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Located on the north coast, Hersonissos and Malia are two important beach resorts appealing to young couples and groups of friends.

They’re about 30 minutes from the center of Heraklion. I’ve included them in this guide. However, they don’t truly represent the most authentic side of Crete. 

City Hotels in Heraklion

There are several city hotels in Heraklion to spend a few days close to the area’s main attractions, from very convenient options to more expensive and exclusive accommodations.

You can also rent an apartment or visit a hostel to save a few bucks. 

The choice of city hotels is wide enough for you to find any accommodation, no matter the budget. To simplify things, I’ve divided this guide into budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodation.

And always remember that booking your place in advance is the best tactic to get good deals and cheaper fees.

Best Places to Stay in Heraklion

Heraklion is Crete’s capital and the most populated area. Likewise, most of the flights arriving in Crete land in Heraklion, so there’s a chance that you’ll go through the city during your trip.

Moreover, Heraklion hosts Crete’s most important archaeological site, Knossos, attracting visitors all year round. Everyone makes a point to visit Knossos, and you probably will, too.

On the North coast, Hersonissos and Malia are important vacation resorts with all-inclusive structures, a must if you are into package holidays. There are 8 municipalities in Heraklion where you can book a stay:

• Heraklion town
• Hersonissos (check out this Hersonissos accommodation Guide)
• Viannos
• Malevizi
• Minoa Pediada
• Gortyna
• Phaistos
• Archanes-Asterousia

Accommodation Guide for Heraklion

All hotels featured in the city of Heraklion have been divided according to budget and location. At the end of the post, you will also find places to stay in other towns in the region, including Malia and Hersonissos, Matala, and Agia Pelagia.

Where to Stay in Heraklion on a Budget

Crete can be quite a convenient destination in terms of budget holidays. A somewhat limited budget will also allow you to find an excellent place to stay without spending millions.

This is as true for Heraklion and small towns as it is for any other region on the island. Let’s begin by checking the best places to stay in Heraklion for a reduced fee.

These are some of the best places to stay in Heraklion within a budget limit of €50-€60 per day.

So Young Hostel

Let’s start with this great hostel in the center of town, one of the best areas for a stay in Heraklion.
So Young Hostel is only 4 minutes away from Heraklion Archaeological Museum while the Minoan Palace of Knossos is just 5 km away.

The bus station to reach the palace is very close to the hostel, which makes it a perfect place if you don’t want to rent a car.

You can book a room with shared or private bathrooms on the premises. To make the offer more tempting, there’s a communal kitchen with a coffee machine (personally, this is something I cannot do without no matter where I stay!).

And if you’re still craving some beach time, the hostel offers a free shuttle service to Amoudara Beach, minutes from the center of Heraklion.

The hotel is a short walk away from the port of Heraklion, about 10 minutes on foot, while the international airport is a 10-minute ride away.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Rea Hotel

Another place to stay in the center of Heraklion is Rea Hotel, starting from €50 per night. It’s a simple but functional hotel close to the Historical Museum of Crete.

The hotel is also minutes away from the Archaeological Museum, the Venetian port, and Heraklion’s open market.

Although this hotel is essential, it is very clean and super comfortable for a short stay in Heraklion.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Sofia Hotel

Sofia Hotel: This is one of those places you cannot miss in Heraklion. There are few hotels in town with a lovely swimming pool, so I always suggest to people wanting to stay in Heraklion: book the minute they find one!

Why? Well, the beaches are not really the best in Crete around the capital, so it’s always a refreshing idea to know that, after a day exploring under the scorching sun of Crete, you can go to your hotel and swim until it’s dinner time.

Besides, it’s in a great location, just a few minutes from the center, and every room has been recently refurbished.

The hotel is close to Heraklion Airport (about 2 km away), so your transport or transfer fees will also be quite contained.

According to most reviews, their breakfast is truly delicious!
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Athinaiko Hotel

Athinaiko Hotel: Located near the airport and the port, this hotel offers comfortable en suite rooms with air conditioning an balconies with city views.

Athinaiko Hotel has a breakfast room and a bar, perfect for you to relax and enjoy a drink after a day of sightseeing.

The property is within easy walking distance of famous city attractions, including the city’s Archaeological Museum and the Venetian Walls.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Candia Suites and Rooms

Candia Suites and Rooms: If you plan to rent a car to visit the island, the apartment also offers private parking, another feature that you shouldn’t miss since parking in the center of Heraklion is quite a hassle.

To spend some hours at the beach, you can choose Amoudara, less than 10 minutes from the apartment, and the town center is about 200 meters away.

The apartment is excellent for two travelers or a couple with two kids as it can accommodate up to 4 guests.

It has a comfortable kitchen and dining area, while all units feature a coffee machine, a flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. Certain rooms have a balcony, and some have garden views.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Cozy Little Home

Cozy Little Home: This is one of the many great apartments in Heraklion that are simply perfect for a short stay in town. And it’s not just an inviting name, it’s truly a fantastic flat you can rent.

Just 1.5 km from the old port of Heraklion and 2.5 km from the Archaeological Museum, the flat is ideal for 2-3 guests. 

Amoudara, which is Heraklion’s favorite city beach, is just 1.8 km from the apartment.

The prominent landmarks in town and the international airport are also quite close.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Mid-Range Accommodation in Heraklion

The offer widens quite a lot for those of you with a more flexible budget. Some unique places to stay within a budget are between €60 to €150 per night.

Let’s take a look at the most convenient mid-range hotels and flats in the capital of Crete.

Capsis Astoria Heraklion

Capsis Astoria Heraklion: Still thinking about that swimming pool in the center of town? Then you should go for it with a room at this place!

One of the best accommodation options in the capital of Crete is right next to the Archaeological Museum. Besides, the hotel has a magnificent rooftop swimming pool overlooking the old Venetian port of Heraklion.

The charming atmosphere of the hotel is enhanced with fantastic black-and-white pictures of old Heraklion.

The hotel has two restaurants. They serve a fantastic Greek breakfast and very convenient buffet proposals for lunch and dinner.

The Aegean View Cocktail & Food Bar serves snacks and cocktails beside the pool.

The hotel is within walking distance of the most important landmarks in the city center, while the airport is under 5 km from the hotel.

One more perk? Right opposite the hotel, you’ll find frequent bus service to beaches and other places of interest in town.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Porta Suites

Porta Suites: A wonderful place to stay in Heraklion for an unbeatable boutique experience in the comfort of an elegant apartment.

Featuring a well-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, each unit also has a desk and a seating area with a sofa.

All rooms at the condo hotel are fitted with a coffee machine, a private bathroom, and free Wi-Fi, while selected rooms include a terrace, and some have sea views.

The place is located in a convenient area of town, and it features a beautiful internal courtyard with a relaxing tub, ideal for an afternoon coffee after a long morning exploring the city.

The hotel is just a few minutes from the Venetian Walls and the Archaeological Museum, and the Minoan Palace of Knossos is about 5 km away.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

• Lato Boutique Hotel is an excellent alternative in the heart of Heraklion.
  Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Gaia by Agora Luxury Apartments

Gaia: If you want to enjoy the comfort of an apartment without giving up on the boutique features, check out the spectacular facilities of this place. It is definitely one of my favorite accommodations in Heraklion.

At Gaia, every detail is taken care of. The flat is in the center of Heraklion. It’s 2 km from Amoudara Beach and 1 km from the Koules fortress. Among the amenities, you can enjoy a fantastic garden, a terrace, private parking, and bike and car rentals.

19th Century Luxury Maisonette

19th Century Luxury Maisonette: A place to check out if you’re traveling with all the family, this home is located in Heraklion’s city center.

The villa features two bedrooms, a patio, and a comfortable kitchen, and it can accommodate up to five guests.

Other great features include the hot tub and the barbecue on the terrace.

The position is quite comfortable to visit the main town of Heraklion and close to the airport. Hersonissos is only 27 km from the property.

Before arrival, it’s possible for you to arrange a paid airport shuttle service, too.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Creticum Suites

Creticum Suites: I absolutely recommend this fantastic place to stay in Heraklion; it’s really comfortable and decorated with great taste! Any of the suites offer magnificent spaces to feel like you’re at home!

The property offers both free parking and free Wi-Fi, and it’s centrally located, not far from the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the Venetian Walls nearby.

The kitchen in every suite is fully equipped, featuring even an oven, an electric kettle, and a coffee machine.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Luxury Places to Stay in Heraklion

There are remarkable hotels in Heraklion, just a few minutes from the center.

You can choose unique hotels and beautiful houses restored into amazing rental homes with every kind of comfort for a five-star experience.

A stay in any of these beautiful venues starts from €160 per night.

Remember, though, these prices are not so high compared to other Greek islands, so availability can sometimes be scarce. Don’t book at the last minute and secure yourself the top possible accommodation in Heraklion.

GDM Megaron, Historical Monument Hotel

GDM Megaron: A magnificent hotel that is also a classic landmark in the center of Heraklion and a fantastic place to stay to enjoy a luxury vacation.

The hotel is right opposite the old bus station, from where the city buses to Knossos depart every hour. The Megaron, as locals call it, is a historic building. It was built back in 1925, and it’s one of the monuments in town.

It faces the old city port directly and has panoramic views of the city and the sea. It features a fantastic health club as well as a rooftop plunge pool. Parking is free of charge for the hotel’s guests.

If you stay at the Megaron, don’t miss visiting the Plaza Café, a casual indoor café to enjoy your breakfast, any other meal, or just a cup of coffee with the views of the old port as a frame.

On the top floor, don’t miss Megaron 5th, a restaurant serving contemporary Cretan cuisine paired with the best views of the Sea of Crete Cretan cuisine.

On the 4th floor, the hotel features a luxurious health club with a steam bath, sauna, and massage.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Galaxy Iraklio Hotel

Galaxy Iraklio Hotel: One of the best places to stay in town as it enjoys a central position but not in the noisiest part of town. This is one of my favorite places in Heraklion, and you can read the review of my stay here.

What I loved the most about the Galaxy is its fantastic pool and open courtyard, with comfortable lounge chairs and many plants.

Their Cretan breakfast is truly to die for!

Do check the comfort of their family rooms and the allergy-free hotels… Everything is perfect for family holidays!

My days at the Galaxy were one of my best stays in Heraklion, and I recommend you try the venue.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Blossom Premium Living Residence

Another great place where I’ve stayed in the city of Heraklion I’ve stayed in town is Blossom Premium Living Residence, and I loved every minute of this stay.

This fantastic apartment has been completely renewed a very short time ago. It’s so impeccable that we felt we were the first guests to set foot in the residence. You can read my review here.

All the spaces are very well-thought and very comfortable. it can accommodate four travelers, and it is an excellent place for families.

The seating room features a big smart tv with Netflix, there are table games, and there is also a terrific balcony with a wooden deck, three different seating areas, and a small but fragrant herbs garden.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Aquila Atlantis Hotel

Aquila Atlantis: This is another superb place to stay in Heraklion. Comfortably located only 200 meters from the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, it features one of the most beautiful swimming pools in the city. In the hotel, there’s also a semi-covered pool.

Every room is elegant and has unique views of the city and the harbor. Don’t be surprised if, when reading the reviews of previous guests, you find that their breakfast is highly praised.

Aquila Atlantis serves one of the most delicious breakfasts in Heraklion.

The cocktails in the lounge bar and the Mediterranean dishes served in the hotel’s restaurant are also remarkable.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Best Places to Stay Close to Heraklion

Many people prefer to visit the city without staying in the heart of town. And it’s a pretty reasonable idea since Heraklion is Greece’s 4th biggest city, so it tends to be busy, crowded, and nosy, while the traffic is usually a serious issue too.

Some of these resort areas on the northern coast represent a great compromise to enjoy some beach time and the crystal clear water of the Cretan Sea not far from the city.

Where to Stay in Agia Pelagia

The small fishing village of Agia Pelagia is about 25 km west of the city center, facing the northern coast.

Agia Pelagia’s main beach is a wide bay with tranquil waters, and there are several excellent restaurants facing the beach.

In the area, you can splurge by staying in one of the most exclusive hotels in Crete, or you can check out the following accommodations.

Peninsula Resort & Spa

Peninsula Resort & Spa: This is a lovely beachfront hotel in the best part of Agia Pelagia with endless facilities for you to enjoy.

It’s located overlooking the deep blue bay of Agia Pelagia, surrounded by lush gardens. It has two private beaches, 2 large pools, 2 pools for kids and 2 tennis courts. In the area, there’s also a certified diving center.

The rooms are elegant and have every amenity, including air conditioning, satellite TV, and a fridge. Do check their buffet restaurant and the Cretan and Greek dishes.

There are also 4 different bars available for a cocktail with a magnificent view.

Other remarkable facilities include multi-use courts for football, basketball, and volleyball and a spa center with an indoor pool.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Alexander House Hotel

Alexander House Hotel: Featuring a less expensive option in Agia Pelagia, this place offers great value for money.

The hotel is only 150 meters from the main Agia Pelagia beach and features a stunning outdoor pool with a shallow area for children.

Among the key features are the fantastic buffet breakfast and the possibility to enjoy lunch and dinner at the on-site premises when booking an all-inclusive room. The homemade desserts are really delicious.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Sunday Life

Sunday Life: It’s probably my favorite place to stay in Agia Pelagia; this hotel has super convenient rates as it’s not really on the beach.

However, it is one of the best places you can choose for a short stay, conveniently close to the center of Heraklion and just a few minutes from Agia Pelagia’s main beach from where you can embark on a boat trip to see the beautiful coast in the area.

I do recommend their Cretan restaurant, serving their dishes in an open restaurant facing the bay. If you are traveling with your partner, book their Sky Suite for a very romantic stay!
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Where to Stay in Amoudara

Not far from the center of town, this small village is home to the most popular beach in Heraklion for those staying in the city center.

Only 5 km from the center of Heraklion, Amoudara is a great choice as it’s close to the city and comfortable to reach Knossos and other landmarks of the region.

These are two of the best places you can pick in Amoudara.

Civitel Creta Beach

Civitel Creta Beach: This is a very convenient hotel in Amoudara. This 4-star resort hotel offers varied room options on the 9 km white sandy beaches of Amoudara. Parking is also offered for free.

Besides the standard rooms, staying in one of the several bungalows surrounded by beautiful gardens with direct access to the beach is possible.

Buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the main restaurant with great sea views.

There is also a large swimming pool and tennis courts. A mini club and a dedicated pool are some features kids can enjoy in the hotel.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Enorme Lifestyle Beach (Adults Only)

Enorme Lifestyle: This hotel is the ideal destination for a romantic escape on the island. Set in Amoudara, this is just about the perfect choice in Heraklion.

The resort features stunning sea views as well as 5 sharing and 2 shared swimming pools surrounded by a beautiful garden and terrace.

You can enjoy a well-assorted buffet station, show cooking, and delicious Greek cuisine in the main restaurant.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Where to Stay in Malia and Hersonissos

These are the two most crucial beach resort towns in the Heraklion region on the northern coast of Crete.

Hersonissos is known for its unique variety of shops, restaurants, theme parks, and endless activities to enjoy, such as water parks, theme parks, and more.

Both towns are on the road that takes you from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos.

Although none of the towns represent the most authentic Cretan spirit, they are certainly popular for lovers of package holidays, night entertainment, and a wonderful beach.

These are the top places to stay both in Hersonissos (24 km from Heraklion city center) and Malia (34 km from the capital).

Abaton Island Resort & Spa (Hersonissos)

Abaton Island: This is a top resort in Heraklion, featuring exclusive services right at the beach of Hersonissos.

It has a modern design and luxury rooms, suites, and villas, each with a private outdoor terrace, private pool, or outdoor hot tub. The hotel also features 5 unique gastronomic spaces inspired by the flavors of Cretan gastronomy.

The main bar is an ideal place to unwind during sunset and a great place to enjoy cocktails and drinks. Instead, the Buddha Beach Bar serves beverages and wines and a selection of light snacks and inspired platters.

The hotel is only 22 km from the airport of Heraklion.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Sunvillage Malia Boutique Hotel and Suites (Malia)

Sunvillage Malia is a comfortable place to stay in the area. Cozy and friendly, the hotel is a few minutes from the beach of Malia and features beautiful gardens with a pool and a terrace.

Guests can choose between studios and apartments with beautiful balconies facing either the sea or the mountains.

The hotel is about 5 km from Hersonissos and 28 km east of the capital of Crete, Heraklion.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Where to Stay in Stalida

Less chaotic than Malia but still charming, Stalida (also known as Stalis) was one of the first places I ever visited on Crete (many years ago and when I was still not a permanent resident on the island).

The resort is not huge, and it’s great for holidays with the family. It’s close to Heraklion and the shallow coast makes it ideal for small kids.

In my opinion, Stalida is a great place to stay in Heraklion, with easy access to many theme parks, the archaeological sites of Malia and Knossos, and Heraklion’s city center.

Blue Sea Beach Hotel

Blue Sea Beach Hotel: One of the top places to stay in Stalida and known among the guests for their frequent free upgrades, this a great accommodation option just a short ride from the center of Heraklion.

The hotel offers 2 different restaurants and features a beautiful spa with an indoor pool, massage rooms, steam bath, and sauna.

Among my favorite features, their welcome baskets with delicious Cretan treats have to be my favorite.

There is a daily animation program for small kids who can also have fun at the exclusive sweet-water pool for children.

For parents, the free parking area is a great addition to the hotel facilities. The Blue Sea is only 32 km from the International Airport of Heraklion.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Where to Stay in Matala Beach, South Heraklion

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Heraklion, you’ve probably already learned everything about the hippie village of Matala and its legendary caves that face the beach.

Before moving forward, don’t waste one more second and head to this article about the best things to do in Matala. The article features a dedicated section with more places to stay.

If you decide to spend a few days on the south coast, and especially in Matala while enjoying the best of Heraklion, why not check these hotels too?

Marina Hotel

Marina Hotel is a family accommodation featuring a pool and a pool bar surrounded by a pretty garden with rooms overlooking the mountains of Crete. It’s located about 800 meters from the legendary hippie beach.

A tasty buffet breakfast is served in the dining area. Drinks, coffee, and snacks are available throughout the day right by the pool.

The hotel also features a free parking facility.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Valley Village

As you can see, there are plenty of excellent accommodation options in Heraklion town and scattered all over the region.

However, since Heraklion is quite a popular destination in Crete, most places tend to be booked months before the start of the summer season.

Therefore, booking in advance will always guarantee better fees and more availability. Have you decided where to stay in Heraklion yet? Let me know in the comments below!

Read more about Heraklion

• Amazing things to do in Heraklion
• Outstanding Things to See in Knossos Palace, Crete
• Top tours, day trips, and excursions from Heraklion
• Comfortable rental homes in Heraklion
• The Most Exciting Things to Do in Matala, Crete

Don’t Leave Before You Pin this Useful Accommodation Guide to the Best Hotels in Heraklion For Your Next Trip to Crete!

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