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Cheap Hotels in Heraklion - see Knossos Palace and the Archaeological Museum, the highlights of a visit to Crete - on a budget.
Heraklion is a transport hub, located in the centre of the island, so odds are that you will arrive via Heraklion Airport or into the port from Santorini or Pireaus.
Knossos Minoan Palace archaeological site is just 5 km out of town.
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Highlights of Heraklion town:
![]() Mirabello Hotel is well placed close the the centre of town, just a short stroll from the Liondaria fountain and central shopping district. Just walk across the leafy Theotokopoulos square to cafes and Chandakos Street, or across the same square to the bus stop on 25 August Street, where you can take the local bus to Knossos. 20 Theotokopoulou St |
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Get an air conditioned room with breakfast included for a budget rate, this is a modern, clean hotel with friendly staff and good wifi. 22 Theotokopoulou St |
![]() Lena Hotel is just around the corner, again close to cafes, bars, the Liondaria, Chandakos and Dedalou shopping streets and close to the bus stop for Knossos. This hotel is 1.5 km from the port and within walking distance of the local markets on 1866 Street and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Get a standard, clean room for a budget price, friendly staff,comfortable beds in a central location. 10 Lahana St |
![]() Rent a boat - pay pennies but live like a prince or princess on this small boat in the old harbour of Heraklion. With cafes and tavernas ringing the harbour, and very close to 25 August Street, you can stroll to all highlights of town from here. |
Located just 8 km west of Heraklion town, on the wide long sandy beach of Ammoudara, are the budget Yannis Apartments perfect for self-catering and good for families. There is a short walk of about 500 m to the beach. This is a busy beach with some unsightly factories in the west, so if you are concerned about peace and quiet and privacy, don't choose this beach.
1 Kos Street, Ammoudara Beach
![]() Andy's Plaza Apartments are close to the water, not too far up the steep hill, and close to Almyra Cafe - Bar - Restaurant, one of our favourite places to sit next to the sea for an evening drink in Agia Pelagia. One street back from the water, no water views, good for self-catering, clean and modern. 5 Kiteou St, Agia Pelagia |
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![]() Villa Apollonia Apartments are centrally located in Agia Pelagia and represent very good value for money for this beautiful location. The azure clear waters of the bays make for a perfect Greek summer holiday destination, so close to Heraklion town, the port to take a ferry to Santorini and close to Knossos Palace ancient site. Spotless apartments in a modern three-storey small building set back from the beach by about 1 and a half blocks. This is nothing fancy, yet as it is run by a friendly local family, you will lack for nothing in a warm welcome and helpfulness. Self-cater here to enjoy more time by the water on this sandy beach. Neofitou Pedioti St, Agia Pelagia |
![]() Keramos Studios in the leafy village of Zaros in the foothills of the Psiloritis Mountains, is good value for budget travellers and close to Zaros Lake and Rouvas Gorge (pictured above), close to the E4 Walking Path. At this charming B&B, run by a local family who treat you like family, you will not go hungry and be treated to all that is good in local food, teas and herbs. |
![]() Hotel Nikos is located in the village of Matala in the south of Crete, just a block back from the stunning Matala Beach (pictured above). A friendly budget place which is good for families, you will get great service at this cheap hotel. |
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This is a very friendly and family-like place in a pleasant little village. Only 5 km from Phaistos, and close to many beaches. Enjoy the leafy, relaxing garden and good home-made breakfasts. Enjoy local tavernas in the village with fresh seafood, local wine, olive oil and raki. |
The affordable, simple Chouzourakis Studios are less than 50 metres from the beach. This out-of-the-way location is excellent for a long summer of exploring the beach, swimming, snorkelling, lazing and dozing.
Located just across the small road from the sand and pebble beach, the studios are very comfortable and suitable for self-catering. There are a few tavernas and a small convenience store in this small seaside village. This beach is low in development and open to the elements, just a natural, fresh, open beach with very little pretension.
70 km from Heraklion town and 54 km from Ierapetra, there are plenty of other beaches to explore around here, and inland gorges and mountains to hike. Or just relax in the quiet garden and enjoy the peace and tranquility. Easily stretch out your summer budget here, one of the cheap hotels in Heraklion.
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