Hersonissos, Crete: things to do, beaches, day trips and Chabad
Everything you need about the Crete resort Israelis love: attractions, beaches, day trips, getting there, kosher food and Shabbat.
- A resort on Crete's north coast, about half an hour from Heraklion airport.
- Beaches, water parks, the Lychnostatis museum and nightlife.
- The Chabad house of Crete is in Hersonissos.
Hersonissos is a convenient base for families and for anyone wanting Shabbat with Chabad. For quiet, choose a hotel in the hill villages or on the edge of town, and hire a car for day trips.
What is Hersonissos?
Hersonissos is a resort town on the north coast of Crete, a few kilometres east of Heraklion and about half an hour's drive from Heraklion airport. It is one of the most popular places in Crete with Israelis: all-inclusive hotels, beaches, nightlife, water parks, and the Chabad house of Crete is here.
The name covers several neighbouring places:
- Limani Hersonissou: the seaside town with the harbour, promenade and hotels.
- The hill villages: Koutouloufari, Piskopiano and Old Hersonissos, quieter and with sea views.
- The surrounding beach resorts: Anissaras, Stalis and nearby Malia.
Things to do in Hersonissos
- Lychnostatis Open Air Museum: traditional Cretan life, with a farmhouse, a windmill and a distillery. Good for children too.
- Aquaworld: a small aquarium and reptile rescue centre.
- Water parks and a theme park: there are several water parks in the area, and Labyrinth Park, themed on Greek mythology.
- The harbour at sunset: a promenade of cafés and the little church of Agios Nikolaos on the water.
- The hill villages in the evening: tavernas in Koutouloufari and Piskopiano with views of the bay. Piskopiano has an agricultural museum in an old olive press.
Hersonissos beaches
- Star Beach: the main beach in town, with water sports and beach parties. In summer arrive early; it fills up.
- Nearby beaches: according to Discover Greece, the beaches of Hersonissos, Malia and Stalis are known for white sand and blue-green water. Others include Anissaras, Limanakia and Analipsi.
More beaches across the island: Crete's best beaches.
Day trips from Hersonissos
| Destination | What you see |
|---|---|
| Knossos | Minoan palace, about half an hour by car |
| Malia Palace | Crete's third-largest Minoan palace |
| Agios Nikolaos and Elounda | Lake town and bay, about 30–60 minutes |
| Spinalonga | Boat from Elounda, or tours from Hersonissos |
| Cretaquarium | One of Europe's largest aquariums, in Gournes |
More on Heraklion: what to see in Heraklion; on Elounda: things to do in Elounda.
How to get to Hersonissos
- Bus from Heraklion: KTEL of eastern Crete runs frequent buses in summer and fewer in winter. Check the current timetable and fare on the company's website.
- Taxi or transfer from the airport: about half an hour; agree the price in advance.
- Hire car: most convenient for day trips. See car hire in Crete.
Hersonissos for Israelis: kosher and Shabbat
The Chabad house of Crete is in Hersonissos, with Shabbat meals, prayers and a kosher shop. Service is reduced in winter. Full details: kosher and Chabad in Hersonissos, and Shabbat times in Crete on our Shabbat times & kosher page.
FAQ
Where is Hersonissos? On the north coast of Crete, a few kilometres east of Heraklion, about half an hour's drive from the airport.
Is Hersonissos good for families? Yes. It has all-inclusive hotels, water parks, an aquarium and the Lychnostatis museum. The town centre also has loud nightlife, so families sometimes prefer hotels on the edge of town or in the hill villages.
Is there a Chabad house in Hersonissos? Yes, the Chabad house of Crete is in Hersonissos, with Shabbat meals and a kosher shop. Winter hours are reduced, so arrange in advance.
Hersonissos or Malia? Hersonissos is more varied and suits families too. Neighbouring Malia is known mainly for nightlife for young people.
