The mystery of Crete runs deep. Whoever sets foot on this island senses a mysterious force coursing warmly and beneficently through their veins, sensing their soul beginning to grow” wrote Nikos Kazantzakis, Crete’s most celebrated author, in Report to Greco. The Venetian port of Heraklion, a lively city filled with sights, museums, restaurants, bars and hotels. Walk along the walls of the old city, and Morosini (Leondaria) Square, surrounded by important buildings; the Loggia (City Hall), Agios Titos and Armeria (armory).

Cretaquarium: the wonders of the sea

Visitors will be astonished by the variety of Mediterranean marine life on display. Cretaquarium, which includes 60 tanks with 1.7 million litres of seawater, is one of the largest aquariums in Europe. The aquarium is home to more than 4,000 creatures of all different colours, shapes and sizes.

Archaeological Museum

It is considered one of the most important museums in Europe. The exhibits include representative samples from all periods of Cretan history, covering a span of 5,500 years. You will admire the frescoes of “the Bull Leaper”, the “Prince with the Lilies”, the “Monkey Saffron Collector”, the “Blue Ladies” and especially “La Parisienne’’.

Knossos

The most important centre of the Minoan civilisation and one of the most popular archaeological sites in Greece, it is just 5km from Heraklion. The master craftsman Daedalus built the labyrinth for the mythical King Minos in order to isolate the Minotaur, a creature that was half man, half bull.

Martinego Bastion

Martinego Bastion dominates throughout the region as an artificial acropolis. The view is panoramic. The medieval Grand Castle, which surrounds the sea, spreads across the northern side. Nikos Kazantzakis monument is a plus to your visit.