Hersonissos is one of the most popular tourist resorts in Crete, located 28km east of Heraklion. Here you will find whatever you desire. During the day you can enjoy nice beaches or water parks, drink your coffee in the seaside road, visit the local archaeological sites, stroll in the villages of Ano Hersonissos, Piskopiano and Koutouloufari, trek in the gorges of Avdou valley, visit the cool Lassithi Plateau and much more. Similarly, during the night the choices for entertainment are too many, with the nightclubs of the coastal road gathering most people. Hersonissos in summer is crowded by young tourists, coming from all latitudes and longitudes of the earth to enjoy their vacation.
Before its rapid development, Hersonissos was a small harbor that served the needs of the local fishermen. Over the years the port grew and the village became a small town and a popular tourist resort. On the west side of the coastal road, 1km west of the harbor, you will find the Cape of Sarandaris with the picturesque chapel of St. George, which is worth visiting. From there start the alternating coves of Hersonissos with the nice colored beaches. Along the coast there are many hotels, cafes and restaurants.
East of the coves you will meet the Hill of Kastri, west of which the main town actually starts. Over the hill, you should visit the ruins of an old basilica with many mosaics. Just on the east is the picturesque chapel of Agia Paraskevi, part of which is built into the rock. The Church overlooks the nearby scenic port of Hersonissos with its beautiful lighthouse. Excursion boats run daily from the port, making trips to Dia island and the surrounding coast.
The seaside road that crosses the town starts in the port. There are many nightclubs, cafes, restaurants and bars on the road. Here you will find thousands of tourists partying in the nights until dawn. If you turn from the road and head north, you will find yourself in the small narrow streets of Hersonissos and after a while you will reach the main road, which has many restaurants, shops, banks, clinics, pharmacies, etc. If you walk to the east instead, along the coastal road, you’ll meet the bustling beaches of the eastern Hersonissos and the great hotels of the region. Nearby there is a water park and kart! As you head to the east, the beaches get more peaceful. There, before Cape Drapano, you will find the traditional museum Lychnostatis, which is worth visiting to see how Cretans lived in the past.