| Heraklion is the main city on the island of Crete and usually the starting point for visitors wishing to explore the island. Built on a a fairly steep hillside, the city has a huge harbor to accommodate ferries and cruise liners, and an international airport. The bustling city of Heraklion (HER) offers variety of historic and archaeological tourist attractions, including its world-famous museum and the nearby site of Knossos. Archaeological Museum, Gortyna, Phaistos, the Palace of Knossos, the Samaria Gorge are some of the other must see attractions in the city. Because of its coastal location, the city and beaches, the city is an ideal place to enjoy swimming and a variety of water sports in warm clear water.
Shopping in Heraklion is fun. Being the commercial centre of the island of Crete, Heraklion is home to numerous shopping establishments including top brands of clothes, jewellery stores and more. After a day of sightseeing or shopping, you can enjoy the evening with a refreshing coffee from a sidewalk café, or with a drink, particularly in Liberty or Fountain Square, or at the old harbor beneath the illuminated Venetian fort. |