Choosing a base
Heraklion is Crete's largest city and the main gateway to the island, but it is not a beach destination in itself. Most visitors stay along the coast either side of the city or further afield, using Heraklion as a base for culture and dining. The best choice depends on whether you want convenience, beaches, nightlife or peace and quiet.
Wherever you stay, a rental car opens up the island and makes day trips far easier.
Heraklion city
Staying in the city puts you close to the excellent archaeological museum, the Venetian harbour and fortress, and plenty of restaurants and bars. It is ideal for a short break or for the first and last nights of a longer trip, as the airport is very close.
The downside is that you will need to drive or take a bus to reach good beaches, though Amnissos is close by.
Hotels in the city range from small boutique places in restored buildings to larger business hotels, and staying central means you can walk to the harbour walls for sunset and then on to dinner in the lanes around the market.
Resorts east of the city
The coast east of Heraklion, around Hersonissos, Stalis and Malia, has the island's biggest concentration of hotels, from family resorts with pools to all-inclusive complexes. The beaches are sandy and well organised, and there are plenty of restaurants and activities.
Some areas, especially around Malia, are known for nightlife, which may or may not suit you. Villages slightly inland, such as Koutouloufari and Piskopiano above Hersonissos, offer a quieter atmosphere with views over the sea.
Quieter bays west of the city
To the west, Agia Pelagia and the nearby coves offer a more relaxed alternative within easy reach of Heraklion. The bays are sheltered and the atmosphere is calmer than in the big resorts.
Further east, Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, about an hour from Heraklion, are popular for upmarket hotels and the calm waters of the Gulf of Mirabello. They make a good base for exploring eastern Crete and visiting Spinalonga.
Booking tips
Many hotels on Crete open from spring to autumn and close in winter, so check dates if travelling out of season. A Flight + Hotel package to Heraklion lets you compare options and book everything in one go, and adding a rental car means you are free to explore the south coast and the mountains as well.
Good to know
- Stay in Heraklion for the first or last night for airport access.
- Choose inland villages above resorts for quieter evenings.
- Check seasonal opening dates outside summer.