H eraklion County is in the centre of Crete and is the island's
largest county. It has the largest population, and is the island's
richest area. The landscape is relatively flat, with low hills
and small valleys sport ween them.
Two mountain ranges mark the county's natural and administrative
borders; Idi, or Psiloritis as it is sport ter known, to the West,
and Dikti or Lassithi Mountains, to the East. The valleys south
of Heraklion city produce some of the most delicious grapes. This
is due to the special composition of the soil, which is a prerequisite
for the production of high quality wine. Large quantities of golden
Sultana raisins are also produced. The numerous and varied habitats
of Heraklion County create
ideal conditions for the appearance of endemic species, such as
hedgehogs, the Cretan badger, Cretan ferret, Cretan weasel or Kalogiannou
and the Cretan hare. Dia Island is considered an important area
for the increase of the population of Cretan wild goats, or kri
kri, as they have been introduced there from Samaria. The coasts
of Heraklion County are significant biotopes for the Caretta coretta
sea turtle, and the presence of the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus
monochus has been reported several times.
Many areas of Heraklion County have been designated Important Areas
for Birds (IAB). Mounts Idi or Psiloritis, Kofinas, Giouchtas and
Dia island are important areas for several species, such as birds
of prey, because harrier eagles, vultures, golden eagles, finch
eagles and peregrines reproduce there, as does the island partridge
and red-daw, while black peregrines appear there in the summer.
A low mountain range is located in the centre of the county and
descends to Messara valley. This fertile valley has been cultivated
for thousands of years.
The melons and watermelons produced here
as early as May, travel to markets throughout Greece and Europe.
It is no coincidence that some of the most important archaeological
areas from Minoan, Greek and Roman times, the largest of which
are Phestos, Agia Triada and Gortyna, are located here. There is
another mountain range further south, Asteroussia, with its characteristic
high peak of Kofinas, separating the valley from the Libyan Sea
coast.
