Heraklion (Greek ''Ηράκλειο'', also transliterated as ''Heraklio'', ''Iraklion'' or ''Irakleio'') is the major city and capital of the largest Greek island of Crete. Its Archaeological Museum holds the remains of the 3000-year old Minoan civilization, which grew aroud the nearby legendary palace of Knossos (of Minotaur fame), as well as Byzantine churches and a well-preserved Venetian wall and fortress from the 15th century.

Heraklion (or Herakleion, Iraklio, Irakleion) is the capital of Crete and an industrialised city of around 155,000 residents. Located in the middle of the island, all roads lead to Heraklion. Heraklion has a busy harbour and very busy airport and usually is the starting point of travels to Crete and nearby islands. Olympic Airways and Aegean-Cronus Airlines fly in from Athens and other major Greek cities. There are ferries from Athens (Piraeus), Thessaloniki and the Cyclades. The frequency is reduced in the winter.

The Minoan Palace of Knossos it the site of the most important and best known Minoan palace complex in Crete. It is located some 5 km south of Heraklion. According to tradition, Knossos was the seat of the legendary Cretan king Minos. The Palace is also connected with further legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur, as well as the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Excavation has revealed that the site was continuously inhabited from the Neolithic period (7000-3000 B.C.) until Roman times.
Well-known places to visit are The Palace of Knossos, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Museum of the Battle for Crete and National Resistance, Venetian Walls, Lions Fountain and other.

There are not many hotels available in Heraklion, but if one searches
hard he can find a couple of them. The taxi fare from the airport to
the hotels at the city centre should cost less than 10 euros, and from
the port less than 6 euros. Don't forget to book a hotel in Heraklion
in advance using  Online Hotel Reservation Service. You can save 20-30%
and get a discount.