Heraklion is Crete’s largest city, a port and regional capital of roughly 175,000 people (metro 210,000) whose story runs from Minoan Knossos to Venetian Candia and Ottoman rule. Its compact centre sits behind massive 16th-century walls, with the Koules fortress guarding the harbour, lively streets around the Morosini (Lions) Fountain, and one of Greece’s finest museums: the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to masterpieces from Knossos, Phaistos and beyond. Daytime highlights include touring the palace at Knossos, strolling the seafront and markets, and hopping to nearby beaches; evenings lean to meze bars and late cafés. Getting in and around is straightforward via Heraklion Airport (HER), year-round ferries to Piraeus and summer links to islands like Santorini; local buses cover most sights, and the old town is walkable.
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