The island of Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands and located 160 km south of the mainland. Its capital city of Iraklion (or Heraklion) is the 4th largest in Greece and the first port of call on our Greek Islands cruise.
Iraklion was founded by Arabs and over time went through Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman occupation. Its eclectic architecture and unique culture reflect all of these influences. For us there was only one destination for our first trip to this island and that is the Bronze Age archeological site of the Palace of Knossos. English archeologist Arthur Evans (1851-1941) uncovered the site and named the civilization who occupied it as Minoan after the mythical King Minos, father of the legendary Minotaur, half man, half bull.
The stories surrounding the Minoan civilization are as interesting as the site itself. Our exceptional and knowledgeable guide provided both myth and fact as a way of understanding the site in order to bring it to life. For example the language they used, now referred to as Linear A, has yet to be deciphered. Experts do agree however that Evans may have “reconstituted” our understanding of this civilization. There is no written history of the civilization that dates from 2000 to 1400 BC, nor any evidence of what caused its collapse. Regardless it is a beautiful site and interesting to visit.
The best add on to this tour is a visit to the Heraklion Archeological Museum which contains many of the original artifacts from the Palace. Unfortunately access was limited due to the pandemic and the wait time exceeded our available time. When we return it will be our first stop. For more information on opening hours, cost and access to the museum please visit https://heraklionmuseum.gr/?page_id=1497&lang=en.
We had booked a ship excursion for this tour however private tours or a taxi (about €50 round trip including wait time) will get you to the site on your own as it is only 15 – 20 minutes from the port. Allow yourself about two hours for a comprehensive visit.
Upon your return to the city, start your visit at the main square, which is also the main tourist area. From there it is a short walk back to the port if you do not want to go back early on the excursion bus. There are plenty of patios for lunch (delicious, inexpensive and be sure to try Greek beer) and shops for browsing. Time permitting wander into a Greek Orthodox Church, light a candle, and admire the iconography and medieval art.
We were in Greece in August, not necessarily by choice but because that’s when we could go. It was hot, unseasonably so this year of course, but the humidity is low which makes it a little more manageable, as does being near the water where the breeze freshens any hot day. Still hats, sunscreen and water are a travel must on any Greek Island in the summer.