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Where to Stay in Heraklion

Where to Stay in Heraklion - tips for visiting the capital of Crete and specially chosen hotels in the centre of town, for every budget.



Lato Boutique Hotel



The Lato Hotel looks over the Old Port of Heraklion
Herb's Garden Restaurant atop the Lato Hotel, Heraklion

The Lato Boutique Hotel is a small modern boutique hotel with only 53 rooms located between the port and the centre of town, convenient to all points of interest in Heraklion with the most marvellous view of the old harbour from some of its rooms. Be sure to ask for the harbour view room. What a feeling waking up on your first morning in Heraklion seeing that pretty harbour with fishing boats and its Venetian fort.

We always found the Lato provided excellent service. This is not a tourist hotel, and has many Greek business travellers to stay.


Capsis Astoria Hotel

Capsis Astoria Hotel - this is our pick for the luxury hotels in Heraklion, as its location is magnificent. Sitting overlooking the main plateia of Eleftherias Venizelos and just off the pedestrian shopping street of Dedaelou, the Astoria is one of the attractions of central Heraklion.

This hotel is literally a stone's throw from the Archaeological Museum, making it a very practical and graceful choice for travellers seeking luxury.


Megaron Hotel

The Megaron Hotel is a fine hotel renovated from a derelict building. Its location on the foreshore of town, directly opposite the ferry harbour, the marina and the Venetian fortress, and right next to the bus station, makes it a terrific choice for weary travellers. The modern design is exquisite, upbeat and daring. One of the finest hotels in Crete.


DOM Boutique Hotel Heraklion is very central

The DOM Boutique Hotel is close to the Liondaria Fountain and pedestrian streets of central Heraklion, yet a short stroll to the Old Harbour. This exquisite modern hotel will suit world travellers looking for a comfortable central hotel, convenient to everything downtown.


Saint Minas Apartment View, Heraklion

For city living at its best you will find the Saint Minas Apartment a welcome haven.

Close to Agias Minas Cathedral, the 1866 Markets, the Venetian Walls and within easy walking distance of everything in Heraklion, this is stylish city residence.

So Young Hostel, Heraklion
This is the budget symbol

So Young Hostel is clean, modern affordable accommodation in the heart of Heraklion. Choose from bunk rooms with shared bathroom or rooms with private bathrooms, relax at the rooftop bar or meet new friends. Chill out at the nearby park.


Kastro Hotel Heraklion
This is the budget symbol

Kastro Hotel is located just north of the Liondaria fountain, near Theotokopoulos Park. The beauty of this spot is that it is close to everything yet quiet.

Get an air conditioned room with breakfast included for a budget rate, this is a modern, clean hotel with friendly staff and good wifi.

Lena Hotel Heraklion
This is the budget symbol

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.



Where to Stay in Heraklion
A Little Bit of History

Veneziano Boutique Hotel, Heraklion

The Veneziano Boutique Hotel in a beautifully renovated noble home is tucked in a side street yet very central to the walking and shopping streets of central Heraklion. Enjoy a little bit of history and a whole lot of style here in this exquisite hotel.



Tips for Choosing a Heraklion Hotel

Choose a location that is:

  • close to the large ferry port
  • handy to the Old Port
  • close to the 25 August Street
  • close to the Liondaria Fountain
  • close to the pedestrian shopping streets of Dedaelou and Chandakos
  • nearby to Koraii cafe bar district
  • within walking distance of the local markets on 1866 street


The Liondaria fountain is a central meeting place in Heraklion townThe Liondaria fountain is a central meeting place in Heraklion town

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Explore Heraklion Town

Heraklion harbour fishing boats

Where to Stay in Heraklion - enjoy the highlights of Heraklion town, which include:

  • Liondaria Fountain
  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum
  • Old Venetian Harbour and Koules Fortress
  • Agios Titos Church and Square
  • Pedestrian Shopping Streets
  • 1866 Local Market
  • Koraii Cafes and Bars
  • Memorial to Eleftherios Venizelos
  • Kournarou Square



Explore Heraklion Region

Knossos Historic Site

In the region of Heraklion, there is just so much to explore:



Beaches

Matala Beach Crete

Where to Stay in Heraklion - discover our beautiful beaches.

Kokkinos Pirgos Beach on the south coast of Heraklion, a big wide beach and fish taverna, eat with your toes in the sand.

Matala (above) on the south coast overlooking the Bay of Messara, is a very beautiful beach with unusual rock formations and plenty of history.

Matala history of the sixties includes a song by Joni Mitchell.

Matala Beach Festival is held in June each year.

Agiofarago Beach is remote, walk through the gorge to get here.

Agia Pelagia on the north coast, 23 km west of Heraklion town, is a beachside village with a delightful cove of turquoise waters.

Ammoudara Beach just west of Heraklion town, a wide sandy beach of 7 km, with the convenience of the city close by.

Tris Ekklisies Beach relax on the south coast.

Kato Gouves, on the north coast is east of Heraklion.

Anissaras Beach just 25 km east of Heraklion town.

Keratokambos Beach on the south coast, to the east of Pyrgos is a wild remote beach, where you can escape and find the wind in your hair.



On the Map




Getting to Crete

Take a 1 hour flight from Athens to Heraklion with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Airlines, with many flights available per day.

Or take a 9.5 hour overnight ferry from Pireaus port of Athens to Heraklion port.

If you arrive into the airport or port of Heraklion, it is a trip of less than 10 minutes into town by taxi.

If you are a backpacker, it is easy enough to walk from the port to town, using the Liondaria fountain as your central point.



Car hire in Crete is a really good idea as it is a large island 60 km by 260 km. There is so much to explore.

When you book with our car rental partners - Rental Centre Crete - you are supporting a local company with excellent service and easy online booking. We are sure you will be well looked after by the team. Choose from hybrid, electric or regular vehicles.


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We trust you have enjoyed these tips from the We Love Crete team. Evíva!

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