Hersonissos is one of the most tourist places in Crete. Its location is perfect for excursions and the village offers all amenities. The beach close to the village is excellent, although it gets very crowded in August. We go to Hersonissos for three years in the row and we were impressed that this year most tourists were Germans and Russians. Along the beach, there are many beach bars and taverns. My advice: rent a car for three four days and make excursions in the areas around Hersonissos, in particular Heraklion, Malia, Agia Pelagia and Sissi. If you don't like crowds, there are many quiter beaches close by.