Hersonissos, officially Limenas Chersonisou, is a seaside resort town on the northern coast of Crete, 28km east of Heraklion. Hersonissos is one of the island’s most popular holiday bases, built for visitors who want beaches by day and entertainment by night. Alongside the resort centre sit three traditional villages, Piskopiano, Koutouloufari, and Old Hersonissos, that show a quieter side of Cretan life.
The resort packs a lot into a short stretch of coast: beautiful beaches, a wide choice of eateries, shops, children’s video game arcades, and a nightlife that runs every evening. The scene ranges from discos and beach bars to Irish pubs, cosy cafes, and hidden speakeasy venues, so it covers most tastes. This lively, youthful energy is what Hersonissos shares with nearby Malia.
Some of the best swimming sits a short walk from the town centre. The Sarandari Coves, near the Hersonissos port, are known for exceptionally clear and often shallow water, which makes them a safe spot for younger swimmers. Cape Sarandaris shelters the coves from the northern winds, so the sea stays calm and wave-free, and a line of restaurants and bars along the shore lets you spend the whole day there without packing a lunch. For directions and more detail, see the Sarandari Coves guide.
For a calmer afternoon close to the action, walk up to the village of Koutouloufari. Koutouloufari offers traditional tavernas, narrow alleys, and views over Hersonissos Bay, which make it a good place to sample Cretan food and local drinks. The village is also known for hotels with panoramic bay views, an ideal base if you want to be near the sea yet away from the town centre’s crowds.
A short drive from Koutouloufari brings you to Piskopiano, another traditional village worth a visit. Piskopiano is crowned by a nineteenth-century church dedicated to the Holy Virgin, and its main square is the place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hersonissos located in Crete?
Hersonissos sits on the northern coast of Crete, 28km east of Heraklion. Its full name is Limenas Chersonisou.
What makes Hersonissos a popular tourist destination?
Hersonissos combines beaches, a wide range of amenities, and a busy nightlife, which draws visitors of all ages. Beach bars, discos, Irish pubs, cafes, and restaurants keep the resort active from morning until late.
Is Hersonissos Crete good for families?
Yes, Hersonissos suits families well. You can pair beach days at spots like the Sarandari Coves with visits to authentic villages, amusement parks, and archaeological sites such as the Minoan Palace of Malia.
Is Hersonissos a good place for partying?
Yes, Hersonissos is one of Crete’s main party destinations for younger visitors. Along with Malia, it offers discos, beach bars, and Irish pubs.
What’s special about the Sarandari Coves?
The Sarandari Coves, near the Hersonissos port, have clear and shallow water that suits families with young children. Cape Sarandaris protects the coves from the northern winds, keeping the sea calm and wave-free.
Which traditional villages are near Hersonissos?
Hersonissos has three traditional villages: Piskopiano, Koutouloufari, and Old Hersonissos. Koutouloufari is known for hotels with views over Hersonissos Bay, while Piskopiano has a nineteenth-century church dedicated to the Holy Virgin.
Hersonissos Map
Hersonissos is located at Hersonissos Limin, in the Heraklion region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
