Heraklion is the largest city and administrative capital of Crete, Greece, notable for its historical sites such as Lions Square and Koules Fortress. The city is also home to the archaeological site of Knossos, which is considered Europe's oldest city and was central to Minoan civilization. Cretan gastronomy is highlighted for its high-quality ingredients and traditional dishes like dakos, reflecting the lifestyle and culture of the Cretan people.

1. Heraklion, Crete

2.  Heraklion is the largest city and the
administrative capital of the island
of Crete, Greece.
It is the fifth largest city in Greece.

5. N. KAZANTZAKIS AIRPORT

6. Lions Square
“Liontaria” is a square in the city
of Heraklion in Crete, named after the Cretan
statesman Eleftherios Venizelos. It dates back to
the Venetian era and is more commonly known
as Lions Square, after the Venetian-
era Morosini Fountain in its midst, which features
four lions supporting the main basin.

8. Koules Fortress
The "Castello a Mare" is a fortress located at the
entrance of the old port
of Heraklion, Crete, Greece. It was built by the
Republic of Venice in the early 16th century, and
is still in good condition today.
The site of Castello a Mare was possibly first
fortified by the Arabs in the 9th or 10th
centuries. By the Byzantine period, a tower known
as Castellum Comunis stood on the site.In 1303,
tower was destroyed in an earthquake but was
repaired.

10. Knossos
Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological
site on Crete and is considered Europe's oldest
city.
The palace of Knossos was the ceremonial and
political centre of the Minoan civilization and
culture. It appears as a maze of workrooms, living
spaces, and storerooms close to a central square.

13. Archaeological museum

18. Nikos Kazantzakis
Nikos Kazantzakis was born in 18 February 1883
and was a Greek writer, celebrated for his novels.
He also wrote plays, travel books, memoirs and
philosophical essays.
He became worldwide known after the cinematic
adaptations of Zorba the Greek and The Last
Temptation of Christ.

21. Zaros Lake

22. Katarti

24. Agiofaraggo

25. GASTRONOMY
Cretan gastronomy is a legend in itself. Quality
ingredients and love for cooking turn any
traditional dish into an unforgettable experience!
THE CRETAN DIET IS NOT JUST A VARIETY
OF DISHES LAID ON THE TABLE:
it comprises a whole philosophy of life and
represents the lifestyle of the Cretan people. The
unique Cretan Diet is a healthy and tasty diet
with centuries-old recipes and modern creative
versions.

26. DAKOS
 Dakos is a Cretan dish consisting of a slice of
soaked dried bread or barley rusk topped with
chopped tomatoes and
crumbled feta or mizithra cheese, and flavored
with herbs such as dried oregano.

27. KALITSOUNIA
SNAILS WITH ROSEMARY AND WINE

28. THE END