Located about halfway between Heraklion and Malia, Hersonissos is in the center of one of Crete's best beach-going areas. Neighborhoods with easy access to the warm waters of the Mediterranean and ample beachfront hotels are obviously popular with visitors. Lock in a place to stay for a week to look out at the ocean where Odysseus once sailed his ships. The water is never very far away in this stunning coastal town in Crete, Greece.
Where to stay
in Hersonissos
Best Regions for the Beach
Staying near the water is a classic Hersonissos vacation and definitely worth experiencing. Book a room in one of the luxurious resorts of the Hersonissos Centre, also known for a nightlife scene that kicks off as soon as the sun goes down. Stay in Stalida for beachfront hotels catering to a wide variety of budgets and hosting young people from all over the world. There are also the slightly quieter beaches of Analipsi, where accommodations are mostly adjacent to the mouth of the Faraggi Aposelemi, a lush ravine.
Hersonissos Centre
The pristine beaches and great bars are top of the list for many visitors to Hersonissos Centre. A stop by Aquaworld Aquarium or Port of Hersonissos might round out your trip.
Recommended hotels in Hersonissos Centre
Stalida
Visitors highly recommend Stalida for its beaches, and you can make a stop by Stalis Beach while you're in town.
Recommended hotels in Stalida
Analipsi
If you're spending time in Analipsi, you might enjoy its beaches and bars. If you've got time to venture a little farther, you can make a stop by Sarandaris Beach or Aquaworld Aquarium.
Recommended hotels in Analipsi
Best Areas for Traditional Villages
Look beyond the modern resorts and hotels by the coast to the area around Hersonissos for charming villages and a traditional Cretan lifestyle. Climb up to old-fashioned accommodations in the medieval village of Koutouloufari. Here, many hotels have not changed since they were constructed hundreds of years ago. Book a room in Piskopiano, a short drive away on the hillsides of Mt. Harakas, to see traditional Cretan village life up close. An even smaller nearby community awaits with accommodations in the tiny hamlet of Agriana.
Koutouloufari
Get to know Koutouloufari by checking out its beaches, bars, and shopping. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Star Beach Water Park or Aquaworld Aquarium during your time in the area.
Recommended hotels in Koutouloufari
Piskopiano
If you're spending time in Piskopiano, you might enjoy its beaches and mountain views. If you've got time to venture a little farther, you can make a stop by Aquaworld Aquarium or Port of Hersonissos.
Agriana
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Agriana and surrounding area, you can visit Crete Golf Club and Labyrinth Park.
Where to Stay for History
History lovers have much to find in the hillsides that look over the beaches. Get a hotel in Old Hersonissos, one of Crete's oldest villages, to see how the waves of Greek, Venetian and Turkish occupation have left their mark on the neighborhoods. Keep an eye out for the Venetian Lion of Saint Mark, an image and symbol that can be found in many places in the town. Stay in accommodations in Anissaras to discover traces of an ancient Minoan settlement.
Anissaras
Visitors to Anissaras enjoy its beaches, and if you want to do some exploring, Sarandaris Beach is worth a stop.
Recommended hotels in Anissaras
Old Hersonissos
The beaches and restaurants are a few reasons travelers visit Old Hersonissos. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit Aquaworld Aquarium and Acqua Plus Water Park, a few notable attractions nearby.