Crete

The capital, Heraklion, is located between two mountain ranges. There is a Venetian fortress on the harbour walls built in the early 1500s, Venetian mansions and a number of Byzantine churches to view. The Palace of Knossos, just outside of the city is a Minoan archaeological site, once the ceremonial and political centre of the Minoan civilization and culture which flourished from about 2600 to 1100 BC. There is a maze of workrooms, living spaces, and storerooms to explore. The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion houses some excellent treasures in its collection, from the Neolithic era to Roman times plus an extensive Minoan collection. Heraklion is also a good place for a beach holiday on trips to Greece. There are several beaches on both sides of the city. The best-known one is Matala located 67 kilometres/41 miles southwest of Heraklion, originally a fishing village, now a popular resort. The beach, with its golden sand, has a backdrop of imposing cliffs.