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Hersonissos holidays
Hersonissos holidays offer the perfect blend of sun-soaked beaches, vibrant nightlife and rich cultural history, all nestled within one captivating harbour. It's no wonder it has become the premier destination for holidays in Crete. Wander cobbled streets adorned with vibrant florals, dance the night away in oceanfront bars, and cool off at Acquaplus waterpark. Whether you're a history buff, party animal or family traveller, Hersonissos holidays offer an experience not to be missed.
- Flight time
- 3h + 40 mins
- From London
- Currency
- Euro
- Time Zone
- GMT + 3h
Getting to Hersonissos
Hersonissos is on Crete's north coast. If flying directly, the average flight time is around four hours flying direct from any London airport. Heraklion International Airport (HER) is the nearest airport to Hersonissos, roughly 18km from the town centre. Call us for all flying options.
Average weather in Hersonissos
- Temperature (°C)*
- Rainfall (Inches)*
Holidays in Hersonissos
Hersonissos comes alive at night! As the sun sets, the vibrant Bar Street (Palea EO Irakliou Agiou Nikolaou) pulsates with energy, offering a variety of options to suit every taste, from lively Irish pubs like Shenanigans, where friendly banter and music fill the air, to chic shisha bars like Majestic Shisha Bar Restaurant. No matter your style, you're sure to find the perfect spot to warm up before hitting the clubs.
Ready to dance the night away? Hersonissos' nightclubs won't disappoint! Drunk Havana, with its pulsating music and dazzling neon lights, promises an unforgettable night. For a more low-key vibe, Palm Beach Club offers a cosy ambiance with twinkling palm trees. Most nightclubs showcase their music genre on a board outside, so you can easily find the perfect beat. With its electric atmosphere and diverse options, Hersonissos guarantees an unforgettable nightlife experience.
Chic tavernas of Greek and international cuisine fill the streets in Hersonissos. Wander across the main square to find laid-back restaurants to suit every palate. Myrtios Traditional Taverna serves traditional Greek dishes and seafood specialities in a beautiful outdoor courtyard. For a family evening, visit Taverna Harakas, adored for its grilled seabass and lamb meatballs, and the occasional live music adds an extra touch.
If you’re craving a taste of home and Mediterranean dining, head to Mythos, here you can British flavours and cosy interior, with an eclectic menu featuring international favourites like spaghetti carbonara alongside grilled specialities.
Whether you're looking for handcrafted souvenirs, everyday beach items or clothing, you can get lost in the outlets and shops of Hersonissos.
Visit the Kasavetis shopping centre to buy everything from T-shirts and dresses to bikinis and jewellery, with plenty for younger shoppers. In summer, during the high season, the main street is packed with local products such as handmade soaps, Cretan olive oil, pottery, fine wines and much more. Cash machines are dotted around Hersonissos and most establishments accept credit/debit cards.
Activities in Hersonissos
Sun-drenched beaches, crystal-clear waters and endless possibilities for adventure – that's Hersonissos! Beyond the blissful setting, the resort offers a thrilling array of sporting actvities that will get your heart pumping.
Watersports
Diving in Hersonissos
This stretch of the Greek archipelago is perfectly positioned to access some majestic diving sites in diamond-blue waters. Messerschmitt ranks at the tippy-top of the list, designed specifically for advanced and intermittent divers to discover a rustic shipwreck coated in marine life and corals. Another popular site to dive is St Georges, featuring two incredible diving experiences, shallow waters for all levels and an underwater cove to explore as a group. The waters are occupied by octopus, scorpion fish, striped groupers, lionfish, and puffers – if luck strikes, maybe an amberjack or a turtle or two!
The best time for diving spans between April to November, with May and September hosting the best diving conditions.
Surfing in Hersonissos
Let the waves carry you to the beach. Arena Beach is the surf mecca for this region, you can grab a private lesson or hire a surfboard at Surf In Crete, nestled right on the beach, for a blast in the sea with friendly instructors supporting you every step of the way. For the first timer, ask for Marios for an engaging experience when surfing. A.C. SUP and SURF Heraklion have awesome personnel and provide a fun atmosphere.
Windsurfing & kitesurfing in Hersonissos
The calm sea is perfect for paddle boarding, windsurfing and kitesurfing, as well as enjoying the serenity of Greece. The coast of Ammoudara is home to Heraklion Windsurfing Club offering equipment rental and supervised sessions. And if you’re near Anisaras main beach, the trade winds are brilliantly consistent here giving awesome conditions for water-skiing at the Anisaras Sea Fun Water Sports.
Sailing in Hersonissos
From sunset-sailing cruises to island hopping tours to private boat trips, Hersonissos offers a slice of paradise for everyone. Last time we checked, the half-day sailing trip to Dia Island provided a yachting-lifestyle sailing tour with Mediterranean food and drink. Guests can snorkel in the crystalline waters, take part in a fun-filled fishing experience, and bathe in the cove of St Georges. You’ll feel the wind on your skin as soon as you set sail from the Venetian Port of Heraklion.
If you're looking for a private charter offering an intimate one-on-one with the sea, a range of yacht charters line the waterfront of the main harbour, such as Seasun Daily Private Cruises. Before setting off on your cruise, take in some history with a visit to the ancient fortress and historical museum of Crete, just off the quayside.
Fishing in Hersonissos
Fishing Crete Charters is an excellent starting point for deep-sea fishing. The company has been in business for over 30 years and offers boats, yachts and fishing experiences to discover the unseen beauties of the ocean, including the appearance of swordfish, painted brill, striped mullet, European sea bass, and much more.
Canoeing & kayaking in Hersonissos
St Georges Bay is the hotspot for paddling action, following the south side of the gulf and enjoying its oasis-calm waters. At Sea Kayak you’ll float through tiny coves backed by mountainous valleys of Sarandari, making a stop by a coral-encrusted cave. Many hotels host canoeing and kayaking activities for their guests, conveniently nestled by the closest beach, it’s always best to check with your designated hotel.
Land activities
Golf in Hersonissos
Near the waterfront is where you’ll find miniature golf courses for every passionate crazy-golfer. If you’re sizzling from the sunshine on Star Beach, cool off in the palm shade at the mini golf right opposite Star Beach Gym.
Located right next to the Acqua Plus water park, Crete Golf Club is a real challenge: 18 holes and vast meadows for swallowing golf balls, with splendid views of the mountains and the Aegean Sea.
Cycling & mountain biking in Hersonissos
Hersonissos is a cyclist's paradise, perfectly placed for two-wheeled experiences. You can head to Malia and start at the archaeological site of the Minoan palace, heading towards Potamos beach and Agia Varvara beach, then further south, wander through lush countryside and olive groves to the turquoise waters of Potamos beach. The descent from Avdou to Kera and Gonies is reserved for experienced cyclists, but is well worth the effort. As you pass through the Rosa Gorge, relax your legs and let yourself be seduced by history with a visit to the historic monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, then continue on to the Embasa Gorge to explore it in greater depth.
Walking & hiking in Hersonissos
The Koumarodaos trail is a picturesque walk through pine-scented mountain valleys and sea views, an absolute must if you want to get closer to peace and nature. A little further afield in the Hersonissos region, the Heraklion Forestry Administration protects two incredible places where you can breathe in the natural environment: the oak forest of Aghia Foteini and the bearberry forest. The route takes you through oak-shaped woods (azilaka) and, if you're lucky, you may come across the Ampelitsia - a rare and highly celebrated tree that can reach an impressive height of 10 metres.
