Top things to do in Hersonissos

This centre, which began by rescuing injured animals, is now home to a multitude of marine species and reptiles from Crete and all over the world. It opened its doors in 1995 and has rescued graceful turtles, lizards, snakes, octopuses and many other animals, providing them with a loving environment surrounded by lush flora and fauna and vast stretches of water. The main aim of the centre is to establish a link between animals and humans. That's why hands-on interaction is strongly encouraged, if not compulsory!

Hersonissos is known for transforming into a vibrant, neon-lit mecca after sunset. Nights here aren't for sleeping, they're more or less for rainbow cocktails, pool parties and DJ sets spinning tunes until after midnight.

The Kahlua Beach Bar is bathed in a purple glow and offers a more relaxing experience. It has a tranquil outdoor patio, where you'll find thatched roofs and colourful drinks while lounging by the sea. If you fancy dancing and singing on the sand, Star Beach is the place to be - you guessed it, it's an open-air bar nestled on the blonde beach of Star Beach with weekly themed nights. If you're craving a draught beer, just like you'll find at home, head to The White Lion pub with Guinness, Strongbow and televisions showing live sports matches for all you games fans.

If you've ever dreamt of becoming a mermaid, or a merman, this is the perfect choice. Home to Crete's first-ever mermaid school, the majestic Mermaid Dreams Hersonissos teaches mermaid swimming skills from professionals. You'll have the opportunity to don a mermaid's tail and participate in a photoshoot. After the magical experience, guests can buy their own mermaid tails to continue their underwater adventures back home.

Just a short bus ride away, Aghios Nikolaos is a charming harbour town overlooking Mirabello Bay and the azure salt lake of Voulismeni. This authentic destination has everything British travellers could wish for: chic tavernas, olive soap shops and café-bars line its waters. The whitewashed houses rising uphill from the coast are a feast for the eyes.

Crete's biggest water park has a series of electrifying slides, from the Kamikaze to the Hydrotube and the big Superbowl, to get your heart rate up a notch. Younger guests can dive into the relaxing river, do a few tricks on the bouncy castle and learn how snakes move by sliding down the snake waterslide. Acqua Plus also has a hydromassage and a fish spa to melt away tiredness.

Once inside the Lychnostatis open-air museum, you can enjoy a slice of traditional folklore and cultural heritage on a beach in the Mediterranean sunshine. Wander through the original farmers' and merchants' houses, the old wine distilleries and the stone exhibits, where you can pick up vintage artefacts and smell and taste home-grown Greek produce. The best part is the picturesque view of the beach that you can breathe in as you stroll through the museum. The best part is inhaling a picturesque view of the beach as you wander around the museum.