Staying in the heart of Heraklion puts you within walking distance of major attractions like the Archaeological Museum, Lion Square, and the city walls. It’s ideal for travelers who want easy access to shops, restaurants, and public transport. However, accommodations can be more expensive, nighttime noise may be an issue due to busy streets, and there’s limited beach access since this is primarily a city base.

The Old Harbor offers beautiful sea views, charming boutique hotels, and easy access to ferries and a relaxing promenade. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy scenic stays and quiet evening strolls. On the downside, waterfront hotels tend to be pricier, there are fewer large hotels, and it can feel quieter at night if you’re seeking a lively city atmosphere.

Just outside Heraklion city centre, offering a quieter, more local atmosphere while keeping the city’s historic sites, shops, and restaurants within easy walking distance.

Suburbs include Mastampas, Therisos, Atsalenio

Staying in Karteros is ideal if you want a beach-focused stay close to Heraklion, as it has a long sandy beach and a range of hotels and guesthouses. It’s perfect for relaxing by the sea while still being a short drive or bus ride from the city center. On the downside, it’s not within walking distance of Heraklion’s historic sites or city attractions, and the area is more resort-oriented, so it lacks the authentic old-town charm.

Perfect for travelers who want a long sandy beach just a short drive from Heraklion. The area offers a wide variety of accommodations, from budget-friendly hotels to mid-range resorts, making it ideal for families and sunseekers. While it provides easy access to the city via car or bus, Ammoudara lacks the historic charm of Heraklion’s old town, and during peak summer months the beach and promenade can get quite busy and lively.

This seaside village offers a peaceful getaway with a scenic bay, calm turquoise waters, and plenty of seaside tavernas and cafés. It’s ideal for relaxing and enjoying a resort-style holiday. However, it’s about 23 km from Heraklion, meaning regular city trips require a car or bus, and nightlife and shopping options are limited. It’s better suited for a beach retreat than a city-centered trip.

Archanes is a traditional Cretan village nestled among vineyards and olive groves, offering a quiet and authentic cultural experience. The elevated location provides cooler temperatures in summer and beautiful scenic views. However, it has no nearby beaches, requires transport to access Heraklion or coastal areas, and lacks the tourist infrastructure of coastal resorts.

It offers an authentic Cretan village experience, with traditional stone houses, narrow alleys, local crafts, and cultural activities such as workshops and a folklore museum. Its peaceful hillside location provides scenic views over the countryside, and it’s relatively close to Heraklion while remaining quiet and relaxing. However, it’s not near the beach, the rooms are rustic and may lack modern luxury, and the village’s many stairs and narrow paths can be challenging for those with mobility issues. With limited nearby amenities, a car is necessary to reach the city or other attractions, making it more suited for travelers seeking a cultural retreat rather than a lively tourist hub.