Heraklion

Ancient times:

Heraklion

Heraklion’s exact chronology of establishment cannot be determined. Evidence does not leave any doubts on the relationship of the ancient Heraklion with the today’s big city of Crete island. From a grammatical view the name is linked with the hero Hercules, who was praised in Crete with great honor. Nevertheless, no information has survived, which ensures the existence of a sanctuary of Hercules in this city. The history of Heraklion during the period of domination of the Roman Empire in the island of Crete is unfortunately not survived by the resources available, but sporadic evidence confirms that the city was in existence during the 3rd A.C. century.

Byzantine times – Venetian domination:

Heraklion Port

An ancient deposition that confirms the existence of a fortified city, at the place where modern Heraklion lies is an inscription which was found in the harbor of Heraklion and dates to 671 A.C. It is believed that the inscription is referred to an invasion of Arabs. During the Byzantine period it is known that Arab pirates where invading regularly the Cretan coastline during the middle ages of the 7th century. The Middle Ages period history of Heraklion starts with the conquest of the island (probably at 824 A.C.). Arabs from Spain exploited the deep internal crisis which existed in the Byzantine Empire at the beginning of the 9th century due to the defection of Thomas, they managed to seize the island and consolidate on the island. Chandakas, which was the new name of Heraklion during the Arab occupation, was the centre and base of operations for the Arab pirates. The Arabs created a ditch around the city was probably the reason for the new name “Chandakas” (Rabd el Khandak = city’s stronghold). For 136 years Chandakas was victimized by piracies. Byzantium attempted to liberate Crete and dislocate the conquerors. Six large campaigns are referred in historical resources, and all failed to succeed. Byzantium suffered from these campaigns, in both economical and military ways. At last Nikiforos Fokas the island was redeemed in March 961 A.C. The new administrative centre which established after that, was fortified behind a high walls which is preserved even today.

Knossos

After the capture of Constantinople in 1204 A.C. for the Crusaders, Heraklion was sold to the Venetians, which aimed to operate permanently in Crete. Capital of this new big Venetian occupation is Chandakas. In 1363-1366 Chandakas was suffering a deep internal crisis. In August of 1363 an effort of defection emerged, but failed, for the abolition of the Venetian domination on the island, which was known as “Defection of St. Titus”. Venice reacted abruptly and efficiently and the movement suppressed.

During the last years of the Venetian domination, both spirit and arts were in great evolution. The result of this period was the great rich Cretan literature. This promising period of spiritual evolution was disrupted by the Turkish occupation. After Turks seized Chania (1645) and Rethimno (1646), they turned against Chandakas. The siege of the fortress by the Turks lasted approximately 22 years (1648-1669) and it is one of the greatest militaristic events of the middle age history. In 4th October 1669 Turks seized the city and the once rich and large capital of the Kingdom of Crete, entered a new terrible era, the Ottoman domination (1669-1898).

Modern Times:

With the eruption of the revolution of 1821, Chandakas suffered the most terrible massacre of all times. The city is still the capital of general administration of Crete and during the period of Egyptian domination (1830-1840). After the terrible massacre which took place in the city in 25 August 1898, the English forced the Turkish army to abandon Heraklion (2nd November 1898). ting bombings and hundreds of paratroopers. The city was honored for the bravery of its people with the First Class Military Cross.

The resistance of Heraklion was also remarkable during the invasion of the Nazis and in the battle of Crete, which suffered many months of exhaus

Beaches in Heraklion

Beaches in Heraklion, Magnificent beaches awarded with blue flags. Sandy beaches in South Crete, lonely small harbours and beaches in the whole perfecture of Heraklion.

Map with beach of Crete

Beaches in Heraklion Crete

1. Matala

Matala

65 km southly-western of HERAKLION, in a good state. The beach of Matala is opened as an embracement in Livyko Sea. The golden sand, the clean waters, and the mystic rocks bring a lot of visitors here. The village is prone in each commercialisation and there are shops with souvenirs, cafeterias, etc Today Matala tries to restore the picture of unconcern of the sixties for which it was famous and it is worth visiting. The beach is beautiful and it has been maintained relatively well and it deserves a bypass here for coffee and perhaps a plunge and afterwards you may visit the also special beaches of Komou or Kalamakiou. There are also camping, restaurants, taverns.

2. Agia Pelagia

Agia Pelagia

About 10 km easternly of Heraklion. One of the biggest resorts of northern coast of Crete, Agia Pelagia is enough popular and allocates two smaller splendid sandy beaches. Here you will find all the goods of hotels and all the facilities and services are provided for a pleasant stay.

3. Kalamaki

Kalamaki

About 2 km from Matala. It not so much crowded as the neighbouring Matala, Kalamaki is a small fishing village built on a big sandy beach that usually quietness prevails and is not as busy as Matala. There are certain small taverns, cafes and other essential for the visitor services. You will find also certain rented rooms

4. Komos

Komos

Between Matala and Kalamaki. A deserted coast with grey sand, a little northern from Matala, this beach is a splendid landscape well hidden behind bustling Matala. If you pass from here, it is even worth a small bypass if you seek for natural beauty and peacefulness. Be careful in the way the turn for the earth-road that leads to the beach, above the street north from Matala.

5. Karteros-coast

Karteros-coast

It is found easternly in a distance of 7 kilometres from the city of Heraklion. The Coast is very big in length and organised. Deck chairs, beach bars, cafes and taverns are widely available in the region. In order to go to the Coast you can take a bus or taxi from Heraklion.

6. Palaiokastro

Ideal beach for good swimmers. Instead of sand it has small pebbles and the waters are particularly deep.

7. Ammoudara

Ammoudara

A long, sandy beach, 5 kilometres western from Heraklion. The waters are really boiling hot and there are a lot of comforts available in the beach. There is also a windsurfing instructor school. You can reach the beach either by taxi or by bus from Heraklion.

8. Keratokampos

Keratokampos

If you want to swim in the Livyko Sea, without a lot of people and trouble, Keratokampos is the most suitable choice. Calm, clean waters, sand and pebbles are the elements that compose the landscape.

9. Koudoumas

One quieter sandy beach, without activities and crowds of people. It is clean and particularly popular with the locals. In a near distance there is also the homonym Monastery, precisely behind the beach.

CreteFind all routes to these beaches their location at Maps with beaches in Crete .