Central Crete

The city of Iraklio (Heraklion) is the capital of the island and it is located in the prefecture of the same name on Crete's northern coast at approximately its midpoint. Probably the most famous site nearby is the ancient Minoan palace of Knossos, famed for the half man, half bull creature the minotaur. The airport lies just to the east of Iraklion, again right on the coast. Other towns and villages in the central part of Crete are Hersonissos and Malia, both large tourist resorts, the ancient site of Phaistos, Matala - made famous by Joni Mitchell, Agia Gaini, Lendas and other popular destinations, both on the coast and inland.