The Place Where Mythology, History And The Present Coexist
The city of Heraklion, or Iraklio, lies on Crete’s northern coast, in a strategically important position in the southeastern Mediterranean. Today, it is the administrative capital of Crete and the fifth-largest city in Greece.
Heraklion has increasingly established itself as a destination in its own right, attracting visitors not only for its proximity to some of Crete’s most important archaeological sites, but also for its historic centre, museums, gastronomy, cultural life and lively urban atmosphere. The city is gradually evolving into a year-round destination, with city-break tourism, cultural events, cruise visits and conferences extending its appeal beyond the traditional summer season. In 2025 alone, Heraklion welcomed more than 536,000 cruise passengers, with activity remaining strong during the shoulder months.
Heraklion is the place where mythology, history, and the present coexist. Archaeological findings prove that the settlement called Heraklion was probably established in the ninth century BC on the hill where the center of Heraklion is located today.
The name apparently comes from the mythological figure Idean Heracles or Hercules of Mount Ida (not to be confused with the famous hero Hercules), a servant of the mother goddess Rhea, who entrusted him with the task of protecting the newborn Zeus from his father, the titan Cronus (Kronos). (According to legend, Cronus devoured his children in his attempt to secure eternal supremacy. Zeus, the youngest, was the only one to escape this fate. Rhea tricked Cronus into swallowing a stone instead and secretly hid Zeus in a cave on Mount Ida, today known as Zeus Cave or Diktaean Andron.
A City of Metamorphosis, Between Myth and the Modern World
Heraklion reveals itself as an invaluable material and spiritual treasure, inviting you to explore it more deeply.
Here, you can discover the remains of the remarkable Minoan civilization of the Bronze Age, offering a glimpse into the architecture, art, craftsmanship, and way of life of one of Europe’s earliest advanced civilizations.
Centuries of invasions and foreign occupations have left their mark on Heraklion’s architecture, creating a fascinating mixture of styles that now intertwines with modern minimalist design. With a city map in hand, you can spend a day exploring the fortified harbour — one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks — as well as the defensive walls of the old Venetian fortress, churches and mosques, elegant palaces and historic houses.
Museums preserve the city’s valuable cultural, scientific and artistic heritage, while the old centre unfolds around lively squares, historic buildings, monuments and parks. Wander through the narrow streets, and you will find tavernas, terraces, cafés and boutiques tucked between old and new buildings, many with balconies opening towards the sun or the sea.
Although Heraklion still carries the character of a medieval fortress, it is a modern, vibrant and fascinating city with plenty to see and do. Once in Heraklion, you can easily lose yourself in the shopping streets, explore Cretan cuisine or experience the city's lively nightlife.
Through a year-round programme of themed tours, open-air performances, carnivals, fairs, festivals, and cultural and gastronomic events, the municipality is working to establish Heraklion as a destination worth visiting throughout the year — whatever brings you to the city.
To discover more of the stories, monuments and landmarks that shaped the city, continue with our guide to Exploring Heraklion Historic Monuments and Landmarks.
Welcome to Heraklion!