Hotels in Elounda

Once a small fishing village and now one of the most popular tourist towns in Crete, Hersonissos is where you go for warm weather, lively entertainment and stunning mountain views. Ideal for families, couples or groups of friends seeking some fun in the sun, a holiday in Hersonissos promises plenty of children’s activities and a wealth of bars and restaurants. Explore the cobbled streets on a quad bike, escape the heat at one of the popular water parks, or spend your days exploring the shops along Odos Elefteriou Venizelos. 

Things to do

Whether you want to soak up the sun on a sun-kissed beach or hit the clubs and kick up your heels, Hersonissos holidays have something for everyone. There are plenty of attractions for families, including the fascinating Aquaworld Aquarium and the thrills and spills to be found at the Star Beach Waterpark. Couples can sit and watch the sun set over the Aegean Sea from one of the laid-back beachfront bars, or plug into Hersonissos’ legendary nightlife. 

Family attractions

Hersonissos has some great attractions that make it the perfect place for all the family. Take the kids to one of the area’s two fun-filled water parks, which are guaranteed to serve up a memorable day out. Pay a visit to Crete’s first aquarium, the Aquaworld Aquarium, which looks after rescued sea life and reptiles from across the world. Or learn more about the traditional lives of the locals with a trip to the Lychnostatis Open Air Museum.

Ancient history

If you love historical sites, then Hersonissos is a fantastic place for you to go on holiday. Brush up on your ancient mythology at the mysterious Cave of Zeus, or dip into the town’s Roman heritage. There was a prosperous Roman presence in the area for many years, and you can see the remnants of this at landmarks such as the Roman Fountain.

Fun with friends

While Hersonissos is great for family holidays, it’s also ideal for a getaway with your friends or
partner. Brave the fastest rides at Crete’s biggest water park, Acqua Plus, before sipping cocktails in a lively bar as the sun goes down. Hersonissos is one of the best places to go in Crete for a night out, with a selection of lively bars and clubs that play the latest summer tunes until the early hours.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Aghios Nikolaos | Athens | Corfu | Crete | Elounda | Halkidiki | Heraklion | Kalamata | Kefalonia | Kos | Lefkas | Lesbos | Malia | Mykonos | Olympius Riviera | Parga | Rethymnon | Rhodes | Santorini | Skiathos | Skopelos | Stalis | Thassos | Zante 

The capital city of Crete, Heraklion is a fascinating fusion of ancient and modern. In recent years, walking around the city's historic centre would’ve been almost impossible, due to the sheer volume of traffic passing through. Today, most of main historic areas have been pedestrianized, giving you the chance to soak up early Cretan architecture or go shopping in sleek, contemporary malls.

While you’re away on holiday, make sure you visit Liondaria. The name translates as ‘Lion Square’, in reference to the four stone lions that guard a beautiful fountain featuring detailed carvings and statues of sea-nymphs, mythical monsters, and other creatures from Greek legend. Liondaria is a hub for everyone and anyone: you’ll see impromptu business meetings being held in cafés, groups of locals arguing animatedly about this and that, and tourists just soaking up the scenery. There are plenty of places to grab a bite and don’t forget to try the bougastsas: a Greek pastry filled with vanilla cream.

Market Street is a must for bargain-hunters taking looking for all sorts of fresh produce. Here you’ll find fresh herbs, meat and fish, sold alongside clothing, honey, cheese and the local spirit, raki.

Whatever you’re looking from your time in the sun, this superb city is sure to deliver.

Things to do

While holidays to Heraklion feature the vibrant, buzzing city, its position close to the sea gives you plenty of opportunities for some lazy days on the beach. If you prefer city life, it really comes into its own after the sun goes down, when many of its ancient monuments are lit by night and the clubs and pubs fill the backstreets with the sounds of music and laughter. There’s a huge variety of restaurants to enjoy, from contemporary eateries, to traditional tavernas, serving genuine Cretan cuisine.

Food and drink

Heraklion has an array of eateries, from upbeat cafés in the main square to authentic tavernas down some of the narrow side streets, so be sure to savour the taste of the city’s delicacies such as the salads, pies and cheeses. As Heraklion has a number of wineries in the surrounding villages, you’ll be able to sample some of the local wines in the more traditional restaurants, which will compliment your meal perfectly. You’ll also be able to pick up some of these specialities from open-air markets. They’re the best place to hunt for souvenirs, where you can pick up wine, honey, dried herbs and tea and of course some of the famous olive oil.

Bustling nightlife

The city comes alive after dark with plenty of lively places to choose from. The majority of Heraklion’s nightlife is found along the harbour where you’ll find trendy bars and clubs, with some hosting DJs in the summer months.

Don’t forget the party resort of Malia is also close by if you want to experience its buzzing atmosphere and some of the legendary foam parties. If big nights out aren’t your thing, there are cosy tavernas playing live music dotted all around. You can also join in the celebrations of summer festivals with music, theatre and ballet performances taking place on dates throughout the year.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Aghios Nikolaos | Athens | Corfu | Crete | Elounda | Halkidiki | Hersonissos | Kalamata | Kefalonia | Kos | Lefkas | Lesbos | Malia | Mykonos | Olympius Riviera | Parga | Rethymnon | Rhodes | Santorini | Skiathos | Skopelos | Stalis | Thassos | Zante 

A chocolate-box town set along Crete’s eastern coast, Aghios Nikolaos combines Greek good looks with a modern beach resort featuring some of the best attractions on the island. The town centres on a saltwater lake that provides a relaxing setting for relaxing, drinking and dining. Five golden beaches and a nearby water park will keep the kids happy, and the town’s energetic nightlife is popular with couples and clubbers.

Things to do

Get to know Aghios Nikolaos with a stroll around the enchanting Lake Voulismeni, and stop for lunch at a lakeside cafe. The lake connects to the glistening marina, where you can charter a boat to explore Crete’s sun-drenched coast or wander along the beaches. There are five to choose from in Aghios Nikolaos, each with fine, golden sand protected by green, rocky headlines. Take the kids for a day out at Acqua Plus, one of the biggest water parks in Crete, featuring slides, pools and lazy rivers. There are plenty of ways to spend your evenings, from Greek cuisine by the lake to wining and dining on the chic marina.

Beautiful beaches

Blessed with five long, golden beaches, you’ll never be short of somewhere to lay back and relax in Aghios Nikolaos. Just a short taxi boat ride puts all five of these stunning, family-friendly spots well within your grasp. They’re all great for paddling with the kids or just sitting back and topping up your tan.
If you’re into your water sport competitions, then check the dates of Aghios Nikolaos’ famous Naval Week. This is when such events as artistic swimming, water skiing and windsurfing contests take place all along the resort’s waterfront.

Fun at the farm

For a great day out, try the Cretan Olive Oil Farm, which is only a short distance from Aghios Nikolaos. This family run attraction is a fun day for both couples and families alike. Offering an exciting tour detailing the process of making olive oil, you’ll get the chance to make your own delicious olive oil and even enjoy some folk dancing.

Get cultural at the monastery

Built in a hillside over the Minoan city of Gournia, the Monastery of Faneromeni gives a tranquil view of the spectacular Greek countryside. On arrival, you’ll find a church with numerous fascinating paintings capturing the raw talent of great artists. Take in the intense mountain views from the top as you look down on the world below.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Athens | Corfu | Crete | Elounda | Halkidiki | Heraklion | Hersonissos | Kalamata | Kefalonia | Kos | Lefkas | Lesbos | Malia | Mykonos | Olympius Riviera | Parga | Rethymnon | Rhodes | Santorini | Skiathos | Skopelos | Stalis | Thassos | Zante