Modern (resort Hersonissos)
Hersonissos. water parks

Hersonissos- a resort village located about 25 km from Heraklion. Hersonissos is located on the western part of a large bay in the north of Crete. Interestingly, the official name of the seaside village is Limni Chersonisou, which means Port of Hersonissos. And earlier it was the seaport of the village of Hersonissos, which is located a little south of its port, not far from the National Road.

It is assumed that in the region the modern village of Hersonissos there was an ancient city that played important role in the life of the island of Crete and flourished in the Roman and Byzantine eras. Name ancient city came from the word peninsula, which, most likely, was due to the peculiarity of the territory on which Hersonissos was located. Indeed, the edge of the bay, on which the city was built, resembles a peninsula.

AT ancient era the city of Hersonissos was so important that it had its own coin with images of Hercules and the Goddess Britomartis, the patroness of the city, and the city itself most likely existed already in the Minoan era. From the ancient Hersonissos (Kherson) remained Roman buildings with mosaic floors, port facilities and even early Christian basilicas.

Hersonissos modern...

But, not all this attracts crowds of tourists. coastal Hersonissos. Now, this is the second youth recreation center after Malia. There are cheap hotels and large hotels, shops for every taste, pubs, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, cafes and taverns.

At every step there are offices for renting bicycles, motorcycles, ATVs, scooters and cars. Many clubs are completely free to enter and only charge for drinks and snacks. The beaches of Hersonissos are full of proposals for water recreation for adults and children.

From here, excursions are organized to any corner of the island of Crete to other popular places in Greece.

Also, a bus route passes through Hersonissos, connecting Heraklion with Agios Nikolaos. Buses run quite often, which is very convenient for independent travel. And Hersonissos itself is so well located that it is an excellent starting point for exploring the sights of the Heraklion region, Rethymno and Lassithi.

Resort Hersonissos It is a central street along which the main life of the town is concentrated, and an embankment with all kinds of entertainment. The beaches of Hersonissos are not the best. Many of them are pebbly, there are beaches with inconvenient entry into the sea, and all of them are quite narrow. Due to the openness of the bay, the sea here is often rough. But the biggest drawback of local beaches is the huge number of tourists, especially during the season. The beach starting from Agias Paraskevis street is rather narrow.

The beach in the east of Hersonissos in the Star Beach Waterpark area is wider, but very popular. Celebrations are often held here, attractions and popular bars are located here. Tourists from other areas come to this beach, so it is unlikely that you will be able to take an advantageous place here. Therefore, it is best to relax on the beaches in the vicinity of Hersonissos: Stalide, Malia, Analipsi, etc. Motorists arriving in Hersonissos may face another problem. The streets here are quite narrow, and because of the cars parked everywhere, it is sometimes even difficult to drive, let alone park. Therefore, it is better to plan in advance where you will have to leave your car.

Hersonissos. water parks

What really attracts Hersonissos thousands of tourists are located here water parks. One of them is located on the eastern outskirts of the village, right on the beach. The water park is called Star Beach Waterpark and offers any water entertainment for adults and children. Another Aqua Splash water park with an even greater selection of water activities is located northwest of Hersonissos, on the road to Kastelli.

2. Aqua Splash: 35°17"18.00" C 25°21"57.80" B

It's interesting that coastal Hersonissos- this is a summer town and life is in full swing here only in the season. And in winter, Limni Chersonisou (Limenas Chersonissou) seems to freeze in anticipation of the new season. This is due to the fact that the locals do not live here, and everything is adapted exclusively for tourists. Here, most likely, you will not be able to taste the traditional Cretan cuisine and see a real Cretan holiday, but the time spent in the resort village of Hersonissos will be remembered for a long time for its sloppiness, carelessness and variety of entertainment...

Hersonissos city coordinates (Chersonissos, Χερσόνησος): DD 35.307590, 25.369107. DMS 35°18"27.3"N 25°22"08.8"E.

Crete is a beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea, which attracts a huge number of travelers every year. Here everyone can choose a resort to their liking - there are both quieter places and more noisy ones. One of the resorts of the island of Crete is the city of Hersonissos, or as it is also called - Hersonissos (Crete), which attracts a considerable number of tourists every season.

Crete - Hersonisses on the map

If you look at the map of Crete, you can see that Hersonissos (Greece) is located in the northern part. Many are concerned about the question - which sea washes the city of Hersonissos (Crete), since some sources say that the Aegean, others - the Cretan. Both answers are correct, since the Cretan Sea is part of the Aegean.

The city is located east of the famous Heraklion and northwest of Agios Nikolaos.

Hersonissos Crete

Hersonissos was formerly a small fishing village, but in last years turned into a noisy youth resort of the island of Crete.

Note! During the year, local residents can rarely be seen on the territory of the resort, all Cretans come here mainly together with tourists in the high season to earn money.

Climate and weather in Hersonissos (Greece)

It is believed that the most beneficial and "healthy" climate is the climate of Hersonissos in Greece. It is believed that the beach season here begins in April and ends at the end of October. But it is not so. You can also come here in April to walk around the city, see the sights, and travel around Crete. But the air temperature is not yet so high, and the sea is just beginning to warm up, and the water temperature is only 17 degrees.

It is better to go to about. Crete from June to August, when summer air temperatures are around 26 - 28 degrees, and the sea warms up to 26 degrees. In summer, sometimes the maximum air temperature can reach 40 degrees. However, the heat, as a rule, is not felt here, since sea breezes blowing from the sea are frequent.

Map about. Crete, Chersonese

In September, there is still quite comfortable weather in Crete in Hersonissos, the average air temperature during the day is around 28 degrees, at night - 22. In October, the weather is already on the decline, the average temperature is around 23 degrees, the sea gradually cools to 18 degrees and does not so nice for swimming.

Additional Information! In October, a couple of three tourists can still be seen on Hersonissos, but there are much fewer of them than in the high season.

Hersonissos - Greece: sights of the city

Even if travelers come on vacation for a week, choosing Hersonissos Greece, at least a day should be allocated for sightseeing. One of the main attractions of Hersonissos is the old abandoned city of Ano Hersonissos. It will be nice to stroll along the old streets with pretty houses, beautifully decorated with flowers. Must visit taverns where you can dine delicious meals cooked in wood-fired ovens.

A famous landmark is the Palace of Knossos. For a long time there were disputes about whether it is worth restoring one of the large-scale buildings built by the Minoans. As a result, the restoration of the palace took place, which allows travelers to imagine what the attraction looked like in the original. The Palace of Knossos is located near the city of Heraklion, about four kilometers from the sea.

Knossos palace

In hot weather, you can visit the Star Beach Water Park, the Aquaword Aquarium and the reptile rescue center, which contains a large number of inhabitants.

Note! In the reptile rescue center every day at 10.30 you can watch the feeding of the inhabitants of this center.

If you drive a little further from the city, you can get to Agios Nikolaos with unusual streets. Here you can also ride a boat with a transparent bottom and see the local inhabitants. Moving along the previously compiled route, you can get to Plaka - in the past - a small village, and now - a small resort town, from various points of which wonderful views open up. From Plaka you can go to the island of Spinalonga, which is located in a very beautiful bay. On about. Spinalonga has preserved architecture from the 15th and 16th centuries, which impresses travelers.

Returning to Hersonissos, you can visit the Amazonas Park on the way - a zoo of exotic birds. In addition to birds, here you can meet funny turtles, beautiful rabbits and a friendly donkey.

Spinalonga Island

You can also ride to Polis - a small resort town, which is located in the northwestern part of Cyprus. It is much quieter and calmer than noisy Chersonese. Walking around the city and enjoying the incomparable atmosphere, you often get the feeling that time has stopped.

You can take a car and go to explore the unexplored corners of the island of Crete.

Important! It is possible to rent a car at the resort, and some rental companies offer to place an order in advance on the Internet, so that the car will be right next to the hotel upon arrival.

Hersonissos - Crete: beaches

Hersonissos is a beautiful resort with some of the most the best beaches on Crete. Some of the beaches have been awarded a blue flag - this is Drepanos, as well as Star Beach, on the territory of which there is also a whole water park. Also, the owners of this "award" are the beaches in the western part of the resort near the following hotels: Anabel Village, Aldemar Knossos Royal, Aldemar Royal Mare and Cretan Village.

In general, the beaches stretch along the entire coast of Hersonissos. There are beaches with both sand and sand and pebbles. The main beach is considered urban, but it is less pretty than the rest, which originate about a kilometer from it - cleaner, with extraordinary natural beauty and crystal clear sea.

Note! Umbrellas and sun loungers start from 3 euros each, so it is a great solution to buy a beach mat and a folding umbrella in the store.

Shopping at the resort

Hersonissos is a paradise for shopaholics. Fans of shopping in this city will definitely not be bored, as there are various shops of textiles, fur clothes, jewelry, many supermarkets and souvenir shops. As for clothing stores, there are a small number of them in the resort, but things here are very High Quality and much cheaper than at home. And here's a coat good quality and at a relatively low price it is quite easy to find here. In addition, the city has a huge number of jewelry stores.

Note! On the island, even in shops you can bargain. The price can be reduced by at least 10 - 15% of the original. However, bargaining is appropriate only with the owner of the store, otherwise it simply may not take place.

Distance from Heraklion to Hersonissos: how to get there and back

As a rule, going to Hersonissos, tourists initially arrive at the airport of the capital of Crete - Heraklion. It’s good when the tour was fully paid at home and the transfer picks up tourists and takes them right to the door of the hotel, and back at the end of the holiday. But what about those who travel alone? In this case, there are several options for how to overcome the Heraklion - Hersonissos distance and get from point A to point B and vice versa.

The distance from Hersonissos to Heraklion is 21 km. To come from the city of Heraklion to Hersonissos, you can use the following methods:

• Call a taxi, this method is especially convenient for those who come to rest with small children. The trip from Heraklion will take twenty-five minutes, and you will have to pay for this pleasure in the region of thirty-eight euros. If you need a bigger car, for example, for a company of seven people, you will have to pay at least sixty euros for such a minibus.
• The second way to get to your destination from Heraklion is by bus. The bus will take travelers in forty-five minutes, and the ticket will cost no more than four euros. Ticket for this species transport can be purchased immediately before the trip either from the driver or from a special stall where bus tickets are sold.

You need to get to Heraklion from Hersonissos in the same ways as to the resort. The price for the trip in both cases will be approximately the same.

Heraklion Airport

It is believed that it is always better to learn from the mistakes of others than from your own, so before the trip it would be useful to learn information from experienced travelers:

• it is better to make currency exchange in banks that work on weekdays, since in simple exchangers that work around the clock, the rate will be less profitable;
• when renting a car, you must definitely fasten your seat belt, otherwise you can get a fine of two hundred and fifty euros;
• if tourists do not have the opportunity to rent a car, then you can travel around the island by bus, which can take you anywhere in the island;
• when going to dinner, you should know that in the expensive restaurants of Crete it is customary to leave a tip of at least 10% of the bill, in small cafes it will be enough to leave the waiter 1 - 1.5 euros. And in large well-known establishments, tips will already be included in the bill;
• if the purpose of the trip is shopping, then it is better to go to the resort in May or October, as a rule, during these months, many goods are discounted in stores;
• in the Chersonese region, there are mostly simple, but quite good hotels, for example, the three-star Agravella, where you can often hear the Russian language. But if you want a beautiful life in this resort, the White Palace Hotel will be an excellent choice, offering a huge number of services to its guests;
• when buying wine as a gift, one should take into account the fact that the cost of the drink will depend on its aging - the longer the aging, the more expensive the wine.

Crete is a beautiful, very beautiful island, with its own unique history, wonderful beaches, azure sea and resorts such as Hersonissos. Usually, having chosen this place for recreation once, tourists come back here again and again.

Two dozen kilometers from Heraklion is the city of Hersonissos, which stretches along the coast of the Gulf of Malia. A little to the west of this city there is another attractive place - the resort of Agios Nikolaos.

Hersonissos has gained fame as the unofficial tourism center of the island of Crete. It is always fun and noisy here, expensive restaurants and boutiques, clubs and discos meet visitors. For those who want to save money, there are inexpensive local taverns and souvenir shops. You won't regret if you go on holiday in Hersonissos, Greece - prices, beaches, activities and attractions are worth seeing.

The climate in Crete is temperate Mediterranean. It is distinguished by contrasts in the weather. Therefore, winters in Hersonissos are usually warm and humid, while summers are hot and dry. The rainy season lasts about 6 months - from late October to March.

But still, summers in Hersonissos are not as hot as in the south of the island, which attracts a large number of European tourists.

Monthly weather in Hersonissos:

How to get here?

There are many charter airlines flying to Heraklion. Then you can take a taxi to Hersonissos itself, paying 35 euros, or drive to the city's bus station. From there, regular buses make trips every quarter of an hour. After paying about 4 euros, you will be in Hersonissos in 45 minutes.

Where to stay in Hersonissos

The hotel infrastructure is a lot of hotels and guest houses, among which every tourist can find the best option. There are few elegant and luxurious apartments here, but all the accommodation offered has a sufficient level of comfort for a carefree holiday. Finding a hotel with a private beach is also quite difficult. But in Hersonissos, the entire coastal strip is public, so everyone can choose a place to their liking. Experienced Tourists It is advised to buy your own umbrella and mat so that when you visit the beach you do not have to pay for the use of a sunbed.

Herosonissos on the map:

Best Hersonissos Hotels 2019

For those who prefer to organize their own trip, it will be useful to find out the list of hotels that are trusted by tourists:

• Albatros Spa & Resort Hotel is the best five-star hotel complex in Hersonissos. It has everything to ensure an unforgettable stay.
• Star Beach Village & Water Park - the hotel has four stars, but it has its own beach. And the panorama that opens from the balcony is simply gorgeous. Excellent service is ready to provide tourists with almost all types of services.
• Athina Inn is a small hotel designed to accommodate only five families. But the affordable price and the availability of all the amenities in the room ensured her immense popularity.
• Central Hersonissos Hotel is a family-run three-star hotel that is perfect for a relaxing holiday with children. The distance to the sea is only 200 m, which also attracts lovers of independent travel.

Beaches

Hersonissos is rightfully considered a youth resort. Life is in full swing on the shore, people walk and have fun. Most of the beaches are sand and pebbles, but they often come across large boulders. Families with children will definitely not be comfortable here. Due to the large influx of young people, the cleanliness of the beaches is far from ideal.

For swimming, it is better to buy special slippers, because sea urchins periodically gather near the shore.

The brightest and incendiary beach is Star Beach. There is a water park where everyone can ride from a small slide. Also, foam parties are regularly held by the pools, and a huge number of cafes are always ready to accept hungry visitors. Another plus of this place is a gentle descent into the sea and a sandy coastal strip.

However, in Hersonissos, all city beaches are quite comfortable. But they gather a much smaller number of people than in Star Beach. Those who like to spend time alone can leave the city and be alone with nature and themselves on a wild beach. And not far from Cape Sarandaris, about 2 km away, there is a special beach for nudists.

What to see in Hersonissos?

From the ancient heritage of the Romans, the city inherited port and civil buildings and Christian basilicas dating back to the era of early Christianity. Some of these structures boast mosaic fragments on the floor. Not far from the village of Potamis, the remains of an aqueduct, a structure designed to supply water to the city, have been preserved. And next to one of the supermarkets are parts of the foundation of an old theater.

The most famous attraction that is recommended to visit on vacation in 2019 is the Lychnostasis Museum. It is located a quarter of an hour from the city center. Among the exhibits of this museum are objects that reflect the identity of the Cretan culture. Here you will see traditional dwelling of the local people, recreated in the smallest detail, along with furnishings and interior items. The museum operates daily. The ticket costs from 2 to 6 euros. On Wednesday, the entrance will cost 12 euros. On this day, the museum hosts a tasting of local wines.

In the port there is a small church of Agia Paraskeva. It is located directly above the entrance to the Skotino cave. Several centuries ago, a chapel was erected here in honor of St. Paraskeva.

Animal lovers can walk to the small Aquarium. Here you can look at marine animals, as well as participate in the rescue of underwater inhabitants. Adults will pay 6 euros to enter the aquarium, a ticket for children will cost only 4 euros.

Many tourists will be interested in a trip on special tourist trains that depart from the port area. They go to the central part of the city and back. A trip on such a train will cost 6 euros. The train makes several stops along the way. You can get off at any of them and walk around the neighborhood, and then continue on the next train if you have saved your ticket.

Very close to Chersonese is a modern amusement park, made in the form of a labyrinth. It is dedicated to the myth of Theseus. Vacationers with children love to go here. Here tourists will find an intricate labyrinth, a small farm, children will be taught how to ride on cute ponies. Entrance to this entertainment venue costs from 5 to 8 euros, and small children can enter here for free.

Entertainment

Connoisseurs of measured rest and silence are better off staying not in Hersonissos itself, but in nearby settlements. Traditional Greek villages are only 1-2 kilometers south of the city. In the villages of Koutouloufari, Ano Hersonissos and Piskopiano, you can find a cozy house or hotel, and devote your leisure time to a relaxing holiday by the sea. If there is a desire to plunge into the bustle of the city, then the hospitable Hersonissos is always there.

Nobody will be bored in Hersonissos. There is entertainment for every taste. Not a single tourist will have a question what to do in free time. There are many interesting activities for vacationers - horseback riding, paragliding, hiking and scuba diving.

All leisure places are within walking distance. Diving clubs operate on the beach, rock climbing centers are located in the mountains, and equestrian schools operate near the hotels.

Horseback riding is a great way to get to know Hersonissos better and get to know its surroundings better. Gregory's horses is the most famous equestrian school, which is located next to the central Star Beach. There is a fairly good range of tourist routes. You can ride a horse in Hersonissos itself, and in the nearest iconic places. These are the Lassithi plateau and the village of Piskopiano. The cost of the trip can be clarified right on the spot, or you can find out in advance at a local travel agency.

In Hersonissos, golf lovers will not be deprived of their attention either. There is a golf club in the city, and you can play on a huge field with an area of ​​720 sq.m. By the way, it is better to ask the hotel administrator in advance if they provide discounts for the game. Many hotels have this service.

Head to the port area if you want to visit one of the local bars. There is a whole string of them here on a strip of beach. This noisy and cheerful resort town is more suitable for youth recreation.

Tourists who are not able to sit still for a long time can go on a sea voyage and visit other islands of Greece. Cruise ships depart regularly from the port of Hersonissos. But the port is worth a visit, if only because in the nearby taverns you can try the freshest fish, which the Mediterranean is so famous for.

Night life

But, since this is still a youth resort, most of the city's guests enjoy spending time at discos. A place for dancing can be found at any time of the day. At night, incendiary nightclubs open their doors, and during the day, open air discos, contests and concerts are constantly arranged.

The average tourist usually spends time in the following way - discos at night, sleep in the morning, going to the sea during the day. And so goes almost the entire holiday.

The busy life attracts many young people who love to have fun and dance until they drop. The title of the most cheerful resort of Hersonissos deserved absolutely by right!

Local kitchen

The tourist season in Hersonissos dictates its own rules, so almost all taverns here are open until the morning. Prices usually start at 3 euros per serving. At the same time, a delicious meal will cost you 10-15 euros. Almost all taverns have a duplicate menu in Russian, which is very convenient.

The main street of the city boasts an abundance of restaurants and small cafes of a higher level and with more expensive prices. But the atmosphere in such establishments is more peaceful, and the choice of dishes is much wider. In any tavern in the city, you will be served large portions, and in addition to the order, they will also treat you with fruit or dessert.

shopping

You can have an interesting time not only in clubs or discos. Shoppers are given plenty of room to shop. There are many fur shops in Hersonissos, such as Luxurious Furs, VOSS and ALESSANDRO BOSSO SHOP, where every fur lover will find a suitable model for herself. All of these establishments are distinguished by a rich assortment and excellent service. And in the last store, besides, the best prices.

What kind of vacation is complete without buying souvenirs! In Hersonissos, you can buy typical Greek products - the famous olive oil, spices, wine and other alcoholic beverages. The most convenient way to transport spices. They will not take up much space and will not break on the road, unlike the same wine or oil. And cooking with them is a pleasure.

Crete is also famous for weaving, a local craft that is practiced by residents of many villages. An excellent memory of the rest will be the products of local craftsmen, for example, a blanket embroidered with a beautiful pattern or bed linen made in Greek style. The cheapest way to buy such products is in village shops where locals sell their work. In the center of Hersonissos, all goods will cost about a third more.

Video about the city:

Holidays in Hersonissos in 2019 are perfect for those who cannot imagine a vacation without incendiary dance parties and interesting excursions, but for children, the local beaches will not be very comfortable.

* This table shows average weather data collected over more than three years

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Prices for holidays in Hersonissos. July 2018.

tour cost

A voucher for 6 days and 7 nights with a flight from Moscow cost 38 thousand rubles. Arrival at the airport of Heraklion, from there by bus to the city of Hersonnisos for an hour and a half. Hotel Pollis, 4 stars, all inclusive.

Since 6 days of rest is catastrophically small, we took only one excursion, to the magical island of Santorini. The tour from the tour operator cost 150 euros per person, we decided to save money and bought it from a street agency for 84 euros per person. The price of the tour includes a bus to the pier of the city of Heraklion, a ferry to the island of Santorini and back, a tour of 3 cities of Santorini and a visit to the beach with black volcanic sand.

Food and products

We ate at the hotel, ordered cocktails in cafes and bars. The cost of cocktails is from 3 to 9 euros. In stores, the cost of products is quite affordable. A pack of olives costs 1 euro, a liter of olive oil from 6 euros, wine from 3 euros, cognac from 9 euros. There are many Spar stores in Hersonissos, as well as a large two-story Xalkiadakis supermarket, where we bought gifts.

Cost of services and entertainment

Car rental is very developed in Crete, rental points are literally at every step. The rental price starts from 30 euros per day, depends on the chosen brand of car and driving experience, there are also cars with a rental price of 1000 euros per day. The beaches offer various water activities: ride a banana - 10 euros, parasail over the sea - from 100 euros.

Total money spent on vacation

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Holiday experience in September

If someone is looking for the most sincere, calm and measured rest, then you need to go without hesitation to Crete. The Greeks, the islanders, are such a pretty, non-irritating people that the rest will pass serenely and calmly. And if you still want fewer Russian tourists and more free beaches - go to Crete in September. The weather is very mild, the sea is warm, the only thing that can cause inconvenience is a cool breeze in the evenings. But, the beauty of the local nature and the atmosphere will not give you a single chance to be disappointed in your vacation.

Youth rest

Resting in Hersonissos, we still thought that Crete is not very suitable for families with children. Basically, because there is not much entertainment for children here. Of course, there is animation at the hotels, but outside the water park, but still, it seems that more couples come here to spend their honeymoon, lonely people tired of working everyday life and pensioners from Europe, who usually settle further away from the noisy streets .

Where is the best place to stay?

There are many hotels in Hersonissos - this is a resort town, both by the sea with its own beaches, and more budget options on a hill. But believe me, the panorama of the city is so magical, and the sea is amazing. turquoise color- this is what it is worth settling a little further from the sea. A walk will not hurt anyone, but at the same time you will save money and every day you will see the beauty of the resort.

What to do at the resort?

Crete is rich on excursions, all of them are more than affordable by European standards. For example, one of the most expensive excursions is a visit to the nearby island - Santorini. It costs around 150 euros per person. The tour is worth attention, there is a lot of interesting information, and, of course, this is one of the hallmarks of Greece as a whole. For lovers of dry wine, Santorini makes wine much tastier than Crete. Not that it is bad in Crete, but still do not forget to buy at least one bottle in Santorini for testing. We also visited the beach of Vai, Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion. Having rented a car, we traveled almost the entire island far and wide. The roads are perfect, the driving culture is at the highest level and, of course, what the car was taken for was the ability to stop anywhere on the endless beach strip.

Usually everything related to olives is brought from Greece. Therefore, we stocked up on olive oil to the maximum. It really is completely different from what is sold in our homeland. Metaxu - for gifts. Feta - in your salads. Prices are affordable, in supermarkets they will be slightly lower than in shops for tourists.

Crete is an island. Without any doubt, what is worth spending money on here, in terms of food, is seafood. Delicious octopus, sea bass, shrimp - very tasty, though a little expensive. In total, a dinner for two with a bottle of wine will cost about 80 euros, at an average restaurant. Although we ate this salad at the hotel, in restaurants it was served in a variety of cuts and always insanely delicious - Greek. The most popular, useful and infinitely delicious. Of the traditional dishes and meat lovers, you should try moussaka - hearty and no less tasty.

The unofficial capital of Cretan tourism, the city of Hersonissos is located 25 kilometers from Heraklion, in the northern part of the island.

According to historical documents, Hersonissos was founded in the Minoan era, more than 3500 years ago, it reached its peak during the Roman and then Byzantine rule.

Powerful earthquakes and the constant threat of pirate attacks forced the locals to move inland and found a new settlement of Ano Hersonissos, two kilometers from the coast, on the slopes of Mount Harakas.

This situation made it possible to see pirate ships in advance and hide in a safe shelter.

Ano Hersonissos and the Old Town

From the middle of the 20th century, the tourism business boomed on the island. The magnificent beaches of the resort and its advantageous position relative to the airport and seaport of the capital of Crete Heraklion attracted the attention of investors and numerous hotels began to appear on the coast one after another. The old abandoned city has gained a second life and the glory of the most youthful and fun resort.

A completely different life flows in Ano Hersonissos, it is a quiet and picturesque corner, where a typical Cretan, measured way of life has been preserved.
Good to walk around narrow streets, admire the fountain on the square, beautiful stone houses and courtyards decorated with flowers.
Here you must have dinner and taste the local wine. Many taverns cook according to old recipes in real wood-fired ovens, you can easily find them by the smell of smoke. The cost of dinner for two will be approximately 25 euros. Remember that portions are very large, and nuts or chips are served with beer and wine. At the end of the dinner, you will most likely be offered a glass of brandy and fruit.

In spite of rich history, in Hersonissos there are no well-preserved, architectural evidence of bygone eras. Although back in the 19th century there were Roman aqueducts, the remains of buildings and the Roman theater. However, after the liberation from Turkish rule, the country was in a state of complete destruction, and the government allowed the inhabitants to use elements of ancient buildings as building material.

Today, only the foundation remains of the Roman theater; it can be seen in front of the Chalkiadakis supermarket behind a mesh fence. On the embankment in the port, a pyramidal fountain, left over from a ruined antique villa, has been preserved. Since it doesn't work, its beautiful mosaic of fish and octopuses on a golden background can be seen in detail. On the hill, where the small chapel of St. Praskovya, the patroness of the city, is located, fragments of the mosaic floor, which once belonged to the largest Christian basilica on the island of the 6th century AD, have been preserved. e.
But in the vicinity of Hersonissos there are a large number of historical sights and entertainment.

What is the currency in Greece and what can you buy with it,.

Museum of Cretan life in the open air "Lychnostatis"

Lychnostatis is located 500 meters from the outskirts of the city, if you move towards Malia. It consists of several small museums in one space, where you can observe the process of production of goods of various folk crafts.
There is a leather and spinning workshop, a mill and a loom. Two-storey house, built according to traditional Cretan technology, is fully equipped: from rugs on the floor to hand-woven and hand-embroidered curtains on the windows.

On the territory of the improvised village there is a chapel, a shepherd's hut, a small vegetable garden with medicinal herbs, an olive oil press. Everything works, and you can and even need to touch the exhibits with your hands, it will be especially interesting for children.

At the entrance you can get a folder with detailed description in Russian, and watch a movie, it will cost 2 euros.

The museum is open daily from 9.00 to 14.00, except Saturday. Entrance is 5 euros and 2 euros for children under 12. Phone: +3028970-23660

Skotino Cave

At 16 kilometers from Hersonissos and 2 from the village of Skotino, a cave is hidden with such a peculiar name for the Russian ear. There are very few tourists here, there is no illumination, entrance tickets are not sold here. Nevertheless, this cave is worth visiting on your own, armed with a flashlight.

The cave is 160 meters long, 36 meters wide and 10 meters high. It is divided into several halls filled with many stalactites and stalagmites of the most bizarre shapes. Some of them look like people, others look like animals, in the people they got names: the head of a child, the face of a goddess, a bear, a sitting dog.

The excavations of the cave were started in 1962, as a result, a large number of objects dating back to the Minoan era were found. Among them are bronze figurines with right hand, brought to the forehead, which symbolizes worship. This allowed scientists to draw a conclusion about the cult purpose of the cave, which has been preserved for thousands of years.

With right side above the entrance to the cave is a small snow-white church of Agia Paraskevi. It was built on the ruins of a chapel built by the Venetians in the 16th century in honor of the healer Paraskeva. The back of the church is carved right into the rock, this is perfectly visible if you go inside and look at the ceiling.

You can only get to the cave by taxi or.

Knossos palace

Resting in Hersonissos, one cannot fail to visit the famous cult palace of King Minos, which is located just 32 kilometers from the resort.

In the Minoan era, Knossos had more than 90 thousand inhabitants, and the royal palace was the most luxurious and largest on the island: more than 1000 rooms, an extensive sewage system made up of clay pipes of different diameters, a system of separate houses, halls, numerous warehouses and courtyards.

Due to the complexity of communication between all rooms, it is considered the place where the Labyrinth of the Minotaur, known to everyone from Greek myths, was located.

This was largely due to the analysis of ancient Roman coins found at the excavation site. On the front side of the coins was the inscription Knosion, and on the back - the image of the Minotaur.

Thanks to the excavations begun by Sir Arthur Evans in 1900, and the subsequent reconstruction carried out by him, one can imagine what this monumental complex looked like more than 3500 years ago.

Modern scholars criticize Evans' activities in restoring fragments of the palace, as they do not always agree with historical reality. But it is worth making your own opinion after visiting this colossal structure.

Those ruins that we see today belong to the second palace, erected on the site of the first, destroyed in 1700 BC. e. powerful earthquake. The second palace was also destroyed around 1450 BC. e., leaving behind many legends and myths.

You can use public transport to visit the palace.
From Hersonissos you need to get to Heraklion for 3 euros. Buses run every half an hour and the journey takes about 30 minutes. At the Heraklion bus station, a ticket to Knossos and back will also cost 3 euros, the journey takes 20 minutes.
Entrance ticket to the archaeological zone costs 6 euros, a map of the palace is attached to the ticket.

The archaeological museum of Heraklion contains many finds, authentic evidence of bygone eras found during the excavations of the Knossos Palace: the famous frescoes "Prince with Lilies", "Parisian", bronze ritual vessels, a statue of the goddess of fertility, stone vases and many other exhibits that opened the world the existence of one of the oldest civilizations on the planet.

Opening hours of the museum, located on Xanthoudidou Street, from Tuesday to Saturday from 8.00 to 20.00, on Monday from 9.00 to 16.00.
On Thursdays and Fridays are free tours, during which archaeologists tell the story of the objects of the palace collected in the collection.
The price of the entrance ticket is 4 euros. Phone: +30 281 027 9000.

water parks

Star Beach Waterpark

Star Beach, opened in 1993, is located on the outskirts of the city, on the territory of the hotel of the same name. Represents a whole entertainment center, which also includes a Spa area, a dive center, a beach, a water sports center, four bars and restaurants.

Entrance to the water park is free. Two sunbeds, a table and an umbrella cost 8 euros for the whole day, by paying, you can move around the entire territory.
Rent a locker for clothes 3 euros. The cost of skiing for adults is 8 euros per day, for children it is free. There is a kamikaze slide, a river for riding large inflatable circles, and aquaslalom.
Thrill-seekers are offered bungee jumping for 50 euros.

A feature of the water park is its location on the shore, so you can sunbathe on the grass under the trees or on the sandy beach, which has a convenient, gentle entry into the water.

For small children in the water park, in addition to children's slides, there is also a trampoline and a playground. Parents should pay attention to the fact that at 16.00 the favorite entertainment of international youth begins - the foam party, which is accompanied by very loud music. In the evenings, discos are held on the beach, which are often attended by famous DJs.
Opening hours 10.00-19.00, phone: +30 28970 29351.

Acqua Plus Water Park

Acqua Plus separates 5 kilometers from Hersonissos, if you go in the direction from the city to the village of Kastelli. The water park is divided into two zones: slides for adults, including extreme ones, and a play area with slides and a playground for children. In total there are about 50 slides.
Sunbeds are provided free of charge. The water park is located on a hill, which, on the one hand, allows you to enjoy magnificent views, and on the other hand, the sun is very harsh here, you need to remember about sunscreen.

On the territory there are several bars and cafes where you can dine for 20 euros for two. Locker rental 3 euros. At the entrance, a bracelet is issued, on which the sum of all purchases is entered, payment at the exit.

Buses run from Hersonissos twice a day to the water park, and you can order a transfer by calling +302897024950 or +302897024950. A taxi ride will cost 13-15 euros.

Entrance to the water park for children under 5 years old is free. For adults - 24 euros, for children under 13 years old - 16 euros.
If you book a ticket through the Acqua Plus website, then a ticket for adults will cost 21 euros, for children under 13 years old - 14 euros.
Opening hours from 10.00 to 18.30.

Aquariums

Aquaworld Aquarium

Aquaworld is located on Filikis Etirias street in the port of Hersonissos, 100 meters from the bus stop and 50 from the Spar supermarket.

The aquarium was created in 1995 by John McLaren with the financial support of Kostas Papadakis. In addition to underwater inhabitants, a large number of reptiles found salvation from inevitable death here. It will be interesting for children to feed and stroke the spur-bearing turtle, python, Balkan snake. Iguanas walk in the backyard of the building. If you come to 10.30, you can watch the feeding of the inhabitants of the aquarium.

Aquaworld is open every day from 10.00 to 18.00. Entrance ticket for adults costs 6 euros, for children 4 euros.

CRETAquarium

Another, widely known, aquarium is located 15 kilometers from the city towards Heraklion, on the territory of the former American military base in the village of Gouves. This is the largest aquarium in all of Greece. There are more than 2500 inhabitants in 60 aquariums: sharks, sea ​​turtles, colorful tropical fish and tiny marine inhabitants that can only be seen through a microscope. Modern audio and video systems allow you to fully feel the atmosphere of the underwater world.

From Hersonissos can be reached for 3 euros by bus, Gouves is the next stop that the bus makes to Heraklion. The fare for a taxi will be 15 euros.

The aquarium is open daily from 9.30 to 21.00. Ticket price 8 euros, for children 6 euros. Phone: +30 2810 337788.

Sea trips

From the port of Hersonissos, you can go on small, exciting sea trips. For 20 euros, a walk to the neighboring resort village of Sissi is offered.

Beautiful views, sea breeze, a glass of wine and fruits on board, swimming in the bay, walking along the narrow streets. If you take such an excursion in the late afternoon, a sea voyage can be combined with dinner in one of the Sissi taverns.

Another popular entertainment is an hour and a half trip on a boat with a transparent bottom. You can see several species of fish, caretta-caretta turtle or even moray eels.

The cost of the tour is 15 euros for adults, 10 euros for children from 6 to 12 years old, 4 euros for children from 2 to 4 years old.
In addition, for 35 euros you can go on an evening fishing trip.

Horse rides

Crete is a great place to go horseback riding. Even if you have never ridden a horse before, it is worth visiting Arion's stable.

A walk along the seashore on well-bred horses, accompanied by an experienced instructor, can bring pleasure. Children have the opportunity to ride a pony. In addition, on the territory of the stable there is a mini-zoo, a playground and a magnificent tavern. A table must be booked in advance, as dishes prepared according to homemade recipes are known far beyond Hersonissos.

Walks in the surrounding area must be booked by e-mail with the obligatory indication of your degree of preparation. The cost of a 15-minute ride on a horse is 15 euros, on a pony for children 5 euros. The price of a longer walk depends on the route, determined by your level of readiness, approximately 50 euros for two hours.

The stable is located between Ano Hersonissos village and Analipis beach. Opening hours from 7.00 to 19.00. Phone: +30 6973733825, +30 6973 7369 12.

Tourist mini train

Departs from the port on two routes.

One is for 5 hours (20 euros), along the coast to the town of Analipsi and back, departs at 9.00, the other takes 2 hours (10 euros, 6 for children), departure every 30 minutes.
The second route passes through the port, then along the promenade, then rises to Ano Hersonissos and returns.

At any stop, you can get off and continue the journey with another train, you just need to keep the check.

Park Labyrinth (Labyrinth)

It is located 4 kilometers from Hersonissos in the direction of the town of Kastelli.
This is a family park, on 1300 m² of which the legendary myth about Theseus, who got into the Labyrinth to the Minotaur, is recreated. He managed not only to defeat the monstrous creature, but also, thanks to the thread of Ariadne, to get back. There are many paths that intersect with stairs, air bridges and towers (the path of the hero cannot be easy).
The time required to complete the maze will be approximately 35 minutes. Organizers advise not to forget a hat for children and a bottle of water.

On the territory of the park there is a mini-farm, a pony for riding lessons, a pottery workshop where you can make some product with your own hands (3 euros), and you can also try your hand at archery (3 euros).

The park is open from 10.00 to 20.00, on weekends from 10.00 to 22.00.
The last entrance to the labyrinth is one hour before the park closes. Entrance ticket for adults costs 8 euros, 5 euros for children from 4 to 11 years old, children under 4 years old are free. For 3 euros, children can play mini golf or ride mini quad bikes.
Phone: +30 28970 29297, +30 6975903300/3
You can get here from Hersonissos by taxi for 10 euros.

Holidays in Hersonissos should first of all be recommended to young, active people, for whom all conditions are created here. However, families with children and romantic couples will find ways to diversify their vacation and make it memorable.

You can get to Hersonissos from Heraklion by bus: first from the airport to the city station of Heraklion for 0.8 euros, departure every 15 minutes, then by bus to the resort for 3.5 euros. Travel time 45 minutes. A taxi from the airport will cost about 50 euros.