Heraklion (or Iraklion) with its approximately 135,000 inhabitants is the largest city on the island of Crete and also its capital. It lies on the north coast of the island. Already in the Minoan period was near the present city of one of the four ports of Knossos. The Dorians called the place Herakleia. After the city had lost its outstanding importance for a long time, began its comeback in 1898 with the Cretan autonomy and reached its peak in 1972 when Heraklion became again the capital of the island. The city now owns the largest airport of the island, which is named after Nikos Kazantzakis, one of the most important writers of Greece, as well as a major ferry and cargo port wherefrom connections are established to Thessaloniki, Rhodes and even to Izmir, Ancona and Venice. The main economic sector is the international tourism.
Bilder zum Hafen Heraklion, Crete / Greece
Cruise offers to the port Heraklion, Crete / Greece
In the city center you can admire a small, very nice old town. But also some interesting museums Heraklion has to offer: The Archaeological Museum, which is considered by the National Museum in Athens as the most important collection of antiquities of Greece, the Historical Museum and the Museum of Icons. Some 4 to 5 km south of the city, is the famous palacesite of Knossos.
Which cruise lines and ships sail to Heraklion, Crete?
AIDA Cruises, Azamara Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Celestyal Cruises , Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Explora Journeys, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Nicko Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, P&O Cruises, PLANTOURS Kreuzfahrten, Compagnie du Ponant, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises
In which country / island is Heraklion, Crete located?
