Greece › Crete › Heraklio Hotels
By Santorini Dave
Our 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
- Heraklion is the official European Region of Gastronomy for 2026. While it lacks the instant, postcard charm of Chania or Rethymno, this city is the island’s undisputed cultural and culinary powerhouse. It is home to the main international airport and ferry port, making it the most practical base for exploring Crete’s deep history. If you are here for the food, the wine, and the archaeology, you are in the right place.
- Stay in the Old Town for the best experience. First-time visitors should focus on the area within the Venetian walls. This compact center is less than 2 km wide and entirely walkable. Walk the 2 km long jetty out to the Koules Fortress for the best sea views, then heading inland to Lion’s Square and the 1866 Central Market. You do not need a car if you stay here; everything from the Archaeological Museum to the best tavernas is within a 15-minute walk.
- The food scene is world-class. Do not leave without trying bougatsa (custard pie) at Kirkor, which has been serving it since 1922. For dinner, Peskesi is essential for authentic farm-to-table Cretan cuisine. If you want something modern, Papi Osteria (at Legacy Gastro Suites) features a menu by Michelin-starred chef Ettore Botrini. For fresh seafood, head to the waterfront and find Ippokambos.
- Heraklion is the gateway to Crete’s wine country. The regions of Peza and Archanes, just 20 minutes south of the city, produce some of the best indigenous wines in Greece. I recommend seeking local varieties such as Vidiano (white) and Kotsifali (red). A day trip to the picturesque village of Archanes for a wine tasting at a family-run estate is one of the best things you can do in central Crete.
- Knossos now requires a timed entry ticket. To manage crowds, the Palace of Knossos has implemented a strict timed entry system. You must book your specific time slot in advance through the official hhticket.gr website. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your slot; entry is only permitted during your selected window. I still advise booking the earliest 8:00 AM slot or a late afternoon slot after 5:00 PM to avoid the worst of the heat and the large cruise ship groups. Always pair your visit with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in the city center to see the actual Minoan frescoes.
- Beaches are a short bus ride away. The Old Town has no swimming beaches. For a relaxed day on the sand, take a 15-minute bus or taxi west to Ammoudara Beach. It is a long, wide stretch of soft sand with plenty of beach clubs. If you want to stay directly on the beach, the Enorme Teatro Beach Hotel is the top choice here, but note that it is an Adults Only (16+) property.
The 8 Best Hotels in Heraklio
1. GDM Megaron Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 28103 05300
This is a grand five-star hotel in a 1925 historic mansion. I highly recommend the rooftop pool for its views of the harbor and Koules Fortress. The contemporary restaurant on the top floor is excellent. All rooms have balconies and king-size beds. Premium suites add sea views and espresso machines. It is the most convenient luxury choice for the ferry port and museum.
2. Legacy Gastro Suites
Hotel Phone: +30 28102 21200
Food-centric five-star boutique hotel in Old Town, close to the Archaeological Museum, Bembo Fountain, and St. George Gate. Each art-inspired suite offers indoor and outdoor dining areas with pantries filled with local treats like olive oils, tapenades, cold cuts, cheeses, honey, and Greek wines and spirits. The onsite restaurant, Papi, led by famous chef Ettore Botrini, specializes in Italian cuisine made with Cretan ingredients, complemented by Greek and Italian wines. Options for full-board and half-board stays are available.
3. Aquila Atlantis Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 28102 29103
Luxury hotel offering a holistic spa and two pools: a rooftop pool with harbor views and bar, and a semi-covered pool on the patio. It features a Cretan-Mediterranean restaurant for casual and fine dining, and a lounge bar for light meals and drinks. The rooms and suites have stylish decor, rain showers, and city or sea views, with most having balconies. The Grand Suite includes a living and dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Conveniently located in Old Town, close to the Venetian walls at Sampionara Gate, and within walking distance to the Archaeological Museum and port.
4. Veneziano Boutique Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 28103 44758
Striking boutique hotel in a lovingly-restored, landmark building: the ground floor was built in the Venetian era (1510) and the upper floor added during the Ottoman reign (1730). Its four double rooms and two 2-story apartments feature walk-in showers, coffee and tea facilities, and comfortable, contemporary furnishings. Breakfast is served in a charming interior courtyard that later serves as a wine bar. Excellent walkable location near Lion’s Square (Morosini Fountain), the Basilica of St. Mark (now an art gallery), and the Venetian Loggia.
5. Olive Green Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 28103 02900
Eco-friendly, tech-forward hotel in the city’s historic center, near the Archaeological Museum, Venetian Loggia, and Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology. Rooms feature walk-in showers and digital Cretan landscape photos with QR codes that reveal their locations, all within an hour’s drive. Most rooms feature balconies, while top-floor OG Club Elite rooms have spacious terraces. Includes buffet breakfast with optional à la carte upgrade. The lively, casual 626 All Day Lounge & City Garden offers Cretan and international dishes, cocktails, and coffee.
6. Lato Boutique Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 28102 28103
Lato, the nearest hotel to Heraklio’s port, is located just behind the stone-arched Venetian Neoria dockyards. It offers rooms and suites with soundproof windows and views of either the city or the sea and fortress. Executive Suites feature king-sized beds, separate living rooms, and jacuzzi baths. The hotel hosts two seasonal Cretan restaurants: Herb’s Garden on the rooftop for summer and Brilliant on the ground floor for winter.
7. Pavo Art Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 69867 18545
Sunny, mural-filled boutique hotel right outside the Venetian Walls near Talos Plaza Mall. A 10-minute walk east into Heraklio leads to the Natural History Museum; a 15-minute walk west leads to the beach. Studio, one, and two-bedroom suites feature playful decor, fully equipped kitchens, and walk-in showers. Most have private balconies; some add sofa beds. The largest suite sleeps up to six guests. Excellent value for money, if you don’t mind a little walking.
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 the trendy beach club and the excellent restaurant. This is the right choice if you want a beach vibe while staying close to 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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