Hersonissos on the Greek Island of Crete

Hersonissos is one of the busiest beach resorts in Crete, on the north coast 27 kilometres east of Heraklion town. With lively Stalis and Malia as neighbours, it is a very popular holiday area.

Accommodation ranges from rooms to rent and budget studios to large luxury hotels. There are plenty of places to eat and drink, and the nightlife is busy all summer. The resort attracts a young crowd, but its old hill villages also suit couples and families looking for a quieter stay.

Sightseeing around Hersonissos

Hersonissos town has a pretty fishing harbour and a promenade lined with little shops, café bars, tavernas and restaurants, and it is worth an evening stroll.

The shops sell local goods ranging from pottery to honey, herbs, spices and leather goods. There are also a few boutiques with clothes you won't find on the high street, and the gold and silver jewellery shops are a good place to pick up a bargain.

The Happy Train, a road train for tourists, runs between Hersonissos, Stalis and Malia, a lazy way to see this stretch of coast.

Further inland are the little hillside villages of Koutouloufari and Piskopiano. Both are quieter and more laid back than the resort below, with narrow whitewashed alleys, wide views and friendly tavernas serving good food and wine.

From Hersonissos you are within easy reach of the Minoan palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, the 2 sights no first visit to Crete should miss.

Eating and Drinking in Hersonissos

The busy main road and side streets of Hersonissos are filled with bars, tavernas and restaurants. You can find traditional Greek food, plenty of fast food, and Mexican, Italian, Chinese and Indian restaurants. British favourites such as a full English breakfast, burgers and fish and chips are easy to find too.

Hersonissos Nightlife

Hersonissos nightlife ranges from cocktail bars on the harbour to the dance clubs of the town centre, which stay open into the early hours. The club scene is busiest from June to August, and venue names change from season to season, so check a club's own social media pages before you go.

Hersonissos Beaches

Hersonissos has a string of sandy beaches along its seafront, with sunbeds, beach bars and water sports. Nearby Stalis and Malia also have long stretches of golden sand.

Star Beach, in the south-east of the resort, is one of the most popular beaches. It combines a sandy beach with a small water park of slides and pools. Entry to the beach is free, but sunbeds, the pool areas and the slides cost extra.

As well as sunbathing, you can go parasailing, rent a jet ski or take a trip on a banana boat. Many of the beach bars have resident DJs.

Where to Stay in Hersonissos

Hersonissos has accommodation for every budget, from package-holiday studios to luxury hotels.

Annabelle Beach Resort (formerly Annabelle Village) is an all-inclusive resort on Anissaras beach, about 2.5 km from the centre of Hersonissos.

NANA ROYAL (FORMERLY ALDEMAR KNOSSOS ROYAL)

Nana Royal Premium Resort & Spa (formerly Aldemar Knossos Royal Village) is a 5-star beach resort at Anissaras. The Karatzis Group bought it in late 2024 and reopened it in 2026 after a full renovation. It has rooms looking over the sandy beach, seawater pools, sports facilities, a spa, a bar and a choice of restaurants.

More Hotels in Hersonissos

Hersonissos has large spa and family hotels close to both the beach and the town centre. Our guide to luxury hotels in Crete lists more places to stay along this stretch of the north coast.

Albatros Spa & Resort Hotel

Albatros Spa & Resort Hotel is a family-run hotel 20 metres from the beach in Hersonissos, a short walk from the town centre. Its spa and fitness centre offers a wide range of treatments, including mastic body wraps, and the hotel has a conference hall for up to 170 people. Families have a children's club, a games room, and cots, bottle warmers and high chairs on request.