The prefecture of Heraklion is the central part of Crete, an area of 2640m2 with over 300,000 inhabitants. The capital is Heraklion. The prefecture is separated into the 7 provinces of Viannos, Kainourgiou, Monofatsiou, Maleviziou, Temenous, Purgiotisis and Pediados.

The history of the prefecture dates back to the Neolithic Era. Monuments found in the area portray the wealthy pasts of the Minoan, Byzantine and Venetian Periods. The rich history, combined with the financial bloom, the growth of the tourist business and the modernization of the area make the prefecture of Heraklion undoubtedly the financial and cultural core of the island.

Apart from the Minoan palace of Knossos, the presence of this great civilization can been seen throughout the prefecture in Festos, Malia and Gortyna. Its ancient history combined with the more recent historical monuments, the endless sandy beaches on the north and south coast, the amazing nightlife and the calm resorts, forms the colourful character of the area.

Heraklion is a contemporary city that offers all kinds of modern facilities, pleasing even the most demanding visitor who can easily combine relaxation, fun and sightseeing.

There a lot of buildings in Heraklion that belong to past times, such as the Venetian building of Lotzia, now the city hall, the Morozini spring known as the Four Lions, the Venetian port with the imposing fort of Koule, the churches of Ag.Minas and Ag.Titos as well as the grave of the famous Cretan author.