This page may contain affiliate links, see our disclaimer here.
By Katia Luz
Where to Stay in Heraklion - tips for visiting the capital of Crete and specially chosen hotels in the centre of town, for every budget.
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 - 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.
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.
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.
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 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
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 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.
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.
Choose a location that is:
Where to Stay in Heraklion - enjoy the highlights of Heraklion town, which include:
In the region of Heraklion, there is just so much to explore:
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.
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.
We trust you have enjoyed these tips from the We Love Crete team. Evíva!
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us Contact Us Kaló taxídi!
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the
We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us