The area of Hersonissos is one of the most popular resort areas of Crete. It has everything from beaches and nightlife to shopping and family entertainment. If you have already found an accommodation in Crete, it is time to plan where you can go in Hersonissos and what to do in this city.

Interesting places

A striking attraction of Hersonissos is the Lychnostatis open-air folklore museum. Built in the late 80s from natural materials (clay, stone, wood), it introduces the traditions and the way of life in Crete. On its territory you can see exact copies of the windmill, pottery and olive press, visit the traditional Cretan "house" with a kitchen and living room, attend cultural events and taste local products.
Additional information: Lychnostatis is open from mid-spring to mid-autumn from 9:00 to 14:00 (except Saturday).

Tourists of all ages should visit the Hersonissos Aqua Plus water park . Exciting attractions await on its spacious territory: from the aqua slalom and the Black Hole to the Crazy River. You can spend the whole day in Acqua Plus. All amenities are available in the water park (storage cabins, showers, sports grounds), also there is a restaurant and a bar.
Additional information : The water park is open from 10:00 to 18:00

Hersonissos has a unique terrarium-aquarium Aquaworld. It is great for families with children and everyone who cares about the fate of the living world. The aquarium is inhabited by snakes, turtles, iguanas, exotic fish, octopuses. Many of the animals were found on the beach and saved from death. Some inhabitants of Aquaworld can be touched and fed.
Additional information: Open from 10:00 to 17:15

Despite the fact that Hersonissos is a developed and modern resort, it has retained a few heritage of the past. History lovers can visit the Basilica of Kastri located on a hill, the Roman Fountain in the city center and Ano Hersonissos - the old quarter with stone houses and a way of life different from the life of the resort area.

From Hersonissos it is convenient to go on excursions. Most often, tourists make a choice in favor of the island of Spinalonga, the Palace of Knossos, the cave of Zeus, the island of Dia and the city of Heraklion.

The beaches of Hersonissos

One of the best places to spend time in Hersonissos is the coast. It is dotted with taverns, cafes, small shops and is considered the center of resort life. Hersonissos beach is quite narrow and crowded with vacationers during the high season. It is divided into several zones:

  • Star Beach is a sandy area with sun loungers, entertainment, spa centers. DJs perform here in the evenings. Star Beach was awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness;
  • Limanakya is a beach near the harbor. Its length is 1.5 km. The depth of the sea increases gradually, the sea is almost always calm, so Limanakya is recommended for families with children;
  • The city beach is a landscaped area with cabanas and sun loungers. The beach is located in the central part of the city and is covered with sand and pebbles.

There is one secret for those who want to relax on the beaches of Hersonissos in an atmosphere of tranquility. It is enough to wake up earlier and come to the beach in the morning. Until 13:00, the coast is almost deserted due to the specifics of the resort, where tourists spend the night in clubs and pull up to the beach only in the afternoon.

Please note that there are several great beaches near Hersonissos that can be reached in a few minutes. For example, in Anissaras, Stalida, Analipsi and Kokkini Hani

Night life

After sunset, Hersonissos is a bit calmer than neighboring Malia. But still, it is one of the centers of nightlife in Crete with a wide selection of clubs and bars, where the music does not stop until the morning. All of them are located close to each other, you just need to walk along the embankment. Here you can choose from Irish pubs, discos, lounge bars, and noisy Cretan taverns. Some of the best establishments in Hersonissos include The Village Inn Cafe & Pub, Cameo, YOLO and New York Beach Club.

Please note: a good way to spend time is to go to a colorful Cretan evening. In Hersonissos, the price for such an event starts from 35 euros. Drinks and meals and entertainment are included

Shopping

There are no less shops in Hersonissos than bars. There are especially many jewelry boutiques, souvenir shops and shops with traditional Cretan crafts: ceramics, weaving, olive tree dishes, handmade leather products. And, of course, many shops in Hersonissos offer a selection of quality Greek cosmetics, Cretan herbs, honey and cheeses.

How to get to Hersonissos

Hersonissos is located just 25 km from Heraklion and the international airport. You can get to it in any of the following ways:

  • By taxi or a private transfer for 45-50 euros;
  • By bus from the bus station of Heraklion, from where transport leaves for Hersonissos every 30 minutes and arrive there in less than an hour. A ticket will cost 4-5 euros;
  • By rented car, which can then be used to travel around the resort.