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| Heraklion (Iraklion) Crete, Greece |
| GENERAL HERAKLION CRETE TRAVEL INFORMATION: |
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| INTRODUCTION: |
| Heraklion is the most cosmopolitan and densely populated prefecture of the island of Crete Greece. The prefecture of Heraklion was the most important centers of the Minoan civilization, and the Municipality of Heraklion has managed to preserve the archaeological integrity of precious monument and sites. |
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| HERAKLION CRETE LOCATION: |
| Heraklion Crete Greece is located between the prefectures of Rethymnon and Lassithi. Heraklion is comprised of seven counties: Temenos, Viannos, Malevizios, Pyrgiotissa, Kenourgio, Pediada and Monofatsio. |
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| AREA OF HERAKLION CRETE : |
| 2011 sq.km |
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| POPULATION OF HERAKLION CRETE : |
| 265000 |
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| CAPITAL OF HERAKLION CRETE : |
| Heraklion, Crete |
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| MORPHOLOGY OF HERAKLION CRETE : |
| The prefecture of Heraklion Crete is situated between the mountains of Psiloritis and Dikti and therefore has mountainous terrain. |
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| SEASONS IN HERAKLION CRETE : |
| The prefecture of Heraklion, Crete has a mild climate makes it the perfect place for vacations throughout the year. During the summer, which is the high tourist season, Heraklion is host to thousands of visitors from all over the world. |
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| ATTRACTIONS & SIGHTSEEING IN HERAKLION, CRETE: |
SIGHTSEEING IN HERAKLION, CRETE GREECE:
If you have come for sightseeing in Heraklion, Crete, you have selected the right place. In the prefecture of Heraklion, we recommend visiting:
The Koules Castle, the Venetian Walls, the churches of Agios Titos, Agios Markos, Agios Minas, the Minoan Graves, the Medieval Monastery of Agarathos and the fountains of Priouli and Bembo in Heraklion Town.
Knossos Minoan Palace
Ancient Amnissos
Malia Palace & Cemetery
Phaestos Minoan Palace
The monastery of Apanosifi and the ruins of Rizinia in Agia Varvara.
The Post-Minoan Graves in Agia Pelagia.
The Monastery of Panagia Odigitria in Kali Limenes.
The Tilissos Minoan Site
The Archaeological Site in Hersonissos
The house of Dominikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco) in Fodele. |
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MUSEUMS IN HERAKLION CRETE:
There are some fantastic museums in Heraklion Crete that are worth visiting, such as:
The Archaeological, Historical, Ecclesiastical Museums and the Museum od Natural History in Heraklion Town.
The private collections of Kastrinogiannis, Kafatos and Kazantzakis.
The museum in Ancient Gortyna.
The "Lichnostatis" Folklore Museum in Hersonissos.
NATURAL SITES IN HERAKLION CRETE:
Natural sites are also abundant in Heraklion Crete:
The rock, also known as "Drakos" in Agios Miron village.
The Minoan Cave-Sanctuary in Arkalochori.
The "Chosto Nero" Cave in Archanes.
The "Sarhos" Cave in Asites.
The canyon that extends from Viannos to Amiras and the "Vigla" Cave in Viannos.
The "Kamares" Cave and the canyon in Zaros.
The Caves in Matala. |
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| SPORTS / RECREATION IN HERAKLION CRETE : |
The water park "Anopolis" in Chani Kokkini.
The private water park in Limenas, Hersonissos.
If you like mountain climbing, Mt. Psiloritis is the ideal site for the sport. In the region of Prinos, there is a lodge awaiting all mountaineers. You can contact Heraklion Mountaineering Club at +30 2810 227-609.
If you have a boat, you can dock and refuel it at the marina in Heraklion Town or at Hersonissos Port. |
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| ENTERTAINMENT IN HERAKLION CRETE : |
| Throughout the prefecture of Heraklion Crete Greece, there are tavernas where you can try traditional delicacies like dakos salad, kalitsounia, apaki smoked meat, staka cheese, traditionall-cooked snails, and more. You can also find cafeterias, bars and clubs, especially in Heraklion Town and Hersonissos. |
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| LOCAL EVENTS IN HERAKLION CRETE : |
The summer cultural events "Heraklion - Kalokairi" that take place in the garden - theatre "Kazantzakis" in Heraklion Town.
The floriculture competition in Varvari.
The festival of Panagia on August 15 in Rodia.
The festival of Agios Ioannis Klidonas on June 24 in Agios Miron, fruit and tsikoudia are offered.
The two – day cultural event in September and the festival of Metamorphosis on August 6 in Arkalohori.
The various cultural events and the festival of the grape of Archanes in August in Archanes.
Three – day cultural events in August and the memorial for the 820 inhabitants that where executed, on September 14 in Viannos.
The festival of the cherry in May in Krousonas.
Cultural events during July and August, in Mires, Festos and Tibaki.
The festival of Panagia on August 15 in Hersonissos. |
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| LOCAL PRODUCTS OF HERAKLION CRETE : |
| In the prefecture of Heraklion, you can buy oil, wine, tsikoudia, olives, raisins, fruits, honey, herbs, various cheeses and sausages. There are traditional shops in Heraklion Town that sell leather products, belts, stivania and knives. Weavings and rugs can be purchased in Zaros, while pop art products are sold in Arolithos. |
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| MAJOR TOWNS / CITIES / VILLAGES IN HERAKLION CRETE GREECE |
Heraklion Town, Crete Greece
Heraklion Town has a multifaceted character that is reflected throughout the attractive town. Cosmopolitan and picturesque, Heraklion Town combines modern lifestyle with superb natural setting and impressive archaeological sites.
Knossos, Heraklion Crete
The ancient town of Knossos is a breathtaking archaeological site that was the center of the Minoan civilization. At this site, visitors can see the largest Minoan Palace in Crete.
Matala, Heraklion Crete
Matala is a small fisherman's settlement that was the national center of the hippies during 60s and 70s. Nowadays, Matala is a popular tourist center, famous for its natural caves.
Phaestos, Heraklion Crete
The ancient town of Phaestos is a very important archaeological site where you can find another grand Minoan Palace and an exquisite Minoan Cottage.
Hersonissos, Heraklion Crete
Hersonissos is the most organized tourist resort in the Heraklion Prefecture, with endless beaches and superb nightlife, especially during the high season, when the area is buzzing with excitement.
Malia, Heraklion Crete
Malia is a popular coastal settlement. Apart from its traditional characteristics, the settlement also has some archaeological sites. You should definitely visit the Minoan Palace, the Minoan Cemetery and the Monastery of Panagia Galatiani.
ALSO:
The island of Dia.
Dia is a craggy islet, located 7 nautical miles from Heraklion Crete Greece. The island has a breeding facility for the Cretan wild goat. In July, an important festival takes place in the church of Analipsi. You can reach the Dia by trawler. |
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| TRANSPORTATION IN HERAKLION CRETE: |
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BY FERRY BOAT:
From Piraeus Port, ferries depart for Heraklion Crete Greece throughout the year, but more frequently during the summer. The voyage from Piraeus Port to Heraklion Port takes 10 hours and 30 minutes. From Thessaloniki, there are ferries that depart for Heraklion Port. The voyage from Thessaloniki Port to Heraklion Port takes 21 hours. Heraklion Crete is also connected to the Dodecanese Islands and the Cyclades Islands.
Heraklion Crete Sea Travel Information:
Piraeus Port: +30 210 422-6000 to 03
Heraklion Port: +30 2810 244-912
Thessaloniki Port: +30 2310 531-505
BY AIRPLANE:
From the Athens Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” in Spata, there are flights to the Heraklion Town all year round. The flight lasts approximately 1 hour. The Heraklion Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" is located 5 km from the center of Heraklion Town. Heraklion is also connected to Thessaloniki Rhodes and Santorini.
Heraklion Crete Air Travel Information:
Heraklion Airport: +30 2810 245-644
Olympic Airways in Athens: +30 210 966-6666
Olympic Airways in Heraklion: +30 2810 244-802
BY BUS:
From Thessaloniki, buses depart for Pireaus to board a ferry boat to Heraklion Crete. Heraklion is also connected by bus to the other prefectures of Crete Greece.
Heraklion Crete Bus Travel Information:
Thessaloniki Bus station for buses to Heraklion Crete: +30 2310 595-424 |
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| USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR HERAKLION CRETE GREECE : |
Heraklion Police Department: +30 (2810) 282243
Heraklion Tourist Police: +30 (2810) 283190
Heraklion Traffic Police: +30 (2810) 282031
Heraklion Town Hall: +30 (2810) 399399
Heraklion Mountaineering Club at +30 2810 227-609.
Piraeus Port: +30 210 422-6000 to 03
Heraklion Port: +30 2810 244-912
Thessaloniki Port: +30 2310 531-505
Heraklion Airport: +30 2810 245-644
Olympic Airways in Athens: +30 210 966-6666
Olympic Airways in Heraklion: +30 2810 244-802
Thessaloniki Bus station for buses to Heraklion Crete: +30 2310 595-424 |
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