Just 26 kilometers away from Heraklion, between Anissaras and Stalis, Hersonissos is since the 60s one of the most famous and largest tourist resorts in Crete.
Every year, thousands of tourists choose Hersonissos for their holidays because of the impressive tourist infrastructure covering all tastes, but also because the destination combines a variety of choices in activities, entertainment and food.
Holidays in Hersonissos means nightlife, swimming in beaches with tourist hordes, huge water parks, fantastic hotel complexes and a visit at the large aquarium "Thalassocosmos" in Gournes. A destination for all ages!
In place of today s village of Hersonissos it was in ancient times the city or Heronissos. Its existence dates back to the Minoan period and reached a peak during the Roman and early Byzantine period.
In Roman times the Peninsula had a port with docks and roofed Neoreia. Also in the city were fountains with mosaics and waterfalls. The water was transported from imposing aqueduct was in Lyttos and whose ruins are preserved in place Xerokamares, near the village river. He also had a theater, from which also survived ruins. The city had its own coins which depicted Artemis, Athena or Apollo and the eagle with wings open, as on the coins of Lyttos. It also appeared the word Chersonasion.
During the Byzantine period was a bishopric, founded by Tito. In the chapel of St. Nicholas, Anastasios Orlandos revealed 1955 basilica dating from the 6th century and decorated with mosaics. The same professor revealed yet another large basilica on top of the castle hill.
Today's settlement is not mentioned in the census of 1881. For the first time we find in census 1900-133 inhabitants. At that time he established the Gendarmerie station and ypoteloneio. When it became community, devolving to the settlements Koutouloufari and Piskopiano.
There is Crete Golf Club for those who like playing golf, marine parks, and an Aquarium, where you will discover the marine world at its best. In Potamies village there is an organized farm with ponies and donkeys, while you can ride a horse in Avdou region.
The beaches of Hersonissos are ideal for swimming and diving. Almost all of them are organized and have beach bars. Intense night life has made the destination of Hersonissos super known around Greece and abroad, so do not miss to have fun and a night out!
Hersonissos is almost 26 km away from Heraklion city. When you arrive in Heraklion by air or sea, you can move either by car or bus. The bus station is outside and opposite the port, while the service is every half hour from morning till night.
The National Highway connects Hersonissos with Chania and Rethymno. You will need to cover about two hours driving and 2.5 hours respectively. From Agios Nikolaos to Hersonissos, take the highway to Heraklion and you will reach your destination in 30 minutes.
If you move from Kokkini Hani, Gouves, Gournes, Analipsi and Anissaras towards Hersonissos, follow the old highway that passes through the above areas and leads to Hersonissos in a few minutes. Buses run frequently and taxis will cost you dearly because of the proximity. The same applies to Stalida and Malia to the east and close to the Peninsula.