Updated on 02/12/2022. Heraklion area in Crete is a destination where you can find some of the best Greek beaches, lovely villages and impressive archaeological sites! That doesn’t sound bad, right?
Here is our dedicated post about the best things to do in Heraklion!
The best hotels in Heraklion, Crete, are mainly outside of Heraklion, especially in Hersonissos, Ammoudara, Gouves, etc.
In this post, we have gathered the best hotels in Heraklion with photos, tips and a detailed map at the end with all the locations. You will find the most luxurious hotels, but also value for money and affordable hotels/apartments inside and outside Heraklion.
Take into account that the main benefit of staying at Heraklion city or close enough is that you could access easily the famous ancient ruins of Knossos and the magnificent Archaeological Museum of Heraklion!
If you love Crete, you can also check our posts about Chania below.
Our 8-day itinerary in the Chania region!
Quickly
- You can fly to Heraklion, as it has an international airport and it is the second busiest in Greece!
- If you go to Heraklion by ferry, you can use Ferryscanner to book the ferry tickets! This is a Greek travel startup, and they have done a fantastic job! Also, if you are thinking of the island, I hope this is the best platform I have seen!
- Heraklion has many restaurants and great bars and nightlife.
- Best Luxurious Hotels inside Heraklion city: GDM Megaron, Historical Monument Hotel
- Best value for money Hotel/apartment inside Heraklion city: City Lion
- Best Luxurious Hotels outside Heraklion city: Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa
- Best value for money Hotel/apartment outside Heraklion city: Arlen Beach Hotel
- Personally, I book all my hotels in Crete through Booking.com, as nowadays it includes many apartments, just like Airbnb, and it’s easier and more reliable.
Best hotels inside Heraklion town
GDM Megaron, Historical Monument Hotel
For me, this is perhaps the best hotel in Heraklion town! A proper 5-star hotel with an outstanding staff who will help you and give any guidance you might need! The location is perfect since it overlooks the magnificent Koules Fortress and the sea. It is next to the port (if you want to get the ferry to Santorini or other islands), next to the museum and not so far away from the Knossos Palace. More Information Here!
The hotel is new, extremely clean with a perfect location, beside the centre, but still quiet! It is very close to the pedestrian area and the harbour in case you want to visit some other islands, like Santorini etc.! The breakfast is quite nice with a wide range of hot and cold options. More Information Here!
A lovely and stylish modern hotel right in the centre of the city! The hotel is a short walk to the main square and has a wide range of restaurants and bars and just a 5 min walk to the sea! It is a 10′-15′ walk to the bus station where buses are to Knossos and the Airport. The breakfast is really nice, and you should try the local products, like dakos, tea with local herbs etc. It is also great for families as it has all the necessary facilities. A nice extra and modern touch is that the room is controlled by a tablet provided upon arrival! More Information Here!
The location is excellent as the hotel is not in the most touristy part yet only a few minutes walk from all the city centre but not in the noisy area with beautiful views to the Cathedral of Saint Minas and Ecclesiastical Museum Agia Ekaterini. The breakfast is delicious, and the service is excellent! There is a bus stop toward the Airport, which is quite close. More Information Here!
This is a stylish 4-star hotel, located in the centre of Heraklion town, very close to shops and restaurants with underground parking (7€ last time that I checked, but you can ask again!). The breakfast is delicious, with many choices, and you can enjoy it on a lovely terrace. It is super clean with great and helpful staff! More Information Here!
Apartments
The location of this apartment is perfect for exploring the city! It has everything that you might need with nice and modern decoration. You will also enjoy a delicious Greek breakfast served in a cafe 5 minutes from the apartments. More Information Here!
The location is not in the old town of Heraklion (still close enough, 10-15′ walking distance.), so the rooms are quiet. It is a 2′ walk to the central bus station, 10-15′ from the centre and the Airport is 4 km away. The apartments are modern and very clean. I think the stars of this hotel are the hosts, Yiannis and Eleni, who are very kind and helpful! Also, there is a big and beautiful garden in the backyard growing many fruit trees and vegetables, which can be a pleasant surprise! More Information Here!
Value for Money
This is beautiful and a value for money aparthotel. The rooms are spotless, fully equipped, and I would like to highlight the quality of the beds where the mattresses are super comfortable!! It is located in the centre, in the pedestrian zone, but the rooms are tranquil thanks to heavy double glass windows. More Information Here!
The recently renovated apartments are located in the very centre of the city and roughly 600 m from the sea and a walking distance to the bars, restaurants, supermarkets and sights. The rooms are spacious with multiple amenities (fridge, iron, coffee machine, hairdryer etc.). There is no reception but modern and independent access. More Information Here!
Hotels outside Heraklion City
Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa – Hersonissos
This is a spacious and gorgeous resort with so many pools that it rarely gets overcrowded! The overall service is spectacular, and I think especially the kids would have a great time there! The map makes it look like a huge place, but in reality, I think it is just the right size! Note also that it is 30′ from the Airport. More Information Here!
Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa (Adults Only) – Hersonissos
This is a modern, clean & beautifully decorated resort. You can switch to the all-inclusive option if you prefer. The buffet breakfast is huge and delicious, with a wide range of choices! There are many different activities, and the guest services can organise any reservations. I would say that this might be more of a pool resort; there is a small beach at the back of the resort, but it’s not great. More Information Here!
Onira Suite Dreams – Hersonissos
This is a brand new luxurious Boutique Resort in a secluded and calm place, about 1 km from the sea. The apartments are all different shapes and sizes with great design and decoration! The view from the terrace by the beautiful pool is just stunning! The suites are spacious, clean and well equipped with all kinds of kitchen stuff! More Information Here!
Creta Blue Boutique Hotel – Hersonissos
This is an excellent hotel, located high on a steep hill, with incredible views and walking distance from the village of Koutouloufari with shops and loads of restaurants. The apartments are spacious and very comfortable. There are a large pool and a smaller one for children! Also, note that there is also dedicated parking with plenty of spaces! You will find the atmosphere is very relaxing and modern. More Information Here!
Happy Cretan Suites – Agia Pelagia
This is a luxurious and beautiful hotel with fantastic facilities. (especially the pool is fantastic!) High-quality breakfast, really fresh and delicious. You can also rent mountain bikes for free. The staff is excellent, and they constantly try to make sure that the guests feel comfortable and relaxed. More Information Here!
Seascape Luxury Residences – Agia Pelagia
Another beautiful hotel, spotless, and you will find there everything you require for a self-catering holiday! It’s located not on the first line of the coast, but with sea views and within walking distance. The bar area is lovely and serves snacks and drinks at reasonable prices! There are two pools, and the beach and restaurants are only 3′ walk away! More Information Here!
Best Value for Money Outside Heraklion city
Arlen Beach Hotel – Hersonissos
This is a great value for money choice! The location on the seafront is charming, and it is an easy reach of bars and restaurants. The coasts near have either pebbles or sand, and the water is clear and crystal. Both hosts, Maria and Yannis, will do everything they can to make your stay enjoyable! More Information Here!
Villa Archanes – Archanes
If you want a traditional feel with a few modern comforts, then I think this is a great choice for you! An old farmhouse was renovated with much care and taste and was converted to a boutique apartment hotel. You definitely enjoy the tasty breakfasts next to the pool! It is located in the beautiful Acharnes villages, not very far away to visit Knossos and relatively close to Heraklion for the archaeological museum, which is a must. More Information Here!
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I would recommend the Hotel Ippokratis in Heraklion. It’s a great value for the money and the staff is very friendly and helpful.