Heraklion, also called Iraklion is located roughly in the centre of the north coast, 5 km from Heraklion Airport.
Heraklion Airport is also known as “Nikos Kazantzakis” International Airport, in honour of one of the most famous Cretan writer worldwide.
Heraklion is the largest urban centre in Crete, the capital of the region and the economic centre of the island. The first European civilisation, the Minoan civilisation, flourished on this land 5000 years ago. Currently the population of the municipality of Heraklion is approximately 150.000 people. It is a very dynamic and cosmopolitan town, particularly during the summer period when thousands of visitors can be seen shopping in the market or visiting the museums and other places of interest. During the last 20 years the city has made also a remarkable progress in the academic and technological fields.
Heraklion today, as a modern town, has extensive facilities that cater for all needs of its visitors. There is a lot of hotels ranging from Luxury class to small rent-a-room and youth hostels operating all year round. Most of them are located in the old town.
Travel bureaus offering excursions and special events, car hire companies and other tourist related agencies are also close to the old town’s centre and the port.
Heraklion, being the business centre of the area, has plenty of stores selling clothes, shoes, jewellery etc. Stores are open in the morning (9 am to 2 pm) and in the evening (5 pm to 9 pm) with the exception of the evenings of Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.