Located in the north of Crete, Heraklion is the island’s capital. Renowned for its lively atmosphere, numerous tourist attractions, beautiful beaches and local gastronomy, travelers who visit Heraklion appreciate the warm welcome of the locals and the relaxed atmosphere. With its heavenly beaches, medieval architecture and culinary specialties, it’s a popular destination for travelers.
Easily accessible from Heraklion international airport, you can rent a car on site or take a cab. But before you think about transportation, it’s important to know where to stay in Heraklion.
That’s why, in this guide, we’ll be listing the best places to stay in Heraklion, as well as our recommendations for the best local accommodations.
Main information
Before going into the description of the districts to target when selecting accommodation in Heraklion, here are the essentials to know about tourism.
Our favorite places to stay
First of all, if you’re in a hurry, here are our top picks for accommodation in Heraklion:
- $ this accommodation, just a stone’s throw from the sights, offers attractive prices.
- $$ this hotel, in a rather central location, offers good value for money.
- $$$ this upscale establishment offers private beach access. It’s one of the best places to stay in Heraklion, close to the beach, if your budget allows.
Map of different areas to stay in Heraklion
We’re now sharing the map on which you can find all our recommended hotels and apartments where to stay in Heraklion. This map will also enable you to locate the different geographical areas that we will cover in this guide.
We’ve used the following color code: green for budget hotels, blue for mid-range hotels and red for luxury hotels.
Heraklion accommodation essentials
Here is some information to help you understand the city:
Where to stay in and around Heraklion
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Heraklion.
Stay in the historic center, right in the heart of the action
Considered one of the best places to stay in Heraklion, the historic center is renowned for the diversity of its monuments: cathedrals, museums, architecture and craft markets, choosing to stay here means opting for a stay in the heart of an authentic, friendly atmosphere.
You'll have the chance to visit the Archaeological Museum and the Natural History Museum, as well as the Municipal Art Gallery and the Bembo Fountain. You're also just a few steps away from the famous Heraklion Fortress on the seafront. Whether you're looking for a cultural experience or a relaxing getaway, you'll easily find what you're looking for.
The international airport is a three-kilometer drive away: you can reach it from your accommodation either by shuttle bus or cab. To get around the city, there are numerous bus stops all over the city. You can also rent a car directly from the airport if you wish to travel around the island. The nearest beach is a fifteen-minute drive away.
Most of the local streets are home to numerous shops, restaurants, bars and cafés. For burger lovers, we recommend a visit to Goody's Burger House. For a local specialty, most travelers recommend booking a table at Apiri Greek Eatery. Before doing so, don't hesitate to visit Xalavro Open Bar, where you can enjoy a drink in the heart of the local atmosphere.
Living here is slightly cheaper than in France, so you'll easily find affordable accommodation. Where to stay, you'll often find hotels or youth hostels.
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Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Featuring a lounge and breakfast room, it offers spacious, comfortable rooms.
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Decorated in a modern style, some of our rooms offer sea views. A buffet breakfast is served every morning.
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The hotel has a bar and restaurant. Its reception is open 24 hours a day, and you'll enjoy a magnificent view of the sea.
Accommodation in Chanioporta, west of the historic center
This district is located at the entrance to the medieval city of Heraklion. Considered the second most popular district among travelers, it is appreciated for its proximity to the beaches of Agia Marina and for the warm welcome of its inhabitants.
Renowned for its picturesque architecture, colorful buildings and traditional atmosphere, it's a district where there's never a dull moment. Staying in Chanioporta means you'll be staying close to the city walls, where you can enjoy a stroll and a panoramic view of Heraklion. Even if most of the museums are in the center, you'll always find something to do: wander the cobbled streets, discover the craft stores or stroll through a park.
You can easily reach the center, and the port is less than twenty minutes away on foot. The airport is around six kilometers away . If you've rented a car, you'll have no trouble parking in one of the public parking lots.
For food lovers, there are a number of restaurants in the area. We recommend you try a gyros, a derivative of the kebab, at Petousis. As for where to stay, whether you're looking for traditional or modern-style accommodation, there's something for everyone. Most are rather expensive.
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Well-equipped apartment with family suites and terrace. Pleasant, modern decor.
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Sleeping up to four people, this apartment comprises a bedroom, living room, fully-equipped kitchen and balcony.
Stay in Agios Dimitrios, close to the beaches
Known for its proximity to Ammoudara Beach, Agios Dimitrios is highly appreciated for its peaceful, authentic atmosphere. If you choose to stay here, you'll be staying close to several tourist attractions: Bravo Water Park, a large water park, the Eco Diving Center, renowned for its diving, or one of Heraklion's beaches, Paralia Ammourada.
Although this is a less touristy area than the others, you'll appreciate the warm, friendly welcome of the locals. You'll also have the chance to wander the cobbled streets and discover the architecture of traditional Cretan houses, visit the local churches, or enjoy a coffee in one of the small squares.
With excellent public transport links, you can reach the center in just 30 minutes on foot or by taking the bus from one of the stops in the neighborhood. The nearest beach is less than 500 m away on foot. Chanioporta is less than five kilometers away.
More of a residential area, Agios Dimitrios has few bars and restaurants. However, you can sample some Cretan specialties at the Thalassini Aura, just a few steps from the sea.
When it comes to where to stay, whether in a hotel, apartment or guesthouse, there are several options to choose from. Given its location slightly removed from the central districts, the price of accommodation remains very affordable.
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Located just a few metres from the beach, this Michelin-starred hotel boasts an outdoor pool and free parking.
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Located on the seafront, this hotel features a wellness center, outdoor pool, large restaurant and solarium.
Lodging east of Heraklion, in the small village of Karteros
Karteros is famous for its white sandy beaches: Karteros Beach and Amnissos Beach. Most travelers who choose to stay in this village have vehicles. Indeed, staying in Karteros is an alternative that allows you to spend a holiday close to the beaches, while being only a few kilometers by car from the center of Heraklion.
The CRETAquarium, the island's largest aquarium, is less than a fifteen-minute drive away. As Karteros is only a six-minute drive from the airport, it's advisable to rent a car as soon as you arrive. The historic center of Heraklion is seven kilometers away.
Given its proximity to the motherland, the majority of restaurants serve fish. We recommend you try the Parasiris Restaurant, or watch the sunset with a cocktail at the Cicada Seascape Experience.
In terms of accommodation, staying in Karteros is the ideal option if you're looking for a quiet break from the hustle and bustle of the city center. If you opt for seaside accommodation, then rates can sometimes be high. However, for accommodation a little further away, you can find hotels at affordable prices.
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Just 30 meters from the beach, this luxurious establishment offers small, fully-equipped apartments.
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This star-rated hotel is entirely reserved for adults. It boasts an outdoor pool, restaurant and private beach.
Stay in the traditional village of Agia Pelagia
Located to the west of Heraklion, some twenty kilometers away, this ancient fishing village is a popular destination for travelers who don't want to stay in the city center. Renowned for its charming atmosphere, Agia Pelagia offers unique experiences: turquoise beaches, picturesque landscapes and green mountains.
Staying in the village doesn't mean you can't explore Heraklion and the region's other attractions. The historic center is about a thirty-minute drive away. You can also take time to explore the wild coves by boat from the small port of Agia Pelagia.
Known for its charming atmosphere, you're sure to come across traditional bars, stores and restaurants as you stroll through the village's narrow streets. For all seafood lovers, we recommend dining at Almyra Seaside food & Cocktails: a magnificent venue offering breathtaking sea views.
When it comes to accommodation, there's something for everyone: luxury hotels, apartments, guesthouses or youth hostels.
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Popular with adults and children alike, this accommodation is just a few steps from the beach and boasts a large outdoor pool.
Summary
In conclusion, Heraklion is a popular destination for travelers seeking cultural experiences. Rich in history, it’s the ideal option for a holiday combining beaches and cultural attractions. Budget, length of stay, program: all these criteria need to be taken into account when planning your trip. But above all, it’s important to think about where to stay during your stay.
That’s why, in this guide, we’ve listed the best places to stay in Heraklion, along with our recommendations for accommodation, based on travelers’ opinions.