Hersonissos nightlife: bars, clubs and beach parties in Crete
Hersonissos is Crete's nightlife capital. Here is where the bars and clubs are, what kind of venues to expect, and where to stay if you want peace and quiet.
- Nightlife is concentrated around the harbour and along the Hersonissos strip, with bars, clubs and beach parties.
- The crowd is mostly young and parties usually start after midnight.
- Families wanting quiet stay in Piskopiano, Koutouloufari or Analipsi.
Hersonissos suits young people looking for parties. Families and couples who want quiet should stay in the villages above town or on quieter stretches of coast, and come down to the promenade in the evening.
Where is the nightlife in Hersonissos?
Hersonissos is on the north coast of Crete, about 25 km east of Heraklion and 18 km from the airport. Most of the nightlife is around the harbour and the main strip, plus beach bars. You can walk from bar to bar.
What kind of venues are there?
According to nightlife guides from British tour operators, Hersonissos has several types of venue:
| Type | What to expect | Examples mentioned |
|---|---|---|
| Beach clubs | DJs, dancing, sea-view terraces | New York Beach Club, Kahlua Beach Bar |
| Pool parties | Open-air parties with pools and shisha | Palm Beach Club, Star Beach |
| Dance clubs | International DJs and theme nights | Club Sensation |
| Bars and pubs | Irish and British pubs, sport on TV | Shenanigans, The White Lion |
| Cocktail bars | Greek music and local cocktails | Enigma |
Venues change from season to season, so check what is open when you arrive.
Who is it for?
The crowd is mostly young, and parties usually start after midnight and run until morning. Summer is the season. In winter most clubs close and the promenade is mainly restaurants and cafés.
Where to stay for a quiet night
- Piskopiano and Koutouloufari: traditional villages above town with tavernas and views, a few minutes' drive from the action.
- Old Hersonissos (Pano Hersonissos): an inland village of stone lanes.
- Analipsi and Anissaras: quieter beach areas, good for families.
Kosher and Shabbat
Hersonissos is home to Chabad of Crete, which makes it a convenient base for kosher-keeping travellers. See kosher and Chabad in Hersonissos.
Staying safe
- Keep an eye on your drink.
- Drink plenty of water between drinks in the heat.
- For late returns, book a taxi in advance or go back as a group.
- In an emergency, call 112.
FAQ
Where is the nightlife in Hersonissos? Around the harbour and the main strip, plus beach bars and clubs.
When is party season in Hersonissos? Summer. Most clubs close in winter.
Is Hersonissos suitable for families? The town itself is noisy at night. Families prefer the villages above it or Analipsi, visiting the promenade in the early evening.
