Hersonissos on the beautiful Greek Island of Crete

This Hersonissos page is from the Towns and Villages of Crete section of the Completely Crete website.

Hersonissos is hot, hot, hot!

It is 27 kilometres east of Heraklion Town, on the northern coast and with neighbours like sparkling Stalis and manic Malia it is a very popular resort. There is so much choice in accommodation, ranging from rooms for rent, budget studios right through to luxury hotels. There are lots of places to eat and drink and fantastic nightlife. Hersonissos certainly has plenty to offer.

The young and beautiful seem to be attracted to this holiday hotspot and you'll probably come across a gorgeous Greek Adonis or two. We can't promise you Greek pop heart throb Michalis Hatzigiannis but many of the beach boys have similar looks and hot bodies!

Sightseeing around Hersonissos

HERSONISSOS

The town of Hersonissos itself is well worth wandering around. It has a pretty fishing harbour and a promenade lined with little shops, café bars, tavernas and restaurants.

The little shops sell an array of local goods ranging from pottery to honey, herbs and spices and leather goods. There are also a few trendy boutiques offering something a little bit different that you might find on your high street. Gold and silver jewellery shops are a great place to pick up a bargain too.

Catch the Tourist Train that takes you to nearby Stalis and Malia for a lazy trip along some of the best coastline in Crete.

Further inland you'll discover the little hillside traditional villages of Koutouloufari and Piskopiano. Both offer a quieter, laid back alternative to bustling Hersonissos. With narrow whitewashed alley ways, fantastic views and cute friendly tavernas offering good food and great wine the little villages are well worth visiting.

No trip to Crete would be complete without visiting the Minoan settlement of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. And if you're staying in Hersonissos you are within easy reach of these top two Crete attractions.

Eating and Drinking

The busy main road and the side streets of Hersonissos are filled with bars, tavernas and restaurants. The choice for eating and drinking is tremendous and cater for all tastes. You can find traditional Greek food but also a huge array of fast food outlets. There are Mexican, Italian, Chinese and Indian restaurants too as well as British favourites such as full English breakfast, burgers and fish and chips.

Hersonissos Nightlife

There's no shortage of vibrant nightspots in Hersonissos. From chic cocktail bars to discos and dance clubs you'll always fid somewhere the dance the night away in Hersonissos. Very popular with the young and lively are the Status Club, the Matrix Club and Amnesia.

Hersonissos Beaches

There are many amazing beaches along the coast of Hersonissos. It’s one of the most famous, popular tourist resorts on the island of Crete, and is one of the most trendy beaches on the island.

Nearby Stalis and Malia also have long stretches of golden sand making this area of Crete very popular.

One of the most popular beaches is Star Beach. It’s the beach in front of the Water Park, and it offers lots of fun activities including giant slides and bungee jumping.

The water park is brilliant for young people and families with so much water activities available. It also has a spa facility offering relaxing beauty treatments and spa therapies like facials and massage.

The beaches are a great place to stretch out and relax, soak up some sun and enjoy the fabulous view.

As well as sunbathing on the beach, you can also do some paragliding, rent a water-jet or take a trip on a banana-boat.

Many of the beach bars in Hersonissos have resident DJs playing the very latest music. The beach itself has golden sand and crystalline azure waters.

Where to Stay

ANNABELLE VILLAGE

There is plenty of choice of accommodation to choose from in Hersonissos ranging from package tour budget studios to luxury hotels, with everything in between.

Try the lovely Annabelle Village Hotel, which is a stylish new luxury hotel with extensive facilities and close to Hersonissos. The hotel has its own section of a sandy beach, which has been awarded the Blue Flag for its cleanliness.

ALDEMAR KNOSSOS ROYAL VILLAGE

Or how about some 5 star deluxe accommodation at the Aldemar Knossos Royal Village luxury hotel. It offers elegant, comfortable and cool rooms with the amazing views of the sandy beach, gorgeous swimming-pools, the perfect athletic facilities, the atmospheric bar and wonderful restaurants.