Hersonissos Crete: Things to do, Location, How to Get There?

Hersonissos, one of the most popular Cretan seaside resorts, is one of the top choices in the region of Heraklion when it comes to package holidays, nightlife, good tavernas and a wonderful, pristine sea.

Along the modern seafront, an endless line of restaurants and souvenir shops give even more life and colour to the village. The modern port of Hersonissos was built over an ancient Roman harbor, while some of its remains are visible in some places under the sea.

The port area is popular among visitors during the sunset hours while long evenings can be enjoyed in one of the many beach bars along the coast. If you’re planning a holiday in Crete and Hersonissos is your place of choice, let’s take a look at all the things you can do in the area.

What are the best things to do in Hersonissos?

Hersonissos is the typical holiday seaside resort, with a nice series of beaches to discover, good restaurants, bars and tavernas, plenty of shops and video game arcades for children, but also with a very lively nightlife.

In fact, Hersonissos is one of the best places to stay in Crete if you want to spend a holiday full of fun and with things to do every single evening!

You can choose among the several discos and beach bars or you can go for a more relaxed night, picking an Irish pubs, a café or a speakeasy venue.

Listed below are the best things to do in Hersonissos.

Saradaris Coves. Sarandari Coves near Hersonissos feature pristine calm waters ideal for kids, with restaurants and bars nearby.
Koutouloufari. The quiet village of Koutouloufari near Hersonissos offer traditional charm, great views, and a peaceful alternative to the busy town center
Stalida. The relaxed coastal village of Stalida near Hersonissos offers tranquility with its calm shallow waters and traditional tavernas ideal for families.
Analipsi. Analipsi is a small village charming cobblestone alleys, gardens, shops, and magnificent beach, perfect for a family holiday away from lively Hersonissos.
Hersonissos Theme Parks. Hersonissos hosts 6 worth-visit theme parks. These are Acqua Plus Waterpark, Water City Waterpark, Labyrinth Park, Dinosauria Park, Cretaquarium, Aquaworld and Lychnostatis Open Air Museum.

1. Visit Sarandaris Coves

There are several beaches you can visit just a couple of minutes away from Hersonissos.

Arguably one of the best shores in the area, not far from the port of Hersonissos, are the Sarantari Coves, along with the famous Sarantaris beach.

Their main characteristic is the wonderful pristine sea, in some spots shallow enough for small kids to explore.

Besides, the whole series of coves is protected by Cape Sarandaris, which makes the beaches calm and waveless, as the cape prevents the northern winds from affecting the area.

Along the coast, there are several restaurants and bars that allow you to spend a perfect day at the beach without even thinking of packing a lunch.

2. Stroll in Koutouloufari

If you’re looking for more quiet places not very far from the center of Hersonissos, go for a walk in the small village of Koutouloufari. Traditional restaurants, beautiful alleys and picturesque views are the perfect frame for an afternoon walk or a round of local drinks and delicious Cretan bites.

The area of Koutouloufari is also known for hosting some wonderful hotels with great views of the Bay of Hersonissos. The village is also a great place to stay if you want to avoid the noisy center of town, but still be close enough to the sea.

Another gem you can tour not far from Koutouloufari is Piskopiano, just a few minutes away by car. The small village of Piskopiano is another traditional hamlet worth a visit in Crete. Check the main square as well as the nineteenth century church dedicated to the Holy Virgin.

3. Explore Stalida

Another seaside village worth a visit while in Hersonissos is the tranquil coastal village of Stalida, from ten to fifteen minutes to the East, on the coastal road.

The atmosphere, more relaxed that what you’ll find in Hersonissos, makes it a great place for a day of complete relax.

Along the beach, there are several traditional tavernas where to enjoy a light lunch, while the sea is quite shallow and tends to be calm making it a good beach for families with kids.

There are a few bars, ice cream parlours and souvenir boutiques in the main road of the village, while it’s also possible to go for a drink at night in one of the several pubs that serve cocktails right on the beach.

4. Have lunch in Analipsi

Other than heading to the beaches in the center of Hersonissos, the best part of renting a car to tour Crete, is the freedom you have to explore places that otherwise you wouldn’t be able to visit. Analipsi is one of those spots.

This fairly relaxed village, mostly if you compare it to other bigger and more popular seaside towns in the area, Analipsi is a favorite holiday village in Crete.

It’s certainly more quiet than the lively Hersonissos, so it’s a great destination for a day trip if you want to have a different and somewhat more relaxing experience. You can explore the small village, stroll along the cobblestone alleys, admire the nice gardens, go shopping for souvenirs and have a magnificent lunch in any of the local tavernas.

Or you can devote your day to the beach, simply swimming and sunbathing.

Analipsi’s main beach is well organized. One of the most characteristic landmarks in town is the small chapel of Agia Marina, located almost on the sand.

The village is, overall, a good place for family holidays, it’s also a great place to stay if you’re not so much into the nightlife that you can more easily find in Hersonissos, in the center of Heraklion or in the nearby town of Malia.

5. Explore Hersonissos Theme Parks

Not far from the center of Hersonissos, there are a 7 interesting theme parks perfect to visit with all the family.

Listed below are the best theme parks near Hersonissos.

Acqua Plus Waterpark. Acqua Plus Waterpark provides a diverse range of aquatic adventures, from thrilling water slides that cater to the adventurous spirit, including high-speed slides, tube slides and twisting slides, to the inviting wave pool that mimics the rolling waves of the ocean.
Water City. Water city is a large water park in Heraklion, Crete with many slides, pools and water attractions for families and thrill seekers.
Labyrinth Park. Labyrinth Park is an entertaining theme park with activities centered around Greek mythology and ancient history.
Dinosauria Park. Dinosauria Park is an outdoor theme park with dinosaur models, exhibits, rides and activities for families.
Cretaquarium. CretAquarium is one of the biggest aquariums in Europe and provides guests with an opportunity to discover and educate themselves about the marine life of the Mediterranean Sea.
Aquaworld. Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Centre is an educational facility and rescue centre for marine life and reptiles located in Hersonissos.
Lychnostatis Open Air Museum. Lychnostatis Open Air Museum is a unique open-air museum located near Hersonissos, Crete that provides an immersive experience into traditional Cretan life and culture.

Where is Hersonissos?

Hersonissos is a village along the North coast of Crete and it’s among the most popular places in Crete for fun seaside holidays.

It’s conveniently close to Heraklion, the capital of the island. For this reason, Hersonissos is a perfect base to explore this big city as well as to enjoy your days at the beach.

If you’re landing in the Heraklion airport and renting a car, you will need to drive only 25 km to get to Hersonissos.

How to get to Hersonissos?

There are two common ways to get to Hersonissos. These are by car and by bus.

Getting to Hersonissos by car

If you decide to explore the island with the Crete car rental, you’ll be surprised to see how easy it is to reach Hersonissos from the airport of Heraklion.

You need to drive east along the coastal road, the trip doesn’t last more than 20 minutes and it’s quite straight forward. You can’t miss the exit. Booking a taxi ride is also an option.

Getting to Hersonissos by bus

If you are moving around with buses, the trip will take you longer. The ride from the airport of Heraklion to Hersonissos takes about 45 minutes (it can even be an hour in heavy traffic or in peak hours). The ticket is 3 euros.

From the port of Heraklion, instead, you need to walk to the Central Bus Station (about 10 minutes on foot) to take the bus to Hersonissos.

Is Hersonissos chavvy?

Hersonissos is not chavvy but reflects a mix of dynamic nightlife and traditional charm. While its main resort area is commercial and lively, catering to party-goers, the surrounding villages and beaches offer tranquil, upscale experiences. This diversity makes it appealing to a broad range of visitors, from families to young travelers.

Hersonissos combines tourism and tradition, appealing to diverse visitors. Nightlife resembles Malia’s but extends beyond parties, featuring both tourist hubs and authentic Cretan villages.

Tourist hubs concentrate bars, restaurants, shops, and nightlife, with the modern seafront crowded during peak season. Three nearby villages — Koutouloufari, Piskopiano, and Old Hersonissos — retain traditional Cretan character, showcasing restaurants, narrow alleys, and scenic views. Beaches differ in appeal; Sarandaris Coves provide pristine waters and a family-friendly environment, while several beaches with blue flag status feature organized facilities like restaurants and bars.

Hersonissos attracts partygoers but integrates traditional charm and upscale amenities, accommodating families, young travelers, and varied preferences.

Last updated on January 5th, 2025