Heraklion, Greek Iraklio, is the fourth largest city in Greece and the capital of the island of Crete. According to the 2021 census, Heraklion has a population of approximately 162.600. The city is famous for its traditions and historical significance. It is currently the administrative center of Crete and the heart of the economy, education and tourism. Heraklion is a city that has a lot to offer both locals and visitors.
Geographical location
Heraklion is centrally located on the north coast of the approximately 8.300 square kilometer island of Crete. Due to its strategic location, the city has been an important port and transport hub since ancient times. The city and the Greek metropolis Athens are separated by about 320 kilometers as the crow flies.
Heraklion - Ferries
Heraklion's history in brief
The history of Crete and the city of Heraklion goes back to the "Minoan period", named after the mythical King Minos. The city is located near the Palace of Knossos, which was the center of the Minoan culture in the second millennium BC. It is considered Europe's earliest advanced civilization.
Palace of Knossos - Columned Hall at the North Entrance
In the Middle Ages and early modern times, Heraklion bore the Venetian name "Candia". The rule of the trading and maritime power Venice over the Mediterranean region shaped the city between the 13th and 17th centuries. The Venetians left behind numerous witnesses that are still visible today. These include the harbor fortress Koules, the Venetian Arsinali and the city walls. The Venetian era was followed by Ottoman rule from 1669. Heraklion only gained its autonomy in 1898 and was annexed to Greece in 1913.
Heraklion - Venetian city walls
University institutions and science
Heraklion is the location of the University of Crete, founded in 1973. It is currently one of the leading universities in Greece. The Technical Education Institute of Crete is also located in Heraklion. Also important is the Foundation for Research and Technology (FORTH), which is one of the most important research centers in Greece. The foundation is active in the fields of computer science, biology, chemistry, materials science and environmental science. In other words: Heraklion is an important educational and research location in Greece.
Religious matters
Heraklion has numerous churches and monasteries that reflect the religious and cultural history of the city. The most important and largest church in the city is the Greek Orthodox Agios Minas Cathedral, dedicated to the city's patron saint, Saint Minas. In addition to the dominant Orthodox churches, there are also Roman Catholic and Protestant places of worship that represent the religious diversity of the city.
Economy and port
The port of Heraklion is one of the largest ports in Greece. It plays an important role in trade and passenger traffic in the Aegean. Heraklion's economic interests are heavily dependent on tourism. Other important sectors are agriculture and wine production. The port is also a port of call for cruise ships, which bring hundreds of thousands of tourists to the city every year.
Tourism
Tourism is a key economic factor in Heraklion. The city offers visitors many attractions, including the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, which houses one of the most important collections of Minoan art. Of particular importance to the region is the nearby Palace of Knossos, which attracts tourists from all over the world every year. The Venetian buildings in the old town are also worth seeing.
Cruise tourism
Among the Greek cruise destinations, Heraklion is Piraeus and Corfu have long been in third place. In 2023, the port recorded 253 ship arrivals. With almost 383.000 passengers, passenger volume was 27 percent higher than in the previous year. 97.000 passengers came from the USA. Italians and Germans took second and third place with almost 55.000 and 45.000 visitors respectively.
Heraklion offers many attractions and activities for cruise ship guests. The cruise terminal is about two kilometers from the city center attractions. Heraklion Sights The churches and monuments named can be reached on foot within half an hour or a maximum of three quarters of an hour.
Taxis and hop-on hop-off buses are available at the cruise terminal upon ship arrival.
July 2024