Heraklion

Crete’s capital rises from the Island’s northern coast in a plume of Venetian harbour architecture and modern condominiums, all punctuated by winding streets of Byzantine brick buildings and bubbling strips of cool cafes, chic fashion stores and local crafts outlets. It’s a veritable magnet for tourists coming in on cruises from the Med, and the accepted jump off point for any history buffs eager to explore the sprawling ruins of ancient Knossos nearby—unquestionably one of the country’s most enthralling archaeological sites, and fit to rival even the likes of the Athenian Acropolis. It’s also something of a gateway to the hedonistic 18-30s towns that pepper the Island’s eastern side, from Malia to Agios NIkolias on Mirabello Bay close by. If you’d prefer something a little more laid-back and Cretan through-and-through, then be sure to quiz your Heraklion tourist guide on the more remote beaches that can be found lapped by the warm seas under the Dikti Mountains in the east. And yes, don’t miss the food; Crete’s famous olive creations, and of course the region’s trademark seafood platters fresh from the Med.