Heraklion is one of Crete’s four regional units, and Heraklion City is the capital and largest city of the island. If you’re planning a holiday in Heraklion, choosing the right area to stay is important, as it can make a real difference to your entire trip.
Living in Chania, Crete, I’ve visited Heraklion many times and have had the chance to explore different parts of the region.
In this guide, I’ve chosen seven areas that I think suit different types of holiday, from the city and lively seaside resorts to quieter villages on the south coast.
I’ve also included accommodation recommendations for each area to help you find the right place for your stay.
Which area of Heraklion should you choose?
- Heraklion City: Best for sightseeing, city life and holidays without a car.
- Agia Pelagia: Best for relaxed beach holidays and families with children.
- Hersonissos: Best for lively nightlife, beach holidays and young travellers.
- Malia: Best for partying and young travellers looking for intense nightlife.
- Matala: Best for a laid-back atmosphere, alternative nightlife and exploring southern Crete.
- Kato Gouves: Best for families and relaxed resort holidays close to Heraklion City.
- Kalamaki: Best for peaceful seaside holidays and exploring the Messara region.
1. Heraklion City – Best for a central location
Heraklion City is a large urban centre with everything you could need during your trip. You’ll find all kinds of shops, dozens of places to eat, have coffee or enjoy a drink, and excellent infrastructure. The city is also home to the University Hospital of Heraklion, one of Crete’s major hospitals.
It’s particularly suitable for travellers who prefer having the services and conveniences of a large city close at hand, rather than staying in a smaller tourist resort.
Some neighbourhoods are picturesque, while others feel like a typical large city, with apartment buildings and busy shopping streets. Heraklion is home to the Venetian Koules Fortress, the Venetian Walls and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, while the Palace of Knossos is also nearby.
Pros
- All the services and conveniences of a large city.
- Plenty of accommodation, restaurants, cafés and nightlife options.
- The airport is only a few kilometres from the city centre.
Cons
- There is no proper swimming beach in the historic city centre. Ammoudara, one of the closest beaches, is approximately 4–5 km west of the centre.
- It’s a large city, so it doesn’t have the same atmosphere as a seaside resort or a small island village.
Recommended places to stay in Heraklion City
- (€€€) 3 Pines Design Living: A stylish design-led property with spacious suites, a swimming pool, gym and co-working space. A great choice for travellers who want a comfortable city base with more facilities than a typical hotel.
- (€€) Artree Suites: Modern, beautifully designed suites within walking distance of the city centre and Archaeological Museum. Free parking makes it particularly convenient if you’re planning to explore Crete by car.
- (€) Mirabello Hotel: A simple, budget-friendly hotel in the heart of Heraklion, close to shops, restaurants and museums. Ideal for travellers who mainly need a convenient place to sleep while exploring the city.
2. Agia Pelagia – A peaceful place for a beach holiday
Agia Pelagia is a seaside village approximately 25 km from Heraklion City. It’s a popular tourist destination with all the facilities you would expect, including plenty of accommodation, restaurants, cafés and bars.
It’s particularly suitable for travellers looking for a relaxing holiday, including families with children.
One of its biggest advantages is that the village is built around a beautiful bay, with the beach right in front of it. The bay is relatively sheltered from northerly winds, so the sea is often calmer than at more exposed beaches, although conditions can still vary. If you stay near the centre, you can easily walk to the beach.
Pros
- A popular and well-developed tourist resort with plenty of facilities.
- A good choice for families with children.
- A beach right in front of the village, as well as other nearby beaches such as Psaromoura and Mononaftis.
- Approximately half an hour’s drive from Heraklion City.
Cons
- Limited nightlife, mainly consisting of tavernas, cafés and a few quieter bars.
- Parking can be difficult, especially if your accommodation doesn’t provide a parking space.
- A car is very useful if you want to explore other villages or visit Heraklion City regularly. Public transport is available, but it offers less flexibility.
Recommended places to stay in Agia Pelagia
- (€€€) Irida Hotel Agia Pelagia: A stylish hotel overlooking the bay, with contemporary rooms and suites, two outdoor pools and a restaurant. A lovely choice for couples and families looking for a relaxing stay.
- (€€) Anatoli Hotel Apartments: A family-run property just a few steps from the beach, offering studios and apartments with kitchenettes and an outdoor pool. Particularly practical for families and travellers who prefer self-catering accommodation.
- (€) Diana Apartments: A small, peaceful property by the sea, surrounded by a garden and offering beautiful bay views. A good choice for travellers who prefer an independent stay away from large resorts.
3. Hersonissos – Best for lively nightlife
Hersonissos is one of Crete’s most popular tourist resorts, attracting visitors from all over the world. In particular, many young travellers come here to enjoy its famous nightlife.
Most of the bars and clubs are concentrated in Limenas Hersonissou, the seaside resort area, especially along the waterfront around Agias Paraskevis Street.
Hersonissos also has a wide range of accommodation, from luxury hotels and villas to small rooms and apartments. There are several beaches to enjoy, including the main beach in Limenas Hersonissou and the beaches around Sarantari.
Pros
- Lively nightlife, with bars and clubs that stay open until the early hours.
- A well-developed tourist resort with a wide range of hotels and accommodation.
- A beach in front of Limenas Hersonissou, as well as other nearby beaches, including Sarantari, Limanakia Hersonissou, Anissaras and Stalida.
- A great choice for young travellers, whether groups of friends or couples, who want to combine beach holidays with nightlife.
- Approximately half an hour’s drive from Heraklion City.
Cons
- The busiest parts of the resort can be very noisy.
- The nightlife can sometimes get rowdy, particularly around the main bar and club streets.
Recommended places to stay in Hersonissos
- (€€€) Cook’s Club Hersonissos Crete: A contemporary adults-only hotel with pools, a spa and a lively atmosphere with DJ sets. Ideal for couples and groups of friends who want to combine relaxation with nightlife.
- (€€) Sigma59 Dine & Stay: A boutique-style property with spacious, modern suites and a rooftop garden with sea views. Its central location is ideal for enjoying Hersonissos’ restaurants, bars and waterfront.
- (€) Mastorakis Hotel and Studios: A family-run property with self-catering accommodation, an outdoor pool and free parking. A practical budget-friendly option within walking distance of the beach.
4. Malia – A busy tourist resort with lively nightlife
In my experience, Malia’s nightlife is even more intense than Hersonissos’, with most of the action concentrated around Dimokratias Street, often referred to as the Malia Strip.
You can combine nights out with days at the beach, as the area offers several options, including Malia’s main beach, Potamos Beach and nearby Stalida.
Nightlife here can get very wild, so if that’s not the kind of holiday you’re looking for, I wouldn’t recommend staying in the busiest part of Malia.
Pros
- A well-developed tourist resort with all kinds of hotels and accommodation.
- Intense nightlife, with bars and clubs that stay open until the early hours.
- Easy access to Malia’s main beach and other nearby beaches.
- An ideal area for young travellers who want to combine beach holidays with partying.
Cons
- It can get very crowded, both on the beaches during the day and around the bars and clubs at night.
- The nightlife can sometimes get out of hand, especially in the busiest party areas.
Recommended places to stay in Malia
- (€€€) AneSea Hotel: A modern hotel in a quieter location between Stalida and Malia, with stylish rooms and easy access to nearby beaches. A good choice for couples who want comfort without staying in the busiest nightlife area.
- (€€) Pyrgos Beach Hotel Apartments: A seaside property on the quieter eastern side of Malia, offering studios and apartments, a pool and free parking. Ideal for travellers who want easy access to the beach and resort facilities.
- (€) Sunshine Studios: A family-run property with self-catering studios and an outdoor swimming pool. A practical choice for budget-conscious travellers who want to stay close to Malia’s beaches and nightlife.
5. Matala – A laid-back destination with a hippie past
Matala was once one of Crete’s most famous hippie destinations. Today, it’s a popular seaside resort that still retains some of its alternative character, with colourful streets, music and a laid-back atmosphere.
It attracts plenty of visitors, especially during the summer, but it’s a good choice for those who enjoy a lively place without the intense nightlife of resorts such as Malia. You’ll find tavernas, beach bars and a good selection of accommodation.
The beach is right in front of the village and is well organised. On the northern side of the bay are the famous caves where hippies lived during the 1960s and 1970s.
Pros
- A popular destination that combines a lively atmosphere with a relaxed style of entertainment.
- Direct access to the beach.
- A good selection of accommodation, tavernas and bars.
- Suitable for travellers of different ages, as long as they enjoy the area’s particular style.
- A good location for exploring the beaches of southern Crete.
Cons
- More than an hour’s drive from Heraklion City.
- It attracts a lot of visitors, which may not appeal to those looking for complete peace and quiet.
Recommended places to stay in Matala
- (€€€) Boutique Hotel Die Zwei Brüder: A charming boutique property with individually designed rooms, apartments and suites in the heart of Matala. Ideal for couples looking for a stylish stay close to the beach and restaurants.
- (€€) Matala Luxury Apartments: Modern, self-catering apartments in the centre of Matala, just a short walk from the beach. A great choice for travellers who want the independence of an apartment close to the village’s restaurants and attractions.
- (€) Paradise Matala Hotel: A simple, comfortable hotel with an outdoor pool, garden and free parking. A good budget-friendly option for travellers who prefer a quieter base a short distance from Matala Beach.
6. Kato Gouves – A good choice for families with children
Kato Gouves is a seaside resort less than 20 km from Heraklion City. This makes it a particularly good choice for travellers who want to stay in a tourist resort while remaining relatively close to the city and the airport.
The area is well suited to family holidays, including those travelling with young children. There are several organised beaches and plenty of accommodation close to the sea, making it easy to enjoy a relaxing holiday without having to travel far for a swim.
Kato Gouves is quieter than Hersonissos or Malia, but you’ll still find plenty of restaurants, cafés, shops and other useful facilities.
Pros
- A seaside resort with easy access to several beaches.
- Close to Heraklion City and the airport.
- A good choice for families with children and travellers looking for a quieter, well-organised holiday.
- Plenty of accommodation, restaurants and useful facilities for visitors.
Cons
- The coast is exposed to northerly winds, although some sections are protected by small breakwaters. Swimming conditions can still be less suitable on windy days.
- Nightlife is limited compared with larger resorts such as Hersonissos and Malia.
Recommended places to stay in Kato Gouves
- (€€) Elea Suites & Residences: A stylish property with spacious suites and residences, a swimming pool and a peaceful garden setting. Particularly suitable for families and couples looking for extra space and comfort.
- (€) Golden Sunlight Hotel by Estia: A comfortable hotel with an outdoor pool, restaurant and rooms with private balconies. A practical choice for couples and families looking for an affordable stay in Gouves.
- (€) Despina Apts by Estia: Self-catering apartments with kitchenettes, balconies and access to an outdoor pool. A good option for families and travellers who want flexibility and easy access to Gouves Beach.
7. Kalamaki – A quiet seaside resort with a long beach
Kalamaki is a small seaside village on the south coast of Crete, approximately 65 km from Heraklion City. It’s a good choice for travellers who want a peaceful holiday by the sea, away from the noise and bustle of the city.
It suits both couples and families, as long as they’re looking for a quiet seaside holiday. The village has a long beach, along with several tavernas and accommodation options.
Pros
- A seaside village with a long beach and plenty of accommodation close to the sea.
- A peaceful atmosphere, ideal for couples, families and travellers looking for a relaxing holiday.
- A good base for exploring the Messara region and nearby south-coast beaches.
Cons
- The beach is exposed to winds, and some parts of the seabed have smooth, slippery rock shelves. Combined with waves, these can make entering the sea difficult at times.
- There is little nightlife, and the choice of restaurants and entertainment is limited compared with larger tourist resorts.
- It’s quite far from Heraklion City and the airport.
Recommended places to stay in Kalamaki
- (€€€) Stelani Villas & Suites: Beautiful stone-built villas and suites on a hillside above Kalamaki, offering wonderful views over the Libyan Sea. An excellent choice for couples and families seeking privacy, comfort and a peaceful setting.
- (€€) Spyros Apartments with Pool: A small, family-run complex with fully equipped apartments and a shared swimming pool. Ideal for families and travellers who want a quiet self-catering stay within walking distance of the beach.
- (€) Ilios: A simple, budget-friendly hotel just a short walk from Kalamaki Beach. A practical base for exploring the beaches and villages of southern Crete.
I hope this guide helps you find the right place to stay and enjoy a wonderful holiday in Heraklion. If you’re also planning to visit Chania, Lasithi or Rethymno, take a look at my guides:
