Hersonissos is one of the most popular tourist resorts on the island of Crete, located about 28 km east of Heraklion (the capital).
The main attractions of the area are an intricate set of streets where there are cafes, restaurants overlooking the sea, shops, newsstands, beach bars, night clubs and the inevitable beautiful beaches with calm sea.
The most relaxing beaches are to the west of the port and are protected by Cape Sarandaris.
East of the port there are the most famous beaches of the area and consequently also the most crowded ones.
This is Hersonissos today, but it hasn't always been this way.
Years ago, before its rapid development in tourism, Hersonissos was a fishing village with a small port, used for local boats.
Over the years the port has grown and the village has become a small town and a popular tourist destination.
Its coves alternated with the beautiful beaches colored by umbrellas, hotels, cafes and restaurants and the lively nightlife will captivate you!
Today Hersonissos is one of the most famous tourist resorts on the island of Crete and is one of the best starting points for visiting the east coast of the island, with the convenience of having all the beaches at the right distance and in the evening the convenience of having a center where to move on foot, in total freedom.
How to reach Hersonissos?
Hersonissos is 20 minutes from Heraklion (the capital), 10 minutes from Malia and 45 minutes from Elounda.
You can decide to get there easily by car or by bus from Heraklion for € 3 (40 minutes) and find one available every 30 minutes.
The beaches of Hersonissos
The first beach that meets the east of the port of Hersonissos is a long narrow sandy beach, which is flooded by many tourists. It is very well organized and close to the city services, therefore logically very busy and lively.
Further east, there are several adjacent coves with fine sand, which are mainly found in front of the hotels. Silva Maris beach is the most organized in the area with lifeguards and many accommodation facilities all around. Further east is the sandy beach of Star Beach, which is one of the most famous and popular beaches on Crete.
Continuing, near Cape Drapanos there are less touristy and quieter beaches, excellent for lovers of absolute relaxation.
In our opinion the most beautiful and suggestive stretch of beach is Sarandàris beach.
In any case, you will be spoiled for choice, because the beaches follow one after the other.
The origins of Hersonissos
Hersonissos has been inhabited since the Minoan period, thanks to its favorable climate and the presence of a port where to land.
In the Classical Era, Hersonissos was an independent city, but not yet so strong that it could defend itself independently from other peoples.
In the Hellenistic period, it was the port of the city of Lyttos (near the present Kastamonitsa) and from here it began to acquire value and prestige, after it was even coined its own coins, with the symbol of a boat. The temple dedicated to the divinity of Vritomartis dates back to this period, excavated in the hill of Kastri, where coins, vases and iconographies of the time were found. The ancient walls that protected the hill are still visible.
During the Roman period Hersonissos flourished and its geographical position made it stronger than Lyttos. A theater was built, but its remains have not been found to date, as its inhabitants destroyed it to use stones as building materials.
In early Christianity, Hersonissos continued to dominate the region. The most important find of this period is the basilica on the Kastri hill.
During the Turkish occupation, the port was used to supply the Cretan rebels. Subsequently, it was used for the export of local products (oil and carob).
Today it is a mainly tourist port that teems with life and where every year thousands of visitors take long walks among shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
What to visit in Hersonissos
During the day you can choose to relax in one of the beautiful beaches or have fun in the water parks. Or you can visit the archaeological sites, stroll in the villages of Ano Hersonissos, Piskopiano and Koutouloufari, go trekking in the gorges of the Avdou valley, or visit the fresh plateau of Lassithi, but let's see what to do in Hersonissos ... and the inevitable shopping (that can never miss!)
On the hill of Kastri, which overlooks the port of Hersonissos, is an early Christian basilica dating back to the 5th century. At the time it was one of the largest in Crete, with three naves and floors covered with wonderful mosaics. Just to the east is the picturesque chapel of Agia Paraskevi, part of which is built into the rock. The church overlooks the nearby panoramic port of Hersoniss with its characteristic lighthouse. Before Capo Drapano there is the traditional Lychnostatis museum, which is worth a visit to discover how the Cretans lived in the past. Finally, the pyramidal structure with mosaics, called Sarakinos, is located on the coastal road.
The Aquaworld Aquarium is the aquarium and the natural history museum of Hersonissos, founded in 1995 and developed by the Scottish John Bryce McLaren.
It is located near the port, behind the Spar supermarket, in the central area of Hersonissos.
Its contribution is fundamental to sensitize the local population and tourists on the situation of our seas and for the protection of some protected species, which are found within their natural habitat recreated inside the tanks. After the sea part, you pass to that of the Reptilarium, for lovers of these spectacular creatures you will find iguanas, snakes, giant tortoises, etc.).
Most of the animals you see have been rescued or they were unwanted pets that have now found a new home in this facility.
Here you will have the opportunity to get closer to these protected species and get to know them more closely.
Families are always particularly satisfied, thanks to the enthusiasm that these animals transmit to their young visitors.
The staff is dedicated to safeguarding and is extremely available to give more details about the different species. You will come out happy and many more notions that will enrich your knowledge on the subject.
Aquaworld is open Monday to Saturday from April 1st to October 31st (Sunday closing day)
Hours: 10.00 am - 5.15 pm
The entrance ticket costs € 8 for adults and € 4 for children
If you want to know more click here
Nightlife in Hersonissos
If you love nightlife, there are many choices for entertainment in Hersonissos.
The nightclubs along the coast road gather most of the lovers of worldly evenings. Hersonissos in summer is crowded by families and couples, even by young tourists, coming from all latitudes of the earth to enjoy a vacation that is also full of fun.
So if you are looking for the most popular clubs in Hersonissos, don't miss the New York Club and the Palm Beach Club, right on the beach!