Distance: 15km

Difficulty: Easy

Heraklion (Iraklion), on Crete’s north coast, is the island’s capital, chief port, and main industrial center. With a population of some 174,000 and sprawling modern suburbs, it’s also the fourth biggest city in Greece. In ancient times, it was the port of Knossos, and the Minoans would have traded gold, ceramics, and saffron from here. Europe’s oldest known civilisation (they lived on Crete between 2700 BC and 1450 BC), the Minoans were remarkably sophisticated – they loved art, nature, and sport, and it seems they were a peaceful people who worshiped female goddesses. Today, most visitors to Heraklion come here specifically to visit the Minoan palace of Knossos.

Heraklion grew up around the sea, and still today, the old town focuses on the harbor, with its most notable monument being Koules, an imposing 16th-century fortress built by the Venetians – you can climb up onto the ramparts for splendid views. From here, you can see the arsenals, vast arches with vaulted spaces where the Venetians repaired their ships, and the busy coastal promenade, lined with seafood eateries. The old town is protected by a circuit of massive defensive walls, which have been demolished in parts. Inside, its pedestrian-only streets are lined by aristocratic buildings, churches, and boutiques, and open onto a leafy square with fountains and busy cafés.