Heraklion

Heraklion (Iraklio in Greek) is the capital of Crete and its largest city, on the north coast in the middle of the island. The name also covers the region around it, which runs from the resorts of the north coast over the mountains to the Libyan Sea in the south. The airport is on the edge of the city, so almost all of the region is within an hour and a quarter by road.

We list villas and hotels in the city, on the north coast and on the south coast. Below: what each area is like, who it suits, the best beaches, drive times and when to come.

City, north coast or south coast: where to stay

Heraklion city is the place for history. The Venetian walls, begun in 1426, run for 3 km around the old town, and the writer Nikos Kazantzakis is buried on the Martinengo bastion, their highest point. At Lions Square, around the Morosini fountain of 1628, locals start the day with bougatsa. The Archaeological Museum holds most of the finds from Knossos and the most important Minoan collection in the world, and the palace of Knossos itself is 5 km south, about 20 minutes on city bus no. 2. It suits short stays, culture and travellers without a car.

The east coast, from Gouves through Hersonissos and Stalida to Malia, is 20 to 40 minutes from the airport. The beaches are long and organised, the big resort hotels are here, and Hersonissos and Malia have the region's nightlife. It is also the busiest area in July and August. It suits families who want sunbeds and restaurants close by, and groups. For the coast without the noise, look at Piskopiano and Koutouloufari, old villages on the hill above Hersonissos. Most of our villas in the region are in this area.

The west coast is quieter. Amoudara, the city's own beach, begins 5 km west of the centre. About 24 km further, Agia Pelagia and Ligaria are small bays sheltered from the north wind. It suits people who want to be close to the city but swim in calm water.

The south coast, on the Libyan Sea, is about 75 minutes from the airport, across the Messara plain. Villages such as Pitsidia near Matala are small and simple, with few big hotels. It suits longer, quieter stays, and we list fewer places here than in the north.

Inland, Archanes lies 15 km south of the city at the foot of Mount Giouchtas, in the oldest wine country on Crete. The local reds are made from Kotsifali and Mandilaria, and the whites of nearby Peza from Vilana.

The best beaches around Heraklion

Crete has more Blue Flag beaches than any other region of Greece.

North coast

• Agia Pelagia: a round bay sheltered from the north wind, with clear water, diving schools and water sports.
• Ligaria: the next bay along, a small, quiet cove.
• Amoudara: about 7 km of sand just west of the city, organised along most of its length and the easiest beach to reach from town.
• Karteros and Amnissos: sandy beaches beside the airport, 10 minutes from arrivals. Planes land low overhead.

South coast

• Matala: a bay below cliffs full of caves carved into the rock, made famous by the hippies who lived in them in the 1960s.
• Kommos: a long beach with sand dunes just north of Matala, and far fewer people.
• Lentas: a small bay with very clear water, good for snorkelling, next to the headland known as Lion Rock.

When to go

The sea temperatures below are monthly averages for Heraklion.

April and May: green, with wild flowers, and the best weather for walking and for Knossos. The sea is about 20°C in May. June: about 23°C. July and August: the warmest sea, about 25 to 26°C, and peak season. The north coast often gets the meltemi, a strong summer wind from the north, and on those days Agia Pelagia is the calm option. The week around 15 August is the busiest of the year across Greece, so book early. September: about 25°C with fewer people. October: about 23°C, and harvest time in the vineyards. November: about 21°C, and the sea is still warm enough to swim, later than in most of Greece.

How we choose where you stay

Villa4You has been renting holiday homes in Greece since 2005. We can arrange airport transfers to anywhere in the region.

Browse villas and hotels in Heraklion, or ask for a shortlist.