Heraklion is the largest city of the island of Crete and the Municipality of Heraklion is the fifth largest in Greece.

Population of 173,993 – 211,370 the urban area (2011 census).

our City

All about History, Economy, Science & Education, Climate and Sports Facilities of Heraklion, Crete.

Economy

The main financial resources of the city come from tourism, agriculture and trade. Heraklion’s airport Nikos Kazantzakis is the second busiest in Greece behind Athens’ Eleftherios Venizelos while the city’s port is connected with Piraeus and other islands. Heraklion was Europe’s fastest growing tourism destination in 2017.

Science & Education

The School of Exact Sciences and Health Sciences of the University of Crete which was founded in 1976, is home to the Institute of Technology and Research (ITE-FORTH), one of the largest research centers in Greece. Heraklion is the home of the Hellenic Mediterranean University (EL.ME. PA.) as well.

Climate

Heraklion has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and cool summers, but with high minimum daily temperatures. The average maximum temperature during the summer reaches 28-30 °C. Daily deviation of maximum – minimum temperature during the year is on average less than 10 °C.

Heraklion History

The city’s long history is divided into eight time periods and its name was changed accordingly several times by its conquers:

Heraklion (Roman period, Ottoman Empire, Cretan State, Greece), Heraklia, Kastro (Eastern Roman Empire – Byzantine), Rabḍ al-ḫandaq (Arabs), Khandax (Byzantine period, during Arab occupation), Megalo Kastro (Cretans), Candida (Latins), Candia (Venetians, Europeans– at that time Crete was also known as Regno di Candia), Chora (Cretans), Piazza, Kandiye (Ottoman Empire). The city’s ancient name Heraklion was finally restored in the 19th century.

Heraklion is located in the same place where in antiquity the westernmost of the three ports of Knossos was. During the Minoan civilization Heraklion had the largest population in Crete bearing its name in honour of the ancient sanctuary of Heracles.

Sports

Heraklion was one of the host cities of the 2004 Olympic Games (football tournament). Heraklion also played host to the FIBA Men’s U19 World Basketball Championship twice, in 2015 and in 2019. The main sports facilities of the city are:

01

Pankritio Stadium

In the Lido district west of the city centre, which has a capacity of 26,240 seats. Nearby lies the Lido indoor hall.

Capacity: 1,400 seats

02

Theodoros Vardinogiannis Stadium

In the Kaminia district, Super League’s team OFI home ground.

Capacity: 9.008 seats

03

Nikos Kazantzakis Stadium

The old home of Ergotelis (Super League 2) located on the Martinego bastion.

Capacity: 600 seats

04

Two Aorakia

The largest indoor arena of the city.

Capacity: 5.222 seats

05

TEI of Crete

Markos Karanastasis Indoor hall.

Capacity: 1.816 seats

06

University of Crete

Indoor hall.

Capacity: 1.080 seats

Municipality of Hersonissos

At the same time, the visitors can discover untouched inland, scattered with monuments and landscapes of indescribable natural beauty. The municipality of Hersonissos, stands out for its strong development dynamics. It evolves and responds to the challenges of the future. It becomes modern, humane and friendly for citizens and visitors.

Municipality of Hersonissos

Municipality of Hersonissos, is a unique place. It serves the values of sustainability and balanced development. It also carries great historical and cultural heritage. Is consisted of settlements with special characteristics and colors. Undoubtedly, it is a model tourist destination, with rare coastal natural beauty. At the same time, the visitors can discover untouched inland, scattered with monuments and landscapes of indescribable natural beauty. The municipality of Hersonissos, stands out for its strong development dynamics. It evolves and responds to the challenges of the future. It becomes modern, humane and friendly for citizens and visitors.