It is the administrative, commercial, industrial and agricultural centre of the island and has a population of about 210.000 inhabitants . The old port t is located on the left of the modern harbour and was, during the Venetian period, an important commercial, trade and military centre. It is well-preserved and ideal for pleasant evening walks.The Municipal market is a bustling and colourful outdoor place where all kind of Cretan goods can be bought such as excellent nuts, mouth-watering fruits, wonderfully smelling herbs, colourful spices, tasty cheeses, local meat, etc.
Because of the spectacular development the town has experienced since the last decades after World War II and its destruction by the German forces, Heraklion is facing the usual problems of a quickly built modern town such as chaotic constructions, traffic jams, lack of parking problem and impersonal neighbourhoods. These elements make Heraklion a busy town that has nothing in common with the beautiful towns of Chania, Rethymno and Agios Nikolaos. However, some fine corners and buildings have still been preserved, creating a pleasant atmosphere and bringing back memories of the town’s glorious past.
