Agapi Beach

History of Heraklion

by grayfo

Throughout its existence, Heraklion has had a turbulent history. It is thought that the city was originally the port of the ancient city of Knossos. Archaeological evidence shows that the settlement named Heraklion probably arose during the first millennium BC (9th century BC), the name Heraklion comes from the Idaean Herakles, legendary founder of the Olympic Games. The present city of Heraklion was founded in 824 AD by the Saracens (an Arabic Muslim people), who built a moat around the city for protection.

A famous sentence...

by AndyRG

It is a part of the grave of Nikos Kazantzakis, the great Cretan writer (1883-1957). His novels have been translated in many languages. The grave is at Martinego bastion, the view from there is good enough. It is written: "I don't hope anything. I'm not afraid of anything. I'm free"... You can even buy a T-shirt with this motto in Irakleio or Plaka of Athens...

The best souvlaki in town

by Elena_blue about Thraka

It is a small grill souvlaki restaurant with few tables. You can eat here or take away the best souvlaki in town, and let me tell you in Greece! Ask it "Thraka with gyros". You will take roasted bread filled with gyros (pork meat) and potatos, tzatziki and tomato.
Any other dish you choose is really delicious!

St. Titus church.

by Elena_blue

Saint Titus was the first Episcope of Crete, lived in the 1st cectury AD. He was a student of Saint Paul and very close to him to all his missions throughout the mediterranean countries. St. Paul appointed Titus as Episcope of Crete in order to establish the new religion on the island. The church in his honor was built in Venetian medieval times. It is a beautiful building with several different influences (byzantine, venetian, arabic) in its architecture. It is on a very central location, on 25th August str. which leads from the Lion's sq. to the port.
In the church is kept the Saint's holly skull for pilgrimage. Every year on August 25 there is a celebration for the Saint with special services and festive happenings.
For me and my family this is a place to which we are sentimentally attached. All the family services are held here. For wedding baptism, farewell... St. Titus church, don't forget to visit it!

Iraklion, Heraklion: Prefecture or City?

by johngayton

"Who Cares?"

I only managed a grand total of about 36 hours here, probably slept about 20 of them - I can still smell the faint whiff of the Island's ouzos permeating my pores as I sit here in Amsterdam writing this:

I LOVE Heraklion - the Yin to Athens' Yang - a city of order: no broken paving slabs (well not within the city walls) and I even managed to walk for the whole legnth of the main shopping street without once having to step off the pavement (ooops, sorry "sidewalk" for our North American readers;)).

I defy anyone (that includes my Greek friends) to find anywhere else in Greece that this street scene could happen - neat, tidy, mathematical, all pointing towards ..........??? Go on then - here's the challenge: If anyone can provide a better pic of perfect parking, anywhere in the world, I'll be more than happy to pick up your restaurant bill;-)