Heraklion Villages

The prefecture of Heraklion, among the most popular regions in Crete, offers many tourist or remote villages to discover. Heraklion Town, Hersonissos and Malia offer plenty of tourist facilities, while villages on the island and the southern coast give a nice view of rural life on Crete.
Many hotels and accommodation are located around these villages.
After you have seen the best Heraklion villages, you can also find information about the best beaches.

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Guide to 14 villages

Discover our guide to 14 Heraklion villages. They are all presented with a detailed description, photos and their location on a map of Heraklion. For the most popular ones, we also provide information about sightseeing in the area, a selection of hotels and reviews.

Location: On the northern side of Crete
Description: Heraklion Town is the largest city in Crete and the main transportation hub of the island. It distinguishes for its large fortress at the entrance of the port. Many beautiful beaches surround this big town.

Location: 16 km south from Heraklion Town
Description: This is a picturesque village built on the slopes of a short hill. Many ancient sites surround Epano Archanes, while in a close distance is also the village Kato Archanes.

Location: 28 km east of Heraklion Town
Description: Hersonissos is one of the most developed tourist resorts of Heraklion Crete. It has many tourist facilities, cosmopolitan atmosphere and a lovely port where fishing boats moor.

Location: 75 km south west of Heraklion Town
Description: A small seaside village on the southern side of Crete, Lentas offers a nice alternative for family vacations.

Location: 45 km south of Heraklion Town
Description: Located in the inland of southern Crete, Harakas is an authentic Cretan village, untouched by tourism.

Location: 44 km south of Heraklion Town
Description: Agioi Deka, one of the prettiest villages in Crete, is spread in the valley of Messaras. In close distance, there is the site of Ancient Gortyn.

Location: 90 km south of Heraklion Town
Description: A small village on top of Mount Sfentilia, Ethia has few inhabitants and it is totally untouched by tourism.

Location: 36 km south east of Heraklion Crete
Description: This is a beautiful village amidst a fertile valley with vineyards and olive trees. In the Medieval times, there was a castle in the area.

Location: 36 km east of Heraklion Town
Description: A popular tourist resort with many facilities and a well-organized beach, Malia attracts a lot of visitors in summer. A Minoan palace is located close to Malia.

Location: 25 km south west of Heraklion Town
Description: Prinias is a tiny village in the inland of Heraklion Crete. It is constructed at an altitude of 610 m and surrounded by lush greenery.

Location: 62 km south west of Heraklion Town
Description: Sivas is a small village close to the busy resort of Matala, on the south western side of Heraklion Crete.

Location: 50 km south east of Heraklion Town
Description: Ano Viannos is a small village built on the slopes of Mount Dikti. It distinguishes for its traditional architecture and the picturesque views to the surrounding regions.

Location: 55 km south west of Heraklion Town
Description: Mires is an administrative and commercial centre in the south western side of Heraklion Crete. This is a modern town and gets busy every Saturday with the big bazaar of local products.

Location: 40 km south west of Heraklion Town
Description: Zaros is a small, mountainous village in the inland of Heraklion Crete. It is known for its pure water and the lush nature.