About Hersonissos

Hersonissos 
Prior to 1975 Hersonissos was a tiny village populated by a handful of fishermen and farmers. Today Hersonissos and the nearby villages of Koutouloufari, Piskopiano and Old Hersonissos are the most sought after vacation destinations of the island of Crete.

Hersonissos (Greek for Peninsula) is also called Limani or Limin Hersonissou to distinguish it from the village of Old (or Upper) Hersonissos, which is just a couple of miles away. Limani (or Limin) means harbor, and the name refers to the small harbor that used to shelter local fishing boats and boats that were used to transport local produce to other cities.

During the off-season, Hersonissos has a population of approximately 3000; however, the population increases greatly during the tourist season, when seasonal workers come to work at hotels and other local businesses.

Because of its location in the middle of the Island, about 25 kilometers east of Heraklion and about the same distance west of Aghios Nikolaos, Hersonissos is the ideal place to use as a base to explore the island.

How to get to Hersonissos

If you take the Ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion you can reach Hersonissos by bus. The bus station is about a 5 minute walk from the pier, and there is a bus every 15 minutes during the summer. In the wintertime the busses run less frequently. You can buy your ticket at the bus station or on the bus. The ride is about 30 to 45 minutes long depending on the rout and the stops.
Alternately you can hire a cab or rent a car. The majority of the taxi drivers are honest, hard working people but ask the driver what the fare is going to be so you know what you are going to be paying beforehand.
Another option is to rent a car. Inside the bus terminal there is a tourist information center where you can get information on car rentals.
If you arrive in Heraklion by plane, there is a bus stop just outside the airport. You don’t need to worry about buying a ticket beforehand, as you can buy one on the bus.
Again, you can also take a cab or rent a car from one of the booths at the airport. It's easy to find your way to Hersonissos, and the rent-a-car office will provide you with a map and directions.

A visit to Milatos Cave

About 15 kilometers from Hersonissos, in the Kastellos Mountain, is the historical cave of Milatos, a site known best for the tragic events that took place there during the Turkish occupation.


On the third of February, 1823, over 2,000 villagers (some sources say there were as many as 3,500 villagers), only

Walking Imbross Gorge

Crete is home to many gorges, most of which can be hiked. Samaria Gorge, the longest in Europe (16 km) is no doubt the most challenging gorge to walk. A shorter, less challenging alternative is Imbros Gorge, which runs parallel to Samaria. Following the Battle of Crete during World War II, thousands of Allied troops walked through Imbros gorge to reach Hora Sfakion, where they were evacuated to Egypt.

Trip to Agia Galini and Agio Pavlo

The village of Agia Galini, located on Crete's south coast can be reached in about 2 hours by car from Hersonissos. It is from a cave in this seaside village that, according to Greek Mythology, Icarus and Daedalus took flight to escape from King Minos.

Trip to Moni Toplou-Vai

Hersonissos is an ideal starting point for those wishing to take a day trip. Many of the island's most beautiful destinations are less than three hours away by car. A drive east along Crete's northern coast will take you to Vai, the only palm tree forest in Europe.

Saint George street (Saradari)

Waiting for the big one!...

Aghias Paraskevis street early in the morning...









In the early morning hours cats rule the village! This one is in the center of his kingdom.





Aghia's Paraskevis church is perched on the hill on the north side of the harbor- A favorite place for baptisms and weddings.

An early morning stroll down the street.

If you get up early enough you can buy fresh fish from the local fishermen. In the photo, Fanouris, an old friend and fisherman is showing a red "skorpidi".

May in Hersonissos

May is my favorite month in Hersonissos. The weather is just right. It may be a little cool at night but not cold, and during the day it is sunny and warm enough days to take a dip in the ocean.




The water is crystal clear and very inviting...



Along the shore, the beach boys set up beach chairs for a long luxurious body roast, and umbrellas to cool down under when you can't take the roasting any longer...
May is a slow month; the beaches are not crowded, so you have plenty of room for yourself. Enjoy!


A whole beach to herself!!

About Hersonissos

Hersonissos was my home from 1977 to 1995. During that time, as an entrepreneur myself, I was able to watch the baby steps of her development, progress, and