Hersonissos
Car Hire Hersonissos Crete: Explore Hersonissos Crete with Complete Freedom
Hersonissos Crete is one of the most popular and vibrant tourist resorts on the island, located just 28 kilometres east of Heraklion. Known for its stunning beaches, lively atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage, Hersonissos Crete Greece attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over Europe every year.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday, exciting nightlife, or cultural exploration, Hersonissos village Crete Greece offers something for everyone. With a professional car hire Hersonissos Crete service from Intercars, you can explore every corner of this incredible region and beyond with complete freedom.
Why Choose Car Hire Hersonissos Crete?
The best way to experience everything Hersonissos Crete has to offer is with the freedom and flexibility of your own vehicle. Choosing a professional car hire Hersonissos Crete service allows you to explore the island without restrictions, follow your own schedule, and discover hidden gems that most visitors never get to see.
With a reliable rental car from Intercars, you can easily travel from Hersonissos town to world-famous attractions such as Knossos Palace, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, traditional mountain villages, and some of the most spectacular beaches in Crete.
Whether you are planning a short break or a longer holiday, car hire Hersonissos Crete gives you the independence to experience the island at your own pace, visiting Hersonissos Beach, Koutouloufari Hersonissos, and countless other destinations whenever you choose.
Hersonissos Town
Hersonissos town is one of the most popular tourist resorts in Hersonissos Crete, just 28 km east of Heraklion. Here anyone can enjoy the beaches and the water parks, drink their coffee at the beach, visit the archaeological sites of the area, take a walk in the traditional villages of Ano Hersonissos, Piskopiano and Koutouloufari Hersonissos, and much more. Hersonissos in the summer is buzzing with youth that comes from all over Europe to enjoy the summer. Many years ago, Hersonissos was a small port, serving only the needs of local fishermen. Over the years the port grew and the village became a small town, living mainly from tourism. To the east of Limanakia there is Kastri hill, west of which the main town actually begins.
On the hill, ruins of an early Christian Basilica with several mosaic floors have been found. Just to the east, there is the picturesque Church of Agia Paraskevi, part of which is built into the rock. The Church overlooks the entire port of Hersonissos with the beautiful lighthouse, which is right next door. Boats depart from the port for excursions to Dia islet, but also to the surrounding areas. At the port also starts the coastal road of the town with its many shops and Hersonissos Beach below. Here you will see thousands of tourists reveling in the evenings until the morning. If you leave the beach and go a little further, you will come across many alleys with shops and after a while you will find yourself on the main road of Hersonissos. If instead you head east, along the coastal road, you will find yourself in the bustling beaches of Eastern Hersonissos and the large hotels of the area. As you move further east, the buildings thin out and the beaches become calmer. There, before Cape Drapano, you will find the traditional Folklore Museum of Lychnostati.
Hersonissos Beach: Sarantari and the Coves
Hersonissos Beach and its famous coves are located 26 km east of Heraklion and are continuous bays that start from Akrotiri of Sarandari and continue east to the port of Hersonissos. They are truly wonderful beaches with calm waters, as the Sarantari cape protects them from the waves. Access to all of them is easy and the surrounding area is developed for tourism. At the westernmost coast you will encounter that Limanakia is actually not a beach, but a large smooth rock (dock) where you can dive. It is located right on the western rocky coast of Sarandari. Right next to it under the vertical limestone rocks, at the base of the Sarandari Peninsula, a beautiful sandy beach with blue and green waters and in the clay soil a cave is formed. This is also our favorite beach in the area of Hersonissos.
Right next to it is the beautiful beach of Sarandari, as the locals know it. A small path that starts from the main road leads to the beach. There are umbrellas and sunbeds on the beach, while a small canteen also operates. Immediately next to Sarantari and next to the coastal road, there is the organized beach of Giofiri which you will recognize by the high wall that is directly above it. The beach has white coarse sand, it has deeper waters and the bottom has several smooth stones. Here you will find a lot of people, locals and foreigners. The beach offers umbrellas and sunbeds, while you can also do some water sports. From Giofiri and further east, along the coastal road there are very small and narrow coves where the coarse sand combines with the white rocks, giving the sea wonderful blue and green colors.
With your own car hire Hersonissos Crete vehicle, you can easily explore all the beautiful beaches along the coast and find the perfect spot for a relaxing day by the sea.
Book your Car Hire Hersonissos Crete with Intercars Car Rental today and explore the best beaches and hersonissos attractions across the island.
Things to Do in Hersonissos
Hersonissos Crete is packed with activities and experiences for every type of traveller. From water sports and beach bars to archaeological sites and traditional mountain villages, the list of things to do in Hersonissos is truly endless.
Families will love Acqua Plus Water Park and Star Beach Water Park, both located just minutes from Hersonissos town. History enthusiasts can explore the Minoan Palace of Malia, the open-air Folklore Museum of Lychnostati, and the archaeological ruins scattered throughout the region. For evening entertainment, Hersonissos town offers some of the best nightlife in Crete, with countless bars, clubs, and restaurants lining the coastal road.
For those who enjoy nature and mountain scenery, a short drive with your car hire Hersonissos Crete vehicle takes you to the Lassithi Plateau, the Dikti Cave — the mythical birthplace of Zeus — and beautiful villages where time seems to stand still. The variety of things to do in Hersonissos ensures that no two days of your holiday need be the same.
Hersonissos Attractions: Koutouloufari Hersonissos and the Traditional Villages
Among the most charming hersonissos attractions are the traditional villages perched on the hillside above the coast. Koutouloufari Hersonissos is a beautifully preserved village with narrow stone-paved alleys, traditional tavernas serving authentic Cretan cuisine, and panoramic views of the Cretan Sea. Just a few minutes from the bustling Hersonissos town, Koutouloufari offers a peaceful retreat full of authentic character.
Nearby, the village of Piskopiano is equally picturesque, home to a small folklore museum and traditional architecture that takes you back in time. Ano Hersonissos, the original settlement above the coast, offers a quieter experience with stunning views and warm local hospitality.
All three villages are easily accessible with a rental car from Intercars and are a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the authentic side of Hersonissos village Crete Greece. These charming hersonissos attractions reveal a completely different side of the region, far from the busy beaches and tourist strips below.
Analipsi Village
The village of Analipsi is located 22 km east of Heraklion and just 2 km from Intercars car rental's main office. It took its name from the homonymous church of the Ascension of Christ. Located in a fertile valley with vegetable and olive groves, Analipsi is less developed for tourism than the surrounding areas and is a favourite destination mainly for families, as the holidays here are calmer and of higher quality. In front of the village there is a small jetty with a very picturesque church dedicated to Agia Marina. West of the Church, the coast is rocky, apart from a small harbour with sand, while further east is the large beach of Analipsi, which is a long sandy beach, very well organized and open to the north. In the afternoon you can walk through the traditional narrow streets of the old village, with the wonderful gardens and the traditional cobbled square. You can also visit the large church of Analipsi, which is four-aisled and is dedicated to the Entry of the Virgin, the Ascension of Christ, the Holy Cross and Saint Euphrosyne. The main street of the village runs perpendicular to the beach and is full of cafes and shops.
Stalida Village
Stalida is located about 30 km east of Heraklion, between Malia and Hersonissos. From a small settlement that served the inhabitants of Mochos until the middle of the 20th century, Stalida today is a popular tourist resort, which has developed so much that it now forms a single residential complex with Malia. The heart of Stalida beats on its coastal road, 5 km long, where most of the area's shops are gathered. A stroll along the promenade in the afternoon is a must. Next to the coastal road stretches the long coastline of Stalida, which stretches to the east and gives way to the beach of Malia. The sandy beaches of Stalida are very well organized, with enough crowding, but, due to the northern orientation, they usually have a wave. In its western part there is also one of the few native colonies of the Cretan palm of northern Heraklion.
Malia Town
Malia is probably the most touristic town in Crete and is located in a very fertile plain about 35 km east of Heraklion. It is famous for its wild nightlife and the Minoan palace of Malia, the third largest in Crete. Malia could not develop as a tourist destination if it were not for its wonderful beaches. The most central beach, Klotzani, has fine sand and shallow waters, and there is no space between the umbrellas to put even a pin. Here you can really find what you are looking for in terms of amenities. In addition to the classic umbrellas and water sports, here you will find massage services, sand gyms, hotel pool bars and much more.
Across from Klotzani is the most characteristic landscape of Malia, the island with the church of Afentis Christos, which used to be connected to the coast. If you want to avoid the intense crowds of Klotzani, one solution is to head east, towards the harbour and the temple of the Holy Spirit, to Pyrgos, or even further east before the antiquities of Malia, where there is the calm beach of the Potamos river that forms next to the great wetland of Malia.
Kato Gouves Village and Beach
Kato Gouves is a tourist resort located 20 km east of Heraklion, north of the small mountain Ederi. Gouves is ideal for quieter family holidays next to all the necessary infrastructure. The beaches of Gouves are well organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, lifeguards, diving centers, water sports, restaurants and bars. They also have fine sand and shallow waters, but are open to the north. For this reason, small harbours and marinas have been built in many places, where you can swim when the waves are strong. The coastal road of Gouves runs parallel to the coast, which makes finding the beach that suits you very easy!
Kokkini Hani Beach
Kokkini Hani is located 17 km east of Heraklion, east of Vathianos Kampos and west of Gournes villages. The area is very developed for tourism, while at the same time in the surrounding fertile plain there are many horticultural crops. In the area there are many beaches, which are protected by small artificial breakwaters. The beaches are sandy and have shallow waters. Most are located in front of the big hotels, but access is possible for everyone. The area is full of shops and restaurants, while all the beaches are well organized with umbrellas, lifeguards, water sports and all the tourist infrastructure. Read more about car hire Kokkini Hani and explore this beautiful coastal area with Intercars.
Vathianos Kampos Beach
Vathianos Kampos is a tourist resort located 16 km east of Heraklion. It is so named as it is located in the vicinity of Ano Vathia and Kato Vathia villages, which are located a few kilometers to the south. In Vathianos Kampos there is perhaps the most organized beach of Heraklion, Arina, in the Estavromenos area. East of Arina is Kokkevis beach and from there start the small bays of Vathianos Kampos, which are not visible from the main road since there are large hotels in between. These bays are protected by small breakwaters built to break the wave. Few locals know about these small beaches, which continue in Kokkini Hani.
Gournes Village
Gournes resort is located 18 km east of Heraklion, between Kokkini Chani and Kato Gouves. It is the place that Intercars car rental has its facilities and houses over 100 cars and more than 12 different types of vehicles. On the west part of Gournes, you will find the beach area, which is very well-organized with lifeguard and umbrellas. If you walk one km away on the east, you will see the old American Airbase of Gournes, which was abandoned in the 1990s.
Right next to the former American base do not miss visiting the Cretan Aquarium. The visitor can wander through the long corridors of the aquarium and learn by observing with microscopes and reading the informative texts that accompany the sixty tanks filled with 2500 species of marine life. In the tanks the visitor will see from large sharks to tiny seahorses and jellyfish. Cretan aquarium is one of the most important aquariums in Europe.
Hersonissos Weather: Perfect Conditions for Your Holiday
One of the reasons visitors return to Hersonissos Crete year after year is the excellent Hersonissos weather. The area enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, making the weather for Hersonissos Crete ideal for beach holidays, sightseeing, and road trips around the island.
The pleasant weather Hersonissos Greece allows visitors to enjoy Hersonissos Beach, outdoor dining, and local attractions from early spring through late autumn. Even during the winter months, the weather for Hersonissos Crete remains relatively mild compared to most European destinations, making it a wonderful year-round destination.
Where to Stay: Hotels in Hersonissos Crete
Hersonissos Crete offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and travel style. Whether you are looking for a luxury all-inclusive resort, a family-friendly Heronissos hotel, or a cosy apartment with sea views, you will find the perfect place to stay.
The variety of hotels across the region ensures that every visitor enjoys a comfortable base for exploring the island. Combining quality accommodation with a car hire Hersonissos Crete service from Intercars allows you to make the most of your time in Crete, discovering new destinations every day without relying on public transport or organised tours.
Practical Tips for Car Hire Hersonissos Crete
To make the most of your car hire Hersonissos Crete experience, here are a few helpful tips. Book your car early, especially during the peak summer months of July and August, to secure the best rates and your preferred vehicle type.
If you plan to explore mountain roads or remote beaches, consider choosing an SUV or a vehicle with higher clearance. For those staying close to Hersonissos Beach or Hersonissos town, a compact or economy car is an excellent and affordable choice.
At Intercars, we offer free delivery and collection at your Heronissos hotel, the airport, or any location that suits your schedule. Our car rental process is fast and straightforward, so you can start exploring from the moment you arrive.
Intercars: Your Trusted Car Hire Hersonissos Crete Partner
Conveniently located near Hersonissos Crete, Intercars provides professional and reliable car hire Hersonissos Crete services tailored to the needs of modern travellers.
With years of experience serving visitors in Hersonissos Crete Greece, we understand the importance of quality vehicles, transparent pricing, and exceptional customer service. Our goal is to make every car hire experience smooth, convenient, and stress-free.
Maria will personally welcome you with authentic Cretan hospitality and extensive local knowledge. Her expertise ensures that your rental experience is efficient, professional, and perfectly suited to your travel plans.
Intercars' modern fleet includes economy cars, family vehicles, automatic cars, SUVs, and premium models, offering the ideal car rental solution for every visitor exploring Hersonissos Crete.
Whether you are visiting Hersonissos Beach, exploring hersonissos attractions and traditional villages like Koutouloufari Hersonissos, or taking advantage of the wonderful Hersonissos weather to discover every corner of Crete, Intercars is your trusted choice for professional car hire Hersonissos Crete services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Hire Hersonissos Crete
How much does car hire Hersonissos Crete cost?
Car hire Hersonissos Crete prices at Intercars start from competitive daily rates depending on the season and vehicle type. Contact us or use our online booking system for an instant quote.
Can I pick up my rental car at the airport?
Yes. Intercars offers free delivery and collection at Heraklion Airport, your Heronissos hotel, or any convenient location in Hersonissos Crete and the surrounding area.
What is the best time to visit Hersonissos Crete?
Thanks to the excellent Hersonissos weather, the area is ideal to visit from April through November. Peak season is July and August, when Hersonissos Beach is at its busiest.
What are the top things to do in Hersonissos?
The top things to do in Hersonissos include visiting Hersonissos Beach, exploring Koutouloufari Hersonissos and the traditional villages, enjoying the water parks, and discovering the Minoan Palace of Malia. With a rental car from Intercars, you can also take day trips across the entire island.
Can I use my rental car to explore all of Crete?
Absolutely. With Intercars there are no mileage restrictions, so you can drive from Hersonissos Crete to any destination across the island.
Book your Car Hire Hersonissos Crete with Intercars Car Rental today and discover why so many visitors choose Intercars when exploring Hersonissos Crete.