Heraklion (pronounced as Iraklion) is situated on the North-east side of the island and is the very densely populated capital of the island. The city is hugged by the mountain range of Idi (Mt. Psiloritis) on it’s west side and Mt. Dikti (or Lassithiotika) on its east side and is an important shipping and ferry port as well as a very busy international airport named by the native writer Nikos Kazantzakis.

Stroll along the 16th century Koules-fortress with a beautiful view over the harbor, or go grocery shopping on 1866 street or (Greek: odós 1866). This is an area with lots of food shops where you can buy fresh fruit, vegetables, fish or meat. Also worth a walk to, is the Morosini-fountain down Venizelou square that has become kind of a symbol for the city and is dated beginning of the 17th century. If you like visiting local churches, then you should definitely pay a visit to the Saint Titus or Agios Titos church located down August-25th street (Greek: Odos 25 Avgoustou). This church was built during the byzantine era, conquered by the Arabs and possessed by the Turks and functioned as a mosque even after it was destroyed by an severe earthquake beginning of the 19th century only to become Greek, and thus a Christian orthodox church, at the beginning of the 20th century.

Fancy a day of shopping for clothes and accessories? Then you might find what you are looking for on Dedalu street (Odos Dedalu) and in the streets located around the Morosini-fountain.