Our place

Heraklion is the largest urban centre in Crete with approximately 200,000 people, the capital of the region and the economic centre of the island. The town enjoys of a dynamic and imaginative combination of natural beauty climate, strategic position, cultural heritage and scientific background what has created an appropiate environment to suport a particular mechanism with which to in add value to the broader entrepreneurial activity in the region and stimulate the local economy. Today Heraklion is the top choice for tourist destinations in the Mediterranean thanks to strategic geopolitical position connecting three continents and many different cultures, furthermore the city is also the commercial and scientific centre of the island.

From January 1, 2011, pursuant to Law 3852/2010, the Municipality of Heraklion comprises the municipalities of a. Heraklion b. Gorgolaini c. Temenous d. Palianis and e. New Alikarnassos (see the map).

Population: 179.302 residents (2021 census).

Surface: 244,55 sqm.

Climate: Soft Mediterranean.

Geography: Capital of Crete, in the centre of the northern coast of the island.

History: Birthplace of the first European civilization; the Minoan period beginning around 3000 BC, with its capital at Knossos.

Economy: Key sectors are Tourism, Agriculture and Trade.

Crops: Olive trees, vines, oranges, legumes.

Diet: Cretan foods with olive oil, legumes, vegetables, fruits, wine.

Flora: Unique aromatic plants.

Museums: Archaeological Museum , Historical Museum , Natural History Museum , Museum Of Battle of Crete

Education: Primary , Secondary

Academic Institutions: University of Crete , Hellenic Mediterrannean University, Foundation of Research and Technology (FORTH), Technological Park (STEPc).