The myths and legends of Heraklion are inspired by Minotaur ghost

The famous cradle of European civilization, Crete island annually receives millions of tourists who want to find themselves in the famous labyrinth of fierce Minotaur. Heraklion is not only famous for a single den of the beast.

This is the capital of the island for a second, so you can make high demands on it: it is also a rich cultural heritage, an ancient history full of stories, the main educational and shopping artery. But the most important thing is a chance to plunge headlong into the world and life of an ancient civilization, to feel like a part of a legend, a hero of incredible myths.

Crete air gate
The fifth largest city in Greece, Heraklion, appears in all its glory for vacationers who only stretch their legs after several hours of sitting on the plane. It is from here that the movement through the cities of the island for the Greek siesta begins. And while the huge metropolis happily opens its arms, you should find out what awaits you ahead.

While the bus smoothly moves through the streets, tourists now and then meet universities, museums, theaters - culture and education are at their best. It is quite possible there will be a seaport along the way, but usually it is left for a snack. Also some tourists enjoy car rental for vacation in Greece. We can recommend to book a car beforehand, in Heraklion it costs nearly 15 euros a day, in Heraklion airport - nearly 10 euros a day.

The story begins with an ordinary harbor, which Greece has decided to immortalize in myths. A couple of kilometers from the city, helpful Greeks will show you the ruins of the Knossos Palace. This is the very place where, according to the stories of the locals, a bloodthirsty half-bull, half-man, who eats people, still wanders.

True, since ancient times, everything is still intact, but still it is a little oppressive. Endless turns, intricate passages, manholes - perhaps these are the very roads along which the locals fled in order to live slightly longer than the city of Heraklion with the government of the Minoan civilization allocated for them.

Where does the cultural heritage of Heraklion begin
To consolidate vivid impressions, you need to visit the Archaeological Museum. All the finds were taken to this place, many of which are dated three millennia ago BC. The most curious will be shown and told about the use of Greek weapons, the date of origin of the ceramic saucer, the uniqueness of household items that other civilizations could only dream of.

But the statues and frescoes will delight everyone who gets bored with the local history corners of the museum. Also for tourists are open areas with works of art and historical documents.

Remember yourself when you gazed openly at the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt? Exactly the same effect will be from the Fortress Wall, belonging to the Venetian era of the life of Heraklion. Crete boasts 60 meters of massive structure that surrounds the old part of the city.

It is clear that, like everything else in Greece, little has survived here, but while the gates of Pantokrator and Jesus are still standing, they are worth seeing.
The city of Heraklion in Crete doesn't end there. If you grab a local by the scruff of his neck, then he is ready to lead anyone along non-tourist paths for little money. And you will have to walk for weeks - every pebble there still remembers the legs of Hercules.

So churches, fortresses of Martinengo and Kules, cathedrals, exquisite work of Venetian fountains, streets with mythical names (Theseus, Daedalus), as well as modern architectural structures are waiting for you.

We will also not leave shopping aside. For the local flavor, we go to the bazaars, which in general and in any country, but souvenirs, popular brands and antique shops are scattered everywhere here. This will allow you to choose a cute little thing, which you can then admire for long evenings with a glass of the ancient Greek wine Retsina.