Last Updated on January 16, 2024 by Henry @ The Getaway Lounge
This post is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure a high level of accuracy.
Welcome to Heraklion, the lively hub of Crete, where ancient history and modern life seamlessly come together.
This bustling city not only serves as the gateway to one of Greece’s most beautiful islands but also offers a captivating mix of archaeological wonders, mouthwatering cuisine, and scenic waterfront promenades.
Whether you’re exploring the legendary Palace of Knossos, indulging in traditional Cretan dishes at local eateries, or simply strolling along the charming Venetian harbour, Heraklion welcomes you to experience its unique charm and discover the treasures of this enchanting Greek destination.
So, take your pick from this comprehensive list of resorts you can check out, starting with those that are closest to the airport in terms of distance and driving times.
Besides, the closer you are to the airport the easier it will be to reach usually, and the longer you’ll have to enjoy your holiday!
| Heraklion Resorts | Distance From Heraklion Airport | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Kokkini Hani | 10 km (9 minute drive) | Coastal resort with a mix of sandy beaches and traditional charm. Ideal for relaxation and exploring local tavernas. |
| Amoudara | 11 km (14 minute drive) | Lively area with a long sandy beach, offering water sports and a variety of entertainment options. Enjoy beachfront dining and nightlife. |
| Gouves | 16 km (15 minute drive) | Peaceful destination known for its sandy beaches and water sports. Perfect for a family-friendly vacation and seaside relaxation. |
| Hersonissos | 22 km (16 minute drive) | Popular resort known for its vibrant nightlife, sandy beaches, and water parks. Perfect for partygoers and family vacations. |
| Analipsis | 18 km (17 minute drive) | Picturesque coastal village with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beaches. Ideal for a tranquil escape and exploring local culture. |
| Piskopiano | 23 km (20 minute drive) | Traditional village with a laid-back vibe and stunning hillside views. Ideal for relaxation and exploring local cuisine. |
| Anisaras | 22 km (22 minute drive) | Coastal area offering a mix of beach relaxation and water sports. Enjoy water parks and beachfront bars. |
| Koutouloufari | 24 km (23 minute drive) | Charming hillside village with traditional architecture and panoramic views. Perfect for a peaceful escape and local tavernas. |
| Stalis | 30 km (25 minute drive) | Tranquil resort with a scenic beach and a variety of dining options. Ideal for relaxation and exploring nearby attractions. |
| Malia | 32 km (27 minute drive) | Lively destination with a mix of nightlife, beautiful beaches, and historical sites. Enjoy beach clubs and explore the Minoan Palace of Malia. |
| Agia Pelagia | 27 km (29 minute drive) | Coastal town with clear waters and water sports. Ideal for a mix of relaxation and adventure activities. |
| Fodele | 33 km (30 minute drive) | Coastal village known for its beautiful beach and serene atmosphere. Ideal for a tranquil retreat and exploring local culture. |
| Sissi | 40 km (34 minute drive) | Charming village with a picturesque harbor and a relaxed vibe. Perfect for a peaceful escape and exploring local tavernas. |
| Aghios Nikolaos | 60 km (49 minute drive) | Picturesque town with a scenic lake, shops, and waterfront dining. Explore the lake's surroundings and enjoy cultural attractions. |
And here’s a map showing you where each of these resorts are located in relation to the airport.
There are loads of UK airports and airlines flying directly to Heraklion, and the vast majority are seasonal.
First things first, we would usually recommend booking an ATOL protected package holiday to this destination.
Reason being, you’ll often get better value for money compared to booking a flight only.
Besides, the final price can be bundled together into one simple booking and include your flights, hotel, full baggage allowance and transfers both ways.
And if it is a holiday you’re after, we tend to recommend the following:
That’s certainly the case if your flight is operated by Jet2, easyJet or TUI, because it’s ideal to have the same overarching company looking after every element of your holiday if possible.
For those airlines that don’t operate holidays however, such as Ryanair, it’s worth checking out On The Beach who also have a great reputation, and you can often bag a great deal.
Keep in mind however that you don’t get certain extras included such as your bags or transfers, so look out for the drip pricing if you do require those extras!
If you haven’t already got a route in mind, it’s worth taking a couple of minutes on each individual website to see for yourself which will be better after taking into account your favourite departure airport, preferred dates, convenient flight times, hotels you like the look of and indeed price!
If you’re travelling around the island and want to stay in different places, or if you just want complete flexibility in terms of where you stay using the likes of Airbnb, then booking your flights and accommodation separately will be your best bet.
The legendary Knossos Palace pictured above!
So, here’s the popular holiday resorts in order of closest to Heraklion airport first:
For the purpose of this post, we’ve used the most popular holiday resorts that are within a 1 hour drive from the airport as featured by the UK’s largest holiday provider Jet2holidays, but the vast majority of these will also be covered by the other providers, too.
And we’ve made our road distance calculations using the handy directions feature on Google Maps, whilst estimated driving times will of course depend on traffic.
We hope you found this useful, and if you end up booking, enjoy your holiday!
Anything to add, or have any questions? Feel free to contact me using the email address below.
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