Capital of Crete, if you have decided to spend your vacations on the greek islandthere’s a good chance you’ll go through Heraklion ! Firstly, because it is home to one of Crete’s two international airports, and secondly, because you can visit one of Crete’s archaeological landmarks (the legendary Knossos Palace) and last but not least, because it’s a splendid city with great food and a vibrant lifestyle. For all these reasons, you need to find a hotel in Heraklion. 5-star hotel, 4-star hotel, rooftop hotel, unusual accommodation: discover our top 11 hotels in Heraklion!
1. Lato Boutique Hotel: view of Heraklion harbour!
Located opposite the port in Heraklion’s old town, the Lato Boutique Hotel offers contemporary rooms with magnificent views of the old port and the Venetian fortress. The recently renovated apartments feature air conditioning, desk, safe, minibar and satellite TV. A Cretan breakfast buffet and gourmet choices for lunch and dinner are available in the terrace restaurant. A hammam and whirlpool also await you! This 4-star hotel in Heraklion is ideal for travelers visiting Heraklion.
2. Lavris City Suites: luxury suites for couples in Heraklion
LAVRIS City Suites is located in Heraklion, Crete, and offers rooms with free Wi-Fi access. Each room has a sitting area, private bathroom, fridge, kettle and coffee machine. Breakfast is available on request. The Municipal Museum of the Battle of Crete and National Resistance is a 2-minute walk from the hotel, and Heraklion airport is 3 km away. The location is rated 9.3 for stays with children by families.
3. GDM Megaron: we tested the hotel for you (VIDEO)!
In May 2023, we spent part of our honeymoon at GDM Megaron. 24 hours to be exact. Time for us to enjoy a wonderful stay at this 5-star hotel in Heraklion, with its historic building. On site, we enjoyed a king’s (and queen’s) breakfast, the best massage of our lives (absolutely take it), exceptional bedding and a perfect location in the city!
4. Capsis Astoria: rooftop hotel with swimming pool in Heraklion
Splendid rooftop, rooftop poolview of the Venetian port of Heraklion and much more, welcome to Capsis Astoria Hotel ! With its succulent restaurant featuring the most exquisite dishes from Greece and Crete, but also his comfortable roomsEnjoy a colorful stay in the capital of Crete!
5. Galaxy Iraklio Hotel and its 2 gourmet restaurants
Just a 10-minute walk from the hustle and bustle of the city center, discover the Galaxy Iraklio Hotel in Heraklion. A high-rise 5-star hotel organized around its large swimming pool. Ideal for families and couples, the establishment offers 2 gourmet restaurants, poolside dining, a wellness center and rooms with balconies!
6. Atrion Hotel: 3-star hotel offering perfect value for money
Less than 150m from Heraklion’s Archaeological Museum and just a few minutes from the city center, you’ll find the3-star Atrion hotel! For those who want a nice place to stay in the Cretan city, without breaking the bank: this is one of your options. Breath in the beautiful rooms with sea or city views! Air-conditioning, balconies and hearty breakfasts await you!
7. Sofia’s Place: olive grove vacation home in Heraklion
Surrounded by olive groves, Sofia’s Place is an exceptional woodland setting (in the land of stone houses) with a garden, barbecue, private pool, two bedrooms, bathroom, outdoor lounge, deckchairs, sports equipment and air conditioning. The incredible house at Sofia’s Place, 11 minutes from the center of Heraklion, is ideal for a nature retreat close to the capital. This is an excellent villa rental in Crete for a family looking for nature, a change of scenery and even isolation.
8. Fani’s Holiday Home: hotel in Heraklion with jacuzzi!
In the category of unusual accommodation in Heraklion, welcome to Fani’s Holiday Home with hot tub! Translate “Fani’s Holiday Home with hot tub! Make the most of this 110m² apartment in the center of Heraklion, with garden, terrace, outdoor lounge, barbecue and 3 bedrooms! Splendid…
9. Heraklion Harbour Penthouse: apartment with Jacuzzi!
Discover the Heraklion Harbour Penthouse, a corner of paradise in Crete! This sea-view apartment is 1.1 km from Heraklion’s Venetian walls. Enjoy the private Jacuzzi, sun terrace, fully equipped kitchen and proximity to historic sites such as Koules. The airport is 2 km away, and parking and Wi-Fi are free. The Heraklion Harbour Penthouse, the perfect starting point for an unforgettable getaway in Crete.
10. Porta Suites: luxury apartment hotel with city views!
Porta Suites is located in Heraklion and features free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, sea views and proximity to the beach. Car for hire. The museum, airport and Venetian walls are 4 kilometers apart. perfect for families (rating 8.6).
11. Aquila Atlantis Hotel 5 et: luxury hotel in Heraklion!
Like the GDM Megaron or the Lato Boutique Hotel, which you’ll find above, the Aquila Atlantis hotel in Heraklion has its own rooftop, rooftop pool, and above all, a breathtaking view of the city’s Venetian harbor! Enjoy a luxurious hotel, top-quality rooms and refined local cuisine!
Heraklion hotels: should I book near the airport or downtown?
As Heraklion airport isn’t far from the center of town, whether you’re taking the bus or a cab, we strongly advise you to aim for a hotel in downtown Heraklion! To be as close as possible to the city’s entertainment, restaurants and other attractions. Whether you choose a 5-star hotel in Heraklion, a 4-star hotel in Heraklion, a rooftop hotel… Aim for downtown
When to go to Heraklion hotels?
As lovers of Crete, we’re obviously tempted to answer: all year round. Nevertheless, for the best possible stay, don’t hesitate to aim for a vacation between May and the end of October, when the weather is always fine. By the way, to find out more about the local weather :
| Month | Max. (°C) | Min. (°C) | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15° | 9° | 9 days |
| February | 16° | 9° | 8 days |
| March | 17° | 10° | 6 days |
| April | 20° | 12° | 3 days |
| May | 24° | 15° | 1 day |
| June | 27° | 19° | 0 day |
| July | 29° | 22° | 0 day |
| August | 29° | 22° | 0 day |
| September | 27° | 19° | 1 day |
| October | 23° | 16° | 3 days |
| November | 20° | 13° | 5 days |
| December | 17° | 10° | 8 days |
What to do in Heraklion around your 5- or 4-star hotel?
The town of Heraklion, sometimes shunned by tourists for being less charming than Chania or Agios Nikolaos, is full of activities and sites to discover. What to do around your luxury hotel in Heraklion?
- Visit the Palace of Knossos: not to be missed under any circumstances, this is one of the MUST-sees on the whole island of Crete, and the source of many legends…
- Explore the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion: located just a few meters from some of the Heraklion hotels we list on this page, dmirez an incredible collection of Minoan artifacts, including frescoes, statues and jewelry.
- Stroll through the old town: stroll through the narrow streets of Heraklion’s old town, and discover a city that magically lights up at 6 p.m.! The streets are alive with activity, and everyone’s out and about!
- Discover the Venetian ramparts: stroll along the impressive Venetian ramparts that surround the city and offer superb views of the sea. Many of our 5-star Heraklion hotels on this page offer harbour views!
- Relax on the beach: Crete is also one of Europe’s most beautiful beach destinations! Close to Heraklion, you’ll find a number of beautiful beaches, including Amoudara Beach and Kokkini Hani, ideal for swimming and relaxing.
- Taste Cretan cuisine: whatever happens, you MUST visit these two must-try addresses… Peskesi in the center of town and Merastri 10-15 min walk from the center. Succulent!
- Explore the central market: Heraklion’s market is a lively place where you can buy local produce, souvenirs and sweets.
- Take a trip to Knossos: outside Heraklion, you can visit the nearby archaeological site of Knossos to learn more about Minoan civilization.
- Nightlife: Heraklion has a lively nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs and cafés where you can enjoy drinks and dance the night away.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, gastronomy or the beach, Heraklion offers a variety of experiences to suit all tastes. Enjoy your stay in this lively town on Crete!
