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 Iraklion, CreteIraklion is a big, busy, noisy city and has a population of over 120,000. Most travellers don't spend long here, but its the point of entry to the island for most, and a good base for some of the "must-sees".Most people arrive and base themselves in one of the hotels in Iraklion or on the outskirts of the city. If you don't fancy a hectic city experience, but want to be close enough to the port or airport, and the sites of Iraklion and Knossos, I highly recommend the unique experience of staying at the traditional Cretan village of Arolithos. It's a real labour of love which you will feel as you experience the warmth, culture and traditions of Crete - and very close to the airport. Iraklion, or Heraklion, or Iraklio has an international airport and an enormous harbour full of ferries and cruise ships. 
The famous Palace of Knossos is one of the few places that visitors to Crete have ever really heard of if they were paying attention in ancient history class, and is just a short distance out of town. The ancient Minoan Palace is well worth the visit, and the reason many people - and cruise ships - come to Crete. For those interested in archaeology there is a lot to see in the Iraklio area of Crete. Within a day trip from Iraklion you can also Phaestos, Agia Triada, Gortyn and Malia. 
The city of Iraklion is built on the side of a hill overlooking the port and it's a climb to the center of town with a fully loaded backpack. Mercifully there are taxis below and the bus station is also in the port area where you can leave your bags and wander around in the town above until you know where you are going. Like most cities there are local buses, traffic lights, plenty of cars and trucks, hotels, shops, restaurants, fast food and a terrific central market in the center of town. The square of Elefteriou Venizelou is a pedestrian area full of cafes and restaurants and if you wander through the tiny back streets that are mostly closed to automobile traffic you will come across some interesting shops. 
In the restored Venetian church of Agios Markos they hold concerts in the summertime. The Archeological Museum of Crete is one of the other good reasons to visit Iraklion. The museum is second only in Greece to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, and if you are interested in the Minoan Civilization there is none better. The museum houses Minoan relics from all over the island in rooms arranged in chronological sequence. Make sure you see the Snake Goddess, the Bull's Head, and the Phaestos Disc. The historical museum of Crete is also worth visiting for items from Crete's more recent past. 
The large harbour is quite pretty, with a a huge fortress built by Venetians that protected the town from invasion. Take a stroll to the end of the pier for some great "fishing-boat-in-the-harbour" shots. You can wander through the fortress for a small entrance fee. In the southern part of town, visit the grave of Crete's most famous writer Nikos Zazantzakis. Kazantzakis' tomb is located in Martinenga Bastion, one of the best preserved of many that surround the town. The epitaph on the grave is one of my favourite sayings. "Then elpiso tipote, The fovame tipote, Ime lefteros" which means "I hope for nothing, I fear nothing, I am free". Throughout the city there are examples of Venetian architecture and it can be a pleasure to explore, especially in the off-season when the temperatures are cooler and the crowds have dwindled. But don't go with misconceptions, Iraklion is a big, busy, city, this is no quaint Greek village.
Click here for Hotels in Iraklion Area |
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