Since the 1960s Hersonissos is one of the most famous and largest tourist resorts of Crete , while it is located 28 km east of the Peripheral Unit of Heraklion Crete .
It experienced great growth thanks to its beautiful beaches and its calm sea. Every summer thousands of tourists choose it for their holidays, as it has impressive tourist infrastructure that covers all tastes, provides numerous activities and a huge variety of food.
Holidays in the Port of Hersonissos , as it is officially called Hersonissos , means swimming on beaches with a large number of tourists, intense nightlife, huge water parks, modern hotel complexes with all the amenities and much more! If you want to learn these “many more”, you have nothing to do but keep reading the article.
“The Old and the New Hersonissos”
Hersonissos is officially recalled Port of Hersonissos , because it was once the port of the village Ano Hersonissos . The latter is located about 2 km south of the coastal Hersonissos . It is also called “Old Hersonissos” in contrast to “New Hersonissos” , the popular tourist city. Ano Hersonissos , which is a small village with a traditional character, must be separated from the Port of Hersonissos , which is flooded with tourists every summer.
The History of Hersonissos
During the Minoan period the coastal Hersonissos was a settlement. It flourished during Roman and Byzantine times. Later, however, pirate raids and strong earthquakes forced the inhabitants to stay inside the island. The new settlement was built 2 km south of the coast. From here the inhabitants had the opportunity to see the pirate boats in the sea long before they reached the shores of Crete . So they had enough time to hide in safe havens, which were difficult for pirates to locate.
The newest settlement, Ano Hersonissos , flourished until about 1950. However, when tourists began to come to Crete and Greece, the beautiful beaches of Hersonissos and its favorable location near the airport and the port of Heraklion attracted the interest of investors. So, the construction of the first hotels began. The coastal Hersonissos quickly became one of the most popular tourist resorts in both Crete and Greece.
Therefore, the coastal Hersonissos or the Port of Hersonissos was resurrected from its ashes and transformed into the New Hersonissos in contrast to the “Old Hersonissos” , the village on the hills.
The Picturesque Upper Hersonissos
Although Ano Hersonissos is a few kilometers away from the coastal Hersonissos , it differs significantly from it. In Ano Hersonissos you will not find dozens of bars or many shops and hotels nor will you live, of course, crazy nightlife!
Ano Hersonissos is a small, picturesque and quiet village with a rural character. Although it has been influenced by tourism, it retains much of the traditional architecture and life in it flows at a slower pace than in the modern cities of Crete .
If you walk in the narrow streets of the village, you will be impressed by the beautiful stone houses with courtyards full of flowers, old wells and wood ovens.
Also, in the traditional settlement there are two churches, which are typical samples of Byzantine art and are worth a visit. The church of Panagia is located near the square, while the second one of Agios Dimitriou is on the edge of the village.
Ano Hersonissos is famous for its picturesque square. It is a narrow square with a fountain in the center, while many taverns are located around it. Although summer is almost empty from morning to afternoon, summer nights are full of life. Locals and visitors fill the taverns to taste delicious recipes of Cretan cuisine, to drink the local wine in bulk and to have fun with their friends!
The Lychnostat Museum
The Museum of Traditional Life and Popular Culture of Crete “Lychnostatis” in the Port of Hersonissos was built in the period 1986-1992 and has been operating since 1992. Only raw materials, stone, wood and clay were used for its construction, while mechanical means were avoided, ie excavators, loaders and concrete mixers.
This is a Natural History Museum , which aims to introduce the visitor to the natural environment of Crete , its folklore and tradition.
The Museum includes, among others, Cretan urban and rural house, old school, windmill, pottery workshop, carpentry – shoemaker’s shop, aromatic plants and flower processing area, orchard with fruit trees of Crete , garden with aromatic and medicinal plants, garden with cacti and succulents, outdoor exhibition of mineral wealth of Crete , permanent exhibition of Cretan folk artists and works inspired by the nature of Crete , the small church « Our Lady of the Wave “and many more.
The Early Christian Basilica of Agios Nikolaos
Many ancient monuments have been found in the Hersonissos , including three large royal churches. One of them, the Early Christian Basilica of Agios Nikolaos is located on the sea, east of the Hersonissos , where the youngest Church of Agios Nikolaou . Although the name of the original venerable saint is not known, it has prevailed as Agios Nikolaos due to the newer church.
The Early Christian Basilica dates back to the 6th century. Traces of its mosaic floor with plant and geometric representations are preserved. Among the performances are birds, a lion and a deer.
The Early Christian Basilica in Kastri Hersonissos
The church is located on the hill Kastri , above the port of Hersonissos , and is one of the largest in Crete . It dates to the end of the 5th century.
Today, parts of the magnificent mosaics of the floors with plant and geometric representations are preserved, which prove how great a city the Ancient Hersonissos was.
The Early Christian Basilica was surrounded by a strong wall, which surrounded the hill. It was probably permanently destroyed during the reign of the emperor of Heraklion (610-641), when the area was used as a makeshift residence.
Most species of fish and reptiles housed in the aquarium are not purchased animals. Instead, they are animals that were rescued from captivity or were abandoned pets. The fish in the aquariums are fish that swim in the sea of Crete and the animals – snakes, lizards and turtles – are animals that can be found in the Cretan countryside.
The Beaches of Hersonissos
Hersonissos has many beautiful beaches. The quietest are located in Limanakia , while to the east, ie the Port of Hersonissos and essentially within its urban fabric, there are the busiest beaches. The first, which you will meet next to the Port of Hersonissos and below the coastal pedestrian street with taverns and bars, is relatively long, quite narrow, sandy and fully organized. Of course, it is not suitable for those who dislike crowding and noise.
The Beaches of Drapanos
Continuing east, you will find the Lychnostatis Folklore Museum , which is worth visiting to learn the traditional way of life of the Cretan countryside. Near it you will find many small, picturesque coves with sand and pebbles, where you can sunbathe and enjoy your swim. In many places the waters are very cool due to underwater freshwater springs. If you are heading east, the last beach of Akrotiri Drapanos is sandy and is located in front of the five star hotel Nana Beach . It is fully organized with umbrellas, lifeguard and water sports. Also, its waters are always calm, as it is protected by two concrete piers.
The Ports of Sarantari
The Ports of Hersonissos are located 27 km east of Heraklion . These are continuous coves, which start from the Cape of Sarantari and continue east, to the Port of Hersonissos . They are enchanting beaches with calm waters, since the Cape of Sarantari protects them from the waves. Access to all is easy, while the bustling Hersonissos is within walking distance. You will also find some bars in Limanakia with quiet music, ideal for summer nights. Let’s look at the beaches that all together constitute the Ports in order, starting from the west.
The west coast of Limanakia is essentially not a beach, but a large smooth rock, suitable for diving.
Right next to it, at the base of the Sarantari Peninsula , the most impressive beach of the Peninsula is formed, a beautiful sandy beach with turquoise waters and a cave. In addition, compared to other beaches, this beach at the base of Sarantari is better protected from the waves.
Although most people believe that nudist beaches are the exclusive prerogative of the secluded coasts of southern Crete , this is not entirely true, as nudist “oases” are not missing from the tourist area of Hersonissos . Immediately next to the beach at the base of Sarantari you will find a nudist beach. High cliffs protect it from the wind so its water is always calm, while the sand alternates with the rocks! Undoubtedly a top choice for bathing and seclusion!
Next to the nudist beach is the beautiful Sarantari beach . It has umbrellas and sunbeds, while there is also a small canteen. However, some years it is filled with algae. A small path leads to it, which starts from the main road.
Next to Sarandari and the coastal road there is the organized beach Giofyri , which you will recognize from the high wall that has just above it. It has white coarse sand and deeper waters, while its seabed has several smooth stones. It offers umbrellas and sunbeds, while you will have the opportunity to do some water sports! Here you will meet a lot of people, locals and foreigners.
From Giofyri and further east, along the coastal road, you will find small and narrow coves with thick sand, white rocks and wonderful turquoise waters. The same scene continues to the beach of the five-star Creta Maris Beach Resort. The latter is a large and wide beach, which starts in front of the hotel and ends at the Port of Hersonissos , on the hill Kastri . It is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, water sports and beach volleyball court. As you head towards the port, the congestion grows and the beach becomes more vulnerable to the north. In addition, after the hotel the promenade with its many shops, cafes and restaurants reappears.
Even if you do not want to swim in the Ports , an afternoon stroll from the Port of Hersonissos to the Cape of Sarantari is a unique experience. Do not forget to take your camera (or your mobile phone) to take photos from the church of Agios Georgios in Sarantari . The small church and the view of the bay of Hersonissos will impress you! In addition, in the Port of Hersonissos it is worth going to the lighthouse and visiting the church of Agia Paraskevi , part of which is built into a rock. Also, on Kastri there are findings of an early Christian church.
