The city of Heraklion or Iraklio is the capital of the island and of the prefecture Heraklion. It is located on the northern coast of the island, at the western part of Heraklion Prefecture.
         
Heraklion is the fourth largest city in Greece, with a population of 137 711 inhabitants (2001 census).
         
The present city of Heraklion was founded in 824 AD and for many centuries it was called “Chania”(by the Venetians) or Kandyie (by the Turks, during the Ottoman occupation).
         
Heraklion is today the administrative and economic centre not only of the prefecture of Heraklion, but also of the island. The city offers all kinds of facilities to the visitor: public and private hospitals, banks, travel agencies, rent a car agencies, restaurants and bars, night clubs, cinemas, theatres, art galleries and all sorts of shops.
         
The capital of the island is close to teh ruins of Knossos Palace, which during the Minoan era was the most developed area in Crete.
         
Crete’s largest airport -“Nikos Kazantzakis” -  is located at about 5 km east of the city of Heraklion. Moreover, Heraklion is one of the most important ports in Greece, connected to the mainland mainly through the port of Pireus.

Towns & villages  situated North West of Heraklion Prefecture, following the route from Town to West:
• Heraklion Town
• Ammoudara
• Linoperamata
• Tylissos
• Agia Pelagia
• Fodele

Towns & villages situated North East of Heraklion Prefecture, following the route from Town to East:
• Karteros - Amnissos
• Archanes
• Peza
• Hani Kokkini
• Gouves
• Piskopiano
• Koutouloufari
• Hersonissos
• Stalida
• Malia

Towns & villages situated South West of Heraklion Prefecture, following the route from West to East:
• Timbaki
• Matala
• Sivas
• Mires

Towns & villages situated South East of Heraklion Prefecture, following the route from West to East:
• Viannos