Village Heights Resort is situated in Hersonissos, just a step away from the Crete Golf club. It’s a relaxing getaway that features a spa centre with fitness area, sauna, hot tub, hammam, 2 outdoor pools, an indoor heated pool and 2 kids’ pools. Free WiFi access is available throughout the property.
In true traditional Cretan Village style, all studios, apartments and villas come with panoramic views of the stunning countryside and the sea. They also feature a satellite TV and DVD player, a fully equipped kitchen and coffee machine. Each unit features a private bathroom with a bath, a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Guests can enjoy Cretan and international dishes at the on-site restaurants and poolside snack bar, while a range of refreshments, coffee and alcoholic drinks can be enjoyed at the pool bar.
On-site sports facilities include a tennis court, a mini golf and a volleyball court. Kids facilities include a mini club with a playground, a games room and table tennis. For family fun, the Crete Aquarium and the Labyrinth are at close proximity. Other on-site facilities include a mini market and a library.
The property can make arrangements for car hire, while daily shuttle from/to Hersonissos is also provided. The nearest airport is Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, 17 km from Village Heights Resort.
Find below list of things to do near Village Heights Resort:
Spend a special day in one of the largest water parks on Crete. Pre-book an entrance ticket to Acqua Plus Water Park, approximately 26 kilometers east of Heraklion, and enjoy over 50 different slides, games and facilities where the friendly and helpful staff await you.
Enjoy adrenaline thrills at different slides, and attractions, like the Aqua Slalom, Black Holes, and Crazy River. Alternatively, get in some serious relaxation on a lazy river. Visitors of all ages can find something to suit among the dozens of different slides, making it an ideal day out for the entire family.
Swim in the main pool, or slip and slide down the 262-foot (80-meter) hydrotube. Relax on the lazy river or at the hydromassage pool. The park even has a garden section where you can see Cretan flowers, palm trees, and bougainvillea, along with French marigolds and many other flowers.
Benefit from hotel pick-up at approximately 08:00 and journey to Acqua Plus Water Park in Heraklion for an estimated arrival time of around 10:30. Then, enjoy the park at leisure until 17:00.
Situated just 5 kilometers from Hersonissos and 30 kilometers from Heraklion, Acqua Plus Water Park entertains thousands of visitors every year with its thrill rides and relaxation areas. Divided into 2 sections – one for adults and the other for kids – the park includes a large number of extreme slides and water features. Zig-zag your way through 3 different pools on the Crazy River, or ride through the Black Holes and experience beams of light that attack your senses before you emerge for the final splash!
Stroll around the gorgeous garden, filled with native plants and exotic flowers to create a Garden of Eden. Perched on a hill, the park is easy to work your way around with little effort. Save your energy for rides such as the Kamikaze waterslide or Tsunami. Take the little ones to the dedicated kids area and drift around on the Lazy River or just watch them play in the active playground.
Avoid waiting in lines with a unique system that ensures you can enjoy the slides and games as much as possible, and benefit from the park’s reputation for cleanliness, hospitality and safety. Qualified lifeguards and a stand-by doctor are ready to assist and protect you at any minute of the day.
Spend a special day in one of the largest water parks on Crete. Pre-book an entrance ticket to Acqua Plus Water Park, approximately 26 kilometers east of Heraklion, and enjoy over 50 different slides, games and facilities where the friendly and helpful staff await you.
Enjoy adrenaline thrills at different slides, and attractions, like the Aqua Slalom, Black Holes, and Crazy River. Alternatively, get in some serious relaxation on a lazy river. Visitors of all ages can find something to suit among the dozens of different slides, making it an ideal day out for the entire family.
Swim in the main pool, or slip and slide down the 262-foot (80-meter) hydrotube. Relax on the lazy river or at the hydromassage pool. The park even has a garden section where you can see Cretan flowers, palm trees, and bougainvillea, along with French marigolds and many other flowers.
Explore Chersonissos while riding a mini tourist train. Roll past the picturesque old town, two beaches, and the boats in the port. See more of Crete with the half-day option to the country villages of Avdou, Gonies, and Potamies.
Hop on the train and listen to Greek music and your audio commentary as you see the lively old town in Chersonissos. Admire the narrow streets and churches. Snap pictures of the boats at the port. View the sandy beaches at Analipsi and Anisaras.
On the half-day trip head to the villages of Avdou, Gonies, and Potamies. Enjoy views of the countryside and water as you ride along. Dink Raki (a traditional liquor) and snack on some local sweets.
Embark on a multi-stop cruise from Heraklion to St. Georges Bay, Sissi, Stalis, and more. Hop on board the Black Rose pirate boat and enjoy a pirate-themed experience with face painting, music, dancing, and a BBQ meal.
The Black Rose sails daily from the Port of Hersonissos through the clear waters of the Cretan Sea. The first stop on the trip is St. Georges Bay. You’ll have around 2 hours to swim and snorkel and explore the area.
By the time you’re back on the boat, the pirate crew will have prepared a delicious BBQ meal for you to enjoy. Later, head for the coast of Malia and Stalis for the second swimming stop.
Matala, a safe natural harbor, 65 kilometers from Heraklon, on the Bay of Messara, blessed with a gently sweeping sandy beach, where Zeus swam ashore in the guise of a bull with Europa on his back. The beach is 250m long and 45m wide.
Matala has something for everyone. It has become a popular tourist destination but still retains the character of a quiet fishing village. it started at the beginning of the 20th-century, and goes back to the lifestyle of the hippies of the 60’s and 70’s lives on. Matala hippies’ history relives during the 3 days Matala beach festival, every June since 2011. Half beach is fringed by tamarisk trees, leading the eye on to impressive formations of sandstone rock cliffs with their famous caves, creating one of the most unusual beachscapes on the island.
There have been many pages of history here. Nobody knows quite who started caves but it seems that they were first hollowed out as Roman or early Christian tombs. There are other ruins at the eastern end of the village and in the clear waters of Messara Bay there are ancient ruins to be seen in the depths.
Matala it is one of just over 400 beaches in Greece that have been awarded a Blue Flag. This exclusive eco-label is given to beaches that offer cleanliness and safe bathing areas and has strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental management and safety. There is a lifeguard and first aid facilities, as well as toilets and showers.
The beaches of Matala, come under Natura 2000, a European Union network of nature protection.
At the beach there are sport facilities as well as activities for children
Find below list of beaches near Village Heights Resort:
Analipsi, or Ascension, is a village situated 20km to the east of Heraklion and is named after the Ascension of Christ church. Positioned in a fertile valley, the area is primarily utilized for olive groves. In the early 20th century, it was known as Svourou Metohi, after the Turks who owned land there. Upon Crete’s liberation from the Ottomans, Analipsi was given to the shepherds of Agios Georgios village in Lasithi Plateau as a winter grazing ground. Now, these shepherds’ fortunate descendants own expansive properties featuring hotels, shops, restaurants, and various tourist amenities.
Compared to neighboring resorts, Analipsi is less touristy and more peaceful, making it a preferred destination for families. The village front features a quaint pier with a charming church dedicated to Agia Marina. To the west of the chapel, the coast is rocky, save for a small harbor with a lovely beach. East of the chapel, you’ll find the main sandy beach of Analipsis, which is well-maintained. Though the water isn’t deep, summer months often bring waves.
A leisurely afternoon can be spent wandering through the charming alleys of the old traditional village, admiring the beautiful gardens and stone-paved square. You might also want to visit the four-aisled Ascension church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Ascension of Christ, the Holy Cross, and Saint Efrosinos. The village’s main street, lined with cafes and shops, runs perpendicular to the coast.
Hersonissos, a bustling tourist hotspot in Crete situated just 28km to the east of Heraklion, is renowned for its tranquil beaches and calm seas – a rarity along the northern coast of Crete due to the prevailing northern winds. The most serene beaches can be found to the west of the port, shielded by the Cape Sarandaris. Towards the east of the port, however, lie the resort’s most frequented beaches.
As you venture east from the port of Hersonissos, the first sight to greet you is a sprawling, narrow, sandy beach, buzzing with throngs of beachgoers. It’s impeccably organized and conveniently close to the city’s amenities, though it may not be the best choice for those seeking a more serene environment.
Journeying further east, a series of small, sandy coves become apparent, primarily situated in front of hotels. Of these, Silva Maris Beach stands out with its high level of organization, a lifeguard, and numerous facilities. Continuing eastwards, you’ll encounter Star Beach, one of Crete’s most populous beaches, largely patronized by British and Dutch tourists. Lastly, near Cape Drapanos lie the peaceful beaches of Eastern Hersonissos, offering a quieter seaside experience.
The Aposelemis River, situated 19km east of Heraklion, between Analipsi and Gouves, is a significant wetland in northern Crete. The pond that forms near the shoreline serves as a natural habitat for various migratory birds and rare species. The river’s outlet gives way to a beautiful sandy beach with shallow cool waters. Although it’s in close proximity to large hotels and tourist spots, the beach lacks organization compared to other top beaches in the vicinity, with only a handful of umbrellas and sunbeds available.
There are two alternative routes to reach the beach. One option is to drive towards the beach of Analipsi and then follow the coastal road heading west. After traversing a few meters past the region’s rocky shores, you’ll arrive at the extensive Aposelemis beach. Alternatively, you can take the coastal road of Kato Gouves to its eastern end, where the road veers right and runs along a hotel’s walls. Aposelemis beach is directly across from this hotel, adjacent to Gouves’ soccer field.
The tranquil beaches of Hersonissos Coves, also known as Limanakia, are located 27km east of Heraklion, extending from Cape Sarandaris to Hersonissos harbour. The beaches are protected from the strong northwest winds by Cape Sarandaris (Sarantari), providing calm waters for visitors. These coves are easily reachable and are situated near the vibrant town of Hersonissos with plenty of bars and cafes.
The western edge of the coves features a concrete dock ideal for diving, nestled on the rocky western side of Cape Sarandaris (Sarantari) near the quaint St. George Sarandaris chapel. A staircase leads to a sunbathing spot with hotel umbrellas and a rocky seabed perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Further down, at Cape Sarandaris’s base, you’ll discover the breathtaking Sarantari Cape beach, arguably the most picturesque and sheltered beach in Hersonissos. Its sandy beaches, shallow crystal-clear waters, and an intriguing sea cave make it a tranquil alternative to other beaches, despite the challenging descent through steep limestone cliffs.
Contrary to popular belief, Hersonissos also has a stony naturist beach located next to Sarandaris Cape, hidden discreetly by tall cliffs. This sandy, rocky cove provides a peaceful spot for swimming and solitude.
The well-known Sarandari beach comes next, popular among children due to its shallow waters and soft sands. The beach offers umbrellas, sunbeds, and a small canteen for convenience.
Next to Sarandari is Giofyri beach, situated under the main road and supported by a massive concrete wall. With its unique white coarse sand, deeper waters, and rocky seabed, it’s a popular choice among visitors, complete with umbrella and sunbed facilities.
Heading east from Giofyri along the coastal road, a series of small, slim beaches framed by white rocks awaits, their light-blue waters offering a truly mesmerizing sight. This captivating landscape stretches until you reach the large beach in front of the Creta Maris hotel, which extends up to Hersonissos port. This beach is well-equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports facilities, and a beach volleyball court, becoming busier and more exposed to winds nearer the harbor.
Regardless of whether you decide to swim, a casual walk from the port to Cape Sarandaris offers stunning views of Hersonissos Bay and St. George’s chapel in Sarandaris. At Hersonissos port, consider visiting the lighthouse and the Agia Paraskevi church, partially built into the rock. On Kastri Hill, the remnants of the early Christian Hersonissos basilica and its preserved mosaics are a must-see.
Find below list of gorges near Village Heights Resort:
The Aposelemis Canyon, also known as the longest and most significant geological canyon in the northern part of the Heraklion prefecture, terminates at the settlement of Agrianá (locally known as Adrianna), near Hersonissos. The Aposelemis River traverses this canyon, though water is only present in parts of the canyon following heavy rainfall. However, the river at higher altitudes retains water throughout the wet months, thanks to the phyllite rocks. Despite its length, accessibility, and proximity to Heraklion, the canyon remains relatively undiscovered by the local population. The Aposelemis Canyon is characterized by strikingly beautiful and imposing vertical walls that reach up to 200 meters in height, along with several rock shelters. The canyon floor is smooth throughout, posing no technical challenges. In recent times, the Hersonissos Municipality has constructed a lovely trail along the canyon floor, making the walk both enjoyable and easy. The trail also features recreational areas with wooden benches at the start and end points.
This crucial ecosystem is home to waterfowl and birds of prey. A hidden riparian forest, particularly in the upper region of the canyon, is the real gem. The mixed forest is made up of ancient trees with massive trunks, truly natural marvels. Trees such as the plane, holm oak, oak, holly, carob, osier, among others, can be found here. The dense forest often obscures the trail. An old stone bridge, Xerokamares, is located just before the southern entrance, within the river. The most convenient way to access the canyon is via its northern exit. A dirt road from the bridge of the old national road leads to the Aposelemis gorge. Following this dirt road, you’ll pass the picturesque yet ruined settlement of Plevris, and eventually reach the bridge of the new highway, where the trail begins. It takes at least two hours to traverse the gorge.
The Agia Anastasia Gorge commences from Kenourgio Horio in the Pediada Province (at an elevation of 160m) and concludes at the coastal village of Gournes. It’s named after the cavernous chapel of Saint Anastasia situated near its entry point. The stream that flows within it collects water from the region east of Sgourokefali and originates near Agia Triada.
Its plant life mainly consists of oleanders and the gorge narrows at various points along its path. A descent through the gorge typically takes around three hours. Regrettably, the gorge has been heavily polluted by trash and waste from nearby sheepfolds. Despite ongoing appeals from hiking clubs to the Hersonissos municipality, the situation remains dire.
The Embasa Gorge, also known as Apotyposi, begins its journey from the village of Kato Kera in the Pediada province and concludes near the village of Gonies, spanning a length of approximately 2km. The upper section of the gorge is notably steep, giving rise to several waterfalls during the winter season, with the tallest one measuring around 20m in height. The largest waterfall is particularly intriguing due to its division into several smaller cascades. It is possible to reach all the waterfalls without any special equipment as they can be circumvented from the sides.
Ascending the canyon from Gonies provides easier access to the waterfalls. However, the dense vegetation and steep inclines may pose a challenge for beginners. The gorge is predominantly populated by oak trees, planes, and brambles. The Life-Giving Spring church (Zoodohos Pigi) is located on the edges of the gorge, above the largest waterfall. According to local lore, a natural rock formation resembling the Virgin Mary can be found above this church. Hence, the gorge is also referred to as Apotiposi (Depiction). The church serves as the nearest parking spot to the large waterfall and can be conveniently reached from here, provided one can first overcome the initial hurdle of the fence erected by local shepherds.
Roza Gorge, a branch of the larger Ambelos Gorge, originates near the Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery in the Ano Kera region. It connects with the rural road that traverses the Ambelos Gorge close to the village of Gonies. Walking along the riverbed is not feasible due to the precipitous drops, but a well-marked hiking trail is available on the gorge’s sides. The gorge’s sides are visually striking, showcasing unique geological formations that captivate visitors. After heavy rainfall, surface water is visible in the gorge, evidenced by the growth of oleander plants in the riverbed.
The name ‘Roza’ is derived from the pinkish hue (‘roz’ translates to pink) of the gorge’s walls. Another theory suggests that the gorge was used as a disposal site for sterile animals like donkeys in the past. As a result, locals named it ‘Stira Za’ (meaning sterile animals), which eventually evolved into ‘Sti Roza’ (or in Roza).
Canyoning in the Roza Gorge
Roza Gorge is technical in nature, implying that hiking in its bed is not an option due to the numerous steep descents (rappels) that necessitate specific technical gear and training. For canyoning enthusiasts, it’s important to note that the largest rappel is approximately 18m high. The points are secured with relays from the speleological clubs of Crete, and the descent for a small group typically takes around 3 hours. The gorge’s proximity to Heraklion and easy accessibility make it a popular choice for canyoning schools.
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