The Prefecture of Herakleio
The Prefecture of Herakleio is located in the centre of the island and consists of seven sub prefectures: those of Temenos, Vianno, Malevizi, Pyrgiotissa, Kainourgio, Pediala and Monofatsi.
The capital of the Prefecture – and of the Temenos sub prefecture – is Herakleio. With a population of more than 250.000, the prefecture of Herakleio is the most densely-inhabited part of the island, and, given that it can boast most of the important centers of Minoan civilization (Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, Gortys, and Tylissos) and the best tourist beaches, is the area most popular with visitors.
The Prefecture of Herakleio is a place of great contrasts. There are extensive plains (that of Messara is the largest), tall mountains (sometimes bare and sometimes covered with cypress and oak forests), lower hills with orchards of fruit trees, long sandy beaches, and beautiful sheltered coves.
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