Heraklion is the largest urban centre in Crete, the capital of the region and the economic centre of the island. Among the most outstanding sights of Heraklion are the fortification walls that delimit the “old city”, the Martinengo, the Chanioporta with the characteristic winged Lion of Saint Marc and the New Gate. One should not miss out on a visit to the Archaeological Museum, one of the most important museums in Greece. Other museums that are worth visiting are the Historical Museum, the Museum of Natural History and the Acquarium “Cretaquarium”.
It is a very dynamic and cosmopolitan town, particularly during the summer period when thousands of visitors can be seen shopping in the market or visiting the museums and other places of interest.