Heraklion is the capital of Crete and the 5th largest city in Greece in population, so staying in Heraklion will not feel like being on a typical Greek island. But undoubtedly, the best hotels in Heraklion are in the suburbs of the city, and they are some of the best hotels in Greece!
BUT ALSO CHECK:
- For Families:Creta Maris
- For Couples:Abaton Island
- All-Inclusive:Nana Princess
- Adults Only:ΝΕΜΑ
- In Hersonissos:Onira Suites
- In Agia Pelagia:Seascape
- In Gouves: Amirandes
Staying in Heraklion has lots of benefits as it is the main transport hub of Crete and (let’s be honest my Cretan friends…) it is the centre of the island.
But the best hotels in Heraklion Crete, are mainly outside of Heraklion, and we are basically talking about hotels that are in the Heraklion prefecture. The best hotels around Heraklion are on the east side of the city in areas such as Hersonissos, Ammoudara, Gouves and other famous beaches of Crete.The main benefit of staying at Heraklion or around Heraklion is that you will be very close to the famous ancient ruins of Knossos and the magnificent Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
The other great benefit of staying in Heraklion is that you will have much easier access to ferries that visit other Greek islands such Santorini or Rhodes and the Greek island hopping becomes an easier thing if you are actually staying in Heraklion.VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW:
- Best Website to Book a Hotels in Heraklion Crete: Booking.com (many more options than Airbnb…even for private villas to rent on the island; just apply the correct filter while searching)
- Best Hotel in Heraklion (in the city): Aquila Atlantis Hotel
- Best Hotel in Heraklion (suburbs): Onira Suite Dreams
- Best Villa in Heraklion: Mangie Villa
- Best Family Hotel in Heraklion: Creta Maris Beach Resort
- Where to Stay in Crete: Unless you are staying in an all-inclusive resort or at a unique villa and not going out at all, then you would definitely need a car on the island and more than 5 nights in total. The best area to stay in Crete is the western part of the island or the “Chania prefecture”, as it has the most picturesque villages, the gorgeous Samaria Gorge, the beautiful Crete beaches of Balos, Falassarna, Platanias, Elafonissi and obviously the most picturesque town of Crete which is Chania old town
- Where Are the Best Hotels in Crete: the best hotels in Crete are scattered everywhere on the island but Elounda beach area and the beachfront towns of Heraklion perfecture have the most impressive resorts.
RECOMMENDED WEBSITES FOR GREECE:
🛏️ Booking.comis the website with the most available rooms and Private Villas in Athens, Santorini , Mykonos & Crete (more than Airbnb!)
⛴️ Ferryhopper is the best website to book your ferry tickets or check the timetables for Santorini, Mykonos , Crete & all Greek islands
🎫 Get Your Guide has the best and largest variety of Tours in Athens and the Greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete etc)
✈️ Booking.com Flights has all the available flights to and from the Greek islands
🚕 Book Your Driver (Taxi) directly with booking.com’s large and safe platform of available certified drivers
Best Hotels in Heraklion
So…without further ado, let’s see the Best Hotels in Heraklion, Crete:
1. Aquila Atlantis Hotel
The 5-star Aquila Atlantis Hotel is located in Heraklion within 150 metres from the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. The hotel features a swimming pool with spectacular views over the harbour, a semi-covered pool and a restaurant with an elegant decoration.
The hotel can accommodate up to 850 guests. All rooms and suites of Aquila Atlantis Hotel are very stylish and feature balconies where the guests can enjoy views over the city of Heraklion, the harbour, or the hotel’s courtyard. Each room comes equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free wifi, a coffee machine, and a minibar.
Guests can relax at the sun loungers by the pool and enjoy a refreshing drink from the bar. Breakfast is served daily at the modern setting of the lounge bar, where drinks and cocktails can also be enjoyed. The restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine accompanied by fine wine. Laundry, dry cleaning and ironing can be provided with an extra charge.The location of the accommodation is great with an easy walk to downtown. Heraklion Port, connecting to Piraeus Port in Athens, is located 2 km from Aquila Atlantis Hotel, while Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport is at a distance of 4 km. The archaeological site of Knossos lies within 6 km away. CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE >
2. GDM Megaron, Historical Monument Hotel
Also, there is free parking for the guests. The 58 elegantly decorated rooms and suites feature the latest facilities such as private telephone line with voicemail, satellite TV, complimentary WiFi, safe, mini bar, tea & coffee facilities, soundproof windows, sprinklers and smoke detectors. Additional amenities, such as spa bath, are provided in some rooms and suites. The “Plaza Café” is a casual, all-day, all-purpose indoor café ideal for enjoying your breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a cup of coffee overlooking the old port.
The lounge provides a TV corner and a library. “The Megaron 5th” Bar Restaurant is located on the top floor, offering the city’s most stunning views of the old Venetian port and the Aegean Sea. It provides a unique combination of an excellent location, lounge music, and Cretan cuisine with dishes prepared by the hotel’s artisan Chef.
The Megaron 5th is open only during the summer season. The Health Club on the 4th floor, exclusively reserved for hotel guests, is equipped with a variety of fitness equipment as well as a steam bath, a hot tub, a massage table and a sauna with colour and music therapy.The sun beds and umbrellas by the pool area on the roof are perfect for relaxing after a busy day. Well-equipped meeting rooms are the ideal venue for meetings, whether it is a seminar, a cocktail reception, a gala dinner or even an exhibition. GDM Megaron is located in the heart of Heraklion’s business and shopping district, within walking distance of the Archaeological and the Historical Museum. Heraklion Port is 1.2 miles away, while Heraklion International Airport is within 3.1 miles of the hotel.
3. Onira Suite Dreams
Set in Hersonissos, less than 0.6 miles from Anissaras Main Beach, Onira Suite Dreams offers accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. Among the facilities at this property are room service and a concierge service, along with free WiFi throughout the property.
Guests can use the spa centre and the hot tub, or enjoy sea views. The units in the hotel are equipped with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer, a bidet and a shower.
All guest rooms will provide guests with a desk and a kettle. The accommodation offers a sauna. The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire and car hire are available at Onira Suite Dreams. Analipsi Beach is less than 0.6 miles from the hotel, while FKK Naturist Beach is a 13-minute walk away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 14.3 miles from Onira Suite Dreams.
CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE >4. Galaxy Iraklio Hotel
Per Se Lounge offers comfort meals, wines, and cocktails. The Pool Deck serves light meals, snacks, and drinks. Every Friday between May and October, a live music event is hosted at Galaxy Iraklio Hotel.
Galaxy also includes a state-of-the-art conference centre, with 9 fully equipped halls and a total capacity of 1000 persons. Galaxy Hotel’s Wellness Club is open 24 hours a day, and its use is free to all guests. It includes a state-of-the-art gym and an all-marble steam room. Guests of Galaxy Iraklio Hotel are within a 10-minute walk from the city centre and shopping, and historic attractions. The Knossos archaeological site is a 10-minute drive. Heraklion International Airport is 3.1 miles away. Friendly staff at the 24-hour reception can arrange tickets and car rentals. Free public parking is possible on site. CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE >
5. Infinity Blue Boutique Hotel & Spa – Adults Only
Infinity Blue Boutique Hotel & Spa is situated just a breath above the “Blue Flag” awarded beach of Hersonissos. The bright and spacious air-conditioned rooms feature a stylish white-blue decor and large windows. Each one includes free wi-fi, a flat-screen TV, a safe box, a mini-bar, and a coffee machine. The hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, pool bar, and two restaurants.
Guests may enjoy buffet or a la carte menus at the on-site restaurant. Infinity Blue Boutique Hotel & Spa has a 24-hour front desk as well as a free wifi in communal areas. Bike and car hire can be arranged at the hotel. Spa, sauna, hamam, hydromassage and hairdresser salon are included at the wellness centre of the hotel. Their use comes with extra charge.
The lively main street, boasting an array of restaurants and bars, is located within a short walking distance of the property. A supermarket can be found at a distance of 10 metres, while a bus station is 50 metres away. Nikos Kazantzakis Airport is 12.4 miles from the property, and free private parking is available on site.
CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE >6. Enorme Lifestyle Beach (Adults Only)
The main restaurant comes with a buffet. The breathtaking terrace in front of the main swimming pool and the Mediterranean sea will offer you stunning views. Heraklio Town is 3.7 miles from Enorme Lifestyle Beach (Adults Only), while Hersonissos is 18 miles away. Heraklion International Airport is 5.6 miles from the property.
7. Palmera Beach Hotel & Spa
Lying directly on a sandy beach in cosmopolitan Hersonissos, the Palmera Beach hotel offers a pool area with a children’s paddling pool, deck chairs, and umbrellas. The staff is so friendly and welcoming, and they make you feel at home.
The hotel spa offers massage rooms. Palmera Beach hotel provides modern, decorated and furnished, air-conditioned rooms, most with a private balcony. Each one is equipped with a flat-screen TV. A safe box is provided upon request and at a charge. Wi-Fi is free in all areas. The hotel’s air-conditioned bar has a lounge with satellite TV.
The main restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner, serving an excellent buffet with many options and high-quality options. Guests can enjoy romantic candle-lit dinners and sunset dining at the seafront Palmera Restaurant. The Palmera Beach Hotel is situated on the beach road in the centre of Hersonisos, just 14.9 miles from the Heraklion International Airport.
CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE >8. Elysium Boutique Hotel & Spa (Adults Only)
A supermarket can be found at a distance of 20 metres, while a bus station is 300 metres away. Aquaworld Aquarium is 3.1 miles away, and the nearest airport is Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, 9.3 miles from the property. The hotel is in a great location for all the above.
9. Knossos Beach Bungalows Suites Resort & Spa
Knossos Beach Bungalows Suites Resort & Spa lies on its private sandy beach. It offers 3 swimming pools and 3 restaurants. The beach is equipped with loungers, umbrellas, and a bar. The bungalows and suites offer sea-view terraces and beautiful gardens. Each air-conditioned unit has floor-to-ceiling double-glazed windows and satellite TV.
Guests can relax on a sun bed beside the pool with a cool drink and admire the Aegean Sea. Yoga and pilates sessions, as well as a variety of massage treatments, can also be arranged. The main restaurant serves buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
At the elegant a la carte restaurant, guests can taste creative Greek cuisine made with fresh local ingredients. The pool bar serves drinks and ice cream, while the main bar offers a nice view and a relaxing atmosphere. The 24-hour multilingual front desk offers concierge service, and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the resort.
Free parking is provided at the hotel premises for guests’ vehicles. The closest major airport is Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport, at 6.2 miles. Τhe hotel is located 7.5 miles from Heraklion port.10. Gouves Bay Hotel
Guests at Gouves Bay Hotel can enjoy a continental or a buffet breakfast. The accommodation offers a terrace. Bike and car hire are available at the Gouves Bay Hotel. Popular points of interest near Gouves Bay Hotel include Marina Beach and Gouves Beach. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 9.9 miles from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
11. Seascape Luxury Residences
Seascape Luxury Residences is set in Agia Pelagia, within a short walk of the beach and the centre, Seascape Luxury Residences offers modern, decorated apartments with free WiFi access. The complex includes 2 outdoor swimming pools with a decked terrace, and a poolside bar offering drinks and snacks throughout the day. Opening to balconies, Seascape Luxury Residences offer views over the sea or the pool.
Each air-conditioned apartment includes a fully equipped kitchen with a dining table, a seating area, a flat screen TV and a luxurious bathroom. The complex is a stunning, clean, spacious room with friendly staff. The beach and Restaurants are only a 3-minute walk away with a lovely arrangement of different foods for everyone’s delight.
Heraklio Town is 11.2 miles from the accommodation. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 12.4 miles from Seascape Luxury Residences.
CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE >12. Creta Maris Beach Resort
All the accommodation types are renovated. Air conditioning comes standard. Spacious lounges, sun loungers by the beach and pools, a hair salon, and a medical room are at your disposal. There is free Wi-Fi in public areas and rooms, and free private parking on site. All Inclusive programs are valid till 24:00 and dining options include Italian, Cretan and seafood restaurants.
A total of 6 restaurants, 2 snack points, and 9 bars are available on site. Dietary, lactose & gluten free menus, theme nights and romantic dining next to the seafront can be enjoyed by the guests. The resort’s Hammam Spa features spa treatment rooms specially designed and fully equipped for multiple treatments, face and body massages and many others.
One free Premium 45-minute Spa Ticket is offered to each guest per stay for a minimum stay of four nights (appointment has to be set the first two days of arrival). Children enjoy their own pools, kids’ club, playground, baby room with toys, and a teenagers’ club. Heraklion International Airport is 14.9 miles away. Front desk staff are available for arranging car rental, currency exchange and transfers.13. Sonia Center I
Glaros Beach is less than 0.6 miles from the accommodation, while Aquaworld Aquarium is a 6-minute walk from the property. In the surroundings of Hersonissos, it’s worth visiting Knossos Palace, the brightest sample of Minoan civilisation, or the archaeological museum in Heraklion city which is the best museum in the world for Minoan art.
Supermarkets, cafe/bar and restaurants can be found within 50 metres. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 14.3 miles from Sonia Center I, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE >14. Heaven’s View Apartment
A car rental service is available at Heaven’s View Apartment. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include the Historical Μuseum of Crete, Koules, and Loggia. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 2.7 miles from Heaven’s View Apartment.
15. Creta Blue Boutique Hotel
Creta Blue Boutique Hotel is located in Hersonissos. This small boutique hotel offers luxurious accommodation with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, an infinity pool and a la carte dining. From the balcony or terrace of Creta Blue’s elegantly designed units, guests can enjoy garden, pool or sea views.
Air-conditioned Suites and rooms provide LED TVs with media players and comfortable beds. In the evening, the pool bar changes to a romantic open-air restaurant, and guests are invited to enjoy homemade recipes using local ingredients for delicious dishes. They can also enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of the area. The hotel’s infinity pool is the perfect place to enjoy the hot Mediterranean sun. For further relaxation, guests can enjoy a massage in the privacy of their room.
Free WiFi access is available in all communal areas. The staff can arrange car rental and organize trips to Cretan sights, such as the archaeological site of Knossos. Creta Blue Suites is just 5 minutes’ walk from the centre of Koutouloufari and 0.6 miles from the centre of Hersonissos. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 30-minute drive from the property.
CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE >Our Top Pick
I believe that the best hotel in Heraklion is Aquila Atlantis Hotel if you want to stay in the buzzing city of Heraklion and be in the centre of everything wth lots of shops and amenities but if you want to stay a bit more outside of the main city the best hotel will be Onira Suite Dreams.
To be totally honest with you, and as always in Crete, there is no bad option here really. All of the hotels on this list offer amazing service, 5 star facilities and are located in one of the most beautiful islands in the world: Crete.
Staying in Heraklion will be a very wise choice if you want to be closer to the famous cultural locations of Knossos and the National Archaeologival Museum of Heraklion but bear also bear in mind that Herakiion is big city and in my honest opinion not necessarily the most picturesque in Crete…(sorry my friends from Heraklion but I trully believe Chania or Rethymnon are cuter!)
However, you have to pick one wisely because moving around in Crete is an issue and you need a car if you are planning to visit many locations. The island is massive, and even though there are lots and frequent buses that go pretty much everywhere, you will be much more flexible if you rent your own means of transportation.
