A villa holiday in Hersonissos, Crete, offers a blissful escape, blending luxurious comfort with the vibrant charm of one of Greece’s most popular destinations. Imagine staying in a spacious, elegantly furnished villa nestled amidst lush gardens, providing privacy and serenity. Your accommodation boasts all modern amenities, ensuring a stay as comfortable as it is memorable.

Hersonissos itself is a lively town bursting with energy and culture. The local beaches are stunning, with crystal-clear waters and golden sands. Whether you prefer bustling beaches with plenty of activities or quieter coves, there’s something for everyone. The town’s waterfront is lined with a variety of restaurants and cafes, offering delicious Cretan cuisine and fresh seafood. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in local dishes, accompanied by fine Greek wine or a refreshing ‘ouzo’.

Explore the charming old town, with its narrow winding streets, traditional architecture, and small boutiques selling local handicrafts. The nightlife in Hersonissos is vibrant, with numerous bars and clubs ensuring the fun continues long after sunset.

Places of interest and activities you can enjoy when going on a villa holiday in Hersonissos

Star Beach Village & Water Park: A major attraction in Hersonissos, this is a large seaside water park and beach club. It’s a fantastic spot for all ages, offering:

Multiple swimming pools and a variety of waterslides (thrilling and relaxed).

Water sports: Jet skiing, parasailing, banana boats, inner tubes, etc.

Bungee jumping.

Beach areas with sunbeds.

Daily entertainment, music, and foam parties (especially in the afternoon). Entrance is free, but you pay for specific activities.

Boat Trips: Hersonissos port is a hub for various boat excursions, including:

Glass-bottom boat trips: To see the underwater world.

Pirate ship cruises: Family-friendly themed cruises.

Fishing trips.

Day trips to nearby islands or coves for swimming and snorkeling.

Beyond Star Beach, Hersonissos is home to other major water parks:

Acqua Plus Water Park: One of the largest and oldest water parks in Crete, featuring a wide array of thrilling slides (Tsunami, Kamikaze, Black Holes) for adrenaline seekers, as well as more relaxed slides and pools for younger children and adults. It’s known for its beautiful garden setting.

Watercity Waterpark Crete (slightly further afield but popular): Another large water park with many slides, pools, and activities for all ages.

Culture & Museums:

Lychnostatis Open Air Museum: Located by the sea in Hersonissos, this private museum offers a fascinating insight into traditional Cretan life and culture. It showcases reconstructed traditional houses, a school, workshops, a vineyard, an olive press, and collections of folk art and natural history. They sometimes host traditional events.

Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre: A smaller, but engaging aquarium that focuses on local Cretan marine life and reptiles. It’s interactive and offers opportunities to hold some of the reptiles, making it particularly popular with families.

Old Hersonissos Village (Ano Hersonissos): Just a short distance uphill from the bustling coast, this traditional village offers a contrasting experience. It has a charming main square with traditional stone houses, orthodox churches, and local tavernas. It’s a great place for a quieter evening meal or a stroll. You can reach it by walking (uphill) or a short taxi/bus ride.

Piskopiano & Koutouloufari Villages: These two picturesque, traditional villages are located close to Old Hersonissos, nestled in the hills. They offer narrow, charming streets, beautiful views of the coast, and excellent traditional tavernas, providing a more authentic dining and strolling experience away from the main resort strip.

Archaeological Sites: While Hersonissos is a modern resort, it sits on the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Chersonesos. You can find remnants such as:

The Roman Fountain (Sarakino): A pyramid-shaped Roman fountain with mosaics near the port.

Early Christian Basilica on Kastri Hill: Ruins of an ancient church with mosaics.

Traces of the ancient port and fish tanks.

Malia Minoan Palace (approx. 10-15 minutes drive east): The ruins of the third-largest Minoan palace on Crete, offering a significant historical site to explore.

4. Nightlife & Entertainment:

Bar Street: Hersonissos is famous for its vibrant nightlife. The main strip along the waterfront (often called “Bar Street”) is packed with bars, pubs, and nightclubs that come alive after dark.

Beach Clubs: Star Beach also transforms into a major party venue in the evenings, with DJs and events.

Live Music: Many bars and tavernas in Hersonissos and the nearby traditional villages offer live Greek music nights.

Troy Dinner-Show: A unique theatrical dinner experience, often incorporating elements of Greek mythology.

5. Outdoor & Adventure Activities:

Quad Safari / Buggy Tours: Explore the rugged inland terrain, traditional villages, and countryside on guided quad biking or buggy tours.

Horse Riding: Opportunities for horseback riding through the Cretan landscape.

Crete Golf Club: Located inland from Hersonissos, for golf enthusiasts.

Hiking: The area around the traditional villages (Ano Hersonissos, Piskopiano, Koutouloufari) offers pleasant walking trails. Further afield, the Aposelemis Gorge (approx. 10-15 minutes drive) offers a more challenging hike.

6. Day Trips (further afield, but easily accessible):

Heraklion (approx. 30 minutes drive): The capital city of Crete.

Knossos Palace: The magnificent centre of the Minoan civilization, a must-see archaeological site.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum: Houses the vast majority of artifacts from Knossos and other Minoan sites.

Koules Fortress: The Venetian fortress at the harbour entrance.

Agios Nikolaos (approx. 40-50 minutes drive): A charming town known for its picturesque “bottomless” Voulismeni Lake.

Spinalonga Island (from Elounda/Plaka, approx. 45-60 minutes drive + boat trip): The historic leper colony island, a moving and fascinating historical site.

Restaurants which are worth a visit:

In Hersonissos Town:

Med Cafe & Restaurant:

Specialties: A modern restaurant with a focus on Mediterranean cuisine. They are known for their fresh seafood, pasta dishes, and grilled meats. They also offer a good selection of cocktails.

David Vegera Restaurant:

Specialties: A highly-rated restaurant serving traditional Greek and Cretan dishes. Expect classic dishes like moussaka, stifado, and kleftiko, as well as fresh seafood and grilled meats. They are known for their friendly service and generous portions.

The Farm Restaurant Hersonissos Crete:

Specialties: Emphasises farm-to-table dining, using fresh, local ingredients. They offer a menu of Cretan and Mediterranean dishes, with a focus on seasonal produce. They often have vegetarian and vegan options.

Mythos:

Specialties: A popular restaurant serving traditional Greek cuisine, including grilled meats, seafood, and classic stews. They are known for their lively atmosphere and friendly service.

Sirtaki:

Specialties: Offers a diverse menu of Greek and international dishes. They are known for their seafood, steaks, and pasta dishes. They often have live music.

In Nearby Villages (Within a short drive):

Harakas Taverna (Koutouloufari):

Specialties: A traditional taverna in the charming village of Koutouloufari, known for its authentic Cretan cuisine. Expect homemade dishes, local wine, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Mezze Manze (Koutouloufari):

Specialties: A restaurant in Koutouloufari, serving a range of Mediterranean and Italian dishes. They are known for their pasta, pizza, and seafood.

Aposperida (Piskopiano):

Specialties: A taverna in Piskopiano, offering traditional Cretan and Greek dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. They often have grilled meats and seafood, as well as vegetarian options.

The Alchemist (Piskopiano):

Specialties: A restaurant in Piskopiano, serving a range of international dishes, with a focus on Mediterranean flavors. They are known for their steaks, seafood, and pasta dishes.

Dionysos Taverna (Old Hersonissos):

Specialties: A traditional taverna in Old Hersonissos, known for its authentic Cretan dishes and friendly atmosphere. Expect hearty portions and local wine.

Details correct as at 15/03/2025. These restaurants are neither endorsed nor recommended by Villa Select

The best beaches to visit in and around Hersonissos:

Hersonissos Main Beach (Limenas Hersonissou Beach)

Type: Long, relatively narrow sandy beach stretching along the town’s promenade. It’s often lively and busy, especially during peak season. The water is generally calm and clear.

Amenities: Very well-organised with abundant sunbeds and parasols for rent, showers, and restrooms. Numerous beach bars, cafes, and restaurants line the promenade, offering direct service to beachgoers. Water sports rental centres are readily available.

Facilities: Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching. Excellent for those who enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with easy access to food, drinks, and entertainment. Water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boats are popular.

2. Star Beach Village & Water Park:

Type: A large, multi-faceted beach and water park complex. It combines sandy beach areas with extensive pool and slide facilities.

Amenities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, numerous pools, a variety of water slides, bars, restaurants, snack bars, and changing facilities. Free entry, but you pay for specific activities and sunbeds.

Facilities: A top choice for families and younger crowds. Offers thrilling water slides, bungee jumping, foam parties, daily entertainment, and a wide array of water sports. It’s a lively, high-energy spot.

3. Limanakia Coves / Sarandari Beach:

Type: A series of stunning small coves located west of the main port, protected by Cape Sarandaris. They feature golden sand and exceptionally clear, calm, turquoise waters. These are generally much quieter than the main Hersonissos beach.

Amenities: Some coves have limited amenities (sunbeds and umbrellas for rent), often associated with nearby hotels. Others are more secluded with no facilities, so bring your own.

Facilities: Excellent for swimming, snorkeling (due to the very clear water and diverse marine life), and peaceful sunbathing. The sheltered nature makes them ideal when northern winds are strong.

4. Analipsi Beach (Approx. 10-15 minutes drive west):

Type: A longer, sandy beach with fine sand interspersed with gravel in some parts. The water is clear and deepens relatively quickly. It tends to be less crowded than Hersonissos main beach.

Amenities: Organised sections with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and lifeguards (during peak season). Several tavernas and restaurants line the beach.

Facilities: Good for swimming and relaxation. Water sports centres offer activities for adults and children.

5. Stalis Beach (Approx. 10-15 minutes drive east):

Type: A wide, long sandy beach with clear, very shallow water, stretching for several kilometres.

Amenities: Very well-organised with an abundance of sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and lifeguards. A vibrant promenade runs along the beach, packed with tavernas, cafes, bars, and shops.

Facilities: Considered one of the best family-friendly beaches due to its shallow, calm waters. Excellent for swimming, sunbathing, and a wide range of water sports. It balances a lively atmosphere with a relaxed family vibe.

6. Anissaras Beach (Approx. 5-10 minutes drive west):

Type: A beautiful sandy beach with turquoise waters, located just west of Hersonissos town. It’s generally a more peaceful option.

Amenities: Well-equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and often associated with nearby hotels which provide facilities. Seaside tavernas and cafes are available.

Facilities: Perfect for a peaceful escape, swimming, and various water sports. Offers a good balance between amenities and tranquility.