population: 0.174 million

extension: 12.507 square kilometers

Museums

If you're interested in visiting museums while in Heraklion, I would highly recommend checking out the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. It's one of the largest and most important museums in Greece, featuring artifacts from the Minoan civilization, which is believed to be Europe's oldest civilization. Other nearby museums that may be of interest include the Historical Museum of Crete and the Museum of Natural History of Crete.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to eat in Heraklion, according to local people, include:

1. Dakos: A traditional Cretan dish made with barley rusk, fresh tomato, feta cheese, olive oil, and oregano.
2. Fava: A puree made from yellow split peas that is often served with caramelized onions and capers.
3. Kalitsounia: Small pies filled with a mixture of soft cheese, herbs, and sometimes greens or vegetables.
4. Moussaka: A layered dish made with eggplant, minced meat, potatoes, and bechamel sauce.
5. Stifado: A slow-cooked beef or rabbit stew with onions, garlic, tomatoes, cinnamon, and other spices.
6. Souvlaki: Grilled meat skewers usually made with pork, chicken, or lamb, served with pita bread and various toppings such as tzatziki sauce, tomato, onion, and fries.

These dishes are just a few examples of the delicious and traditional cuisine you can find in Heraklion!

Activities

Sure! Here are some fun activities that locals enjoy in Heraklion:

1. Visit the open-air market: The central market of Heraklion is a bustling place where locals go to buy fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and other goods.

2. Explore the historic center: Take a stroll through Heraklion's old town, which is filled with narrow streets, charming buildings, and plenty of cafes and tavernas.

3. Enjoy the beaches: There are several beautiful beaches just outside of Heraklion, including Ammoudara, which is known for its long stretch of golden sand.

4. Visit Knossos Palace: This ancient palace is located just a few kilometers outside of Heraklion and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.

5. Taste local cuisine: Heraklion is known for its delicious food, so be sure to try some of the local specialties like dakos (a type of barley rusk salad) and bougatsa (a pastry filled with cheese or custard).

I hope this gives you some ideas for things to do while in Heraklion!