Heraklion prefecture - Introduction
The prefecture of Heraklion is the biggest on the island and is surrounded by Ida mountains and Lassithi mountains.
The prefecture’s capital, Heraklion, is the island’s capital since 1972.
8klm south of the city of Heraklion lies Knossos, the most important Minoan palace in Crete, and a little bit further one can find Archanes, the wine making centre and around this area many archaeological sites with important findings such as Vathipetro mansion and Fourni cemetery.
The Minoan palace of Phaestos and the Greek-Roman city of Gortys are some more sites with remains of a glorious period for Crete.
Many tourist resorts can be found in Heraklion, Hersonissos and Malia, on the east, Agia Pelagia on the west and Matala, Kamilari and Komos on the south.
