Heraklion(Greece) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Heraklion Old Town, Hotel Daskalos stands out as a top choice for families, offering spacious rooms and a garden courtyard perfect for kids. Located just a 15-minute walk from the Knossos Palace, it provides convenient access to major landmarks.

The hotel features a breakfast buffet with local specialties like fresh honey, goat cheese, and seasonal fruits. Nearby, guests can stroll through the Venetian Harbor and explore the Archaeological Museum. With its welcoming staff and family-oriented amenities—including child-sized bathrobes and board games—this boutique hotel delivers a comfortable, culturally immersive stay for all ages.

Heraklion Old Town is the ideal neighborhood for travelers seeking proximity to history and vibrant nightlife. Surrounded by UNESCO-listed walls, this district houses key landmarks such as the Historical & Archaeological Museum, Cathedral of St. Nicholas, and the Morosini Fountain.

Staying here means walking distance to lively squares like Eleftherias Square and Pirgos Square, where outdoor cafes and tavernas serve traditional Cretan dishes. Evening entertainment includes live music at rooftop bars and street performances. The area’s charm lies in its blend of ancient architecture and modern energy, making it perfect for cultural exploration and socializing.

For an authentic Cretan experience, book a stay at Hotel Artemis, a boutique hotel housed in a restored 19th-century Venetian warehouse near the old port. Each room reflects traditional Cretan craftsmanship with hand-painted murals, olive wood furniture, and local textiles.

Guests enjoy daily Cretan breakfasts featuring homemade yogurt, local honey, and freshly baked bread. The hotel hosts weekly events like traditional dance workshops and wine tastings featuring regional wines such as Vinsanto. Collaborations with local artists ensure rotating exhibitions of Cretan folk art, allowing visitors to deeply engage with island heritage.

Yes, Irkas Hotel & Spa is located just 3 km south of Heraklion International Airport, offering a peaceful retreat with free shuttle service. Set amidst olive groves, the hotel blends modern design with Cretan natural elements, including stone walls and private balconies.

Its award-winning Mediterranean Spa offers treatments using lavender oil and volcanic clay. The on-site organic restaurant serves farm-to-table meals, including Cretan lamb stew and grilled fish. Ideal for travelers seeking rest after long flights, this hotel balances comfort, tranquility, and convenience.

Stay at Apothiki Guesthouse, nestled in the traditional village of Apothiki, just outside Heraklion. This family-run guesthouse is housed in a century-old stone house with original wooden beams and handmade tiles.

Hosts welcome guests with homemade Cretan lunch featuring dishes like stuffed peppers and slow-cooked goat meat. Weekly activities include olive harvesting, cheese-making demonstrations, and visits to local farms. The absence of crowds and focus on hands-on experiences offer a genuine taste of rural Cretan life and sustainable traditions.

Hotel Kriti offers a truly romantic atmosphere, located right beside the Venetian Canal in the heart of the old town. Its rooms feature rich red and gold decor, handcrafted Cretan linens, and private balconies overlooking the historic church of St. Michael.

The hotel arranges intimate starlit dinners on its rooftop terrace with local wine and dessert. Each evening, guests receive a complimentary lavender-scented bath and rose petals. Private guided tours of the Knossos Palace at sunrise add a magical touch to your honeymoon or romantic getaway.

Casa Mavro is a standout among guesthouses, located on the edge of Pirgos Village with panoramic views of olive groves. Originally a 100-year-old stone home, it has been transformed into a cultural haven with authentic Cretan design elements.

Each room is named after a Cretan region—like Lassithi or Sitia—and decorated with traditional weaving, handmade ceramics, and vintage maps. Guests participate in hands-on workshops such as making Moustalevria (a sweet pastry) and pressing olives for oil. The host family shares stories of island folklore during nightly gatherings, creating a deep connection to Cretan identity.

Hotel Minos Palace is the closest hotel to Knossos Palace, just 2.5 km away with a direct shuttle service every 30 minutes. The hotel’s modern rooms incorporate Minoan motifs like bull frescoes and blue-and-white tiles.

It features a small Minoan Heritage Gallery displaying replicas of artifacts found at the site. Guests can book early-morning guided tours to avoid crowds and heat, led by expert archaeologists who share myths and historical insights. Perfect for history lovers seeking both convenience and depth.

Oasis Hostel & Garden is a top pick for solo travelers, located in a quiet corner of Old Town with lush gardens filled with lemon and rosemary trees. It offers private rooms and single cabins with soundproofing and en-suite bathrooms.

The common space includes a reading nook, meditation room, and rooftop terrace ideal for stargazing. Monthly Cretan Story Nights bring locals together to share legends and songs. Workshops like pottery and painting encourage interaction, helping solo travelers build meaningful connections in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

The Sunset House sits atop a cliff on the Irvana Peninsula, offering uninterrupted panoramic views of the Aegean Sea at sunset. Its infinity pool and glass-walled terraces face west, capturing the golden glow as the sun dips below the horizon.

All rooms face the sea, with floor-to-ceiling windows for unobstructed views. Every evening, guests receive a signature cocktail made with local olive oil and citrus, paired with live acoustic music. Book a suite with a private terrace and enjoy a personalized night sky tour with a local astronomer—perfect for unforgettable moments.