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Crete (Heraklion)

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Overview: The Greek island of Crete and its port of Heraklion boast a rich and captivating cultural history. Heraklion is brimming with interesting sights and makes a wonderful port of call for any cruise passengers passing through.

Key attractions include Fountain Square, the Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis, the Historical Museum of Crete, the Archaeological Museum and the Knossos Palace, one of the world's most important historical sites featuring intricate ruins dating back nearly 4,000 years and linked to the mythical Minotaur and King Minos.

Cruise ships dock at Heraklion harbour which is located very close to the heart of the city of Heraklion with most tourist attractions being only a short walk away. Contact:

Greek National Tourist Organisation, Heraklion
Tel: 2810 228203
www.greeka.com/crete/crete-tourism.htm

Transport: Heraklion is easy to navigate by foot and most of the city's attractions are centred round a small area. Taxis, coloured grey, can be easily hailed from the docks and throughout the city. Travellers should always agree on a fare before departure, although one should seldom pay more than approximately €6. Rental car agencies abound in the centre of town and can be found near Avgusto Street in Heraklion. Attractions: Cruise passengers at port in Heraklion cannot miss the world famous Knossos Palace, the Archaeological Museum, the Historical Museum of Crete and the Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis, author of Zorba the Greek. Crete's beaches are also a must and with so many choices, sun lovers will find it hard to settle on just one beach, such as the longest beach in Crete, Ammoudara Beach. Restaurants:

• Pantheon - family friendly restaurant serving affordable local fare
• Kyriakos - one of the finest restaurants in town
• Ippocampus - popular eatery with locals and tourists serving hearty local fare

Best dish: Dolmades and fried zucchini slices

Shopping: Shoppers should head straight to Market Street in Heraklion, where hundreds of tiny stores and stalls sell just about everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, to jewellery and local crafts. Haggling is accepted but shoppers shouldn't expect major discounts or price reductions.

Best buy: Tsikoudia (local grape brandy), jewellery bearing the Phaestos Disc

Excursions:

• Enjoy water sports such as waterskiing and wind surfing
• Laze on the secluded beaches such as the beach at Paliokastro
• Visit the Minoan site of Phaistos
• Hike to the Samaria Gorge in the White Mountains in western Crete
• Marvel at the remains of Gortyna