Heraklion, Crete: Travel Guide

Discover the city and plan your journeys

Heraklion or Iraklion, Greece is the largest city and the capital of Crete. Its name is also spelled Herakleion (transliteration of ancient/Katharevousa name), or Iraklio, with other variants. For centuries, it was called Candia (Turkish Kandiye).

Heraklion is the capital of Heraklion Prefecture. It has an international airport named after the writer Nikos Kazantzakis. The ruins of Knossos, which were excavated and restored by Arthur Evans, are nearby.

Heraklion is close to the ruins of the palace of Knossos, which in Minoan times was the biggest centre of population on Crete. So it is very likely that there was a port here as long ago as 2000 BC.

Plan your journeys with Heraklion Airport car rental or agreed collection at Heraklion Port. Compare the Greenways fleet and confirm the handover time, location and any additional charges before travelling.