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Heraklion, Greece

Heraklion is Crete's largest city, but even if you don't fancy a city break this is a good place to stay to be close to some of the island's most important historic sites – most famously the Palace of Minos at Knossos , which is where the story of the Minotaur in the labyrinth comes from – and the maze-like ruins back up mythology, and the Heraklion Museum, home of some of the great archaeological detritus of the Minoan civilisation. This is not as nice looking a place to stay as other Cretan towns, but the Venetian fortress and loggia, and the church of Saint Titus are quite elegant if you're walking round town.

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The best things to do in Heraklion

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Knossos
The story of the Minotaur, his imprisonment in the Labyrinth and his death is one of the best known stories in Greek mythology …
Phaistos Disc
This piece is more famous for what we don’t know about it than what we do. It’s definitely clay. Definitely from the Minoan p…
Six Senses Spa at Porto Elounda
In 2007 ‘The Times’ decreed this the ‘World’s Best Spa’, which is a fairly sound recommendation of quality. It has to be luxur…
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
The Minoan civilisation flourished around Crete, leaving beautiful detris as it passed into oblivion. Detritus like figurines …
Historical Museum of Crete
The Historical Museum of Crete is like the younger, slightly less impressive sibling of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. I…