Crete/Heraklion (Island)

Heraklion Matala Beach

Welcome to Heraklion Prefecture!

Heraklion Prefecture is the largest of the four prefectures of Crete and is bounded to the Prefectures of Lassithi to the east and Rethymno to the west. It covers an area of 2,641 sq. kilometers (1,017 sq. miles) and is inhabited by some 300,000 people. The capital city of Heraklion Prefecture is Heraklion City, Crete’s largest city and port. The soil is rich in the valleys of the central and northern parts of the prefecture; otherwise it is mountainous, with the mountains of Idi and Asterousia occupying its southern part and coast. Matala beach is the most well known of the few beaches on the south. The north coast, nevertheless, is lined with fantastic beaches, visited by thousands of people. Off the north coast, Ida islet is part of the prefecture.

The prefecture has a Mediterranean climate which can become rather hot in midsummer. The mountains, though, have much cooler weather during the summer, with winter temperatures dropping around the freezing point, and with eventual snowfall.

The main agricultural products of Heraklion are olives and olive oil, vegetables, tomatoes and wine. Peza Valley produces 70% of the wine production of the whole of Crete, which in turn is 20% of the total Greek wine production.

In Heraklion Prefecture, there are most important archaeological sites to visit, among them being the three of the four Minoan Palaces found on Crete: Knossos, Phaestos and Malia.

Hotel Suggestion Paradise Island Villas This is a luxurious collection of 12 individually-designed villas, each with private pool and garden. View Information Request Form Category: Villas Location: Crete (Island Complex) | Crete/Heraklion (Island) | Hersonissos

Hotel Suggestion Amazones Village Suites A very attractive complex of seven three-story buildings, resembling a small village, and offering a wide selection of spacious rooms and suites, the hotel features an a la carte restaurant, bar, and pool bar/snack bar, swimming pool with ... View Information Request Form Category: Self Catering Location: Crete (Island Complex) | Crete/Heraklion (Island) | Hersonissos

Crete/Heraklion: Cities and Towns

Amoudara, Anissaras, Gouves, Heraklion City, Hersonissos (Chersonissos) Town, Kokkini Hani, Malia Town, Matala Beach Resort, Stalida (Stalis)

Heraklio Phaestos Disk: Still a Mystery	Heraklion Harbor	Heraklion: Koules Fortress And The Inner Port	Heraklion: Inner Port
Sharks in the Cretaquarium	Heraklion: Koules Fortress And The Inner Port At Sunset	Heraklion: Part Of The Walls	Heraklion: Wall Gate
Crete, Knossos, Octopus Jar	Crete, Knossos, Oil Jar	Crete, Knossos, Oil Jar