace contained more than a thousand rooms, and moving through it, one can reach areas located on the fourth floor. Ancient symbols have also been found on the walls of the palace, some of which remain a mystery to this day. **Church of Saint Catherine** The Greek Church of Saint Catherine is located in the square of the same name, which is named after the church. The church was built in 1555 in honor of Saint Catherine of Sinai. It is an example of the blending of Byzantine and Venetian architecture. Monks established an Orthodox school at the monastery, where El Greco received his education. In 1669, when Heraklion was occupied by the Turks, the Church of Saint Catherine was converted into a Muslim mosque, which remained here until the 20th century. Currently, the church houses a museum of the history of Greek Orthodoxy. In addition to books, icons, church utensils, and frescoes, the museum holds six unique works by Michael Damaskinos (one of the best representatives of the Cretan icon painting school). ## What to See **Heraklion Archaeological Museum** The museum has a total of twenty rooms containing exhibits collected from all over the island of Crete. In addition to the collection of Minoan art, the museum showcases other periods of Cretan history - from the Neolithic to the Greco-Roman era. All new exhibits are delivered to the museum directly from the excavation sites. The museum has two floors, with 13 rooms on the first floor, and fragments of the original frescoes from the Minoan Palace of Knossos displayed on the second floor. The pride of the museum is the Phaistos Disc - a unique artifact of writing from the Minoan culture of the Middle Bronze Age. Its exact purpose and the time of its creation remain uncertain. Notably, none of the proposed readings of the inscriptions on its surface have yet been recognized by the scientific community. **Water City Water Park** Water City is located in Heraklion, Crete, covering an area of over 80,000 square meters, making it the largest water park on the island. It features thirteen pools, more than twenty different slides, and numerous other attractions. The slides are categorized into several types, with "Black Hole" and "Red Hole" being considered the most extreme, where a person in special gear descends rapidly through a tube. If such slides seem a bit daunting, you can enjoy the "Lazy River" ride. The park also hosts a vast number of restaurants, cafes, and children's play areas. **Beaches Near Heraklion** **Amoudara Beach** is the center of tourist life in Crete. It is within walking distance from the capital - Heraklion and boasts a fantastic five-kilometer beach where you can try all kinds of water sports. Thanks to the openness of the bay and good winds, windsurfing has become particularly popular here. **Matala Beach** is famous primarily for its caves, which were carved into the cliffs of the bay during the Neolithic period. Later, the caves were used as burial sites. During the hippie invasion, celebrities such as Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, and Joni Mitchell lived in these caves. The Rolling Stones also performed at Matala Beach. Today, Matala Beach is a pleasant place to relax. **Agia Deka** Agia Deka is a mountain village located on the island of Crete, in the Heraklion region. Agia Deka is known for its lush vegetation, highlighted by tall trees and blooming plants. Tourists who come to see the ancient city of Gortys, which has been partially destroyed but has not lost its former grandeur, often visit Agia Deka. Agia Deka greets guests with a beautiful view of the mountains adorned with trees reaching skyward, resembling tall fir trees. In the mountain village, almost all buildings are in a state of disrepair. Needing restoration, they are entwined with lush grapevines and tree branches. Many balconies of residential houses are decorated with flowers and potted plants, giving them an even more antique appearance. ## Popular Excursions **Knossos Palace and Boutari Winery** A trip that gives you the opportunity to visit a world-famous monument of history, architecture, and culture - the Knossos Palace, as well as to learn about the traditions of Cretan winemaking at one of the most modern wineries in Europe. The Knossos Palace is located 5 kilometers from Heraklion, founded in 2000 BC, and served as the residence of the ruler Minos. Excavations of this archaeological site began in 1900 by Arthur Evans, who, based on ancient Greek mythology of the Cretan cycle, revealed to the world the great Minoan civilization - the first civilization in Europe. The tour of the Boutari winery and tasting of its products will be a wonderful conclusion to this excursion! **Heraklion City Tour** A small walking tour of Heraklion will help you better understand the history of this city and immerse yourself in the leisurely and measured rhythm of local life. A cup of freshly brewed coffee, which you can enjoy at Lions Square, will help you feel like a Greek. **You can find a more detailed list of excursions and their prices after booking your cruise in your "Client Personal Area".** ## Cruise Lines from Heraklion, Crete, Greece Several cruise lines offer departures from this port with various itinerary options: - MSC Cruises - Costa Cruises - Royal Caribbean - Norwegian Cruise Line - Celebrity Cruises ## Best Time for a Cruise Plan your cruise from Heraklion, Crete, Greece during the optimal season for your chosen destinations. ## How to Get to the Port Information about transportation and logistics for the cruise port of Heraklion, Crete, Greece. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Which cruise lines depart from Heraklion, Crete, Greece? Several major companies operate from the port, including MSC, Costa, and Royal Caribbean. ### How to get to the cruise port of Heraklion, Crete, Greece? The port is accessible by car, taxi, and public transport. ### Can excursions be booked in advance? Yes, we recommend booking popular excursions in advance.