Shopping in Hersonissos: where to shop, what to buy and when
Hersonissos is no shopping city, but its long main street and harbour promenade are full of small shops. Here is what is worth buying there, and when to head to Heraklion instead.
- Most shops in Hersonissos are on the main street, Eleftheriou Venizelou, and the harbour promenade.
- Worth buying: olive oil, honey, herbs, ceramics, leather goods and jewellery.
- For big shopping trips and brands, Heraklion is better, about half an hour away.
For souvenirs and local products, Hersonissos is enough. For clothes, brands and a wide choice, plan half a day in Heraklion.
Where to shop in Hersonissos
Hersonissos (officially Limenas Chersonisou) is a resort town on Crete's north coast, east of Heraklion. Shopping centres on two places:
- The main street, Eleftheriou Venizelou: the long street running through town, with souvenir, clothing and jewellery shops and cafés.
- The harbour promenade: according to Completely Crete, it is lined with little shops next to bars and restaurants. Especially nice for an evening stroll.
The main street is also home to "Mall Hersonissos" (El. Venizelou 20). According to In Your Pocket it is not an enclosed mall but a small cluster of souvenir shops, a few clothing stores and cafés, open 06:00–22:00 daily. Worth knowing before you arrive expecting a shopping centre.
What to buy in Hersonissos
| Product | Why |
|---|---|
| Cretan olive oil | Crete is famous for its olive oil. Buy it in bottles or small tins for the flight. |
| Honey and herbs | Thyme honey, oregano and Cretan mountain tea (malotira). |
| Ceramics | Local-style dishes and pots. |
| Leather goods | Bags, wallets and sandals. |
| Gold and silver jewellery | Completely Crete calls it a good place to find a bargain. Compare prices across shops. |
| Olive oil soap | An easy, fairly cheap souvenir. |
Olive oil and honey: if you fly with hand luggage only, remember the liquids limit at security. Better to pack them in your suitcase.
And the hill villages?
Above the town are three small villages: Old Hersonissos, Piskopiano and Koutouloufari. They are quieter, with whitewashed lanes, views and tavernas, and a few small shops selling local products. A good place for a relaxed evening. See where to stay in Hersonissos.
Street markets
Crete has weekly street markets (laiki) with fruit, vegetables, cheese and local products. According to Meet Crete, markets run on a fixed weekday, roughly 07:00–14:00, and their location can change. Ask your hotel reception for the exact day and place in and around Hersonissos.
When to go to Heraklion instead
If you want brands, a big choice of clothes or a real market, Heraklion is close, about half an hour's drive. It has shopping streets, the 1866 Street market and shopping centres. See shopping in Heraklion.
Shopping tips
- Hours: in season, Hersonissos shops stay open late into the evening. Out of season, from November to March, many close.
- Bargaining: in souvenir and jewellery shops you can sometimes ask for a discount, especially when buying several items.
- VAT refund: non-EU residents can claim a VAT refund (Tax Free) on purchases above a set amount in participating shops. Ask in the shop and keep the form.
More on Hersonissos: the Hersonissos guide, nightlife and Hersonissos with kids. For kosher food see kosher and Chabad in Hersonissos.
FAQ
Is there a mall in Hersonissos? Not a large one. "Mall Hersonissos" on the main street is a small cluster of souvenir and clothing shops and cafés.
What is best to buy in Crete? Olive oil, honey, herbs, ceramics, leather goods and jewellery.
Where is the main street in Hersonissos? Eleftheriou Venizelou, the long street running through town parallel to the beach.
Where can I do big shopping near Hersonissos? In Heraklion, about half an hour away, with shopping streets, a market and shopping centres.
