Heraklion (Ηράκλειο in Greek) is Crete’s largest city, with a population of around 157,000. It has been a strategic harbor and point for empires, which is why it is today a "mosaic" of many influences. Minoans, Byzantines, Ottomans, Saracens and Venetians all laid the foundation for Heraklion’s existence and significance.

Getting to Heraklion is done via ferry or plane. There are ferry schedules every day leaving from Piraeus in Athens to Heraklion, in the evening hours. The companies operating the schedules are Anek Lines, Blue Star Ferries and Minoan Lines. They all come and go at similar times (8-9 PM). Heraklion’s airport is Nikos Kazantzakis (Kazantzakis was an important Greek writer originating from Crete), an international airport with flights to/from many major European cities, especially from April to November.

Heraklion is an excellent location for your Crete road trips. It’s in the middle of the island and right on the main highway, which means that the distances westwards or eastwards won’t be that long, wherever you choose to go.

However, there are many things to see and do in the city of Heraklion. Here is a short list of what you should absolutely not miss:

1. Obviously the first thing you should see - which is hard to miss - is the “Koule” medieval fortress (also known as Rocca a Mare), at the old Venetian harbor. There is a 4€ entrance to see the inside of the fortress.

2. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum (6€ ticket cost).

3. The Morosini Fountain, which is on the main walkway (Apostolou Pavlou Street)

4. The Natural History Museum of Crete, with an entrance of 8€ fee

5. The stunning Church of Agios Titos

6. The Church of Agios Minas

7. The Historical Museum of Crete (5€)

8. The emblematic Knossos Palace (18€)

9. The Venetian Loggia

10. The Archaeological Museum of Phaistos

Last, but not least, Heraklion is home to some of Crete’s most delicious eateries. Roam around the alleys of the old town and you will stumble upon amazing shops making phyllo (for example try the fresh-out-of-the-oven bougatsa at the bakeries at Morosini Fountain), try the “Cretan’ style souvlaki with yogurt, the “antikristo” roasted lamb, as well as the “staka” butter with eggs at traditional tavernas with cooked food.