Hersonissos, lying twenty-six kilometres east of Heraklion airport, is a modern, vibrant resort renowned for its nightlife. It is well developed as a tourist centre with wide-ranging facilities and a nightlife that attracts many young people. The sandy beaches, warm clear waters and guaranteed sunshine combine to draw thousands of British visitors to Hersonissos every year.
Hersonissos is a cosmopolitan centre offering sun, sand and sea as well as a lively nightlife. Holidaymakers will find a wide range of excellent accommodation, numerous leisure activities and a nightlife that is renowned for its verve and vitality.
Although Hersonissos has widespread appeal, it is particularly popular with young singles drawn to the resort by its lively nightlife. Beautiful beaches with safe bathing attract families with small children and water sports with varying degrees of excitement appeal to adults of all ages.
The most popular time to visit Hersonissos is in the summer. The season extends from Easter to October when the temperature range is from twenty to thirty degrees.
Hersonissos, on the north coast of Crete, has developed into a very popular resort even though the atmosphere is lacking authentic Greek character. What the resort lacks in character it more than compensates with excellent facilities ensuring visitors of a holiday to remember. Hersonissos has a number of beautiful sandy beaches as well as sheltered coves both sandy and pebbly. There are wide-ranging opportunities for participating in water sports from jet skiing to banana boating and from fishing to snorkelling.
Those looking for a quieter time can visit the nearby villages of Piskopiano, Koutouloufari and Old Hersonissos which are barely touched by tourism. The narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, window boxes overflowing with vibrant blossoms and the slow pace of life are a pleasant reminder of bygone days. A short trip to the town of Rethymnon is certainly worthwhile. It is a charming place with both Ottoman and Venetian architecture which attracts many visitors each year.
Leisure activities in the area include the Star Beach Waterpark, go-karting and horse riding.
Hersonissos nightlife has something for everyone. There are many restaurants and tavernas where it is possible to have a quiet meal especially in the nearby villages. For those who have the energy to party until dawn the harbour is the area to visit with its numerous bars and clubs. July and August are the liveliest months and is the most popular time for a young singles holiday.
There are enough shops and boutiques in Hersonissos to satisfy most shoppers. Since many of the shops have air conditioning they offer respite from the heat. There are some excellent leather shops in Hersonissos containing high quality goods at bargain prices. There are the usual numbers of gift and souvenir shops where you can purchase your holiday mementoes as well as some rather fancy jewellers. Among the local crafts are ceramics, leather goods and embroidered linens, all of which make very popular gifts.
Eating in Greece is something to be enjoyed in a leisurely fashion so don’t expect quick service. Instead sit back and enjoy the aromas of your meal being freshly cooked while sipping a glass of your favourite beverage. There are restaurants and tavernas in Hersonissos serving a wide variety of food and catering for most tastes. The local cuisine relies heavily on fish which is fresh from the morning catch and cooked simply. Moussaka is another firm favourite. The Greek ‘Mezedes’, the equivalent of the Spanish ‘Tapas’, makes an ideal lunch. Children are warmly welcomed in restaurants and their tastes and portion size are usually accommodated.
