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There is a kind of flame in Crete – let us call it “soul” – something more powerful than either life or death. There is pride, obstinacy, valor, and together with these something else inexpressible and imponderable, something which makes you rejoice that you are a human being, and at the same time tremble. ~~Nikos Kazantzakis
Many travelers arrive on Crete in Heraklion and continue on to other parts of the island without allowing much time, if any, to see the sites. But this city, the island’s capital and chief port, is full of history and attractions in and around the Old City. It has a beautiful waterfront area with seaside restaurants, several important museums, and lovely squares where you can easily spend an afternoon in a street-side cafe. The vibrant Old City is of most interest to visitors, and it’s worth taking some time to see.
Crete’s biggest and best-preserved Minoan site lies just five kilometers southeast of Heraklion. It is one of the most important tourist attractions on Crete.
A vast monumental palace, with four wings built around a spacious central courtyard, Knossos is believed to have been the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos. Remarkably sophisticated, it included ceremonial spaces, living areas, storage rooms, elaborate decoration, and a complex drainage system.
Although excavations show that there was a palace here as early as 2000 BC, what you see today dates mainly from 1450 BC. Take into consideration when touring the site that some slightly over-imaginative reconstruction from the early 20th century has taken place. The frescoes you see are replicas; the originals are in Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Heraklion hosts many excellent dining options that can satisfy even the high end expectations. From fine restaurants to traditional tavernas, Heraklion impresses its visitors by the vast variety of options. As the culinary tradition of Crete is a vital feature, the restaurants are spread all over the region. Depending on each and everyone’s individual taste, there are vibrant deluxe restaurants and authentic charming restaurants in narrow streets. The great percentage of restaurants can be found in the tourist places of Gouves, Matala, Hersonissos and Ammoudara.
Heraklion is full of new adventures and incredible activities to do. Here you will see a list of 10 of the best things to do in Heraklion:
Crete’s largest city, Heraklion is a modern, densely populated place with a lively city centre and a nightlife, and evening-life, which buzzes. The best places to stay in Heraklion are ideal for exploring many of the island’s highlights and have easy access to a good selection of beaches.
Here you will find a list of the best places to stay in Heraklion based on travelers’ reviews:
For many people the best places to stay in Heraklion are those with the easiest access to Knossos. These Minoan Palace ruins are supposedly the sight of the Labyrinth where the Minotaur lived.
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