Heraklion is the capital of the prefecture of Heraklion and also the capital of the Greek island of Crete. Heraklion is surrounded by beautiful beaches, fascinating places of historical interest, stunning landscapes and picturesque villages. The town itself, as a capital, has a thriving nightlife with bars, cafes, restaurants and cinemas. This eclectic environment means that Heraklion is a favourite destination for groups, families and couples alike. The beach is the main attraction of any Greek island holiday and Heraklion has many to choose from. Some are developed with lots of facilities and water sports available, whilst others have been left completely untouched. Heraklion lies just 4km from the airport, which has car hire, taxi and private transfer facilities. The surrounding mountain villages and archaeological sites incuding Ideon Cave, Agia Triada and Malia provide great excursions.