The city of HERAKLION
The capital of Crete, 5 000 years in the making!
Heraklion is the capital of Crete and one of the Mediterranean region’s most fascinating and vibrant cities. It is the commercial and technological centre of the island, having a strategic geopolitical position in the south-eastern Mediterranean Sea connecting three continents and many different cultures.
The “old town” areas of the city, established from mediaeval times, offer visitors some fantastic walks in the heart of the city. The fortified enclosure of the Venetian Chandakas of the 15th century is one of the most significant monuments of its kind in the whole Mediterranean basin.
The visitor can admire several finds that come from different periods of time, and different parts of Crete, in the various rooms of the Archaeological Museum and the Historical Museum. Knossos Palace, situated 5km south of Heraklion, was a major centre of trade, flourishing for approximately two thousand years. It had large palace buildings, extensive workshop installations and luxurious rock-cut cave and tholos tombs.
Heraklion is also a lively shopping city with a lot of shops within walking distance. Talos Plaza, a shopping centre in the coastal area of the city, offers convenient shopping in one place. Open markets are also organised every weekday in several areas.
Crete has one of the oldest and most tasty gastronomic traditions in the world, a tradition of tastes, aromas, ingredients and skills which begin from the prehistoric years and continue until today. Visit traditional tavernas or modern restaurants, spread all over the city, and taste their Cretan cuisine.
Nightlife? Nightclubs, bars, traditional coffee shops and modern cafeterias are located all over the centre of the city and the costal area, beside the sea, offering wonderful views.
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ARRIVING AT HERAKLION
Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport is located in the central north of Crete, 4.5 km from Heraklion town. This is a busy international airport receiving many flights from Athens and European cities every day. Airport transfers:
- Pre-arranged transfers: For your convenience and better service you can book your transportation to and from the airport at very good prices via the congress registration form.
- By bus: Buses arrive every 10 minutes and are headed from the airport to Heraklion KTEL terminal, which is located in a central spot inside the city of Heraklion. Bus schedules start daily at 06:00 a.m. and last until 23:00 p.m. The estimated time of a route is about 20 minutes. All information on bus lines and stops are available here: https://astiko-irakleiou.gr/
- By taxi/car: The taxi stand is outside the arrivals’ hall and a taxi to the centre of town should be around €20. The airport is connected with the city center of Heraklion via Ikarou Avenue. The car journey takes approximately 10 minutes. Car rental desks are inside the airport terminal.