Travel enthusiasts often daydream of visiting the breathtaking Crete in Greece. Hersonissos, a beach resort town, is one of the most prominent destinations on the island of Crete. Hersonissos is the kind of place that people who adore the beach and the sun will want to consider visiting.
Between Anissaras and Stalida, Hersonissos Crete is situated around 26 kilometers east of Heraklion. Hersonissos has quickly become one of Crete's most well-known resort areas as a result of tourism. The name of the village of Hersonissos is "Limenas Hersonissou," which translates to "Port of Hersonissos." Hersonissos' coastline, which has been continuously developing since 1960, is located about 2 kilometers to the south of the city.
Although there are only about 3,000 permanent residents on Hersonissos (2,981 according to the 2001 census), this number exponentially rises during the summer due to the hundreds of thousands of tourists who visit the island as well as the thousands of seasonal workers employed in the tourism industry.
On the island's north shore sits the large, glitzy town of Hersonissos. It's one of the busiest areas on the island, with a vibrant nightlife in the waterfront area and a center supported by bars, restaurants, and clubs. However, this location is more than just for huge nights. It includes three fairly excellent beaches in addition to two waterparks.
It is a fantastic beach resort that has been fully constructed to meet all of your needs and has a variety of lively pubs and clubs. The town has a lot more to offer, is wonderful for children, and has attractions to suit all tastes in addition to its well-known nightlife.
Everyone can find something to do in Star Beach!
The beach has no admission fee. Our first day was spent lying on the beach, soaking in the sun, and sticking our toes in the ocean as the kids went snorkelling.
Star Beach is the perfect location if your kids enjoy snorkelling. Clearwater was present. There were numerous fish to see. Other beaches in Hersonissos that we visited had water that was too choppy for snorkelling. Star Beach's calmer seas, though, were ideal.
The waterslides at Star Beach were the kids' favourite thing to do. We each paid 10 euros, which is a terrific deal, to enjoy the water slides all day. The kamikaze slide, a yellow and red race slide, a white curly slide, and the black hole slide were among the slides.
The slides were the most popular with my 10-year-old. You were unable to remove him! My adolescent liked them as well.
Younger children can also use the available free water slides and play areas. While your children are playing here, you can rent a sun lounger.
Try some of the other water activities like parasailing and banana boats at the beach if your adolescent wants even more adrenaline.
Top Tip
The 18- to 30 crowds is also drawn to Star Beach's VIP beach area. The 18-to-30 crowd and families can mix without any issues! It's entertaining to watch all the parents move and dance to the music. Later in the afternoon, though, the music became louder, which I loved but might not be to everyone's taste. Before the music starts at noon, go to Star Beach if you want some peace and quiet.
You can take a rental car that will be brought to you at the airport when you arrive, a taxi, or a bus to get to Hersonissos from the Heraklion Airport. Hersonissos is around 20 kilometers—or about a 15-minute drive—from Heraklion Airport along the new National Road.
If you don't have a car, you can either hire a taxi when you get off the ferry or walk 500 meters to the major bus station, which is located directly outside the port on the opposite side of the street. Every 30 minutes, from early in the morning to late at night, a bus leaves for Hersonissos.
The National Road from Chania and Rethymno to Heraklion continues on to Hersonissos and further east. from Chania and Rethymno to Hersonissos. Rethymno and Chania may both be reached by car in around two and a half hours, respectively.
Take the National Road toward Heraklion to get from Agios Nikolaos to Hersonissos, and you'll arrive there in about 30 minutes.
Take the old National Road through the aforementioned resorts to get to Hersonissos; it takes just a few minutes to get there from Kokkini Hani, Gouves, Gournes, Analipsi, and Anissaras. Buses run frequently, and since it's close by, taxis are inexpensive.
The same holds true for the nearby islands of Stalis and Malia, which are located east of Hersonissos.
Hersonissos appears to be a sleepy seaside hamlet with a tiny beach and restaurants along its shoreline during the day. But as soon as dusk falls, Hersonissos drops its mask and becomes the hottest nightclub in Crete! The sound of music fills the air as bars erupt into life, their neon lights illuminating the streets in vivid color. The riverfront is crowded with nightclubs and pubs that attract well-known DJs and play house and pop music. The back streets are fantastic for finding Irish pubs with live music as well as more sedate areas for chilling out with drinks if you're looking for something a little less rowdy.
Hersonissos' nightlife differs from that of other areas of the island because of the music. Hersonissos nightlife offers something for everyone, in contrast to the bulk of the resorts that specialize in techno and trance and draw large numbers of clubgoers and enthusiasts of dance music.
Trance, dance, house, and techno are likely to be played in clubs and pubs, but rock, pop, and disco are also frequently heard there. Hersonissos is the destination to choose if you're seeking a vacation where the nightlife reigns supreme!
The majority of revelers begin their night on Paleá EO Irakliou Agiou Nikolaou, popularly known as "Bar Street," the main strip, to make the most of Hersonissos' nightlife. Smaller, more intimate bars like Amadeus, Quarto, and the Black Cactus can be found here; they're great for a pre-club drink or two in lively but not overly crowded settings.
However, if you want to jump right in, you may find bigger, brasher clubs and bars along the main drag that are ramping up their sound systems. There will be music of different genres playing. If you want to warm up your pipes with some karaoke or start the night with some traditional Irish music, go to the Blarney Stone. Take it easy at first because many bars have "buy one, get one free" drink specials, and if you're not careful, you can find that you've hit your limit before the evening has even started!
You'll see that as you move along Bar Street, clubs gradually take the place of the bars. The list includes YOLO, Cameo, Club Sensation, the Havana Club, and many more. Although the sheer number of clubs may make you feel a little overwhelmed, it's not difficult to discover the one that's right for you because many of them have noticeboards outside that tell you what's playing inside, and you can frequently hear it from the street!
Alternatively, observe the crowds; on a given evening, dense concentrations of people are frequently a reliable predictor of where the action is. The NRG, the New York Beach Club, and the Matrix Club are a few of Hersonissos' top nightclubs. The Matrix is the largest and best appreciated of them all. The Matrix Club has a variety of music, a lively environment, and freshly crafted cocktails. If you prefer something more specifically for dancing, the music at NRG is more focused on dance, house, and techno.
On the walk back to your hotel, there are a ton of snack places and eateries in case your legs start to feel a little tired or you're simply ready for bed. From the usual burgers and pizzas to the more conventional gyros and souvlaki, everything is available.
The finest months for nightlife in Hersonissos, Crete, are June through August because of the pleasant weather and increased tourists. Look out for the Starbeach Celebration, when the stretch of sand along Hersonissos' shoreline transforms into an outdoor arena for a festival of clubbing, dancing, and partying if you'd prefer to avoid the restriction of a club.
With beaches to suit every preference and a bustling nightlife, Hersonissos is the ultimate vacation spot. Even 1500 years ago, there were Minoan villages here, but it wasn't always a popular vacation spot. And this indicates that there is something to see both in the city and the surrounding area. What attractions in Hersonissos merit being included on every traveller's itinerary?
The Kastri early Christian basilica was one of Crete's most prominent in the fifth century. Its location was formerly occupied by a basilica that was destroyed by an earthquake and a Hellenistic sanctuary. Excavations started in the 1950s after it was just recently discovered at the start of the 20th century. Castries has been "conserved" underground for generations, leaving its mosaic flooring with its floral and geometric embellishments in excellent condition. A chapel built out of rock is located on the basilica's southern side. It is thought that a distinguished clergyman or martyr is interred here. A modest church dedicated to St. Paraskeva is located next to the basilica, and its doors are constantly open.
One of the few remaining Roman structures is the Sarakino fountain, located on Hersonissos' embankment. This building is a part of a sizable complex that includes a demolished antique villa. Mosaics covering the fountain's surface show fish, octopuses, birds, and a fishing scene. Numerous other plots can be seen if you pay serious attention. The fountain was built in the second century based on the design and subject matter of the mosaics. It blends beautifully with Hersonissos' contemporary lifestyle; as you move through the city, you can glance at it and feel Crete's past.
The first aquarium in Crete is Aquaworld. View local aquatic and reptile species from Crete and other parts of the world. The attraction is situated close to the Port of Hersonissos. Many of the animals at the centre have been rescued.
There are various sources of information available for each species.
You may be able to handle snakes, stroke tortoises, and observe the feeding of the snakes and octopus at Aquaworld, which encourages taking pictures and getting up close and personal with some of the animals.
The Aquaworld Aquarium is one of the most well-liked attractions in the city. Families as a whole visit this place to have fun among the animals. Exotic fish and reptiles are among the occupants. But the aquarium also works to save creatures who are in dangerous situations. Tourists can observe the following:
Iguanas, iguanas, turtles, and large snakes
Some residents are permitted to be fed and petted.
The Lychnostatis open-air museum in Hersonissos, which is devoted to the life and customs of Crete, was established in 1992 by the collector Giorgos Markakis. Here, tourists can immerse themselves in the world of Greek crafts and visit a vineyard, an oil mill, an apiary, a weaving factory, a shepherd's hut, and a replica of a wealthy Cretan's home. A mill and a little chapel are present. All individuals with interest in the culture and history of the island are drawn to the museum, which works as a guide to Crete's past.
Visit Lychnostatis, outside of the city, if you're unsure which museums to visit in Hersonissos, Crete. This location provides general information about the city's and Crete's history.
You can visit multiple museums in Lychnostatis and discover how many Cretan products are made, including yarn, leather, mills, and looms. This area is set out like a true old village, with a chapel and a little garden.
The museum is 7 km outside the city's core; therefore, transportation is optional. Taxis and the tourist mini-train are two ways to get there. From the Port, a Train Tour
The old area of Hersonissos is distinct from the coastal part in that life moves more slowly there. You can spend some time exploring the winding streets and admiring the stone buildings before visiting two Byzantine-inspired churches. There is a charming square in the middle of Ano Hersonissos, which is surrounded by pubs serving traditional Cretan food. Live performances featuring regional dances and music are staged here in the evenings during the summer.
Ano Hersonissos lies 2 kilometres from the coastline of Hersonissos. You can walk or take a taxi to get there (about a 25-minute walk).
Infrastructure close by Although the Old Town lacks loud bars and clubs, it does have taverns and small hotels. Some have pools with breathtaking views of the sea.
One can take numerous intriguing roads from Hersonissos if one intends to drive across Crete to view the sites. Two kilometres separate the resort area from the villages of Piskopiano and Koutouloufari. The first had a history that began in the Middle Ages and was built in the traditional Cretan style. It's worth taking a trip through Piskopiano's streets and stopping at the Museum of Rural Life, which has a collection of weaving artwork. Additionally, Koutulufari is attractive due to its historic homes with arched arches and charming courtyards.
The St. Paraskeva cave is located 16 kilometres from Hersonissos (or Skotino). It is one of the biggest caverns in Crete, measuring a little over 150 meters in length, 40 meters in breadth, and 10 meters in height.
Skotino was once a centre of devotion where Christian ones substituted pagan rituals. On the ruins of a Venetian church, a temple close to the cave was built today. Skotino's interior is impressive due to the variety of stalagmites and imposing boulders in different shapes. It is obvious from this ornamentation and the outstanding acoustics why the Cretan people once considered this cave to be significant.
It is free to observe this amazing natural sight in Hersonissos, Crete, and throughout Greece.
Many underground chambers may be seen here, where lovely stalactites and stalagmites have been developing for thousands of years. Children will find the cave intriguing to explore. You merely need a flashlight to examine it.
In Hersonissos, there are numerous water parks to choose from if you enjoy them.
The first park constructed in the region of Eastern Europe was the Acqua Plus water park.
It is around 5 kilometres from Hersonissos. You can take a taxi, drive a rental car, or take the bus to specific locations throughout the island for pickup.
There are more than 50 slides and activities, with separate sections for kids and adults and plenty of excitement. They consist of hydro tubes, two black holes, a crazy river, and race slides.
Activities include a hydromassage, lazy river, fish spa, playground, and tiny hydro tube if you want to unwind or have fun with younger children.
Additionally, you can play activities like table tennis and pool.
We have all had the experience of being young; for some of us, it seems like only yesterday. Who doesn't get excited about a fantastic water park?
If you plan on spending your next vacation in Crete, specifically in the lovely town of Hersonissos, you owe it to yourself to treat yourself to a trip to the Aquaplus Water Park. A lovely area for family and friends beneath Crete's beautiful sky.
Hersonissos is around a 20-minute drive from Water City Water Park.
Thirty-four water slides and games are available, including options for children, teenagers, and adults. There are three categories of slides: kids, advanced, and extreme.
A lazy river, a water play park, a huge pool, and little race slides are among the attractions for kids under 1 meter and 40 centimetres.
Try the body slide cyclone, tube slides, Tarzan's game, wave pools, and hyper race slides for more experienced riders.
If you want extreme fun, there is a toboggan slide, a sidewinder-boomerango, and a kamikaze.
KartLand, Hersonissos, is located directly behind Star Beach. The karts are swift, and the track is stunning.
The track is accessible day and night; if you go at the correct hour, you can have it yourself.
Children and teenagers will enjoy trying it out. Younger children may choose to ride with their parents.
There are only a few miles between Hersonissos and Labyrinth Theme Park. To get here from Hersonissos, you'll need a car, or you can use a cab. Children under the age of 12 should use it.
The park, a round of mini golf, the organic garden, and the excitement of the labyrinth maze are all accessible for ten euros at the gate.
There are 1,300 square meters in the labyrinth maze. It's a great challenge and a ton of fun.
Any additional activities, such as escape rooms, quad bikes, archery, and pottery, cost 3 euros per person. Kids aged 4 to 11 are welcome to ride the quad bikes.
About a 10-minute taxi or vehicle trip will get you to Dinosauria Park in Gournes from Hersonissos.
The park should not be missed if you have younger children who are dinosaur enthusiasts. It's especially beneficial for younger kids.
The planetarium and the 5D theatre are two main attractions that children and adults will appreciate.
Other attractions include a playground, a dino hospital, an excavation area where children may find dinosaur fossils in the sand, and animatronic dinosaurs.
Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Center
Museum Lychnostatis
Ano Hersonissos
The villages of Piskopiano and Koutouloufari
Cave Skotino
Aqua Plus Water Park
Water City Water Park
Go Karting at KartLand
Labyrinth Theme Park
Dinosoauria Park, Gournes
If you're familiar with Instagram and sites dedicated to travel on Instagram, you may have seen this before.
Without further ado, the Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa is undoubtedly one of the most well-known and stunningly beautiful hotels in all of Greece.
Take pleasure in the architecture, the luxury, the dining, the spa, the private pools, the vistas, and the colours. An absolute necessity if you plan on spending any time in Hersonissos
Beach at Stalis
There is a good chance that Stalis Beach is the most stunning beach in the region.
You can set your towel down or make a reservation for a deckchair and a parasol for the day. The sand is fine and warm, and the sea is clean and clear, just like it is everywhere else on the island of Crete.
Those interested in beaches, Crete, and Greece should note that the most magnificent beaches of Hersonissos and the surrounding area can also be visited by boat (sailboat, motorboat, or catamaran) for one or more delightful days, with or without a skipper.
Milatos Cave
The archaeological site of Milatos is close to Hersonissos and can be reached by car in a short amount of time. It is a fascinating place to look into.
It is notably well-known for having served as a haven for Cretan insurgents who fought against Turkish invaders in 1823. This helped make the region famous.
Palace of Malia
The construction of the Palace of Malia began in 1900 BC.
This relic of the ancient Minoan civilization can be reached by vehicle in fewer than fifteen minutes.
There is a legend that Malia's ancient palace was once the Pythian beast's residence known as the Minotaur.
Visitors will gain further knowledge about the fascinating history of the palace and the mythology typical of the area when they take advantage of the services of a local guide.
There are many stores to peruse if your teen or youngster enjoys shopping.
Teenagers may enjoy shopping at a variety of clothing stores. If you'd like, you can purchase a new Christmas wardrobe!
There are also many tourist attractions offering gifts to take home.