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The hidden charms of Heraklion

( Crete )

The capitol of the island since 1970, Heraklion is the town which welcomes the most tourists whether at its port, from cruise ships, or at the airport coming from the continent.

All too often tourists are in a rush to rent a car and get out of town to head off to one of the many seaside resorts in the region. Some of them come back into town to do a "classic" tour of the city including: the magnificent and highly colorful old port, the impressive Venetian ramparts (from the 15th century, 2.4 miles long and up to 95 feet wide), the arsenal where ships were built, or the fort that has been restored to perfection.

But apart from these superb monuments, Heraklion has a number of hidden yet magnificent treasures to offer. For example, on Eleftherias square, the remarkable Archeology Museum (one of the largest in the country) presents the largest collection of Minoan treasures discovered on the island. Located inside Aghia Ekaterini church, the Museum of Religious Art contains an exceptional collection of icons of which a few were created by the renowned Cretan artist Michel Damaskinos in the 16th century. Each and every neighborhood (especially if you stay in the heart of the city) has something special to offer and makes you want to keep walking and discovering more with each step. Each one has its own atmosphere and colors (glorious in the Mediterranean Sun) to say nothing of the warmth of its inhabitants.

Venzelou square offers its own ambiance, as well as a chance to sip a cool glass of ouzo or to taste a bit of local cuisine in one of its many cafés and restaurants. The square comes alive at night and crawls with local people who create a kind of living show right before your eyes. The spectacle becomes even more beautiful with the Morosini fountain (17th century) and all its lions and marble as a backdrop. If you need a break from all that walking, go to one of the nice local beaches, such as Amoudara to the west, or Amnissos to the east with its wonderfully fine sand, located on the site of the former port of Knossos.