Where to Stay in Heraklion: City Centre, Port, Ammoudara and Beaches

Heraklion is the gateway to Crete: the majority of flights land here and ships from Piraeus dock here. Many travellers use it only as a one-night stopover, which is a shame — the city boasts Venetian walls, one of Europe's most significant museums, and a culinary scene that has radically changed over the last decade. Where to stay in Heraklion depends on whether you prefer city life and archaeological sites or beaches and sun loungers.

Below, we analyse each accommodation area, from the historic city centre to the seaside resorts east and west, and suggest fourteen properties that we have personally vetted.

Heraklion at a Glance: What You Need to Know Before Booking

Heraklion is the largest city in Crete and the fourth largest in Greece, with approximately 180,000 residents. It was founded by the Arabs in the 9th century as Chandax, flourished under the Venetians as Candia, and today serves as the island's administrative and economic hub. Its 16th-century fortifications, almost four kilometres long, still encircle the historic city centre, while the Venetian fortress Koules stands at the entrance to the old harbour.

The primary reason to visit is the Minoan civilisation. Knossos, the largest Minoan palace, is located just 5 km south of the centre and is accessible by urban bus in 20 minutes. Complementing this, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in the city centre houses the original finds — the frescoes, the Phaistos Disc, the snake goddess figurines. The correct order to visit is the museum first, then the palace.

The city centre is organised around Lion Square (Plateia Eleftherias) with the Morosini Fountain, the Basilica of Saint Mark, and 25th August Street leading down to the port. The market on 1866 Street and the alleyways around Kornarou Square are home to most of the restaurants and bars. The tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis, on the Martinengo Bastion, offers the best views of the city.

Nikos Kazantzakis Airport is just 5 km from the city centre, making Heraklion ideal for a first or last night. The port is within walking distance of the historic centre. Chania is 140 km to the west, Rethymno 80 km, Agios Nikolaos 65 km to the east, and Matala 70 km to the south.

For beaches, the city isn't the ideal destination, but it does offer solutions. To the west, Ammoudara is a long sandy beach 6 km from the centre, with hotels and beach bars. To the east, Gouves, Kokkini Hani, and Hersonissos (25 km) host most of the region's resorts. Further afield, Malia and Analipsi offer organised beaches, while the best day trip is to Chrissi Island from Ierapetra or the palm forest of Vai to the east.

Gastronomically, Heraklion now boasts restaurants that use local products with a modern twist, alongside traditional tavernas. Try dakos with tomato and xinomyzithra cheese, gamopilafo, stamnagathi, antikristo, and Heraklion bougatsa with mizithra for breakfast. The market on 1866 Street and the city's farmers' markets are excellent places to buy Cretan olive oil, honey, and cheeses.

Which Area of Heraklion Suits You

Historic Centre: for Culture and Food

If you're interested in Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, and city life, stay around Eleftherias Square or Lion Square. Everything is within a ten-minute walk, there are buses to Knossos, and restaurants operate all year round.

Old Port: Views and Easy Access

The area around Koules combines sea views with proximity to the city centre and the passenger port. Ideal if you're arriving or departing by ferry and don't want to struggle with luggage.

Ammoudara: Beach Next to the City

Six kilometres to the west, Ammoudara offers a large sandy beach with sun loungers and fifteen-minute access to the city centre by bus or taxi. It's the best compromise for those who want both.

Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Hersonissos: for Resort Holidays

East of the airport are the large hotel complexes with swimming pools, all-inclusive options, and facilities for families. They are 15-25 km from the city and suit those planning a relaxing holiday with one or two excursions.

Near the Airport: for Very Early Flights

Because the airport is practically within the city, a separate accommodation zone isn't necessary. A central hotel combined with a ten-minute taxi ride solves the issue.

14 Heraklion Accommodations We Vetted One by One

1. GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel
The city's most renowned hotel, located in a historic building overlooking the port, with a rooftop pool and views of Koules.

• Average cost: 210€ per night

2. Olive Green Hotel
A modern, technologically equipped hotel in the city centre, with an emphasis on sustainability. Very close to Lion Square.

• Average cost: 150€ per night

3. Castello City Hotel
A central hotel with modern rooms, next to Eleftherias Square and the Archaeological Museum.

• Average cost: 130€ per night

4. Central Hersonissos Heraklion
Comfortable rooms in a central location, offering good value for money for an overnight stay before or after your flight.

• Average cost: 100€ per night

5. Dom Boutique Hotel
A small boutique hotel in the historic centre, with thoughtful design and quiet rooms. Ideal for couples.

• Average cost: 145€ per night

6. Athinaikon Hotel
Economical and central, with simple but clean rooms. A good choice for a short, low-cost stay.

• Average cost: 70€ per night

7. Atlantis Hotel
A classic hotel next to the Archaeological Museum, with a swimming pool and sea views from the upper floors.

• Average cost: 140€ per night

8. Galaxy Iraklio Hotel
A large hotel with an internal courtyard and swimming pool, a ten-minute walk from the city centre. Popular for business travel too.

• Average cost: 155€ per night

9. Marin Dream Hotel
Opposite the old port, with a roof garden and views of Koules. Practical if you're travelling by ferry.

• Average cost: 110€ per night

10. Poseidon Hotel
On the beachside to the west of the city centre, with a swimming pool and family rooms at reasonable prices.

• Average cost: 95€ per night

11. Alsus Boutique Hotel (Adults Only)
In Ammoudara, for adults only, with a swimming pool and a quiet atmosphere close to the beach.

• Average cost: 135€ per night

12. Lifestyle Beach Hotel
A beachfront hotel in Ammoudara, with direct access to the sandy beach and a bus service to the city centre.

• Average cost: 120€ per night

13. Pnoe Breathing Life
A luxurious resort east of the city, with private pools and a high level of service. For special occasions.

• Average cost: 380€ per night

14. Amirandes Grecotel Boutique Resort
In Gouves, one of Crete's most famous resorts, with huge pools and facilities for families.

• Average cost: 420€ per night

When to Go and How Much it Costs

Heraklion operates all year round, as it is a genuine city and not a seasonal resort. High season runs from mid-June to mid-September, when seaside hotels in Gouves and Hersonissos are fully booked and prices peak.

The best months for combining archaeological sites and sea are May, June, and September. In July and August, visiting Knossos can be exhausting due to the heat, so plan your visit before 10 AM. In spring and autumn, the city is ideal for strolls, and prices at central hotels drop significantly.

As a guide, an economical room in the centre costs 65-95€, a boutique hotel 130-160€, a hotel with a port view 150-220€, and a resort in Gouves 200-450€ depending on the season. The ticket to Knossos is 20€ during high season, while a combined ticket with the Archaeological Museum costs less than buying two separate ones.

Practical Tips for Staying in Heraklion

• Noise: the city centre is lively until late, especially around Lion Square and Kornarou. Ask for a room on a higher floor or facing an inner courtyard.
• Parking: the historic centre has limited parking spaces. Choose a hotel with its own parking or budget 10-15€ per day for a private car park.
• Without a car: Knossos, the museum, and the port are served by urban buses. For day trips, there are intercity KTEL buses to Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, and Matala.
• With children: prefer Ammoudara or Gouves, with swimming pools and shallow seas, rather than a room in the city centre.
• Flights: the airport is ten minutes away, so even a central hotel is convenient for an early morning departure.

If you're continuing west, see our guide on where to stay in Chania, while for overall planning of the island, the guide to accommodation in Crete is helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Heraklion?

For culture and dining, the historic city centre around Eleftherias Square and Lion Square. For a beach with easy access to the city, Ammoudara. For classic resort holidays, Gouves and Hersonissos.

Is it worth staying in Heraklion or should I go directly elsewhere?

It's worth at least one to two nights for Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, and the city centre. If your holiday is primarily beach-focused, use it as a first or last stop and continue east or west.

How far is Knossos from Heraklion city centre?

Approximately 5 km. By urban bus, the journey takes 20 minutes with frequent services, while by taxi it takes 10-15 minutes.

Does Heraklion have a beach within the city?

The city centre does not have an organised beach. The closest is Ammoudara, 6 km to the west, while to the east, Kokkini Hani and Gouves offer organised shores 15-20 km away.

Do I need a car in Heraklion?

Not for the city and Knossos. You will need one if you plan to visit Phaistos, Matala, the Lasithi Plateau, or mountain villages, where public transport services are limited.

How much does a night in Heraklion cost?

A clean, central double room starts from 65-95€ off-peak and reaches 120-160€ in August. Boutique hotels and hotels with port views range from 140€ to 220€ per night.