HERSONISSOS

Hersonissos combines the ideal location for somebody to regenerate besides the nature, archeological sites, sandy beaches and mythical mountains. All this in a luxurious, private environment, yet within easy reach (23km/25mins) of the international airport and city of Heraklion. 

Easy access:

• International Airport Nikos Kazantakis - 23km
• Port (boats to Athens or Aegean Islands) - 25km
• Knossos Palace - 20km

The history of Hersonissos begins in Minoan Crete, when Cherronesos found on the same site. Pottery and ship wrecks have been discovered, both in Hersonissos itself, the small hill above the harbour, and around the sea of Hersonissos.

In Hellenistic times it became the port of the Dorian city of “Lyttos”, which was very powerful. From that period, you can see the ruins of the sacred acropolis with a sanctuary dedicated to “Artemis Vritomartis”, above the harbour and besides the church of “Aghia Pataskevi”. 

Hersonissos flourished in the Roman period and the first centuries of the Byzantine Empire. The city grew, became great and acquired its own theatre, aquaduct and public baths.

The aquaduct which brought water to Hersonissos from mountain to the south is thought to have been 14 kilometres long, while an underground reservoir has also been found. Even more impressive was the Hellenic-Roman theatre of Hersonissos with a more than 2000 seats capacity, which is underway to excavate and reveal the monument in full.

Later on, the fear of pirate raids forced the inhabitants to move from the sea and establish the villages of “Ano Hersonissos”, “Piskopiano” and “Koutouloufari”. You can discover them by 10mins drive from the harbour and if you also drive another 30-40min to the south, you will reach “Dikteon Andron”: this is the mountain where “God Zeus” was born according to the Greek Mythology and the rapture of “Europe” gave her name to the continent.

The beaches of Hersonissos are beautiful, sandy and rocky in certain places, making them popular to snorkelers. In the westernmost point on "Cape Sarandaris", you will find the small chapel of "St George", which is very picturesque. You can reach it either by keeping walking eastwards or by bicycle. 

A lot of thanks to www.cretanbeaches.com and to www.explorecrete.com