Where to Stay in Heraklion 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Heraklion (Iraklion) is Crete's capital and gateway to Europe's oldest civilization. The Minoan palace at Knossos and the world-class Archaeological Museum are essential. Beyond history, Crete offers dramatic landscapes, excellent wine, and some of Greece's finest beaches. Heraklion itself is a working city, but the surrounding coast offers beach resorts from party strips to ultra-luxury.
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Heraklion Old Town
The Archaeological Museum housing Minoan treasures is essential. The Venetian harbor and fortress provide atmosphere. Easy access to Knossos. Ideal for 1-2 nights of cultural immersion before heading to beaches.
Heraklion Old Town
Ammoudara
Hersonissos / Malia
Agios Nikolaos
Elounda
Knossos Area
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Hersonissos/Malia main strips are party-focused - not for quiet seekers
- • August is extremely hot and crowded throughout Crete
- • Some beach hotels are far from restaurants - check half-board options
Understanding Heraklion Geography
Heraklion sits mid-north coast of Crete, Greece's largest island. The old town has Venetian walls, harbor, and museums. Knossos is 5km south. Beach resorts stretch east (Ammoudara, Hersonissos, Malia) and the luxury Elounda area lies further east (60km). Western Crete (Chania, Rethymno) requires longer trips. Airport is 4km from center.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Heraklion
Heraklion Old Town / Venetian Harbor
Best for: Venetian fortress, Archaeological Museum, central everything
"Ancient port city with Venetian walls and Minoan treasures"
Pros
- Archaeological Museum
- Venetian architecture
- Restaurants
- Central
Cons
- No beach
- Traffic
- Tourist crowds
- Hot in summer
Ammoudara Beach
Best for: City beach, water sports, family-friendly, budget resorts
"Heraklion's city beach with resorts and water sports"
Pros
- Closest beach to city
- Sandy
- Water sports
- Family-friendly
Cons
- Urban beach
- Not pristine
- Tourist-focused
Hersonissos / Malia
Best for: Party resorts, beach clubs, young travelers, nightlife
"Crete's party coast with beach clubs and nightlife"
Pros
- Best nightlife
- Beach clubs
- Young energy
- Water parks
Cons
- Very touristy
- Can be rowdy
- Far from culture
Agios Nikolaos
Best for: Lake and harbor, cosmopolitan feel, Elounda access, eastern Crete
"Attractive harbor town with lake and upscale Elounda nearby"
Pros
- Beautiful setting
- Cosmopolitan
- Gateway to east Crete
- Elounda access
Cons
- Far from Heraklion
- Small beach
- Need transport to explore
Elounda
Best for: Ultra-luxury resorts, Spinalonga views, exclusive escape
"Crete's most exclusive resort area with legendary luxury hotels"
Pros
- Greece's finest resorts
- Stunning setting
- Privacy
- Spinalonga
Cons
- Very expensive
- Isolated
- Need car for exploration
Knossos Area
Best for: Minoan palace access, rural setting, archaeological focus
"Rural area around Europe's oldest civilization"
Pros
- Knossos access
- Rural quiet
- Wine region
- Archaeological focus
Cons
- No beach
- Limited facilities
- Need car
Accommodation Budget in Heraklion
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
€ Best Budget Hotels
Intra Muros Boutique Hostel
Heraklion Old Town
Stylish hostel within Venetian walls with rooftop terrace and social atmosphere.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
GDM Megaron
Heraklion Old Town
Elegant hotel in restored mansion near harbor with rooftop restaurant and sea views.
Aquila Atlantis Hotel
Heraklion Center
Modern 5-star in city center with rooftop pool and views over harbor.
Olive Green Hotel
Heraklion Old Town
Eco-friendly boutique hotel with green roof, organic breakfast, and sustainable ethos.
Creta Maris Beach Resort
Hersonissos
Large family resort with multiple pools, beach, and entertainment. Good for active families.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
Blue Palace Resort
Elounda
Cliff-top luxury resort with private beaches, spa, and Spinalonga views. One of Greece's finest.
Elounda Beach Hotel
Elounda
Legendary Greek resort since 1970s with bungalows, private beach, and impeccable service.
Domes of Elounda
Elounda
Ultra-modern resort with residences, infinity pools, and contemporary Greek design.
Smart Booking Tips for Heraklion
- 1 Book 2-3 months ahead for July-August peak season
- 2 Shoulder season (May-June, September-October) offers perfect weather
- 3 Rent a car to explore Crete properly - public transport limited outside main routes
- 4 Combine Heraklion nights with Chania/Rethymno for full Crete experience
- 5 Knossos opens early - stay nearby or get there first for best experience
- 6 Ferry connections to Santorini and other islands from Heraklion port
Why you can trust this guide
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Heraklion: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.