Located 28km east of Heraklion, Hersonissos is one of the most popular tourist resorts in Crete Its rapid development from a small fishing harbor to a bustling town has made it a desirable destination for travelers from all over the world Here, visitors can find everything they desire, from beautiful beaches and water parks to ancient archaeological sites and charming villages
During the day, Hersonissos offers a plethora of activities for tourists to enjoy Relax on the sandy beaches, take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, or explore the local villages of Ano Hersonissos, Piskopiano, and Koutouloufari For the more adventurous, trek through the gorges of Avdou valley or journey to the Lassithi Plateau And when the sun sets, the town comes alive with endless options for entertainment, with the nightclubs on the coastal road drawing in crowds of young tourists from all corners of the globe
A BRIEF TOUR IN HERSONISSOS
Before its transformation into a popular tourist destination, Hersonissos was a humble fishing harbor Today, the town boasts a scenic port, a thriving main road, and a variety of hotels, cafes, and restaurants Along the west side of the coastal road, just 1km west of the harbor, stands the charming Cape of Sarandaris and its picturesque chapel of Saint George From there, visitors can explore the alternating coves of Hersonissos, each with its own unique charm The coast is dotted with accommodations, making it easy for tourists to find their perfect spot to relax and enjoy the stunning views
Heading east from the coves, visitors will come across the cape of Kastri, which marks the beginning of the main town Perched atop a hill, the ruins of an ancient basilica with intricate mosaics are a must-see for history enthusiasts Just east of the basilica is the quaint chapel of Agia Paraskevi, built into the rock and offering breathtaking views of the nearby port of Hersonissos and its iconic lighthouse From the port, excursion boats depart daily, offering trips to nearby Dia island and along the stunning coastline
The bustling seaside road that runs through the town starts at the port and is lined with an array of nightclubs, cafes, restaurants, and bars Here, tourists can join in on the lively nightlife that lasts until the early hours of the morning For a change of pace, explore the small narrow streets of Hersonissos or head north to the main road, where visitors can find a variety of shops, restaurants, and services To the east, the coastal road leads to the vibrant beaches of eastern Hersonissos and a water park and karting track As you continue east, the beaches become more tranquil Just before Cape Drapano, you will find the traditional museum Lychnostatis, offering a glimpse into the traditional Cretan way of life
HISTORY
Hersonissos has a long history, dating back to the Minoan period Its strategic location, with a natural harbor formed east of Kastri Hill (now the location of the port), made it a desirable settlement Evidence of the Minoan harbor and settlements can be found in Kastro and Anisaras
During the Classical era, Hersonissos was an independent city, although not particularly strong
In the Hellenistic period, Hersonissos served as the port for nearby Lyttos city (located near present-day Kastamonitsa) It was a prosperous city with its own currency, featuring a boat as its symbol Excavations on Kastri Hill have revealed a temple dedicated to the goddess Vritomartis, as well as numerous coins, vases, and figurines The hill is surrounded by remnants of walls that once protected the city Hersonissos also boasts a cemetery from this period, containing a large number of pottery, jewelry, and coins
During the Roman era, Hersonissos flourished and its strategic location gave it an advantage over Lyttos Unfortunately, the ancient theater was destroyed by its inhabitants, who used its stones for building materials Along the coastal road, visitors can still see the remnants of the pyramidal structure with mosaics, known as Sarakinos
In the early Christian period, Hersonissos continued to thrive and dominate the region The most significant discovery from this time is the basilica on Kastri Hill, built in the 6th century and destroyed by an earthquake The architecture was influenced by Syriac standards and adorned with intricate mosaics, some of which can still be seen in good condition The hill was protected by strong walls, traces of which still exist Another basilica has been unearthed 2km east of the port, with part of the church now covered by the sea The remaining mosaic floors are even more impressive than those at Kastri
During the Turkish occupation, Hersonissos played a crucial role in supplying Cretan rebels Later, it became a hub for exporting local products such as olive oil and carob It continues to be an essential part of the region’s economy and a must-visit destination for tourists
Located in the Heraklion region, Hersonissos is easily accessible from Chania Airport, located 170km away with a driving time of approximately 2 hours and 23 minutes The town is also just a short 22km drive from Heraklion Airport, with a driving time of only 18 minutes With its rich history, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife, Hersonissos has something to offer every traveler seeking an unforgettable experience in Crete
