Where to Stay in Heraklion: the Best Neighborhoods and Hotels
Deciding where to stay in Heraklion is essential to enjoy your trip to Crete to the max. The island’s capital and biggest city is a fantastic destination in itself. The spectacular Knossos is only a step away.
Heraklion has traditional neighborhoods and contemporary ones. The city has museums, parks, archaeological remains, markets, shops, churches, monuments, plazas and delicious bars and restaurants.
Let’s not forget the lovely urban beach next to the center. However, we believe Heraklion’s biggest asset is its people. The vibe is warm and relaxed. Cretans are fantastic hosts!
The Old Town
The Old Town is our favorite place to stay. It’s the area next to the coast and within the 14th Century Venetian Walls. You can walk along the walls.
Its epicenter is the Morosini Fountain. This pedestrian area is gorgeous. There are three incredible museums to visit: the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, and the Historical Museum of Crete.
We love walking along the coast to the Venetian Rocca a Mare Fortress. The 1866 market and the Cathedral are worth visiting too. Our favorite Greek writer Nikos Kazanziakis is buried next to the walls.
We Recommend These Hotels in the Old Town:
GDM Megaron, Historical Monument Hotel
The GDM Megaron is one of our favorite hotels in Europe. The 1925 property is uber classy. It’s got a superb rooftop pool and a spa. Book a sea view room and you will never want to leave.
Veneziano Boutique Hotel
The Veneziano used to be the mansion of Heraklion’s first Agha. It’s got a lush inner courtyard and the best coffee in the city. The rooms are huge and plush.
Ammoudara Beach
Heraklion’s urban beach is called Ammoudara. It’s west of the Old Town. You can get there with public bus 01 in no time. Walking there takes a bit over an hour.
It’s a long sandy beach with space for everyone, even in the summer. We love it because it’s clean and the water is crystal blue. Besides, you can swim.
There are countless bars and restaurants. We usually eat there so we don’t need to pay extra for a lounge and an umbrella. The beach is perfect for kids.
We Recommend These Hotels on the Ammoudara Beach:
Agapi Beach Resort Premium All Inclusive
The Agapi Beach Resort sits directly on the beach. It has three huge pools and splendid gardens. Everything is included. The food is top quality and the service impeccable.
Civitel Creta Beach
The Civitel Creta Beach is next to the Agapi. It’s a grand property with a pool and a fantastic spa. The complimentary breakfast is delicious. You won’t believe the rates!
The New Town
The New Town is the area that surrounds the Old Town, outside of the Venetian Walls. Most of it was built during the last century and is very authentic.
You can walk to the center in no time, and public buses and inexpensive taxis connect it to the rest of the city and beyond. It’s mostly residential and local.
In fact, you won’t see many tourists here. Thus, the taverns and restaurants are fantastic. However, some of the best priced hotels in the city are here.
We Recommend These Hotels in the New Town:
3 Pines Design Living
The 3 Pines has won countless awards. The contemporary tower has it all, including a pool, gym, and a rooftop terrace with epic views. All of the plush rooms and apartments come with fully equipped kitchenettes.
Pavo Art Hotel
We love the Pavo Art Hotel’s location: between the Old Town and the beach. The units have coffee makers and kitchenettes. This one is perfect if you are traveling with friends and family.
Nea Alikarnassos
This area is next to the airport. We’ve stayed in Nea Alikarnassos several times because we arrived to the island very late at night. We walked to our hotel in no time.
That’s the only reason why we recommend staying here. In addition, hotels and restaurants here are great value for money. That said, the neighborhood is nice and safe.
Besides, you can walk to the center in half an hour. There are also public buses. Since mostly locals live here, you will get to experience Cretan life.
We Recommend These Hotels in Nea Alikarnassos:
Midway Point Apts
You won’t get better apartments at this price than at the Midway Point. The apartments are fully equipped and have balconies. Free parking and free storage too!
Sofia Hotel
The rooms at the Sofia Hotel were recently refurbished and offer super comfy beds and balconies. The hotel has a pool. The nearby bakery is delicious. Free parking!
How Long to Stay in Heraklion
Heraklion is a destination in itself where you can spend weeks without getting bored. We really like it due to its vibe. There are several universities so it’s full of young students.
However, it’s also one of the best places to stay in Crete. We believe that you should spend at least 2 nights in the city.
You will have to rush a bit, but you will see most of its attractions and experience its atmosphere. If you have more time, you can also enjoy its lovely beach.
Heraklion or Chania
Our friends always ask us if they should visit Heraklion or Chania. Our answer is always both, if you have enough time. Each city is unique in its own way.
Now, being completely honest, we like Chania better. We are convinced that Chania is one of the nicest cities in all of Greece. In particular, if you like architecture.
However, it’s also full of tourists. Therefore, if you want to experience real Greek culture go to Heraklion. The same applies if you are an archaeology fan. You have to choose Heraklion.
