Heraklion - Crete, Greece, “8000 years of myth and history” Crete, the birth-place of Ægean civilization, is the biggest Greek island lying across the southern part of the Aegean Sea in the cross roads of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa. Heraklion, the capital of modern Crete blends the history of Minoan civilisation with the Cretan tradition, culture and famous Cretan hospitality.