Overview:

Heraklio is the capital of the Crete Island, its largest and busiest town, offering a lively nightlife, stunning beaches, traditional villages and unique remains of ancient glorious civilizations. The Heraklio prefecture is famous for the Minoan centers, Knossos, Phaistos and Malia, as well as the battle between Theseus and Minotaur in the labyrinth, according to Greek mythology.

Best Heraklio Sights:

• the ruins of Knossos palace

• the ancient Minoan sites of Knossos, Phaistos, Tylissos, Amnissos, Levina, Malia, Archanes and Gortyna.

The Palace of Phaistos lies in the central southern Crete, on the east end of Kastri hill at the end of the vast Mesara plain. There lies Psiloritis on the north, the Crete's highest mountain, and Asterousia Mountains, to the south. On Psiloritis slopes is the Kamares cave, a religious or cult centre for Phaistos, while Asterousia Mountains view over to the Libyan Sea.

The earliest settlements on the site date back to Neolithic Period (ca. 4000 BC), the Early Minoan Period. The Old Palace was built at the beginning of the Second Millennium, the Protopalatial Period (ca. 1900-1700), and twice destroyed by earthquakes and rebuilt. That's why archaeologists can see three distinct phases, as well as the New Palace's constructions built over the old one.

Finds at the site include thousands seal impressions and some tablets with the Linear A script from Middle Minoan II, not yet deciphered. From the remains of the old palace the visitor can see the famous Phaistos disc, while no important finds are found in the new palace.

The whole structure is descriptive of the Minoan civilization. The Courts, the walls, the theatrical areas, the walkways, the Magnificent Staircase and the Monumental Propylaia, the porticos and the magazines, the lustral basins and the Royal Apartments, all stand impressive offering a visual journey in a distant past.

Places to visit:

• the Archaeological, Historical and Ecclesiastical Museums

• Venetian buildings and fortresses

• impressive caves in the area of Matala

Best Heraklio beaches:

Agia Pelagia, Agios Nikitas, Ammoudara, Chersonissos, Dermatos, Gournes, Gouves, Kalamaki, Kali Limenes, Karteros, Keratokampos, Lendas, Loutra, Lygaria, Malia and Matala, Mononaftis, Ostria, Psili Ammos and Vathi.

Special Events:

Heraklio has a unique history and civilization that welcomes thousands of visitors every year offering culture and entertainment.