Hersonissos is one of the most famous destinations in Crete. Not only has it been inhabited since prehistoric times, but Blur shot the video for their 90s hit “Girls and Boys” there. Yes, Hersonissos is Crete’s party town and along with neighbouring Malia, probably already known to the party crowd.
Hersonissos is ideal either as a base for exploring the rest of the island or as a destination in its own right. You can find everything: from golden sandy clean beaches to exceptional hotels and world famous nightlife. Personally, I visit Koutouloufari (in a way the upper part of the area) for dining out, as it has some of the best restaurants in Heraklion.
Hersonissos old town
Although Hersonissos is famous as a seaside resort, old Hersonissos, or “Ano Hersonissos” as we locals call it, is on the mountain, away from the sea. It is a very well preserved traditional settlement, with beautiful stone houses and cobbled streets, ideal for an evening stroll. I usually visit the old town of Hersonissos for dinner, as it has many taverns serving local delicacies.
Hersonissos Koutouloufari
What we call Hersonissos is a large area that includes a few villages. So, even though Koutouloufari is technically a different village, it is unified and practically the same as the rest of the surrounding villages. Koutouloufari is equally beautiful as old Hersonissos, although it feels more crowded here during the summer. I love the food in Koutouloufari, as it is considered the gastronomic hub of the area. Anything from humble street food (Souvlaki Time has the friendliest cook and tasty souvlaki, the best Greek street food), to proper restaurants, like Villa Iokasti, my favourite restaurant in the area. Most restaurants are also hotels, and vice versa, something which used to confuse me a lot, however, once you get there, it makes sense. Some places even offer live music performances: don’t miss local traditional music nights at the Koutouloufari Village Holiday Club. Their Cretan music nights attract locals and tourists alike and spontaneous local dances are common!
Best beaches in and near Hersonissos
Hersonissos has a very wide seafront and can be divided into smaller beaches. We start with the very beautiful “Limanakia”, which literally translates to “small sea ports”, as it is a series of very small coves. The beach can be rocky or sandy, depending on which cove you choose. You will find it under many names, as it spreads from the village of Saradaris to the edge of Hersonissos. You can spend the whole day there, as you will find the Saradari Restaurant which offers the absolute best fish dishes in a magical environment and, if you are into diving adventures, Heraklion Diving Centre.
If you stay in Hersonissos, the ideal morning swim is just a stone’s throw away: right on the village beach. It is easily accessible, organised and right under the tables of the seaside restaurants! All the way to neighbouring Stalida village, is a continuous stretch of sandy beaches, with some pebble ones in between. All of them boast clean blue water, beach bars and fun activities. Many impressive hotels are right across the street and offer anything from waterslides to swimming pools, which in most cases you can visit even if you are not staying there.
If you want something a little further away, my favourite beach is the Potamos in Malia, 20 minutes away by car. In my mind it’s the same area, as Hersonissos, Stalida and Malia, are one continuous area with similar vibes.
Hersonissos nightlife
The real Hersonissos experience is at night. The heart of Hersonissos beats on its coastal road, with nightclubs and bars on both sides of the street. Anything from Irish pubs, to dance clubs are here. I have spent many a night bar-crawling there and I must admit I have not regretted it. There are places to suit every taste, all within walking distance. Daytime cafes transform into vibrant bars that stay open all night long and the whole area transforms into a never-ending, multi-stage party. You can find anything here, even an ancient Roman fountain in the middle of the street!
How to go to Hersonissos
Since Hersonissos is just 20 minutes away from the airport, it is very easy to get there. There are three ways to get there:
- You can just take the Hersonissos bus from the bus stop just opposite the arrivals gate. It is cheap and almost always on time.
- Even more conveniently, you can take a taxi from the airport: you will find that most taxi drivers are friendly and always happy to share their insights and tips.
- My preferred way to get around Crete is by car, which can be hired straight from the airport. If you want a better deal, go to Hersonissos by taxi or bus and pick up a car from one of the countless small car hire companies there. You can even rent something crazy, like a buggy or an ATV. Funny thing about ATVs: we call them “Gourouna”, which literally means “Female Pig”!
Is Hersonissos good for families?
Although Hersonissos is well known for its adult-oriented nightlife, it also has a lot to offer for families with small children, too. My nephew loves Star Beach Water Park, with its waterslides and other water games. Nearby is the thrilling Kart Land go-kart track. Also, the organised beaches, and kid-friendly cafes and restaurants will make your stay relaxing and enjoyable, while the kids will create lasting, fun-filled memories.
In conclusion, Hersonissos seamlessly blends lively nightlife with leisurely daytime activities, making it a versatile and inviting choice for your next getaway. With its unique charm and broad range of offerings, Hersonissos promises an unforgettable holiday experience.
