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Hotels Heraklion - the town of Heraklion is a good place to arrive into Crete and many people arrive via the large ferry port from Athens or fly in from Athens or directly from Europe into the Heraklion International Airport.
We have chosen some good central hotels from where it is ideal to explore this hustly bustly capital town and enjoy the vibe of cafe bars and restaurants, as well as visit the famous Archaeological Museum which houses artifacts from all over the island of Crete, including Knossos Palace.
Many visitors stay in Heraklion whilst visiting Knossos Minoan Palace and the other archeological sites of the Minoan Palaces of Crete.
Mirabello Hotel - a budget option in the very centre of the town, walking distance from the Liondaria Fountain and other pedestrian squares and streets.
Veneziano Boutique Hotel - a unique experience where you can feel the pages of history turning in this cosmopolitan city. A beautifully restored old home tucked away near the central pedestrian squares.
The Lato Hotel - our pick for downtown Heraklion because it is close to the port, the airport, the bus station and all the funky cafe bars. It also has great views over the romantic old harbour and terrific service. A great pick if you have travelled a long way or are awaiting your flight home. Enjoy the rooftop restaurant.
Beach Hotels Heraklion
Not only the vibrant town of Iraklion attracts us to this region, but some of the most important archeological sites in Europe. Knossos is a window to the first European civilisation. The Palace of Knossos is the most visited attraction on the island of Crete, and deservedly so.
In the centre of Iraklion is the Archeological Museum, gathering artefacts from many years of work into one extravagant exhibition of all ages of Minoan history, Ancient history, Roman and Greek history and the priceless archeological finds from all over the island.
Other sites in Heraklion prefecture include the Minoan palaces of Festos and Malia and the roman ruins of Gortys. Combine all these layers of history with our relaxing beaches and you have the perfect Greek island holiday.
This is the budget symbol.
One of our favourite seaside villages is Agia Pelagia with its sweeping azure bays and crystal clear waters. The ring of cafes and tavernas on the beachside make it one of the most comfortable and interesting resort villages on the north coast of Crete.
The hills behind the bay get steep quite quickly, so it is important to choose your accommodation close to the water and close to the centre of the village. Aquarius Apartments are set back a little from the hustle and bustle but not too high up as to cause an uncomfortable walk.
Just 300m from the water, this is a quality and spacious set of
apartments which make a very stylish and comfortable stay in Agia
Pelagia. With only 14 rooms available, this is a quiet and exclusive
property which will ensure an enjoyable stay by the beach.
More information for Aquarius Exclusive Apartments, Agia Pelagia
Ammoudara Beach is located to the west of our capital town Heraklion, and is a long wide busy city beach. The great thing about this location is that you have such a central point for the whole island, you have the beach, the city and you are very close to the historic site of Knossos, not to mention close to the national roads that can take you to many other sites in Crete.
Yannis Apartments are simple, clean and excellent value, surrounded by lovely gardens and close to shops, tavernas and bus stops. Of course they are within walking distance to Ammoudara Beach. These rooms are perfect for families looking to self-cater, as they have all equipment and are close to the large Carrefour supermarket.
More information and bookings at Yannis Apartments, Ammoudara...
Matala Beach on the south coast of Heraklion prefecture, is 75 km from Heraklion town. Its clear waters, laid back feel and history attract visitors and beachgoers.
More about Matala Beach and Matala Village here.
Beach Accommodation Crete
Nikos Hotel
Matala, Iraklion
With only a small amount of rooms and located only 130 metres from the sea, the small family-run Hotel Nikos is an ideal base for those on a budget or a long stay in Matala
Nikos and his family enjoy
welcoming guests to their hotel, located centrally one street back from
the beach. Standard rooms are affordable, have air conditioning and
refrigerators, the hotel has a cafe and cool, leafy courtyard.
Hotel Nikos is one of those places you look forward to
seeing after a long day's touring or sight seeing. Its spotless rooms
and simplicity just the ideal beach holiday accommodation.
Ageliki Studio - a small, stylish studio perfectly positioned in the centre of the village, this is a beautifully modern comfortable pad. Central to Matala village, cafes and restaurants. Look out over the peninsular with its curves and caves from the balcony. 20 metres from the beach.
How to get to Heraklion in Crete via Heraklion International Airport directly from Europe or via Athens by flights and ferries. Details below: