Hersonissos Holidays

Hersonissos is a big, glossy town on the north coast of the island. It’s one of the liveliest places on Crete, with restaurants, bars and clubs keeping the nightlife upbeat in the centre and along the waterfront. There’s more to this place than big nights, though. It comes with a couple of waterparks, not to mention a trio of rather lovely beaches.

You’ve got some serious beach action here, with 3 big sandy stretches plus a clutch of smaller, more secluded coves. The main beaches offer all the extras – sunloungers to hire and beach bars for cold drinks. Plus you get your pick of watersports, including jet-skiing, banana boats, snorkelling and windsurfing. And at the western end, there’s a naturist area, if that’s your thing.

Hersonissos really comes to life after sunset. The waterfront is packed with bars and clubs, which pull in big-name DJs and pump out house and chart music. For those wanting something a little less boisterous, the back streets are great for seeking out Irish pubs playing live music, as well as quieter spots for chilled-out drinks.

You can be in Rethymnon in less than 90 minutes. The old quarter is filled with Venetian architecture, with some great houses on Arkadiou and Arabatzoglou streets. You’ve also got a huge fortress which surrounds mosques and minarets. The cafés around the Rimondi Fountain are great for people-watching with a coffee, and there are lots of restaurants at the harbourfront.