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The best Polish website dedicated to the Greek island Crete and to a small extent of continental Greece. You will find useful information related to visiting Crete that goes beyond the offer of optional tours. On the website you will also find descriptions of the most interesting places that we visited by visiting this largest Greek island. The content complements the current news, photographs and recipes of Greek cuisine.
Heraklion (Iraklion, Ηράκλειο) is the largest city of Crete . With almost 140,000 inhabitants, it is the fourth largest Greek city. Together with the neighboring towns, it forms an agglomeration of around 200,000 people. The important role played by Heraklion in Crete is underlined by the fact that the city is also the administrative capital of the island .
Genesis of the city name
Currently, the city is known by many names that have existed over hundreds of years of its history. It's worth mentioning and knowing the few most important ones that are still used in Crete:
Heraklion, Herakleion, Iraklion, Iraklio is the transliteration of the ancient name Ἡράκλειον that Idaean Herakles wore. Please, however, do not combine this Heracles with the mythical twelve works, because the namesake of Heraklion is an ancient Greek resident known for having initiated the tradition of crowning the heads of the Olympic winners with garlands of olive branches.
Heraklion's second still-known term is Candia. This is the Venetian name of this city derived from the word Chandax (Χάνδαξ or Χάνδακας). Under this complex phrase is the Greek name of the moat. A curiosity and at the same time the proof of the multicultural character of Heraklion is that the term Χάνδακας derives from the Arabic word al-ḫandaq rabḍ. In this way, the name Candia combines the influence of the three most important cultures shaping the history of Crete.
The last name under which Heraklion operates is Κάστρο (Kastro), meaning the castle in Greek. The inhabitants of this castle are called Καστρινοί.
Panorama of the Venetian harbor
History of Heraklion
Some scientists suppose that although there is no direct evidence, the origins of this city can reach as far as 2000 BC. It is believed that in the Minoan era, in the area of present Heraklion, there was a town that served as the sea port of Knossos. The official confirmed date for the founding of modern Heraklion is 824, when the Saracens came to Crete. During this period, Heraklion served as a nest of pirates splitting Byzantine warships flowing in the area. It was only the expedition that the Byzantines carried out in 961 that put an end to this activity of the city of Rabḍ al-ḫandaq ("The Castle of the Moat"), as it was then called Heraklion. It was this year that the army under the leadership of the future Byzantine emperor - Nicefor Phokas, landed in Crete. After a long siege, Heraklion collapsed, the city was plundered and burned, and most of the inhabitants were murdered. Despite the tragic end of the reign of Saracens in this city, Heraklion is quickly rebuilt and under its name Chandax begins its nearly 250-year history under the leadership of Byzantines.
Year 1204 is another landmark date in the city's history. As a result of the 4th Crusade and the political games that were fought after it ended, Heraklion passed under the control of the Venetians. However, this is done in a rather unusual way, because the city changed its owner on the terms of purchase / sale (allegedly for a thousand pieces of silver).
The Venetians are re-naming the city from the Byzantine Chandax to the Italian Candia. Under this name Heraklion operates several centuries, and with time the term Candia is also used in relation to the whole of Crete. During this period, the city is experiencing rapid development, the effects of which are still visible today. It is the huge walls surrounding the old part of the city (with a thickness of up to 40 meters), 7 bastions and the fortress in the port is the work of new owners. After 1212, the Venetians begin to settle in Candia. The mixing of two coexisting cultures leads to the flourishing of literature and art, whose influences radiate throughout the whole of Crete. The period of this dynamic development is now called the Cretan Renaissance.
The year 1669 put an end to the reign of the Venetians in Heraklion. After the (longest) siege lasting 24 years, the Ottoman army captured the city. However, this success was paid by the Turks with high losses. Only in the last 22 months in the bloody battles killed more than 70 thousand. soldiers. The new rulers, like their predecessors, have renamed the city, which from 1669 was to be called Kandiye. Among the Greek inhabitants, however, the name "Megalo Kastro" (Μεγάλο Κάστρο), ie the Grand Castle, was more popular. Unfortunately, the Ottoman era is the time when Heraklion is in decline. As a consequence of neglect, the Venetian seaport is silted, and most of the ships sailing to Crete were calling to Chania , which at that time took over the role of the most important city of Crete (and the capital of this island).
It was not until 1898 that as part of the autonomy of Crete, he regained some of his former independence. Until 1908, Crete was under the occupation of the great powers, and Candia was a part controlled by the British. During this period, the city changes its name again and is renamed today's current, or Heraklion. It was not until 1913 that Heraklion and the rest of Crete were incorporated into the Kingdom of Greece.
Another date that has a strong impact on the current appearance of the city is 1941. As a result of German bombings conducted as part of the invasion of Crete, a large part of Heraklion is destroyed. Despite the reconstruction, the city never regains its original appearance. In 1971, the administrative center was moved to Heraklion, and thus the city takes over the title of the capital of Crete from Chania .
International meeting of Nikos Kazantzakis in Heraklion
How to get there?
Heraklion is located in the central part of the northern coast of Crete. The easiest and most convenient way to reach this city is by renting a car. Of course, there is nothing to prevent you from using the quite good bus communication that is served by KTEL.
Due to its size and its administrative function, Heraklion is very well connected with the rest of Crete. Along the southern outskirts of Heraklion runs the Nowa Droga Narodowa, which is the best transport route connecting it with the other largest cities of the island, that is looking from the western end of the island with: Kissamos, Chania , Rethymnon , Malia , Agios Nikolaos and Sitia. Mostly this route does not require more skills from the driver, as it is a road that does not differ from the Polish national and express roads. Difficulties can be encountered while driving from the city of Sitia, where a large section of the E75 route runs along the former National Road. Also when driving through Malia, you have to take into account traffic jams that are created by cars passing through this place.
The center of Heraklion, like in the case of other major cities of Crete, is a maze of narrow streets, where in most cases one-way traffic is in force. I strongly advise you not to drive your car into this thicket of streets. Even the best maps and GPS navigation will not be enough help in finding yourself in this maze, and problems with parking and dense traffic will only deepen your irritation. Hiking is definitely the best way to explore Heraklion. The car can be parked in the vicinity of the port (eg along Leoforos Nearchou street, where it is relatively easy to find a vacancy), or on one of the several paid car parks that are located on the outskirts of the old town.
Wąskie ulice dużego miasta
Skuter to ulubiony środek transportu Greków
Widok na Heraklion z Twierdzy Weneckiej
Pomnik Nieznanego Żołnierza
Budynek Prefektury w Heraklionie
Fontanna Morosiniego na Plateia Venizelou
Kościół Ag. Markos - obecnie galeria
Ag. Titos - kościół św. Tytusa
Loggia Wenecka
What is worth seeing?
Below you will find a list of the most important places that we think are worth seeing in Heraklion:
Eleftherias Square in the city center (near the prefecture building, Archaeological Museum and other interesting facilities)
W 2002 roku Falasarna zdobyła tytuł najlepszej plaży w Grecji. Wyróżnienie to nie jest bynajmniej przypadkowe, gdyż miejsce to jak na standardy Krety jest naprawdę unikalne.
Elafonisi is a small island located at the end of the southwestern edge of Crete. A characteristic feature of Elafonisi is the shallow lagoon connecting it with Crete.
Elafonisi is a small island located at the end of the southwestern edge of Crete. A characteristic feature of Elafonisi is the shallow lagoon connecting it with Crete.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
Aptera is a city whose history dates back to at least a thousand years before our era. In the peak period, about 20,000 lived in it. people, of which only 1/5 were free people.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
Omalos is a perfect starting point for exploring the Samaria Gorge. Located over 1,100 m above sea level extends over an area of 25 km2. Its size corresponds more or less to the size of the Lasithi Plateau.
Located 47 km from the city of Chania, it is the only freshwater lake in Crete. Its area is about 580 thousand. sqm. and the maximum depth is about 45 meters
Omalos is a perfect starting point for exploring the Samaria Gorge. Located over 1,100 m above sea level extends over an area of 25 km2. Its size corresponds more or less to the size of the Lasithi Plateau.
The steel crossing, which in the central part is separated from the ground by nearly 150 m, is at the leading position of the places where the longest bungee jumps are made.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
The cave is less than 1 km from Moni Gouvernetou Monastery. You will reach it using the pedestrian trail that has been marked out along the slope of the Avlaki Gorge.
Balos is one of Crete's flagship beaches if not all of Greece. We can assure you that the landscapes you see during your trip to Balos will remain with you for a very long time.
The Orthodox monastery of Agia Triada, located on the northern part of the Akrotiri peninsula, is one of the most beautiful and richest monasteries in Crete.
The Orthodox monastery of Agia Triada, located on the northern part of the Akrotiri peninsula, is one of the most beautiful and richest monasteries in Crete.
On the north-western coast of Crete, at the foot of the Gramovous peninsula, there are ruins of the ancient port of Korikos, later known as Falassarna.
Polyrinia was one of the most important city-states of western Crete during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It was built amphitheater on a steep hill, rising to a height of 481 meters above sea level
The island of Gramvousa, or in fact Imeri Gramvousa (Ήμερη Γραμβούσα), is an inseparable point of a trip that combines a stay in the Balos Lagoon with visiting the remains of a fortress located on the top of the island of Imeri Gramovousa.
There is a beach in Crete that literally makes some people shiver. This place is Seitan Limania which can be translated as Satan's Ports or Cursed Ports.
Dozens of craft workshops located in this small mountain village make Margarites one of the four main centers where traditional Cretan ceramics are made.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
Rethymnon with around 40,000 inhabitants are the third largest city of Crete. This place was populated already in the Minoan period. Historically, the city was an important commercial center.
Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
According to Greek mythology, Zeus hid (and perhaps even gave birth) in the Ida cave. This myth is the greatest asset of this cave, which is not as interesting and beautiful as the Dikte cave.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Plakias is a perfect place for people who like to spend time hiking. In the area of the town and the surrounding area, there are several hiking trails that lead to interesting beaches.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
The Kourtaliotiko Gorge, also known as the Asomatos Gorge, is perhaps one of the most spectacular natural attractions available in the central part of Crete.
Agia Triada is a small Minoan archaeological site in the south of Crete, located near Timpaki, located on the western slope of the hill about 40 meters above sea level.
This fortress is a perfect example of Crete's multiculturalism. Located today in Greek hands, it was built by the Venetians, but is called a name taken from the Turkish language.
Rouvas Gorge is one of the most interesting places in this part of Crete. The interesting trail leads in a perfect way to the changing appearance of this gorge.
Matala is one of the most popular towns not only of the southern coast but also of the whole of Crete. In the 1960s and 1970s, this small fishing village was a mecca for hippies.
The Odigitrias Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of southern Crete. Unfortunately, in terms of popularity, he is far from other Cretan monasteries.
In addition to the famous grand palaces on the island in the Minoan period, a number of smaller residences were created. One of the most important examples is the Vathipetro discovered about 5 km north of Archanes, on the southeastern slope of Mount Juchtas in the central part of Crete.
When traveling around Crete, it is not difficult to pay attention to the fact that most of the beaches there are relatively small and short. For this reason, people who are used to our national Baltic standards, where the sandy coast stretches for kilometers, may experience a special disappointment. However, fortunately, nothing is lost, because Crete in its rich arsenal of various beaches can boast of those that allow for long walks along the coast. One of them, our favorite is the Kommos beach located in the south of the central part of the island.
Although there are countless caves in Crete, only a few can be visited. Sfendoni is the largest cave open to the public. content comes from: http://www.crete.pl www.CRETE.pl
Only a few kilometers separate the bustling city of Rethymno from Mili, a village abandoned by its inhabitants. This place is also known as the village hidden in the gorge.
Information about one of the more known tourist cities of Crete, or about Malia. Description of attractions located in the city of Malia and a description of the specificity of this town.
The Lasithi Plateau is located about 70 kilometers from the capital of Crete - Heraklion. The average height at which the terrain of this plateau is located is 840 m above sea level.
One of the tourist attractions eagerly visited by people spending their holidays in Crete is the Dikte (Psychro) cave. The main factors that attract people to this cave are a rich and varied dripstone robe and a close connection with mythology.
Among the olive groves in the place called Logari, which is less than a kilometer from the village of Kritsa, there is a small Byzantine church of Panagia Kera from the 13th-14th centuries.
Stalida is located directly along the coast and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Crete, which definitely comes alive with the advent of the tourist season
Most people crossing the route between Agios Nikolaos and Ierapetra will definitely notice the large crack which is marked by the mountain located east of this road. This majestic geological creation called Ha was probably created as a result of an earthquake.
Xerokambos is a small settlement in which you will find literally several taverns, and most of the buildings are single-storey and one-story houses. The big advantage of this beach is a gentle sandy descent to the sea.
Agios Nikolaos (Άγιος Νικόλαος) is a small town with less than 20,000 inhabitants. permanent residents (according to statistical data from 2001). This city is the capital of the Lasithi nomos.
Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of the best hotels.
Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of the best hotels.
Stalida is located directly along the coast and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Crete, which definitely comes alive with the advent of the tourist season
Zakros is the fourth-largest Minoan palace in Crete in importance and size. This latest found, built on the east coast of the island is located in the village of Káto Zákros.
Zakros is the fourth-largest Minoan palace in Crete in importance and size. This latest found, built on the east coast of the island is located in the village of Káto Zákros.
The first palace was built around 1900 BC. in the place where there was a quite impressive settlement whose remains were later transformed into the central part of the city.
The ruins of the ancient city of Itanos are located at the eastern tip of Crete, less than 3 kilometers north of the famous palm beach of Vai. Although there are also nice beaches at Itanos, unlike its well-known neighbor, this place does not attract crowds. There are either accidental stray tourists or excavation enthusiasts here.
Less than 10,000 population of Sitia makes the city the smallest in Crete. Some even go a step further and say perversely that it is rather the largest village of Crete.
Napoleon's house is one of the few typically tourist attractions in Ierapetra. About what could have happened here in the summer of 1798 and possibly how much in this legend is the truth we write in the article on the page below.
Moni Kapsa Monastery is one of the most interesting monasteries in Crete. Its massive buildings were erected on rocky, gray slopes surrounding the nearby Pervolakia Gorge.
Rethymnon with less than 40,000 inhabitants, it is the third and largest city of Crete after Heraklion and Chania. The city lies in the north-western part of Crete, more or less in the middle of the New National Road section connecting Chania and Heraklion. Despite the fact that this place was already populated in the Minoan period, almost no traces from that period have survived to this day.
Sitia is the city that has the most "naj" in its sleeve ;-) It is the smallest city of Crete, the easternmost, with the quietest atmosphere and although it is the least developed compared to other Cretan cities, it's its residents are the most warm visitors. Less than 10,000 population of Sitia makes the city the smallest in Crete. Some even go a step further and say perversely that it is rather the largest village of Crete.
Redirected from the side - Olous - ancient Elounda. Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of hotels with the highest standards of service. Beautiful landscape and an amazing view of the Mirambello bay is the reason why Elounda was so quickly and greedily absorbed by modern mass tourism. In luxurious SPA resorts, the most famous guests from Greece and around the world spend their holidays. It was in this place that Lady Gaga rested,
Tak samo jak alerty pogodowe u nas, wstrzymujące tatrzańskich przewodników a potem idealna pogoda, 10% skuteczności prognozy.
gość PiotrWie Jak czekaliście prawie cały dzień na prom w Aghia Roumeli będąc przygotowani do chodzenia to trzeba było iść E4 do Chora Sfakion albo przynajmniej do Loutro - ładny szlak, jak na nadmorską wersję E4 względnie nietrudny.
Ciekawe kiedy wpadną na pomysł noszenia kasków, kiedy poprawią kładki, które są wielką prowizorką.
Za każdą grupą powinien iść przewodnik zamykający grupę, który byłby kumaty w udzielaniu podstawowej pomocy medycznej.
To jest obiekt zamknięty, biorą za to kasę, więc powinni podejść do tematu odpowiedzialnie.
Ale Grekom często brak wyobraźni i chęci. Siga siga.
Christian Arnidis - Moja Grecja Po katastrofie kolejowej w Tembi , zawieszono kursy pociągów na ponad miesiąc a
Przez stronę kolei można było kupować bilety na niekursujace pociągi
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