Where is Hersonissos in Greece? What hotels in Hersonissos have nice views? Districts

We'll tell you how to spend time on Crete in Hersonissos. Briefly about the attractions, beaches and entertainment of the dynamic Greek resort.

Hersonissos is considered to be the most dynamic island of Crete. During the season, life here does not stop for a minute: there are clubs, bars, boutiques, souvenir shops and traditional taverns. At the same time, Hersonissos is known as one of the oldest settlements on the island, so there are numerous historical monuments nearby. Another reason for its popularity is the variety of beaches nearby, including sandy ones. What can you do in Hersonissos and how to relax?

Tourists of all ages come to Hersonissos, Greece, but it is rightly considered the youth center of Crete. Resort life is in full swing on the main street. It is lined with bars and clubs, open until dawn. There are also themed establishments with lounge music or hits of the 80s. It is noteworthy that you can get into some clubs completely free of charge. Hersonissos also attracts excellent shopping. In addition to the typical souvenir shops, there are cosmetics stores, boutiques and fur salons. You can purchase jewelry from both international and Greek brands.

Those who go to Hersonissos with the whole family will not be bored either. There are two water parks here.

1. Aqua Plus, located 5 km from the resort, is built on a hill with amazing views. The choice of entertainment will pleasantly please you: there are extreme rides, slides for the little ones, restaurants, playgrounds and swimming pools.
2. Watercity with a wide range of attractions: hydrotubes, lazy and crazy rivers, children's slides and water tunnels. It will be interesting for vacationers of any age.

Boats depart from the city's port to neighboring coastal villages. During this boat trip you can enjoy the scenery and swimming in the bays. And from boats with a transparent bottom - consider the diversity of underwater life of Hersonissos.

Healthy: If you are planning to look for accommodation in Hersonissos, we recommend paying attention to the Irini Apartments hotel.

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Sights of Hersonissos

The city is usually divided into modern and old parts. The old one is located on a hill and is the opposite of New Hersonissos. It is calm here, nothing disturbs the silence. You can admire the old houses and sea views or have a bite to eat at the tavern.

Chersonissos has been important since the era of Classical Greece and ending with Byzantine times. It has preserved evidence of the past: the ruins of basilicas and ancient theaters, which are best explored on foot and on horseback. Fragments of the Roman port are visible near the modern harbor, although most of it is hidden under water. Another interesting ancient monument is a Roman fountain, which researchers considered part of the villa. It has not been completely preserved, but a mosaic depicting scenes from the life of a fisherman has survived.

There is also something to see in the immediate vicinity of Hersonissos. You can go to Lychnostatis - an ethnographic museum with examples of agricultural implements of Crete, folk crafts and traditional interiors. The museum's garden contains rare herbs and flowers from the island. Another attraction nearby is the small aquarium Aqua World. It contains animals saved from death.

It is worth visiting the Skotino Cave, little known among tourists. This does not make it any less picturesque: inside you can see stalactites of bizarre shapes. It is also convenient to travel from Hersonissos to the most important ancient monuments of Crete - the city of Gortyn, the Knossos and Phaistos palaces.

On the territory of Hersonissos itself there are several beaches and bays. The best are located in the Limanakia area: there are idyllic sandy areas and rocky coves. Near the city there are many picturesque beaches suitable for a good rest. You can visit Kokkini Hani, whose beach stretches for half a kilometer. When the waves rise everywhere in Crete, it remains calm for swimming. The beach is equipped: there are sun loungers, bars, shops and apartments nearby.

Two dozen kilometers from Heraklion is the city of Hersonissos, which stretches along the coast of the Gulf of Malia. A little to the west of this city there is another attractive place - the resort of Agios Nikolaos.

Hersonissos has gained fame as the unofficial center of tourism on the island of Crete. It is always fun and noisy here; visitors are greeted by expensive restaurants and boutiques, clubs and discos. For those who want to save money, there are inexpensive local taverns and souvenir shops. You won't regret taking a holiday to Hersonissos, Greece - the prices, beaches, activities and attractions are worth seeing.

The climate in Crete is temperate Mediterranean. It is distinguished by contrasts in weather. Therefore, winters in Hersonissos are usually warm and humid, and summers are hot and dry. The rainy season lasts about 6 months - from the end of October to March.

But still, in Hersonissos the summer is not as hot as in the south of the island, which attracts a large number of European tourists.

Weather in Hersonissos by months:

How to get here?

Many charter airlines fly to Heraklion. Then you can take a taxi to Hersonissos itself, paying 35 euros, or drive to the city bus station. From there, regular buses travel every quarter of an hour. By paying about 4 euros, you will be in Hersonissos in 45 minutes.

Where to stay in Hersonissos

The hotel infrastructure consists of many hotels and guest houses, among which every tourist can find the best option. There are few sophisticated and fashionable apartments here, but all the housing offered has a sufficient level of comfort for a carefree holiday. Finding a hotel with a private beach is also quite difficult. But in Hersonissos the entire coastal strip is public, so everyone can choose a place to their liking. Experienced tourists advise buying your own umbrella and mat so that when visiting the beach you don’t have to pay for using a sunbed.

Kherosonissos on the map:

Best hotels in Hersonissos 2020

For those who prefer to organize their trip on their own, it will be useful to find out the list of hotels that are trusted by tourists:

• Albatros Spa & Resort Hotel is the best five-star hotel complex in Hersonissos. It has everything to ensure an unforgettable holiday.
• Star Beach Village & Water Park - the hotel has four stars, but it has its own beach. And the panorama that opens from the balcony is simply gorgeous. Excellent service is ready to provide tourists with almost all types of services.
• Athina Inn is a small hotel designed to accommodate only five families. But the affordable price and the availability of all amenities in the room ensured its enormous popularity.
• Central Hersonissos Hotel is a family three-star hotel that is perfect for a relaxing holiday with children. The distance to the sea is only 200 m, which also attracts lovers of independent travel.

Beaches

Hersonissos is rightfully considered a youth resort. Life is in full swing on the shore, people are walking and having fun. Most of the beaches are sand and pebbles, but they often contain large boulders. Families with children will obviously find it inconvenient here. Due to the large influx of young people, the cleanliness of the beaches is far from ideal.

For swimming, it is better to buy special slippers, because sea urchins periodically gather near the shore.

The brightest and most incendiary beach is Star Beach. There is a water park here where everyone can ride a small slide. Also, foam parties are regularly held by the pools, and a huge number of cafes are always ready to welcome hungry visitors. Another advantage of this place is the gentle slope into the sea and the sandy coastal strip.

However, in Hersonissos all city beaches are quite comfortable. But they attract a much smaller number of people than at Star Beach. Those who like to spend time alone can leave the city and be alone with nature and themselves on a wild beach. And not far from Cape Sarandaris, about 2 km, there is a special beach for nudists.

What to see in Hersonissos?

From the ancient heritage of the Romans, the city inherited port and civil buildings and Christian basilicas dating back to the era of early Christianity. Some of these structures boast mosaic fragments on the floor. Not far from the village of Potamis, the remains of an aqueduct, a structure designed to supply water to the city, have been preserved. And next to one of the supermarkets there are parts of the foundation of an ancient theater.

The most famous attraction that is recommended to visit on vacation in 2020 is the Lychnostasis Museum. It is located a quarter of an hour's drive from the city center. Among the exhibits of this museum are objects that reflect the originality of Cretan culture. Here you will see the traditional home of the local people, recreated in the smallest detail, along with furnishings and interior items. The museum is open daily. Tickets cost from 2 to 6 euros. On Wednesday, admission will cost 12 euros. On this day, the museum hosts a tasting of local wines.

In the port there is a small church of Agia Paraskeva. It is located directly above the entrance to the Skotino cave. Several centuries ago, a chapel was erected here in honor of Saint Paraskeva.

Animal lovers can stroll to the small Aquarium. Here you can look at sea animals, as well as take part in saving underwater inhabitants. Adults will pay 6 euros to enter the aquarium; a ticket for children will cost only 4 euros.

Many tourists will be interested in a trip on special tourist trains that depart from the port. They go to the central part of the city and back. A trip on such a train will cost 6 euros. The train makes several stops along the way. You can get off at any of them and walk around the surrounding area, and then continue on the next train if you have saved your ticket.

Very close to Chersonesus there is a modern amusement park designed in the form of a labyrinth. It is dedicated to the myth of Theseus. Vacationers with children love to come here. Here tourists will find an intricate labyrinth, a small farm, and children will be taught how to ride cute ponies. Entrance to this entertainment venue costs from 5 to 8 euros, and small children can get here for free.

Entertainment

Connoisseurs of measured relaxation and silence are better off staying not in Hersonissos itself, but in nearby settlements. Traditional Greek villages are located just 1-2 kilometers south of the city. In the villages of Koutouloufari, Ano Hersonissos and Piskopiano you can find a cozy house or hotel, and devote your leisure time to a relaxing holiday at sea. If you want to plunge into the bustle of the city, then hospitable Hersonissos is always nearby.

No one will be bored in Hersonissos. There is entertainment for every taste. Not a single tourist will have a question about what to do in his free time. Vacationers can enjoy many interesting activities - horse riding, paragliding, hiking and scuba diving.

All leisure places are within walking distance. There are diving clubs on the beach, rock climbing centers are located in the mountains, and equestrian schools operate not far from the hotels.

Horseback riding is a great way to get to know Hersonissos and its surroundings better. “Gregory’s horses” is the most famous equestrian school, which is located next to the central beach “Star Beach”. There is a fairly good range of tourist routes here. You can ride a horse both in Hersonissos itself and in nearby iconic places. These are the Lasithi plateau and the village of Piskopiano. The cost of the trip can be checked directly on the spot, or found out in advance at a local travel agency.

Golf lovers will not be left without attention in Hersonissos. There is a golf club in the city, and you can play on a huge field with an area of ​​720 sq.m. By the way, it is better to ask the hotel administrator in advance if they offer discounts on the game. Many hotels have this service.

Head to the port area if you want to visit one of the local bars. There is a whole string of them on the strip of beach. This noisy and cheerful resort town is more suitable for youth recreation.

Tourists who are unable to sit still for a long time can go on a sea voyage and visit other islands of Greece. Cruise ships regularly depart from the port of Hersonissos. But the port is worth a visit, if only because in the nearby taverns you can try the freshest fish for which the Mediterranean is so famous.

Night life

But, since this is still a youth resort, most of the city’s guests enjoy spending time at discos. A place to dance can be found at any time of the day. At night, incendiary nightclubs open their doors, and during the day, open air discos, competitions and concerts are constantly held.

The average tourist usually spends his time in the following way - discos at night, sleep in the morning, going to the sea during the day. And this is how almost the entire vacation goes.

The busy life attracts many young people who love to have fun and dance until they drop. Hersonissos has absolutely rightfully earned the title of the most fun resort!

Local kitchen

The tourist season in Hersonissos dictates its own rules, so almost all taverns here are open until the morning. Prices usually start from 3 euros per serving. At the same time, a delicious meal will cost you 10-15 euros. Almost all taverns have a duplicate menu in Russian, which is very convenient.

The main street of the city boasts an abundance of restaurants and small cafes of a higher level and with more expensive prices. But the atmosphere in such establishments is more peaceful, and the choice of dishes is much wider. In any tavern in the city you will be served large portions, and in addition to your order, you will also be treated to fruit or dessert.

Shopping

You can have an interesting time not only in clubs or discos. Shopping lovers have plenty of room to make purchases. There are many fur salons in Chersonesos, such as “Luxurious Furs”, “VOSS” and “ALESSANDRO BOSSO SHOP”, in which every fur lover will find a suitable model for herself. All of the listed establishments are distinguished by a rich assortment and excellent service. And the last store also has the best prices.

What vacation would be complete without buying souvenirs! In Hersonissos you can buy typical Greek products - the famous olive oil, spices, wine and other alcoholic drinks. The most convenient way to transport spices. They will not take up much space and will not break on the road, unlike wine or oil. And it's a pleasure to cook with them.

Crete is also famous for weaving, a local craft practiced by residents of many villages. An excellent memory of your vacation will be the products of local craftsmen, for example, a blanket embroidered with a beautiful pattern or bed linen made in the Greek style. The cheapest place to buy such products is in village shops where local residents sell their works. In the center of Hersonissos, all goods will cost about a third more.

Video about the city:

Holidays in Hersonissos in 2020 are perfect for those who cannot imagine a vacation without fiery dance parties and interesting excursions, but for children the local beaches will not be very comfortable.

Stretching along the northern coast.

Noisy, crowded, covered in a festive atmosphere Hersonissos attracts young people and partygoers. There are countless restaurants, bars and traditional taverns, discos, clubs and trendy dance floors.

The city center is bustling until dawn. The Kherosnissos promenade is a quieter place where you can enjoy a romantic dinner while admiring the sea.

There is everything for a comfortable and dynamic holiday. Entertainment, a variety of hotels and good beaches.

Entertainment and shopping

The variety of entertainment venues is truly enormous. It is no coincidence that Hersonissos is considered the entertainment capital of the island of Crete.

Sports and extreme also took a firm place among the preferences of guests of Hersonissos. A diving center, sports clubs, karting tracks, as well as two excellent water parks will delight active tourists.

For those who like to combine a seaside holiday with a shopping spree, this resort is also perfect. Countless shops, boutiques and shops abound with a wide variety of goods. It is here that all the island centers for the sale of fur coats in Crete are concentrated...

Hersonissos Hotels

Modest city hotels and fashionable “five” hotels - Hersonissos has it all. Here you can relax for very little money, or you can leave an impressive amount. It all depends on the location of the hotel, its category and the services provided.

In general, the service in Hersonissos is at a high level, as elsewhere in Crete.

Beaches of Herosonissos

Attractions

Being a modern resort, Hersonissos has retained the fascinating atmosphere of ancient times. At different times, different peoples lived here and different states existed.

The buildings of the mysterious Minoan civilization and ancient buildings, temples and palaces of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires have survived to this day. All this can be seen by walking through the surrounding towns and villages, many scattered around Hersonissos.

Holidays in Hersonissos on Crete allow you to plunge into the world of amazing ancient history, combining this with a wonderful beach and youth holiday.

For those wishing to explore the surrounding area, a fun little train runs to the neighboring resort of Malia. And from the port of Hersonissos you can take an exciting sea voyage.

Where is it located?

This popular Cretan resort is located in the Heraklion region on the northern coast of the island. Just a 30-minute drive separates it from the capital of the island - the city of Heraklion.

Hersonissos, located 26 km from Heraklion and its Nikos Kazantzakis airport, stretches along the promenade of Malia Bay. Next door to it, a little to the west, nestles another pretty resort, Agios Nikolaos.

Hersonissos is the unofficial capital of island tourism, one of the most fun and noisy resort places in Crete. There are expensive restaurants and traditional taverns, boutiques and souvenir shops, discos and clubs. In the port area there is a long “stripe of bars” along the coast, mostly Irish and Dutch. So it is not surprising that the most frequent guests at the resort are the Dutch, Irish, English and Germans.

Tourists with children will hardly like noisy Hersonissos.

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How to get to Hersonissos

Hersonissos is located just 25 km from Heraklion, so getting to the bustling town is easy. Aeroflot and Ellinair fly here on a regular basis, and in the summer numerous charters join. You can get from the airport to the city in 20-25 minutes by taxi. You can save money by first heading to Heraklion and then taking a bus to Hersonissos (the journey takes 40 minutes).

More information on how to get to the resort is described on this page.

Search for air tickets to Heraklion (the closest airport to Hersonissos)

Story

Hersonissos is one of the oldest villages in Crete, located in a picturesque region where turquoise waters meet the enchanting cliffs of Lasithi. The name “Hersonissos” comes from the Greek “peninsula”, which rises from the west over the Strait of Male.

This area was first inhabited during the Minoan period, around 1500 BC. e. On the beach, in the town of Anisaras, west of the port of Hersonissos, there was a Minoan settlement. Unique finds of that time were made here.

How to navigate the city

The ancient picturesque village of Hersonissos is located 2 km south of the port, on a hill with stunning views of the sea. Here, traditional houses coexist with green streets, workshops and cafes, churches and taverns, where resort guests can taste national dishes and drinks.

The modern port of Hersonissos is the second part of the resort; luxury resort complexes and small cozy apartments are built around it.

Maps of Hersonissos

Rent a Car

Hersonissos Hotels

Beaches

The only “but” of Hersonissos is that the beach in the city itself is, of course, urban and, as a result, not the most charming. However, 0.5-1 km from the center there are real paradises. For example, the sandy Drepanos beach located in the east, which is located near the Nana Beach 4* hotel and can boast a blue flag.

A little further west, near the Lychnostatis Museum, there are other nice beaches, followed by Star Beach with a water park. Near the Silva Beach 4* hotel there are several more areas that have received a blue flag for the purity of their waters.

The largest and most centrally located beach of Hersonissos stretches from the Creta Maris 5* hotel and offers a wide selection of water sports.

In the west, beaches that have received blue flags deserve special mention: near the hotel

The unofficial capital of Cretan tourism, the city of Hersonissos is located 25 kilometers from Heraklion, in the northern part of the island.

According to historical documents, Hersonissos was founded in the Minoan era, more than 3,500 years ago, and reached its peak during Roman and then Byzantine rule.

Powerful earthquakes and the constant threat of pirate attacks forced local residents to move inland and establish a new settlement, Ano Hersonissos, two kilometers from the coast, on the slopes of Mount Charakas.

This position made it possible to see pirate ships in advance and hide in a safe shelter.

Ano Hersonissos and Old Town

Since the middle of the 20th century, a boom in tourism business began on the island. The resort’s magnificent beaches and its advantageous position relative to the airport and seaport of the capital of Crete, Heraklion, attracted the attention of investors and numerous hotels began to appear on the coast one after another. The old abandoned city has found a second life and the glory of the most youthful and fun resort.

A completely different life flows in Ano Hersonissos; it is a quiet and picturesque corner where the typically Cretan, measured way of life has been preserved.
It's nice to stroll along the narrow streets, admire the fountain in the square, beautiful stone houses and courtyards decorated with flowers.
You should definitely have dinner and taste local wine here. Many taverns cook according to old recipes in real wood-burning ovens; you can easily find them by the smell of smoke. The cost of dinner for two will be approximately 25 euros. Remember that the portions are very large, and nuts or chips are served with beer and wine. At the end of the dinner, you will most likely be offered a glass of raki and fruit.

Despite its rich history, Hersonissos does not have well-preserved, architectural evidence of bygone eras. Although back in the 19th century there were Roman aqueducts, remains of buildings and a Roman theater. However, after liberation from Turkish rule, the country was in a state of complete destruction, and the government allowed residents to use elements of ancient buildings as building material.

Today, only the foundation remains of the Roman theater; it can be seen opposite the Chalkiadakis supermarket behind a chain-link fence. On the embankment in the port there is a pyramidal fountain left over from a destroyed ancient villa. Since he is not working, his beautiful mosaic of fish and octopuses on a golden background can be viewed in detail. On the hill, where the small chapel of the city’s patron saint, Saint Praskovia, is located, fragments of a mosaic floor that once belonged to the largest Christian basilica on the island of the 6th century AD have been preserved. e.
But in the vicinity of Hersonissos there are a large number of historical attractions and entertainment.

What is the currency in Greece and what can you buy with it?

Open-air museum of Cretan life “Lichnostatis”

Lychnostatis is located 500 meters from the outskirts of the city, if you move towards Malia. It consists of several small museums in one space, where you can observe the process of production of goods of various folk crafts.
There is a tanning and spinning workshop, a mill and a weaving loom. The two-storey house, built using traditional Cretan technology, is fully furnished, from rugs on the floors to hand-woven and hand-embroidered curtains on the windows.

On the territory of the makeshift village there is a chapel, a shepherd's hut, a small vegetable garden with medicinal herbs, and an olive oil press. Everything works, and the exhibits can and should even be touched with your hands; this will be especially interesting for children.

At the entrance you can get a folder with a detailed description in Russian and watch a film, it will cost 2 euros.

The museum is open daily from 9.00 to 14.00, except Saturdays. Entrance 5 euros and 2 euros for children under 12 years old. Phone: +3028970-23660

Skotino Cave

16 kilometers from Hersonissos and 2 from the village of Skotino there is a cave with such a unique name for the Russian ear. There are very few tourists here, there is no illumination, and entrance tickets are not sold here. Nevertheless, this cave is worth visiting on your own, first armed with a flashlight.

The length of the cave is 160 meters, the width is 36, and the height of the vaults is 10 meters. It is divided into several halls filled with many stalactites and stalagmites of the most bizarre shapes. Some of them look like people, others like animals, they are popularly called: the head of a child, the face of a goddess, a bear, a sitting dog.

Excavations of the cave began in 1962, as a result, a large number of objects dating back to the Minoan era were found. Among them are bronze figurines with the right hand raised to the forehead, symbolizing worship. This allowed scientists to conclude that the cave had a cult purpose that had been preserved for thousands of years.

On the right side above the entrance to the cave there is a small snow-white church of Agia Paraskevi. It was built on the ruins of a chapel erected by the Venetians in the 16th century in honor of the healer Paraskeva. The back of the church is carved right into the rock, which is clearly visible if you go inside and look at the ceiling.

You can only get to the cave by taxi or.

Knossos palace

While vacationing in Hersonissos, you can’t help but visit the famous cult palace of King Minos, which is located just 32 kilometers from the resort.

In the Minoan era, Knossos had more than 90 thousand inhabitants, and the royal palace was the most luxurious and largest on the island: more than 1000 rooms, an extensive sewer system made up of clay pipes of different diameters, a system of individual houses, halls, numerous warehouses and courtyards.

Due to the complexity of communication between all the rooms, it is considered the place where the Labyrinth of the Minotaur, known to everyone from Greek myths, was located.

This was largely due to the analysis of ancient Roman coins found at the excavation site. On the front side of the coins there was the inscription Knosion, and on the reverse side there was an image of the Minotaur.

Thanks to the excavations begun by Sir Arthur Evans in 1900 and his subsequent reconstruction, one can imagine what this monumental complex looked like more than 3,500 years ago.

Modern scientists criticize Evans's work on restoring fragments of the palace, since it is not always consistent with historical reality. But it’s worth forming your own opinion after visiting this colossal structure.

The ruins we see today belong to the second palace, built on the site of the first, destroyed in 1700 BC. e. powerful earthquake. The second palace was also destroyed around 1450 BC. e., leaving behind many legends and myths.

To visit the palace, you can use public transport.
From Hersonissos you need to get to Heraklion for 3 euros. Buses run every half hour and the journey takes about 30 minutes. At the Heraklion bus station, a ticket to Knossos and back will also cost 3 euros, the travel time is 20 minutes.
The entrance ticket to the archaeological area costs 6 euros, and a map of the palace is included with the ticket.

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion contains many finds, authentic evidence of bygone eras, found during excavations of the Knossos Palace: the famous frescoes “The Prince with the Lilies”, “The Parisian Woman”, bronze ritual vessels, a statue of the goddess of fertility, stone vases and many other exhibits that revealed to the world the existence of one of the oldest civilizations on the planet.

The museum's opening hours, located on Xanthoudidou Street, are Tuesday to Saturday from 8.00 to 20.00, Monday from 9.00 to 16.00.
On Thursdays and Fridays, free excursions are held, during which archaeologists tell the history of the palace objects collected in the collection.
Entrance ticket price 4 euros. Phone: +30 281 027 9000.

Water parks

Star Beach Waterpark

Star Beach, opened in 1993, is located on the outskirts of the city, on the territory of the hotel of the same name. It is an entire entertainment complex, which also includes a Spa area, a dive center, a beach, a water sports center, four bars and restaurants.

Entrance to the water park is free. Two sunbeds, a table and an umbrella cost 8 euros for the whole day; after paying, you can move around the entire territory.
Rent a locker for clothes 3 euros. The cost of skiing for adults is 8 euros per day, for children it is free. There is a kamikaze slide, a river for riding on large inflatable rings, and an aqua slalom.
For thrill-seekers, bungee jumping is offered for 50 euros.

A special feature of the water park is its location on the shore, so you can sunbathe on the grass under the trees or on the sandy beach, which has a convenient, gently sloping entrance to the water.

For young children, in addition to the children's slides, the water park also has a trampoline and a playground. Parents need to pay attention that at 16.00 the favorite entertainment of international youth begins - a foam party, which is accompanied by very loud music. In the evenings, discos are held on the beach, often attended by famous DJs.
Opening hours 10.00-19.00, telephone: +30 28970 29351.

Waterpark Acqua Plus

Acqua Plus is 5 kilometers from Hersonissos, if you drive in the direction from the city to the village of Kastelli. The water park is divided into two zones: slides for adults, including extreme ones, and a play area with slides and a playground for children. There are about 50 slides in total.
Sun loungers are provided free of charge. The water park is located on a hill, which, on the one hand, allows you to enjoy magnificent views, but on the other hand, the sun is very harsh here, you need to remember about sunscreen.

There are several bars and cafes on site where you can have lunch for 20 euros for two. Locker rental 3 euros. At the entrance you will be given a bracelet on which the amount of all purchases is recorded, payment at the exit.

Buses go from Hersonissos to the water park twice a day, and you can order a transfer by calling +302897024950 or +302897024950. A taxi ride will cost 13-15 euros.

Admission to the water park for children under 5 years old is free. For adults – 24 euros, for children under 13 years old – 16 euros.
If you book a ticket through the Acqua Plus website, a ticket for adults will cost 21 euros, for children under 13 years old - 14 euros.
Opening hours from 10.00 to 18.30.

Aquariums

Aquaworld Aquarium

Aquaworld is located on Filikis Etirias Street in the port of Hersonissos, 100 meters from the bus stop and 50 meters from the Spar supermarket.

The aquarium was created in 1995 by John McLaren with financial support from Costas Papadakis. In addition to underwater inhabitants, a large number of reptiles found salvation from inevitable death here. Children will be interested in feeding and petting the spurred turtle, python, and Balkan snake. Iguanas stroll in the backyard of the building. If you arrive at 10.30, you can watch the feeding of the inhabitants of the aquarium.

Aquaworld is open every day from 10.00 to 18.00. Entrance ticket for adults costs 6 euros, for children 4 euros.

CRETAquarium

Another well-known aquarium located 15 kilometers from the city towards Heraklion, on the territory of a former American military base in the village of Gouves. This is the largest aquarium in all of Greece. There are more than 2,500 inhabitants in 60 aquariums: sharks, sea turtles, colorful tropical fish and tiny sea inhabitants that can only be seen through a microscope. Modern audio and video systems allow you to fully feel the atmosphere of the underwater world.

From Hersonissos you can get there for 3 euros by bus, Gouves is the next stop on the bus to Heraklion. The taxi fare will be 15 euros.

The aquarium is open daily from 9.30 to 21.00. Ticket price 8 euros, for children 6 euros. Phone: +30 2810 337788.

Boat trips

From the port of Hersonissos you can go on small, exciting sea voyages. For 20 euros, a walk to the neighboring resort village of Sissi is offered.

Beautiful views, sea breeze, a glass of wine and fruit on board, swimming in the bay, walking along the narrow streets. If you take this excursion in the late afternoon, you can combine a sea voyage with dinner at one of Sissi's taverns.

Another popular activity is a one-and-a-half-hour trip on a glass-bottomed boat. You can see several species of fish, a caretta-caretta turtle or even a moray eel.

The cost of the excursion is 15 euros for adults, 10 euros for children from 6 to 12 years old, 4 euros for children from 2 to 4 years old.
In addition, for 35 euros you can go on an evening fishing trip.

Horse rides

Crete is a great place to go horse riding. Even if you've never ridden a horse before, it's worth visiting Arion's stables.

A walk along the seashore on well-trained horses, accompanied by an experienced instructor, can be a pleasure. Children have the opportunity to ride a pony. In addition, on the territory of the stables there is a mini zoo, a children's playground and a magnificent tavern. A table must be booked in advance, as dishes prepared according to home recipes are known far beyond Hersonissos.

Walks in the surrounding area must be booked by email, indicating your level of training. The cost of a 15-minute horse ride is 15 euros, a pony ride for children is 5 euros. The price for a longer walk depends on the route determined by your level of fitness, approximately 50 euros for two hours.

The stable is located between the village of Ano Hersonissos and Analipis beach. Opening hours from 7.00 to 19.00. Phone: +30 6973733825, +30 6973 7369 12.

Tourist mini train

Departs from the port along two routes.

One lasts 5 hours (20 euros), along the coast to the town of Analipsi and back, departs at 9.00, the other takes 2 hours (10 euros, 6 for children), departures every 30 minutes.
The second route passes through the port, then along the embankment, then rises to Ano Hersonissos and returns.

At any stop you can get off and continue the journey with another engine, you just need to keep your receipt.

Labyrinth Park

It is located 4 kilometers from Hersonissos in the direction of the town of Kastelli.
This is a family park, on 1300 m² of which the legendary myth about Theseus, who ended up in the Labyrinth with the Minotaur, is recreated. He managed not only to defeat the monstrous creature, but also, thanks to Ariadne’s thread, to get back out. There are many paths intersecting with stairs, air bridges and towers (the hero's path cannot be easy).
The time required to complete the maze will be approximately 35 minutes. Organizers advise not to forget a hat for children and a bottle of water.

On the territory of the park there is a mini-farm, ponies for riding lessons, a pottery workshop where you can make some product with your own hands (3 euros), and you can also try your hand at archery (3 euros).

The park is open from 10.00 to 20.00, on weekends from 10.00 to 22.00.
Last entrance to the labyrinth is an hour before the park closes. Entrance ticket for adults costs 8 euros, 5 euros for children from 4 to 11 years old, children under 4 years old are free. For 3 euros, children can play mini golf or ride mini quad bikes.
Phone: +30 28970 29297, +30 6975903300/3
You can get here from Hersonissos by taxi for 10 euros.

Holidays in Hersonissos should first of all be recommended to young, active people, for whom all conditions have been created here. However, families with children and romantic couples will find something to diversify their vacation and make it memorable.

You can get to Hersonissos from Heraklion by bus: first from the airport to Heraklion city station for 0.8 euros, departure every 15 minutes, then by regular bus to the resort for 3.5 euros. Travel time is 45 minutes. A taxi from the airport will cost about 50 euros.