Heraklion

Photo of Heraklion
Credit: Image by Alice Wonderland from
Photo of Heraklion
Credit: By Danbu14 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo of Heraklion
Credit: Image by Ralf Kronenberger fro
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About Heraklion

Crete's lively capital city, Heraklion is a modern, densely populated place on the island’s northern coast. A fantastic destination for those seeking to combine cultural explorations with some time at the beach and buzzy evenings out, it’s a great starting point for a trip around Crete. With simple B&Bs as well as slick high-rise hotels, our pick of the best places to stay offers something for a whole host of tastes and budgets.

Delve into the area’s history with a stroll to the Venetian fortress, the Church of Saint Titus and the 17th-century loggia, now the city’s town hall. Amble along the city walls for expansive views, and pop into the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the Historical Museum of Crete and the Natural History Museum to see fascinating exhibitions.

Venture into the surrounding countryside, for long walks or cycle rides between olive groves and vineyards. Tours and tastings come highly recommended, as do visits to the nearby Minoan palace ruins at Knossos, just 15 minutes’ drive away from the city. Further afield are the luxurious resorts of the island’s coast — one of which our Gurus recommend amongst the best places to stay in Heraklion.

The Best Places to Stay in Heraklion

For intimate charm

  • Legacy Boutique Hotel is a gorgeous boutique bolthole with 12 suites just a stone's throw from the beach. Thoughtfully designed interiors are warm and inviting, with a sense of 1950s style. Guests will delight in savouring fresh Greek flavours — and a tipple or two at the bar. Very romantic.
  • Candia Suites offer airy spaces in the heart of the old town. The largest suites are ideal for families, who will enjoy the laid-back vibe. Relax on the roof terrace, hire tennis gear to play on the nearby courts or set out on foot after big breakfasts. A cosy B&B.

For city style

  • Lato Hotel is a modern option, with exceptionally lovely views of the sea and the Venetian fortress. Interiors are simple and modern, with impressive ocean views from private balconies. Dine at the hotel's three restaurants after enjoying the gym and spa. Great for exploring the city.
  • The Galaxy Hotel, a chic high-rise with 127 swish rooms and suites, offers a luxurious base for a stay in the city. The huge swimming pool is ideal for cooling off after days out, before you tuck into terrific fusion fare at one of two restaurants. One for well-heeled travellers.

For a seaside resort

  • Out of the Blue Capsis Elite is actually a collection of five hotels, perched on one private peninsula. Great for active travellers and families, the resort shares extensive facilities, including a watersports centre, waterpark, yoga and tennis courts. The seven restaurants are superb.

For a rural escape

  • Mourtzanakis Residence is a peaceful, eight bedroom mansion in Achlada, just along the coast from Heraklion. Simple whitewashed rooms have balconies and tiled floors, plus there's an outdoor pool with expansive ocean views. Brilliant for families or those looking to hide away and explore the countryside.

For an apartment or holiday villa

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Fly to Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport, just five kilometres from the city. Alternatively, arrive by ferry from one of the other islands or from the mainland.
  • Crete is wonderful for a road trip, particularly if you intend to explore beyond Heraklion! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Expect hot summers, with temperatures averaging at around 26°C - 30°C between June and August, which is also peak season. For fewer crowds and cooler weather travel in April, May or late September, when the cities and coast are still immensely appealing.

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The best hotels in Heraklion

Candia Suites
Candia Suites

Heraklion (Crete)

This stylish hotel offers accommodation in the centre of Heraklion. The bright, individually dressed suites have modern amenities, comfy soft furnishings and pretty balconies. In-room dining is available, or relax on the hotel's roof terrace. Great for families or couples exploring the old town.

  • Local exploring - Located in the heart of the old town, this hotel is a great base for local exploring
  • Romantic Break - Couples love the luxurious beds and pretty views from the suites' private balconies
  • Sights nearby - Visit the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos, one of Heraklion's most famous sights
  • Families - The larger suites are great for families travelling with children
from $79 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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Galaxy Hotel
Galaxy Hotel

Crete

A great value five star hotel offering fabulously friendly service and sleek modern design. Located in an upmarket part of town, the sites are all easily accessible. With a huge freshwater pool and two restaurants to choose from, this is a convenient base for all travellers.

  • Families - Interconnecting rooms, the large pool, and a policy of kids under 5 stay for free make this a good family option
  • Value chic - With fresh modern design and five-star amenities, this is a luxury stay offered at very good rates
  • Golf - Reduced green fees and priority tee times at the 18 hole PGA Crete Golf Club in Heronissos
  • Architectural - Avant garde architecture contrasting with ancient Heraklion
from $104 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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Mourtzanakis Residence
Mourtzanakis Residence

Crete (Achlada )

A small eco-hotel perched on a hill in the peaceful village of Achlada. Villas and cottages are designed using natural materials and feel fresh and contemporary. Each has a living space and a kitchenette. There's a wholesome Greek restaurant and eco-activities are organised. An escape to nature.

  • Value chic - The ethos here is 'less is more' with a focus on the nature around so while the villas are very comfy, they are well-priced too
  • Foodies - Food is a big part of the experience. The restaurant is organic and there are cooking classes and olive oil tastings too
  • Back to Nature - Set in a village surrounded by beautiful scenery and close by to four different beaches. An ideal place to enjoy nature
  • Families - A laidback attitude, a dedicated kids' pool, and apartments to fit families make this an easy choice
from $107 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Lato Hotel
Lato Hotel

Heraklion

A stylish modern hotel set close to the city’s picturesque Venetian harbour. Inside expect sharp lines and trendy minimalist living areas. Spacious rooms and suites have balconies and sea views while there are three good restaurants, a gym, and a spa. A chic stay.

  • Value chic - With modern design, friendly professional staff, a small spa and a restaurant - you are getting a lot for your money here
  • Romantic Break - For a romantic base book one of the Junior and Executive suites which have whirlpool baths and balconies with sea views
  • Local exploring - Set close to the city’s picturesque Venetian harbour with many of the city's historic and cultural attractions nearby
  • Restaurant - Three restaurants, one of which is a rooftop with views overlooking Heraklion's Fortress
from $141 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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Out of the Blue Capsis Elite
Out of the Blue Capsis Elite

Heraklion

An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. Highly discreet, with striking designs, each hotel is different. Plenty of suites and private villas have pools. There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser.

  • Active Holiday - For those who want an active break there is plenty to do on-site including watersports, tennis, fishing, and scuba diving
  • Families - With Capsis Minoan Amusement Park, a playground and a supervised pool the kids stay happy and everybody gets a holiday!
  • Beach Life - Set on a private peninsula in Agia Pelagia, with access to three beaches and a huge array of watersports
  • Hotel Entertainment - There's never a dull evening here with seven bars and a disco featuring live dj sets
from $200 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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Legacy Gastro Suites
Legacy Gastro Suites

Heraklion (Crete)

A five-star boutique hotel in the heart of Crete's seaside capital. Rooms are dressed in 1950s style and offer a unique gastro station where guests can sample delicious Greek cuisine; the best have king-size beds and sea views. Sample the restaurant's à la carte menu; an indulgent seafront hotel.

  • Beach Life - Located a stone's throw from the beach, this hotel is a perfect base for a beach holiday
  • Foodies - Foodies will fall for this hotel's gastro theme, in particular the in-room food station
  • Romantic Break - Couples love this hotel for its beautiful sea views and cosy suites
  • Sailing - Take a day trip to Dia Island accompanied by a gourmet picnic packed by the hotel
from $287 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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Pnoe
Pnoe

Heraklion (Crete)

An adults-only retreat in Karteros, steps from the beach. The sleek, modern decor combines earthy tones with a minimalist aesthetic, creating a calm, airy ambience. Guests can enjoy amenities including a gym, spa, and two dining options with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. A serene escape.

  • Total relaxation - Relax in a private pool suite with a sauna, surrounded by tranquil gardens and soothing sea breezes
  • Yoga - Enjoy sunrise yoga on the outdoor deck or challenge yourself at the hotel's state-of-the-art gym
  • Romantic Break - Take sunset walks along Karteros Beach, followed by a starlit dinner featuring Cretan delicacies
  • Sailing - Escape to Dia Island for a day of sailing and snorkelling
from $446 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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