Heraklion

Heraklion or Herakleion (/hɪˈrækliən/ hih-RAK-lee-ən; Greek: Ηράκλειο, Irákleio, .mw-parser-output .IPA-label-small{font-size:85%}.mw-parser-output .references .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .infobox .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .navbox .IPA-label-small{font-size:100%}pronounced [iˈrakli.o]),[4] sometimes Iraklion, is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete and capital of Heraklion regional unit. It is the fourth largest city in Greece with a municipal population of 179,302 (2021)[3] and 211,370 in its wider metropolitan area,[5] according to the 2011 census. The ancient Minoan palace at Knossos is located approximately 5.5 km (3.1 mi) southeast of the city center of Heraklion. The palace is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece, second only to the Parthenon in terms of visitor numbers. Knossos is often considered to be Europe's oldest city, reflecting its long and complex history as a major center of the Minoan civilization. Heraklion was Europe's fastest growing tourism destination for 2017, according to Euromonitor, with an 11.2% growth in international arrivals.[6] According to the ranking, Heraklion was ranked as the 20th most visited region in Europe, as the 66th area on the planet and as the 2nd in Greece for the year 2017, with 3.2 million visitors[7] and the 19th in Europe for 2018, with 3.4 million visitors.[8]