Hersonissos of Heraklion, Old Hersonissos, Crete, sights, map, photos

Hersonissos of Heraklion

Hersonissos is a popular village of Heraklion and it is located about 26 km from it.

The fast growth in tourism began in 1960 and today is known worldwide as a cosmopolitan center and one of the most famous in the Mediterranean, with a remarkable tourist infrastructure, having the opportunity to welcome thousands of visitors.

In Hersonissos the manners and customs "resist" in the passage of time and like almost the entire island, the tradition influences the most human activities.

It offers accommodations of all categories and types (hotels, rooms, apartments, etc.) that are likely to meet all requirements.
The nightlife is intense with many opportunities.

Visitors to Hersonissos should see:

Hotels and rooms to let in Hersonissos

The Monastery of the Virgin Mary of Gkouverniotissa in Potamies
The Monastery of Kera of Kardiotissa, which probably built in 961-1204. You can visit it daily from sunrise to sunset.
The Church of Agios Constantine in Avdou, which probably built in the 15th century, is decorated with frescoes of Emmanuel and Ioannis Fokas.
You can visit it daily from sunrise to sunset.
The Church of Agios Anthony in Avdou
The cave of Agia Fotini in Avdou
The Cave of Faneromeni in Avdou
The Karfi position, in which a rock is looks like a nail that is stuck on the side of the mountain. From here you can enjoy the magnificent views over the province of Pediada, the Cretan Sea and the Plateau of Lassithi Kera.

Because of the position of Hersonissos (in the center of the island), you can visit many interesting areas and also many attractions in a relatively short distance (Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Knossos, Spinalonga, Historical Museum of Heraklion Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, Crete Aquarium etc.).

Old Hersonissos
The Venetians called the peak of Hersonissos ‘Bene Veto’ (‘nice view’).

The great historic, picturesque village lies in the south of the coast, spreading on slopes and even plains, with a breathtaking view to the neighbouring coasts, bays, small havens and villages of the northeastern valley. The old community of Hersonissos included the villages Analipsi, Agriana, Anissaras, Agios Ioannis and Chatzana. The region is a nature’s décor with endless olive-groves and flower gardens where splendid flower varieties are cultivated.

Hersonissos is one of the oldest and most picturesque villages on Crete, keeping its unique architectural character unaltered with characteristic elements from the neoclassical architecture and also from the Venetian, architectural forms.

Not only due to its unique aesthetic character, but also due to historic and social reasons, the village was declared ‘traditional’ in 1978.

Nowadays, Old Hersonissos is a well-preserved and admirable village with a great potential to offer to the Rural Tourism, since:
• There are traditional hotel complexes.
• The old oil press of the village can be restored and, if appropriately equipped, it can serve as a Museum- or Exhibition Center for Oil.

Another point of attraction is the central square of the village, which was declared ‘the most beautiful square on Crete’, where a great number of people throngs during the whole tourist season, where the traditional taverns, cafes and all sorts of shops offer their services round the square.

Agricultural goods are produced in Hersonissos, following traditional methods of culture. Those products are sold in various shops of the village. Moreover, a workshop of ceramic art is functioning in Hersonissos. In addition, a guest can find hand-made embroidery and woven items, making an acquaintance with the local culture.

The most brilliant,. Local celebration with the guests’ participation is the Assumption of Virgin Mary, on 14th and 15th of August. Great festivities take place on the central square, with live Cretan music and traditional cuisine.

Hersonissos preserves the character of original Crete with hospitable inhabitants and neat, traditional facilities. Moreover, its climate, its location and the fabulous, surrounding nature make it unforgettable and the visitor’s first choice. During your wandering in the village, it is worth visiting the restored Primary School, and the Museum of Ecclesiastical History (a restored building, part of the Venetian castle). Do not forget the Byzantine monastery of Saint John at the cemetery and the churches Panagia and Agios Dimitrios.

Source: Municipality Unit of Hersonissos

Accommodation
For your stay in Ano Hersonissos, you can book a room in one of the hotels and Bed & Breakfast inns.
In Hersonissos, as well as in many other areas of Heraklion, there are hotels and accommodations of various categories and types (rooms to let, residences, Bed & Breakfast inns, studios, hostels, guesthouses and furnished apartments) that can satisfy every visitor's demands and needs for a pleasant and enjoyable stay.
You will find wonderful hotels, rooms and apartments to let of all categories and price ranges.

Access
Hersonissos, located on the east side of Heraklion town, has a very easy access.
It is approximately 24 km far from "N. Kazantzaki" Airport and 26 km far from Heraklion Port.
You can access Heraklion by plane or ship and then reach Hersonissos by car through the old or new national road..
The road route from Heraklion - Hersonissos

For your convenience, you can use the route map on the field “Routes” with information about the mileage, the time you need and the route you will follow, selecting the points of interest.