The University of Crete's School of Medicine in Heraklion is one of Greece's most research-active medical faculties, established in 1984 as part of Greece's expansion of medical education beyond Athens and Thessaloniki. The six-year programme features clinical rotations at Heraklion University Hospital (PAGNI) — a 700-bed academic centre that is Crete's primary referral hospital. The School of Medicine has built a strong international reputation through the FORTH Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (co-located in Heraklion), which conducts cutting-edge research in structural biology, enzyme technology, and computational biology.

Additional research strengths include epidemiology (Cretan Diet studies contributing to global Mediterranean diet evidence), neuroscience, and genetics. Crete is Greece's largest island, offering an extraordinary combination of ancient Minoan heritage, rugged mountain landscapes, stunning beaches, and one of the world's healthiest traditional diets. Living costs are remarkably low, and the climate is mild year-round.

For UK students with Greek language ability, the University of Crete offers research-intensive medical training in an idyllic island setting with EU-recognised qualifications.