Hotels in Hersonissos, Heraklion That You Will Love!
This article offers a curated list of my favorite hotels in Hersonissos. If you plan to visit Heraklion and are looking for the best places to stay in Hersonissos, bookmark this post.
One of Crete’s most popular seaside resorts is Hersonissos, a coastal town a few kilometers from the island’s capital. Also known as Chersonissos, the village is often chosen by those who prefer package holidays, all-inclusive resorts, exciting nightlife, and being close to Heraklion. This article brings you the best hotels in Hersonissos and a few ideas on making the most of your time in town.
📍 Must-do: Balos Cruise 📍 Knossos Palace 📍 Check rental car rates for Crete 🚗
Hersonissos is a popular resort located on the northern Cretan coast in the Heraklion region. People of all ages chose this lively coastal town for a vacation of entertainment, sunny days spent at the beautiful beaches, great Greek food, and unforgettable nightlife.
The village of Hersonissos is better known for its wide range of clubs and beach bars; however, it is also an excellent compromise for families with teens, who are still very young and have to travel with their parents but still want their share of nightly fun during the summer.
You will mostly find budget accommodation opportunities in the area, such as small apartments and studios, beautiful hotels, and top-class, all-inclusive resorts. The latter is tempting enough for you not to leave the property. However, I encourage you to explore the region and discover the things you can do in Heraklion. You won’t regret it!
Why to Plan a Vacation Hersonissos?
There are many reasons to choose a Hersonissos hotel and others for you to book a stay in a different area; let’s take a look.
ADVANTAGES OF A STAY IN HERSONISSOS
- Hersonissos is not just a fun destination. It is also a great place to visit archaeological sites (Malia and Knossos Palace are minutes away) and small traditional villages.
- It’s one of the best areas to have fun in nearby water and theme parks in Heraklion.
- It’s a perfect place for groups of friends and young couples with many things to do at night.
- It’s close to Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos, two of the main cities in Crete, making it a great base for day trips.
- It is also one of the best places to stay for family holidays, with several arcades and other attractions in the city center that kids love.
- There are some great sandy beaches with crystal clear water that are only a short walk from the main attractions in town.
- From the small port of Hersonissos, you can take several different boat trips to discover hidden gems and less crowded beaches on the northern coast of Crete.
- It looks like Hersonissos has it all, and it may have. However, it can have its downside…
BUT ALSO CONSIDER THIS…
- It’s not the most authentic part of Crete. For instance, there are tons of international franchise companies. Think Subway or Starbucks—they have nothing to do with our authentic gyro or Greek coffee!
- It tends to be overcrowded.
- It can be noisy and chaotic, making it not the ideal destination for a relaxing holiday.
Now, it’s up to you. Are you looking for a typical holiday resort town? If the answer is no, check this article or plan a trip to the South Coast with this other one.
If the answer is yes, then read on. This guide is a helpful comparison tool for discovering some of the best hotels in Hersonissos and choosing where you want to stay.
Remember that booking early is always better to take advantage of more convenient fees.
RELATED ARTICLES:
– Best Things to Do in Hersonissos
– Incredible Things to Do in Heraklion at Night
Budget Hotels in Hersonissos
Despite being populated by all-inclusive hotel chains, it’s still possible to find family-run hotels and studios offering budget accommodation in Hersonissos. As you already know, Crete is arguably one of the most convenient destinations in Greece for cheap holidays. Traveling to Crete on a budget is not odd since you will find convenient deals.
Regarding Hersonissos, you can also find comfy studios and modest hotels in town at quite convenient fees. These are some of the best places to stay in Hersonissos, with a budget of around €60-€75 per night.
Home Suites
🗝️ 🗝️ 🗝️
📍 Only 500 meters from Analipsi Beach, Hersonissos.
Ideal for a small family, the suites are surrounded by a garden and offer mountain views. The self-catering accommodation is close to convenience stores and tavernas, which is perfect if you don’t rent a car. Units have a well-equipped kitchen, dining and sitting areas, and one or two rooms.
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Kasapakis Hotel & Apartments
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📍 Located in Analips, only minutes from Hersonissos and 50 meters from the beach.
The hotel offers a furnished summer terrace, a swimming pool, a children’s pool, and a bar. The studios and rooms are simple and self-catered, with sea views overlooking the garden or the swimming pool. The hotel also offers a daily buffet breakfast and an on-site restaurant serving homemade Greek cuisine.
Heronissos Hotel
Yes, Heronissos, you read it right!
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
📍 Limenas Hersonissou, only 100 meters from the sandy Hersonissos Beach.
This top-budget hotel in Hersonissos features an outdoor pool, a garden, a poolside bar, and a restaurant. Rooms are ample and bright and feature comfy balconies with mountain or sea views and air conditioning. When it comes to food, you can enjoy meals served buffet style, as well as Cretan wines at the on-site restaurant.
RELATED ARTICLE:
– Free Things to Do in Heraklion
Asterias Village
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
📍 It’s located in Piskopiano, only one kilometer from the port of Hersonissos.
This convenient hotel in the area features ten buildings spread over 12.000 square meters, boasting comfy studios and apartments designed in traditional Cretan style. It has a 300-square-meter swimming pool and a hot tub where you can enjoy a refreshing drink. The on-site restaurant offers authentic Cretan cuisine. For after-dinner entertainment, guests can visit the hotel’s poolside open-air bar.
Mid-Range Hotels in Hersonissos
If you’re wondering where to stay in Hersonissos with a more flexible budget, the next section has you in mind! You’ll certainly find the perfect place to stay in the area, including the unique Koutouloufari, one of the prettiest villages in Hersonissos.
These are my places of choice in Hersonissos and the surrounding area, with prices between €80 and €150 per night.
Arminda Hotel & Spa
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📍 It’s located in Hersonissos, a few minutes from Stalida and Star Beach.
This all-inclusive hotel features four large saltwater pools and a spa with a sauna, a hammam, and a hot tub. Rooms have a desk, a fridge, and a terrace. The hotel offers a children’s playground, table tennis, darts, and mini-golf.
Pilot’s Villas Luxury Suites
🗝️ 🗝️ 🗝️ 🗝️
📍 It’s located in Koutouloufari, the most traditional district in Hersonissos, a few minutes from the seaside.
The villas, which have received top reviews, offer comfort and privacy. The property features suites, maisonettes, and studios built in traditional stone architecture with sea views and an arbor.
Star Beach Village & Water Park
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
📍 The hotel is in Limenas Hersonissou, the village’s most central part, and is only 50 meters from the beach.
This is a fantastic place for the family, with a spacious outdoor pool complex, water slides, and a children’s playground. Rooms are ample, with sea views and a terrace. There are plenty of dining options, and family rooms are also available. Star Water Park is right next to the property.
Grand Hotel Holiday Resort
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📍 Located by the sea, a few minutes from Stalida Beach, Star Beach
A local favorite with top reviews and affordable fees, this great family-friendly resort has a water park, four swimming pools, and bungalows with sea views. It offers a wellness center and a supervised mini club with a special program of activities for children.
Stella Village Seaside Hotel
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📍 The hotel is in Analipsi, only 10 meters from the sea, and is one of Crete’s best hotels for kids!
This family-friendly hotel has gardens, different pools, two restaurants, two tennis courts, a water park, and a kids’ club. Rooms feature a furnished balcony. Wellness options include water aerobics, a football pitch, and beach volleyball. Kids love the children’s pools and the animation activities.
Creta Blue Boutique Hotel
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📍 It’s located in Koutouloufari and only a 10-minute drive from an important 18-hole golf course.
This small boutique hotel offers luxurious accommodations with sea views, an infinity pool, and a la carte dining. In the evening, the pool bar transforms into a romantic open-air restaurant, where you can enjoy homemade recipes using locally sourced ingredients in an intimate environment.
Luxury and 5-Star Hotels in Hersonissos
There are dozens of exclusive hotels in Hersonissos, some in the inner villages and others facing the beautiful northern coast of Heraklion. They all feature top-class amenities and curated details for a stunning stay in the area.
Staying in these beautiful venues starts from €170 per night. If you want to spend the holiday of a lifetime in Crete, book in advance because the area is really popular. You won’t regret it!
Abaton Island Resort & Spa
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📍 It’s located in the center of Hersonissos, only meters from Drapano Beach and about one kilometer from Stalida.
One of the top hotels in Hersonissos, this resort features a remarkable collection of luxurious guest rooms, suites, and villas. The hote offers a fitness centre, free private parking, a garden, a terrace, air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a bar, and a coffee machine.
Akasha Beach Hotel & Spa
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📍 It’s located in the center of Hersonissos.
The place offers air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi, a restaurant, a terrace, private parking, and a fitness center. The property also offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa (Adults Only)
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
📍 This hotel, located in Analipsi, Hersonissos, has become one of the top luxurious picks in the area.
Often considered one of the best hotels in Hersonissos, this place is certainly a top pick in Greece. It’s beautifully styled and impeccably furnished, offering direct access to the unique lagoon-style pool. It also offers an international cuisine buffet restaurant overlooking the pool and wooden deck over the water.
>> You can also check the sister property, the gorgeous Stella Palace Resort and Spa.
Creta Maris Beach Resort
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📍 It’s near Sarandaris Cape Beach, Limenas Hersonissou Beach, and FKK Naturist Beach.
This all-inclusive beach resort combines Cretan hospitality, a green-oriented environment, and exclusive 5-star services. It offers a bar, a sauna, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a kids’ club. Selected rooms have a patio and sea views.
Nana Princess Suites, Villas & Spa
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
📍 Located about 100 meters from Drapano Beach and about one kilometer from Stalida.
The hotel is on a private beach and offers a modern spa and health club, three restaurants, and two pools. It also features suites and villas, some with private pools and ample outdoor areas. Sports facilities include a tennis court, beach volleyball, and mini soccer. Children’s animation programs and shows are shared with its sister property.
Mitsis Selection Laguna
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📍The resort is in Anissaras, only three kilometers from the center of Hersonissos.
The beachfront property offers sports and leisure facilities such as a tennis court, a mini soccer field, and a spa center. It offers rooms and bungalows with terraces, seven different restaurants, five bars, five pools, and an entertainment program for kids, including water slides and an outdoor playroom.
General Info About Hersonissos
Located about 30 minutes east of Heraklion, along the northern coast of Crete, Hersonissos is a popular place in Crete for a seaside vacation.
Being so close to Crete’s capital, Hersonissos is a perfect base to explore the city and spend your days by the sea. When landing in Heraklion, you can get to Hersonissos by car or public bus (the ride is about 45 minutes, and the tickets are €3).
This typical holiday resort features amazing beaches, good bars and tavernas, plenty of shops, a vibrant nightlife, and loads of entertainment for small kids. There are dozens of bars and discos, beach clubs, and more relaxed entertainment, such as pubs and bars.
What to Do in Hersonissos
The place can be great both for fun and relaxing holidays. It’s not as quiet as the southern coast of Crete, but you can enjoy some fantastic sandy beaches during the day and find plenty of things to do at night.
You can stay close to the port for more nightlife opportunities or in the nearby Koutouloufari, a village with a more relaxing atmosphere. The area boasts amazing beaches, such as Sarandari Coves, one of the best beaches in Heraklion. Sarandaris is one of those places where you can spend a great day in Hersonissos.
Another great thing to do is to spend a day visiting Piskopiano. The place has traditional alleys, a beautiful central square, and a nineteenth-century church dedicated to the Holy Virgin.
Lychnostatis is an interactive, open-air museum in the center of Hersonissos. It is perfect for a family day spent discovering the island’s past… and Europe’s!
Kids also enjoy the water parks in the area; you can opt for Water City, located in Anopolis, a village halfway between Heraklion and Hersonissos, or the local option, Acqua Plus, which has special areas designed for adults as well as kids’ pools and slides. You can purchase Acqua Plus tickets online.
Families can enjoy nearby theme parks, such as the Labyrinth and Dinosauria, or visit Crete’s Cretaquarium, about 15 minutes from Hersonissos.
>> Purchase tickets to CretAquarium here to avoid waiting in line.
Best Beaches Near Hersonissos, Crete
Hersonissos main beach is long and narrow, stretching for several kilometers. It is well-organized and has many facilities, including beach bars and tourist shops.
You can check out other beaches in the area, including Sarandari Coves. This secluded beach has soft white sand and shallow waters of vivid blue hues.
An area of this beach is popular for gay travel on the island. Analipsi is a long, sandy beach with organized structures on the eastern side and some big rocks towards the western part. It is perfect for secluded swimming and fishing.
Drapano is a beach that attracts visitors thanks to its natural beauty. Its crystal clear waters allow you to see the rocky sea bottom. At the beach, you’ll be amazed at the unique rock arch, a perfect spot for a memorable photo.
Best Clubs in Hersonissos
Hersonissos is famous for its stunning nightlife, usually focused along the street that faces the sea, populated by many nightclubs and beach bars that organize insane parties every evening.
You can choose among the several discos and beach bars or spend a more relaxed evening at an Irish pub in the center of town.
King Skorpio Beach Bar is in the heart of Hersonissos Harbour. It is perfect for a drink and good music and offers superb views of the Cretan Sea.
Another popular beach spot is Anissa Beach Shisha Point, often visited by locals and tourists. At the same time, New York Beach Club, probably the best-known club in the area, is a classic in town for drinks and good music, open until the early morning hours.
When in Hersonissos, check out several other places. There are great restaurants, tavernas, bars, and other places to hang out. There are video game arcades, entertainment facilities, and many things for perfect family holidays.
I hope this guide will help you find the best hotels in Hersonissos. You can choose an all-inclusive resort near the sea or in the mountains facing Hersonissos Bay.
No matter where you decide to stay in Hersonissos, you will find much to do in the region and have a great time in Crete. Have you made up your mind yet? Do you already know where to stay in Hersonissos?
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Best Hotels in Hersonissos, Crete
Gabi, the Crete Insider
Hi, I’m Gabi — your go-to local expert in Crete! I’ve been living in Chania, Crete since 2016, and I’ve turned my love for the island into a full-time passion — guiding travelers, writing for travel media, and curating local experiences.
I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and other guides. I run the blogs The Tiny Book, Greece Planner, and My Cretan Recipe. Through this platform I help travelers design unforgettable trips to Crete.
