Updated: January 23, 2026
Greece › Crete › Heraklio Hotels
By Santorini Dave
My Favorite Hotels in Heraklio
• Luxury Hotel: GDM Megaron
• For Families: Aquila Atlantis
• For Couples: Legacy Gastro
Many of the best hotels and places to stay in Heraklio (for first-time visitors) are located in the small walkable area between the ferry port, marina, and Archaeological Museum.
Staying in Heraklion – My Tips
- Stay inside the Venetian Walls. For the best experience, stay within the massive defensive walls that surround the city center. This area is walkable and compact. You do not need a car here. The Archaeological Museum, the harbor, and the best restaurants are all within a 10 to 15 minute walk. The most atmospheric streets are near the Koules Fortress and the pedestrianized 25th of August Street.
- Heraklion is a city, not a beach resort. There are no swimming beaches in the city center. If you want a beach holiday near Heraklion, you should stay at Ammoudara Beach. It is a long stretch of sand with beach clubs about a 15 minute taxi or bus ride west of town. The Enorme Teatro is the best hotel on the strip, but note that it is an Adults Only (16+) property.
- Strategy for early ferries. If you have a ferry departing at 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM, choose a hotel like Lato Boutique Hotel or GDM Megaron Hotel. They are located directly across from the port entrance. You can easily walk to your boat in the morning. Finding a taxi at 6:00 AM can be stressful if you are staying deeper in the maze of the Old Town or out at Ammoudara.
- Crete is the European Region of Gastronomy for 2026. While Chania has the Venetian harbor looks, Heraklion has the superior food scene. Do not leave without trying bougatsa (custard pie) at Kirkor (serving since 1922) by the Morosini Fountain. For authentic farm-to-table Cretan cuisine, Peskesi is essential (reservations required). For fine dining, Papi Osteria features a menu by Michelin-starred chef Ettore Botrini.
- Do not bring a car into the Old Town. Unless your hotel has a guaranteed garage, driving inside the walls is a nightmare. The streets are narrow, often pedestrianized, and parking is non-existent. If you have a rental car, the best strategy is to park it at the Central Port Parking (safe, affordable, and just outside the walls) and walk or taxi to your hotel.
- You must book Knossos in advance. The Palace of Knossos is the top sight, but you now need a timed entry slot booked via hhticket.gr. The site gets incredibly hot and crowded with cruise ship groups. I strongly recommend booking the 8:00 AM slot or anything after 5:00 PM to have a more enjoyable experience.
The 8 Best Hotels in Heraklio
1. GDM Megaron Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 28103 05300
This grand five-star hotel occupies a historic 1925 mansion overlooking the harbor. I highly recommend the rooftop plunge pool for its stunning views of the Koules Fortress. The contemporary restaurant on the top floor serves excellent Mediterranean cuisine. All rooms feature balconies and king-sized beds, while premium suites add sea views and espresso machines. This is the most convenient luxury choice for the ferry port and Archaeological Museum.
2. Legacy Gastro Suites
Hotel Phone: +30 28102 21200
A food-centric five-star boutique hotel in Old Town, located near the Bembo Fountain and St. George Gate. Each art-inspired suite features in-room food stations stocked with local treats like olive oil, tapenade, cheese, honey, and Greek wine. The onsite restaurant, Papi, specializes in Italian cuisine using Cretan ingredients and offers an extensive wine list. Full-board and half-board options are available.
3. Aquila Atlantis Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 28102 29103
This luxury hotel features a holistic spa and two swimming pools: one on the rooftop with harbor views and another semi-covered pool on the patio. Dining options include a Cretan-Mediterranean restaurant and a lounge bar for light meals. Rooms offer stylish decor and rain showers; most have balconies with city or sea views. The Grand Suite includes a living room with floor-to-ceiling windows. It is conveniently located in Old Town near the Venetian walls and Archaeological Museum.
4. Veneziano Boutique Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 28103 44758
A striking boutique hotel housed in a lovingly restored landmark building that combines Venetian (1510) and Ottoman (1730) architecture. The property offers four double rooms and two apartments with walk-in showers and contemporary furnishings. Breakfast is served in a charming interior courtyard that transforms into a wine bar in the evening. The location is excellent, just steps from Lion’s Square and the Venetian Loggia.
5. Olive Green Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 28103 02900
This eco-friendly, tech-forward hotel is located in the historic center near the Archaeological Museum. Rooms feature walk-in showers and digital wallpapers with QR codes that guide you to the specific landscapes depicted. Most rooms have balconies, while the top-floor OG Club Elite rooms offer spacious terraces. The casual 626 All Day Lounge & City Garden serves international dishes and cocktails in a lively setting.
6. Lato Boutique Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 28102 28103
Lato is the nearest hotel to the port and offers unobstructed views of the Venetian fortress. Rooms feature soundproof windows and look out onto either the city or the sea. Executive Suites include king-sized beds, separate living areas, and jacuzzi baths. The hotel hosts two restaurants: Herbs’ Garden on the rooftop (summer only) and Brilliant on the ground floor (winter).
7. Pavo Art Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 69867 18545
A sunny, mural-filled boutique hotel located just outside the Venetian Walls near Talos Plaza Mall. It is a 10-minute walk to the Natural History Museum and 15 minutes to the beach. Suites range from studios to two-bedrooms and feature playful decor, fully equipped kitchens, and walk-in showers. Most units have private balconies. This is an excellent value if you don’t mind a short walk to the center.
8. Enorme Teatro Beach Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 281 022 7000
This is the best beach hotel near Heraklion. It is an Adults Only (16+) resort located on Ammoudara Beach, about 5 km west of the city. I recommend it for its trendy beach club and excellent restaurant. This is the right choice if you want a relaxed beach vibe while staying close enough to visit the city’s sights.
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Getting around Heraklion: Taxis are readily available at the port. They have set prices to Knossos, the airport, and other Cretan towns. I recommend confirming the price before you get in.
The Heraklio bus station is new and modern, serving routes across the island.
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