Hotels in Heraklion

 

WHERE TO STAY? FIND THE BEST LOCATIONS

Below, you will discover more information about the best locations to stay in Heraklion.

HERAKLION TOWN

Our recommendations:
• Artion City Boutique • Metropole Urban Hotel • DOM Boutique Hotel

Heraklion Town is the biggest city in Crete and the fourth largest one in Greece. It remains busy throughout the year and offers all the facilities one would expect from a modern urban center.
In addition, many museums and other worth-visiting historic places can be found here, mainly in the heart of the Old Town neighborhoods.
Other important attractions situated in this region include the Koules Fortress and the Venetian Port, as well as the famous Knossos Palace.

The airport and main port are available in Heraklion Town, while KTEL bus connections to other towns, beaches and villages are also offered. As in all big cities, a public bus network covers the local transport needs.

Although Heraklion is a coastal city, there are no beaches within walking distance. The nearest seashores are Ammoudara, which is located west of the town and can be reached in 12 minutes by car, and Karterou Beach, situated east of Heraklion, near the airport.

If you are considering staying in town, you will find a plethora of hotel units for all budgets and preferences.
Nice restaurants will be within a short distance, not to mention the beautiful views of the Venetian port and the proximity to important cultural sites.
The big city might seem chaotic at first but it is worth it, despite not being the quietest place in Crete.
Discover the Town

HERSONISSOS

Our recommendations:
• Village Heights Resorts

Hersonissos is a newly built settlement. It has no traditional character, as it has been designed to be a tourist resort and house all kinds of facilities.
In this area, you will find big seaside hotels that are family-friendly and suitable for all-inclusive vacations.
Hersonissos Beach is sandy and fully organized, with sunbeds and sun umbrellas to rent, as well as cafes, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and shops.
Hersonissos is located 25 km east of Heraklion Town and 45 km west of Elounda.
Discover Hersonissos

AGIA PELAGIA

Our recommendations:
• Acro Suites • Irida Hotel • Seascape Luxury Residences

Mostly known for being a touristy coastal settlement, Agia Pelagia is perfect for accommodation near the beach.
Located 25 km away from Heraklion Town, the village combines quaint features with excellent tourist facilities.
As for its beach, it is fully organized, with sun umbrellas and sunbeds, crystal clear waters and a friendly atmosphere.
Many traditional taverns can be found along the coastline.
Luxury hotel units, traditional resorts and villas with swimming pools are available in this area.
Discover Agia Pelagia

MALIA

Our recommendations:
• Cretan Malia Park Hotel • High Beach Hotel • Ikaros Beach Resort and Spa

Malia is one the most famous seaside resorts in the region of Heraklion, 35 km east of the Town.
The village offers plenty of options in terms of affordable accommodation, as it attracts numerous young travelers who select this location for its vibrant nightlife.
In addition to its lively bars and clubs, Malia offers a picturesque old town in the heart of the village, as well as the Malia Archaeological Site, which dates back to the Minoan period.
Discover Malia

MATALA

Our recommendations:
• Marina Hotel • Valley Village • Thalasso resort

The beach of Matala has been popular since the 1970s as a meeting point among hippies who would have big parties on the seashore and spend the night in the natural caves formed on the rocks above the beach.
To this day, the place maintains its chilled-out atmosphere and is considered one of the must-visit places in Crete. The beach and village of Matala are situated on the southern side of the island.
Discover Matala

SIVAS

Our recommendations:
• Phaistos Villas • Iliopetra house

Sivas is a charming village, located on the mainland of Crete.
It is ideal for everyone who wants to avoid overly touristy locations, as it has an authentic atmosphere and is considered an alternative destination.
This village offers the opportunity to get to know the local life, while also being a great base for visitors who would like to explore the beaches of the southern coastline.
Many sights and attractions are situated nearby, although a car is necessary in order to be able to travel around.
Discover Sivas

 

HERAKLION, ONE OF THE MOST TOURISTY AREAS

Heraklion is one of the best touristically developed areas in Crete, offering different types of accommodation to choose from all around the region.
You will find luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts that are ideal for family vacations, as well as budget options suitable for young visitors, single travelers, and backpackers.

Generally, Heraklion does not offer as many picturesque locations as Chania and Rethymno, but its location is the most convenient one in Crete. A car is highly recommended so that you can move around freely.

As for the scenery, the urban landscape of Heraklion remains busy all year long and is not reminiscent of an island town. In fact, Heraklion is one of the biggest cities in Greece and it has both an International Airport and a port.
Its location between Rethymno and Lassithi makes it an ideal base for excursions.

When trying to decide where to stay, keep in mind that each area has something different to offer. The Town, Hersonisos and Agia Pelagia offer the widest variety in terms of hotels. Malia is a place famous for its wild nightlife and party scene, while Matala is one of the island's best-known beaches. On the other hand, Sivas is a better option if you are looking for a more traditional setting.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

When should I book my hotel?

Heraklion is visited by thousands of tourists every year so booking your hotel early is recommended. Especially if you are traveling during the high season (between June and September) and want to stay in a convenient location, it is safer to have completed your reservation 4-5 months in advance.

When is the best time to visit?

Crete in general is a year-round destination since the winter is mild there. Nevertheless, the tourist season in Heraklion when most restaurants and hotels are open starts in mid-April and ends in early November. June, July, August and September are the busiest months on the island.

Where should I book my hotel?

Greeka.com is an online traveling guide about Greece and the Greek islands in business since 1999. We have hand-picked the best places for your stay on the island and included and presented them on our website. By clicking the "Book online" button, you will either, in case of affiliate links*, be redirected to Booking.com and booking.com will handle your reservation, or in case of sponsored links, you will be redirected to the official hotel website, where they will handle the reservation directly. In both cases, there is no extra fee charged to you for this. *Booking.com pays a small commission to us for every booking, which helps us to continue our qualitative work and provide you with the best possible information.

Is there another way to make a hotel reservation?

You can contact the hotel by phone or mail. In some cases, you might find some cheaper rates, but it is not recommended.

Will I find last-minute availability?

Don’t wait until the last minute to book your lodging if you are traveling from June to September. Heraklion is a super popular destination and hotels get sold out quickly. Booking your stay 4-5 months in advance is quite safe.

How many days should I spend in Heraklion?

If you want to make tours in different parts of Crete, 10-14 days are ideal. If you just want to visit Heraklion and some other nearby destinations, you can limit your stay to 5-7 days.

What types of accommodation are available?

You can basically find all types of accommodation in Heraklion. More specifically, there are rooms to let, BnBs, boutique hotels, luxury hotels and suites and all-inclusive beach resorts.

Is accommodation expensive?

It depends on the period and the type of hotel. Lower rates are encountered during April- May and October- November, while higher rates are encountered during the summer months. Keep in mind that pricing also depends on the location.

How much does accommodation cost?

That depends on many factors. An average estimation for 2 people visiting during the high season - without including luxury options - would be around 70-100 euros/night.

Where is the best place to stay if you are traveling on a budget?

You can find cheap options (50 euros) in Heraklion Town and Malia.

Which is the best place to stay for a family with children?

Heraklion is a family-friendly destination. Any hotel with family rooms and near the beach is ideal for traveling with kids.