Last
minute offers! Great hotel rates for SUMMER 2012! CALLCENTER: 004 0766 264 594
HERAKLION - CRETE - GREECE
Among
many resorts on Crete island, Heraklion (or Iraklion) is the largest and probably
one of the most animated. Founded in 824 by a population of Arab origins, Heraklion
has a long history, with a very interesting evolution over the centuries. It was
initially under Byzantine rule. The city has experienced a Venetian and an Ottoman
era, each leaving their mark on the Heraklion civilization. It
was named among the centuries, Candia (the Venetian name that refers to the white
sandy beaches). Today it is the fourth largest city in all Greece and the economic
center of Crete, the most important companies on the island having its headquarters
here. Because of congestion, many tourists prefer to spend their holidays in other
cities of the island or even in different villages with tourist destination. However,
Heraklion offers a wide range of possibilities to spend free time, visits to cultural
sites of the first importance for the history and civilization of Greece, shopping
or why not relax at one of the terraces overlooking the sea.
Should
you decide to stay in Heraklion, do not miss the first few important landmarks
for Crete:
• The
Museum of Archaeology (tel: +30 279 086 2810, 279 087) - placed in one corner
of Eleftherias Square, the building houses many artifacts found in archaeological
sites. The museum collections contain objects housed from the Minoan Neolithic
and Roman era. • The History Museum (tel: +30 2810 283 219) - houses
many objects from the Byzantine and medieval times. Also, there is a specific
collection of Cretan folklore. • The Venetian Loggia (street Aug. 25)
- is the finest Venetian monument in Heraklion. It is also a very good restaurant. •
The Morosini Fountain - located in Lions Square (Platia Venizelou Liondarion) •
The Municipal Gallery and Basilica St. Markos - opposite the Lions Square •
The Koules Fortress (tel: +30 2810 246 211) - Built around 1500, the fort is a
true monument of Venetian art style. • The Natural History Museum (tel:
+30 2810 324 711) - is about 20 minutes from downtown, on the road to the palace
of Knossos. You can spend here around two hours. Do not forget to admire the view
from one of the cafe tables placed in one of the gardens. •
The "CretAquarium" or the "Thalassocosmos" (tel: +30 337 788
2810, +30 337 888 2810) covers an area of 5000 m2 and houses both the Institute
of Marine Biology and Genetics and and Institute of Oceanography. • Knossos
Palace - It is situated at approximately 25 minutes from downtown. For most tourists
this palace is one reason for visiting the island of Crete. The Palace, the restaurant
thoroughly by Arthur Evans are representative of the Minoan civilization named
after the famous king Minos. • The 25 August street - recently repaved,
this street is a true monument of Cretan civilization. One of the landmarks of
the street is the church of Agios Titos, a bByzantine monument, rebuilt in the
sixteenth century by the Venetians and when the Turks invaded, they have turned
into a mosque. In 1925 the building was renovated by the Orthodox Church. •
Agia Ekaterini Church Sinaites - Now converted into a museum of theology, the
building houses several icons of rare beauty. • The Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis
Promahonas Martinego writer
When
it comes to the local cuisine, Crete offers visitors plenty of new surprises.
Fish dishes and lamb are the specialties of the area. Don't forget to try the
pork specialities and the traditional salads. Many traditional dishes and drinks
are served specific area in an atmosphere of premises Greek music never missed
an issue. Dining in Heraklion is a real moment of relaxation to be enjoyed, especially
if you opt for a terrace overlooking the sea.
Most
of the cafes are located on kora street which is situated downtown. This stret
is considered to be a real social center. You can easily spot between the jewelry
store and Aspis Bank Dedalou passage. Cafes have a design and they are distinguished
by special atmosphere created by music that tourists can recognize from a distance.
And if you are in a dynamic mood to visit Heraklion to its full, you can spend
your evening in one of the clubs in town, where you will find tourists of all
ages.
Quick
useful information
Crete
is much more than an island, it is a micro continent. There are few places in
the world where you can find such a vast array of cultural influences within such
a relatively small geographical area. The area is also blessed with an amazing
variety of terrain which contributes both to the wealth of fresh local agricultural
products available as well as the wide range of outdoor activities that can be
enjoyed here.
Last
minute offers! Great hotel rates for SUMMER 2012! CALLCENTER: 004 0766 264 594
Among
many resorts on Crete island, Heraklion (or Iraklion) is the largest and probably
one of the most animated. Founded in 824 by a population of Arab origins, Heraklion
has a long history, with a very interesting evolution over the centuries. It was
initially under Byzantine rule. The city has experienced a Venetian and an Ottoman
era, each leaving their mark on the Heraklion civilization. It
was named among the centuries, Candia (the Venetian name that refers to the white
sandy beaches). Today it is the fourth largest city in all Greece and the economic
center of Crete, the most important companies on the island having its headquarters
here. Because of congestion, many tourists prefer to spend their holidays in other
cities of the island or even in different villages with tourist destination. However,
Heraklion offers a wide range of possibilities to spend free time, visits to cultural
sites of the first importance for the history and civilization of Greece, shopping
or why not relax at one of the terraces overlooking the sea.
•
The "CretAquarium" or the "Thalassocosmos" (tel: +30 337 788
2810, +30 337 888 2810) covers an area of 5000 m2 and houses both the Institute
of Marine Biology and Genetics and and Institute of Oceanography.