Where to Stay in Irakleio
Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to stay in Irakleio, the capital of Crete, including nearby beach resort hotels and accommodation in the city centre.
Apollonia Beach Resort and Spa
The upmarket Apollonia Beach Resort and Spa has its own beach, only 6 km (3.7 miles) west of the centre of Irakleio, and the local bus stops right outside the hotel entrance. It has rooms, bungalows and suites spread around the large gardens, and they all have either balcony or terrace, and all the facilities you would expect from a hotel of this standard.
There are two outdoor pools, a children's pool and a heated indoor pool, as well as numerous sports facilities including watersports, cycling and horse-riding. With two discos too, it's ideal for children of all ages.
Capsis Astoria Heraklion
Right on Irakleio’s main square, the Capsis remains quiet inside and offers stylish accommodation that is not too expensive. All the rooms are bright and modern with a predominantly blue décor and lots of wood furnishings. They all have plenty of closet space, TV, phone, mini-bar, air-conditioning and ensuite facilities (baths not showers). The rooftop pool is open till 10pm and has great views over the city.
Aquila Atlantis
The 5-star Aquila Atlantis is the best hotel in the centre of Irakleio, and though it has some 160 rooms and suites you would still be advised to book ahead in high season as it is popular with tour groups and business conferences. Close by the Archaeological Museum and only a short walk to most other city attractions, the Atlantis also has so many of its own facilities that you hardly need to leave it: gym, pool, laundry, bars, restaurant, shops, and even a rooftop garden.
Candia Maris
Only 3 km (1.9 miles) west of the city centre but with a quick and regular bus service into Irakleio, the Candia Maris makes an ideal base if you want to explore the city but also enjoy the beach and all the other hotel facilities. These include fitness centre, tennis and squash courts, three swimming pools plus one for children, watersports, indoor games room, three restaurants and four bars. The rooms are spacious and bright, and the rates very reasonable for a deluxe hotel of this class.
Kronos Hotel
The simple and inexpensive family-run Kronos Hotel is friendly and clean and right on the waterfront road. This does mean some traffic noise at night in the front rooms, but you do get the bonus of a sea view. That aside, it offers excellent value accommodation in the centre of town. Downstairs is a lounge that doubles as the breakfast room, and a bar with a soft drinks cabinet. The rooms are a good size and have everything needed for a few nights’ stay: balconies, phone, TV, wardrobes, ensuite facilities.
Lato Boutique Hotel
The modern lobby to the stylish Lato Boutique Hotel is immediately welcoming, with lots of space and marble décor. A wall of water at one end is very eye-catching, and off the lobby is a bar, restaurant and a lounge with an old-fashioned fireplace. Ask for one of the rooms on the upper floors, as some of these have impressive views of Irakleio, but all rooms have phone, TV, mini-bar, air-conditioning, and bathroom with both bath and shower.
Our Pick of the Crete Guides
Our Irakleio pages
Irakleio’s Historical Museum
Irakleio’s Historical Museum is officially called the Historical Museum of Crete and contains the only work by El Greco that is still on his native island.
Irakleio’s Icon Museum
Irakleio’s Icon Museum in the church of Ayia Aikaterini is a small but impressive collection from the world’s best icon painters.
Walking Around Irakleio
Here are some of the things you’ll see when walking around Irakleio, the capital of Crete, including churches, squares, and the beautiful Venetian Loggia.
Irakleio Harbour and Venetian Fortress
Irakleio’s Venetian Harbour is one of its most attractive features, and a stroll around here with a visit to the Venetian Fortress that guards it is a relaxing treat.
Irakleio’s Archaeological Museum
Irakleio’s Archaeological Museum is Crete’s most important museum and contains some of Crete’s oldest artefacts, Minoan frescoes and the Phaistos Disc.
Irakleio in a Day
Here’s our simple guide for how to see the best of Irakleio in a day including the Archaeological Museum, Icon Museum, Historical Museum and Venetian Harbour.
Latest Posts
-
No Ferries in Greece on April 9 as Seamen Join Nationwide Strike
The Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) has announced its participation in the 24-hour strike called by the General Confederation of Greek Labor (GSEE) on Wednesday, April 9. The strike, which will… -
Andros: Greece’s Top Hiking Island for 2025
Andros, named Greece’s top hiking island for 2025 by Conde Nast Traveler, boasts diverse landscapes, scenic trails, cultural charm and stunning beaches. -
Karpathos: One of Europe’s Best-Kept Travel Secrets
The Greek island of Karpathos, a true hidden gem, has earned a spot on GEO magazine’s list of Europe’s nine best-kept travel secrets. -
Mavros Gatos: A Genuine Neighborhood Taverna Operating in Pangrati Since 1963
Among the many city eateries offering modern and classic Greek cuisine, Mavros Gatos in Pangrati stands out as a prime example of what a true traditional taverna should be today. -
Matt Damon and Christopher Nolan Arrive in Messinia to Start Filming “Odyssey” – First Images Released
A total of about 180 people arrived on two direct flights from Morocco, including actors as well as the core production team. -
Ten Best Dishes in Greece
Greece Travel Secrets lists the ten best dishes to try in Greece, especially if it’s your first visit, and also discover the best places to find them. -
Athens’ Most Coveted Culinary Hotspots
Athens sizzles with culinary creativity, blending timeless classics and innovative flavors at unforgettable dining spots. -
Culture Ministry Announces Free Admission to Greek Museums and Sites
Greece’s public museums and archaeological sites will offer free entry on Sunday, March 2, and Thursday, March 6, following a decision by the Greek Culture Ministry. According to the ministry, on the… -
Syros’ Hidden Soul: The Timeless Charm of Apano Meria
Apano Meria, rich in geology and Cycladic history, captures the timeless charm of the Greek islands. -
Athens Taxis to Strike for 24 Hours on Wednesday, February 19
Taxi drivers in Athens will hold a 24-hour strike beginning at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, February 19, in protest of changes to street mobility regulations and increasing competition from ride-hailing apps.
Why not sign up for our Greece Travel Secrets newsletter? Each week you'll get emailed our regular Greece Travel Secrets Magazine for news, information, and inspiration for planning your travels in Greece.
As a welcome gift you'll also get a free e-book, Heaven on Earth. This contains 19 of Mike's favourite stories that he's written about travelling in Greece for newspapers and magazines over the years.
You'll find it over at Substack. Check out one of the Archive issues to find the Subscribe button.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, but at no cost to you.
BUY A JOURNAL TO RECORD YOUR OWN GREECE TRAVEL SECRETS!
LEARN A LITTLE GREEK BEFORE YOU GO!
FOLLOW OUR GREECE VIDEOS
ON YOUTUBE
No words or images to be used without prior permission.
We do not sell personal information: see our Privacy Policy.
California Consumer Privacy Act - CCPA: Sale Of Personal Information
Greece Travel Secrets does not sell any information it gathers for any reason. It has not collected or sold any personal information in the last twelve months or ever in the past.
This website was built using Site Build It!
