Hersonissos

Nestled on the northern coast of the captivating island of Crete, Hersonissos offers a fusion of natural beauty, rich history, and a vibrant atmosphere that makes it an ideal destination for yachtsmen seeking an unforgettable summer adventure. Also known as Chersonisos, it is a modern and bustling tourism resort with many busy beaches, thrilling nightlife, dining, and shopping districts, and plenty of attractions to keep the whole family happy. The sprawling Aegean town is located about 25 kilometers east of Heraklion and is considered one of the largest and most popular tourist resorts in Crete.

 Hersonissos boasts a lively and energetic atmosphere that is both invigorating and captivating. The town is dotted with charming waterfront tavernas, bars, nightclubs, and cafes that come alive with music, laughter, and the aromas of delectable Cretan cuisine. The bustling harbor is lined with picturesque fishing boats, giving it an authentic maritime character. Visitors can seek out unique thrills at the local waterparks, theme parks, and even a few historic sites. The town itself has about 3,000 permanent residents, but this number rises significantly from May to October when the area is flooded with hundreds of thousands of tourists and thousands of seasonal workers. Crowds hit their peak in the months of July and August. For those seeking a lively summer crowd, epic parties, or family fun, Hersonissos has it all.

The Layout of Sprawling Hersonissos

 Due to the exponential increase in tourism over the last few decades, the town of Hersonissos has seen a rapid expansion beyond its original borders and can be a little confusing for newcomers to navigate. The original village of Hersonissos, which is now referred to as Upper Hersonissos or Old Hersonissos, is actually located further inland. The coastal area where the town’s port was located is what has developed into the main tourism areas, and this region is often still denoted on maps as the Port of Hersonissos or Limenas Chersonissou.

 The harbor is located in the center of the town’s Aegean coast. To the west of the harbor, visitors will find the Cape of Sarandaris, identified by the charming Chapel of St. George at its peak, followed by many beautiful beaches and bays. It should be noted that many of these beaches are privately owned by the area’s many luxury resort hotels and all-inclusives. To the east of the harbor, there is the Cape of Kastri, or Kastri Hill, and the modern, developed areas of the main town. Much of the coast has a continuous seaside road that is perfect for taking a scenic drive and is lined with the area’s most popular nightclubs, bars, cafes, shops, and restaurants.

Hersonissos History: Remarkable Staying Power

 Hersonissos may lack a history of fascinating battles, significant art, or other intrigues, but it has maintained its prosperity for thousands of years, and that in itself is rather admirable. Beginning as the ancient town of Chersonasus, it has been a fairly prosperous port since the Minoan civilization, and during the Classic period, it was briefly an independent city. For much of the Hellenistic period, it was the port of Lyttos—modern-day Kastamonitsa—and many artifacts have been excavated at Kastri Hill from this time, including coins of their own currency, part of a temple to the goddess Vritomartis, a cemetery, pottery, figurines, and jewelry. In the Roman period, the Early Christian Period, and the Ottoman period, it dominated the area as a prosperous port town and even became a Christian bishopric. Though most structures have been lost to the ravages of time, a few fascinating structures from these periods remain for history lovers to explore.

Sailing and Anchoring in Town

 Hersonissos enjoys favorable wind conditions throughout the year, making it a sought-after destination for sailing enthusiasts. The summer months offer the Meltemi wind from the north, averaging between 15 and 20 knots. While this is great for sailing, the gusts from the north create a problem for anchoring, and there aren’t many protected places to berth. The only option is the old harbor area in the center of the town’s coast. It is well protected, but it lacks most services, and vessels should beware of its shallow areas. The harbor is also lined with a number of clubs and bars that are open late into the night. This is perfect for those who come to town to party, but it may not be preferred by those who want to relax. The city of Heraklion and even nearby Dia Island can be considered alternatives, as they are quite close and offer more options.

Popular Beaches of Hersonissos

Hersonissos is blessed with an array of stunning beaches, each with its own unique charm. All the beaches in the area are difficult to anchor at and should be approached by alternate means, such as on foot or by car. The shores here tend to be sandy, so sea shoes are optional. Additionally, the waters are usually pleasantly warm, with temperatures averaging above 74°F (23°C) from late June to early October.

 Many beloved beaches are located to the west of the harbor. The calmest waters are located between the harbor and Cape Sarandaris, in locations like Sarantari Beach. This area boasts scenic steep cliffs, organized beaches, and beautifully calm, cerulean waters for swimming and snorkeling. There are also many all-inclusive resorts in this direction that may limit beach entrance on their property, so it's best to check with nearby operators before settling in.

The most popular beaches in the region are located east of the harbor. Within walking distance of the harbor is Hersonissos Beach, a very long and narrow sandy beach that is almost always crowded with sunbathers. It is lined with many restaurants, bars, and other businesses that will make guests comfortable throughout their visit. Even further east is Star Beach, which is particularly renowned for its lively atmosphere, water sports activities, and vibrant beach bars and is actually one of the most popular beaches on the island of Crete.

Other popular beaches to check out include Karteros, Tobruk, Arina, Vathianos Kampos, Kokkini Hani, Gournes, Gouves, Aposelemis, Analipsi, Anissara, Stalida, Klotsani, Malia, and Potamos.

Things to Do

Yachtsmen in Hersonissos will find an abundance of activities to engage in. Nature lovers can hike the gorges of Avdou Valley or the trails of the Lassithi Plateau. Crete’s only golf course is located within the town's boundaries. Additionally, it can be fun to take a day trip to the nearby villages of Old Hersonissos, Piskopiano, and Koutouloufari. These are farther from the coast and a little less touristy, and they provide a glimpse into local Cretan culture.

There are a few archeological and historical sites, such as the remnants of a Roman fountain or the charming Chapel of St. George. Moreover, the Lychnostatis Open Air Museum gives the best overview of the area’s long history through its multiple galleries showcasing local excavation finds and ethnographic displays.

Most importantly, Hersonissos is first and foremost a town of entertainment and nightlife. The coastal road is saturated with bars, nightclubs, and young people from all over the world dancing the night away. There are also many water parks, theme parks, aquariums, and shopping districts open during the daytime where visitors of all ages can take a break from Mediterranean beaches and historic sites to make the most of their voyage through the region.