Map & Info

One of the most popular islands in Greece is the island of Crete. It is an irresistible holiday destination for all types of tourists. Every year thousands of Greek and foreign visitors arrive on the island to experience a land of great history, unique natural environment, stimulating nightlife and innumerable excellent beaches. On this page you are provided with a map of Heraklion Crete, as well as useful and travel information about the island. You will also find information about the distances of the Ambelos Studios & Hotel Apartments in Agia Pelagia, Heraklion, Crete from transportation hubs, beaches, etc.

Crete is separated into 4 prefectures: Chania (Hania), Rethymnon (Rethymno), Heraklion (Iraklio) and Lassithi. Each prefecture has its own unique features that are mentioned in the Crete travel information below.

» Heraklion (Iraklio) Prefecture, Crete

The prefecture of Heraklion (Iraklio), the most populated prefecture in Crete, contains the main port of the island and is situated between the prefectures of Rethymnon (Rethymno) and Lassithi.

Heraklion Sites & Attractions, Crete
It is the Cretan prefecture with the most archaeological and historical sites such as The ancient Minoan sites of Knossos, Phaistos, Tylissos, Amnissos, Levina, Malia, Archanes and Gortyna. On the Heraklion Crete map on this page, you can see some of the famous archaeological sites. A visit to the Archaeological, Historical and Ecclesiastical Museums in Heraklion (Iraklio) Town is a must. The prefecture is full of lovely Venetian buildings and fortresses as well. The area of Matala has some very impressive caves that you should definitely visit.

Heraklion Beaches, Crete
The prefecture of Heraklion (Iraklio) possesses an abundance of wonderful beaches, as seen on the map of Heraklion Crete, such as: Agia Pelagia, Agios Nikitas, Ammoudara, Chani Kokkini, Chersonissos, Dermatos, Gournes, Gouves, Kalamaki, Kali Limenes, Karteros, Keratokambos, Lendas, Loutra, Lygaria, Malia and Matala, Mononaftis, Ostria, Psili Ammos, Tsoutsouros and Vathi.

» Rethymnon (Rethymno) Prefecture, Crete

Close to the middle of the island of Crete is the prefecture of Rethymnon (Rethymno), situated between the prefectures of Chania (Hania) and Heraklion (Iraklio). Rethymnon (Rethymno) is incomparable as far as natural beauty is concerned and is a perfect destination for nature and outdoor spots lovers. It has countless canyons, gorges, caves, valleys, rivers, mountains and hills as well as vegetation such as olive tree fields, vineyards and evergreen forests.

Rethymnon Sites & Attractions, Crete
The prefecture of Rethymnon (Rethymno) also has historical and archaeological sites such as: the ancient city of Syvritos in the settlement of Thronos, the Asomaton Monastery and the Minoan site in Amari, The Cave of Ideo Andro - where according to mythology the god Zeus was born - in Anogia, the ancient city of Eleftherna in Eleftherna.

The Minoan settlement in Apodoulou as well as the small harbour of the quaint old town, the Venetian Forteza, the Venetian Lotzia, the Rimondi Fountain, Turkish mosques and lovely churches, monasteries and museums in Rethymnon (Rethmno) Town, the Arkadi Monastery in Arkadi and the Preveli Monastery in Preveli.

Rethymnon Beaches, Crete
Rethymnon (Rethymno also possesses many wonderful beaches in the areas of: Adele, Agia Galini, Agia Paraskevi, Agios Georgios, Agios Pavlos, Ammoudi, Bali, Damnoni, Episkopi, Gerani, Geropotamos, Mikro Ammoudi, Panormos, Plakias, Platanes, Preveli, Rethymnon Town, Rodakino and Triopetra.

» Map of Heraklion, Crete Island

From the Ambelos Hotel Apartments and Studios in Agia Pelagia, Heraklion, Crete , the following destinations are easily accessible:

Heraklion (Iraklio) Airport: 22 km
Heraklion (Iraklio) Port: 17 km
Heraklion (Iraklio) Town: 20 km
Rethymnon (Rethymno) Town: 45 km

» Chania (Hania) Prefecture, Crete

The Chania (Hania) prefecture is situated on the western side of Crete, and is well known for its natural beauty as well as its unique sites.

Chania Sites & Attractions, Crete
While in Chania (Hania) you should visit the Venetian and Turkish buildings, the old town and port, the lighthouse, the Firkas Fortress, as well as the Historical Archives and the Archaeological, Byzantine, Folklore Museums in Chania (Hania) Town. If you are and archaeology lover, do not miss the ancient cities of Polyrinia, of Aptera in Souda and of Lisos in the region of Souyia, the ancient sites of Falasarna and of Amfimalla in Georgioupoli and the ancient Acropolis in Anopoli. Other interesting places are: the famous gorge of Samaria, the canyons of Therissos and Imbros, Lake Kournas, the Frangokastelo fortress, the Monastery of Agia Triada.

Chania Beaches, Crete
For swimming and sunbathing in Chania (Hania) prefecture, you can go to the following beaches: Agii Apostoli, Agia Marina, Agios Pavlos, Almirida, Balos, Chalara, Chryssi Akti, Falassarna, Frangokastelo, Galatas, Georgioupoli, Glyka Nera, Kalami, Kalyves, Kasteli Kissamos, Lissos, Loutro, Marathi, Pachia Ammos, Paleochora, Plaka, Plakaki, Platanias, Souyia, and Stavros, as well as to the beaches on the beautiful isles of Elafonisi and Gavdos.

» Lassithi Prefecture , Crete

On the east side of the island of Crete is the prefecture of Lassithi, which is also known for it sites and unique natural features.

Lassithi Sites & Attractions, Crete
Some of the best sites are: the ancient cities of Driros, Praisos and Itanos, the Pre-Minoan sites of Myrtos and Pachia Ammos, the Minoan palace in Zakros, the ruins of the Doric city of Lato in Kritsa, the Mid-Minoan manor in Sitia, the Post-Minoan settlements of Gournia and Makrygialos, the Minoan settlement of Palekastro. Many of the findings from these sites are displayed in the Archaeological and Folklore Museums in Agios Nikolaos, the Archaeological Museums in Ierapetra and Sitia. Do not forget to also visit the exquisite cave in Milato and the famous Palm Tree Forest.

Lassithi Beaches, Crete The most beautiful beaches of the Lassithi prefecture are located in: Agia Fotia, Agios Nikolaos, Almyros, Ammoudara, Boufos, Elounda, Ierapetra, Itanos, Karoubes, Kato Zakros, Makrygialos, Myrtos, Nea Anatoli, Pachia Ammos, Palekastro, Phinikodasos, Plaka, Sitia, Spinalonga, Xeropotamos and the isles of Chryssi and Koufonissi, which both have golden sands and turquoise waters.