Hersonissos (Chersonissos) is a small town on Crete in Greece. It is located not far from the famous city of Heraklion. Hersonissos is located on the main road and is a popular holiday destination for tourists. Together with Malia and Stalis, it forms the so-called Cretan Riviera, and its name means peninsula in Greek.
The modern port was built on the ruins of the Roman port, which in its heyday, during the Greek and Byzantine rule, was an important logistics point on the island. The city even had its own coin with the image of Artemis.
Beautiful beaches and excellent tourist infrastructure mean that crowds come to Crete every year. It is also a place well-known in mythology, because the famous King Minos, the father of the Minotaur, built his palace here. Beautiful beaches and excellent tourist infrastructure mean that crowds come to Crete every year. It is also a place well-known in mythology, because the famous King Minos, the father of the Minotaur, built his palace here.
Active Spend Time:
Hersonissos is one of the favorite Cretan destinations among young people. The town has a rich infrastructure for lovers of water sports and active recreation. In the town there is a diving center Scuba Dive Crete, centers offering adventures with windsurfing or water skiing. In the local Aquapark, in addition to the typical attractions and SPA services, bungee jumping is organized. In the area you can also try your hand at paragliding and use the golf.
Best Hotels:
- Hotel Hersonissos Palace
- Knossos Royal
What’s worth seeing?
Minoan Palace – Knossos
The Minoan inhabitants dotted the island of Crete with palaces; however, Knossos is known for being the largest and longest-lasting palace on Crete. The ruins that we can see standing today date back to around Middle Minoan II (circa 1800 BCE, Hood, S, et al). While it originates from around MMII, the palace itself was inhabited well into Late Minoan IIIA (circa 1300 BCE).
Lychnostatis Museum
The Museum “Lychnostatis” is an autonomous private foundation, operating since July 1992. The museum has its origins in a private collection formed over a period of thirty years by Giorgos Markakis, professor of ophthalmology, lecturer and writer. The buildings themselves are some of the main exhibits. The collections are broad in scope, from agricultural implements to embroideries and from herbs to rhymes.
Skotino Cave
Skotino Cave is one of the largest caves in Crete. The cave lies high on a hill northwest of the village of Skotino, a few kilometers inland south of Gouves. It is also known as Agia Paraskevi Cave from the church dedicated to Saint Paraskevi built on top of it. The cave is 160 meters deep and 36 meters wide.
Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre
Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Center More than an aquarium, it is a kind of living natural museum: most of the fish, marine animals and reptiles that live there were rescued or found injured and have found a new home at Aquaworld. The aquarium is open to the public from April to October.
Koutouloufari
Koutouloufari village, with its stone-paved paths and the old traditional Cretan houses, is one of the most popular tourist areas in Heraklion. This area offers a variety of choices: beaches, entertainment, sights, archaeological sites, all of them, in a quiet place with traditional color and beautiful view to the Cretan Sea. In Koutouloufari you can see stone houses with arches and inner courtyards with vines which offer a great sunshade during the hot days.
Old Hersonissos Center
Old Hersonissos is a small friendly village on the greek island of Crete, located two kilometres north of the “new” Hersonissos. It is located on the slope of Mount Charakas and 1.5 kilometres east of the village of Piskopiano. Old Hersonissos, also called Ano (above) Hersonissos is a nice village with a central village square filled with restaurants and tavernas. In the summer it is very nice and friendly here.
FUN:
Labyrinth Park
Labyrinth is the perfect place for families with children who want to combine fun with learning about Greek mythology.
Main attractions:
– 3-dimensional maze: Over 1 km of paths with bridges, towers and checkpoints. Adapted for people with disabilities
– Sundial maze: A maze with a single, spiral path leading to an ancient sundial
– Mini-golf: 18-hole golf course
– Quad track: For children aged 4-11. The track is 400 meters long and is under the constant care of employees
– Donkey rides
– Mini farm: Here you will meet the donkey Markus, ponies Achilles and Hector and the ferret Arthur. In addition, mini-goats, rabbits, various species of chickens and birds
– Pottery workshops
– Eco-garden: A garden with Cretan herbs, 40 fruit trees and seasonal vegetables
– Archery
– Miniature village: Discover a miniature Cretan village with traditional crafts and products
– Escape room: Atlantis
– Laser maze: The Trojan horse
– Hades and the underworld
– Exhibits: The park space is filled with exhibits depicting mythical figures such as Talos
