Hersonissos Harbor
Hersonissos Harbor is the seafront of Limenas Chersonisou, one of the busiest resort towns on the north coast of the Heraklion region, about 25 kilometres east of Heraklion city. The small harbour sits on the site of an ancient port and today anchors a lively resort waterfront, with fishing boats, boat trips, and water sports departing from the quay.
An Ancient Port at the Heart of a Resort Town
Hersonissos — its full name Limenas Chersonisou means 'the port of Chersonisos' — grew up around a harbour used since antiquity. The modern town is one of Crete's most popular package-holiday resorts, and its compact harbour forms the centre of the seafront, ringed by tavernas, bars, and shops. From the quay, small boats run swimming and sightseeing trips along the north coast.
What You'll Find
Boat Trips and Glass-Bottom Cruises
The harbour is a departure point for daytime boat trips, including glass-bottom cruises that follow the coast and stop at quiet bays for swimming. Short excursions to nearby coves and sunset cruises are common through the summer season.
Water Sports and Diving
Hersonissos is a hub for north-coast water sports. Operators based around the harbour and neighbouring beaches offer jet-skiing, parasailing, banana-boat rides, and scuba diving trips to nearby reefs and shallow wrecks.
A Lively Seafront
The harbourfront concentrates much of the town's dining and nightlife, from fish tavernas by the water to busy bars. A small Roman-era fountain with mosaic decoration survives near the shore, a reminder of the ancient port.
Nearby Destinations
Malia Palace
The Minoan palace of Malia, the third-largest on Crete, lies about 7 kilometres east — roughly a 10-minute drive — set just behind the beach and open to visitors.
Koutouloufari and the Hill Villages
Just above the resort, the old villages of Koutouloufari, Piskopiano, and Old Hersonissos offer stone lanes, traditional tavernas, and views over the coast, a few minutes' drive uphill.
Stalis and Malia Beaches
Long sandy beaches stretch east through Stalis to Malia, within a short drive, offering organised facilities and shallow water popular with families.
Combining an ancient harbour setting with a full range of boat trips, water sports, and seafront dining, Hersonissos Harbor is one of the most active departure points on Crete's north coast and a convenient base for reaching the Minoan palace of Malia and the beaches east of Heraklion.
