Our Favorite Hotels in Heraklio
• High-end Hotel: GDM Megaron
• For Families: Aquila Atlantis
•
- Best Hotel: The Havannah
Best Places to Stay in Heraklio
- Heraklio, the capital city and largest population center on Crete, is home to the main international airport and ferry dock. While lacking the immediate charm of smaller coastal villages, this mid-sized municipality boasts a robust character, rich culture, and deep historical roots. It serves as an ideal base for exploring Crete’s archaeological sites, wine regions, and culinary traditions.
- For visitors coming to Heraklio for the first time, staying in the Old Town could be an option to consider, especially if they do not have access to a car. This allows them to appreciate the pedestrian-friendly layout of the city. The compact center, less than 2km across, has many restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions within a small area. Aiming to stay inside the Venetian walls forming a triangular shape bordered by the sea, port, and fortress to the north is recommended. This area stretches to the grave site of the renowned author Nikos Kazantzakis, famous for writing Zorba the Greek and The Last Temptation of Christ, at the southern tip. With accommodations in Heraklio’s Old Town, a vehicle is not necessary.
- The Old Town area offers an excellent chance to explore Crete`s capital city`s attractions, but for a relaxed beach getaway, consider choosing beaches located west of the urban center. Ammoudara Beach, approximately 5 km from the port, is not the closest beach to downtown, but it provides a great option nearby. It features an expansive stretch of soft sand, with beach umbrellas and lounge chairs available for rent, in addition to various dining and drinking venues along the coastline. The Enorme Teatro Beach Hotel provides a fine choice.
The 8 Best Hotels in Heraklio
1. GDM Megaron Hotel
Prominent five-star hotel housed within a historic 1925 mansion features a rooftop pool overlooking Koules Fortress and the harbor. It contains a contemporary Cretan-Mediterranean restaurant on the upper level and a chic cafe serving complimentary breakfast. Wellness amenities include a hammam, sauna, and jacuzzi. All rooms and suites offer balconies, king beds, and tea/coffee facilities. Premium suites deliver sea views alongside espresso machines and a gratis bottle of ouzo. Situated near the Venetian harbor and Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
2. Legacy Gastro Suites
Hotel Phone: +30 28102 21200
A refined five-star boutique hotel positioned in Old Town sits proximate to the Archaeological Museum, Bembo Fountain, and St. George Gate. Each creatively inspired suite presents indoor and alfresco dining areas stocked with local delicacies such as olive oils, spreads, cold cuts, cheeses, honey, as well as Greek wines and spirits. The on-premises eatery, Papi, directed by the famed chef Ettore Botrini, specializes in Italian cuisine constructed with Cretan components, complemented by Greek and Italian varietals. Decisions for full or half board accommodations are attainable.
3. Aquila Atlantis Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 28102 29103
This luxurious coastal hotel offers holistic relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can unwind by the rooftop pool with scenic ocean vistas or the partly sheltered lower patio pool. A Cretan-Mediterranean restaurant caters to casual dining or fine fare, while the lounge serves light meals and drinks. The stylishly appointed rooms and suites feature rainfall showers and inner city or seascape perspectives, most with private balconies. The premier Grand Suite incorporates a living and dining area with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing panoramic perspectives. Conveniently situated in the historical Old Town close to the Venetian walls at Sampionara Gate`s entrance, the hotel is within walking distance of the Archaeological Museum and harbor.
4. Veneziano Boutique Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 28103 44758
A uniquely restored landmark building in Venice`s historic center now serves as a boutique hotel. The ground level dates to the 16th century Venetian era while the upper floor was added under Ottoman rule in the 18th century. Guests staying in the four double rooms or two two-story apartments enjoy conveniences like walk-in showers alongside tea and coffee amenities amid stylish yet comfortable contemporary furnishings. A charming interior courtyard, also functioning as an evening wine bar, provides the setting for breakfast with nearby sights incorporating a renowned square, St. Mark`s basilica converted to an arthouse, and lodgias overlooking the lagoon.
5. Olive Green Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 28103 02900
An eco-friendly, technologically savvy lodging in the historic downtown near the Archaeological Museum, Venetian Loggia, and Museum of Ancient Greek Technology. All accommodations feature walk-in showers and digital displays of scenic landscapes from Crete including QR codes revealing their actual whereabouts within an hour`s drive. Most rooms offer balcony access while the top-floor OG Club Elite rooms have spacious terraces. A buffet breakfast is included with an à la carte upgrade available. The lively yet casual 626 All Day Lounge & City Garden serves Cretan dishes and international fare, mixed drinks, and coffee in a fun environment.
6. Lato Boutique Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 28102 28103
The Lato hotel, situated closest to Heraklion`s harbor port entrance, is located just back from the historic stone-arched Neoria dockyards. Guest rooms and suites offer soundproof windows with views facing either the city or waterfront with its fortress. Moreover, upgraded Executive Suites include spacious king beds and partitioned living areas alongside whirlpool bathtubs. Catering to visitors throughout the year, the property hosts two seasonal Greek restaurants – one rooftop cafe called Herb`s Garden in summer and another ground floor bistro called Brilliant for winter dining.
7. Pavo Art Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 69867 18545
This sunny boutique hotel presents a playful aesthetic through mural embellishments. It resides just outside Heraklion`s historic walled Old Town near the family-friendly Talos Plaza Mall. A brief 10-minute stroll east leads to the Natural History Museum, while a 15-minute walk west transports guests to the beach. Suite accommodations range from cozy studios to two-bedroom layouts fully outfitted with kitchenettes and walk-in rainfall showers for convenience. Most include private balcony patios, and some incorporate convertible sofa sleeper configurations to sleep up to six guests comfortably. Outstanding value when considering the prime location and sizes of accommodations. Light foot traffic into the city is required.
8. Enorme Teatro Beach Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 281 022 7000
The highest rated beachfront accommodation near Heraklion harbor. Situated 5km west along a stunning stretch of coastline. Features a trendy beach club, quality restaurant, and pleasant pool area.
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