
Old Town Hersonissos
A charming Cretan village with traditional tavernas, lively evenings, and picturesque backstreets, offering an authentic taste of Greece.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere & dining

Old Town Hersonissos
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere & dining

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming Cretan village with traditional tavernas, lively evenings, and picturesque backstreets, offering an authentic taste of Greece.
"Gorgeous little village with a great array of tavernas and some lovely shops."

🎯 Evening is Key
Old Town Hersonissos truly comes alive at night with music and dining.
🚶♀️ Explore Hidden Streets
Wander off the main square for charming shops and authentic tavernas.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 1,067 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Traditional Tavernas
Throughout Old Town
Savor authentic Cretan cuisine in rustic settings, often with live music and a lively atmosphere.

Charming Backstreets
Off the main square
Discover quiet, sun-dappled lanes filled with local shops and hidden culinary delights.

Live Greek Music
Various restaurants and bars
Experience the infectious rhythm of bouzouki music and traditional Greek dancing.

Ceramic Shops
Near the main square
Find unique, handcrafted souvenirs and local art pieces to take home.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Evening Charm
Explore Beyond the Main Square
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Evening is Key
Old Town Hersonissos truly comes alive at night with music and dining.
🚶♀️ Explore Hidden Streets
Wander off the main square for charming shops and authentic tavernas.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Many tavernas feature traditional Greek music and dancing.
🚗 Consider a Car Rental
Rent a car to easily explore nearby villages like Mochos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Evening is Key
Old Town Hersonissos truly comes alive at night with music and dining.
🚶♀️ Explore Hidden Streets
Wander off the main square for charming shops and authentic tavernas.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Many tavernas feature traditional Greek music and dancing.
🚗 Consider a Car Rental
Rent a car to easily explore nearby villages like Mochos.
🚂 Land Train Option
Take the land train for scenic views and easy access to the old town and port.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Old Town Hersonissos is praised as a quaint and charming Cretan village with traditional restaurants and peaceful streets, especially lovely when visited mid-morning. While some find it a worthwhile stop, others suggest it's similar to other Cretan villages and might not warrant a special trip. The evenings offer a lively atmosphere with music and dining, making it appealing for those seeking a vibrant experience.
"Quaint old Cretan village. Quiet sun dappled streets. Several traditional, rustic restaurants and cafes. Worth a visit if you're in the area, but I wouldn't make a special trip. There are lots of similar villages dotted around Crete"
Paul Oakley
"A fabulous place to visit. We visited mid morning for a few hours and it was quiet and peaceful.
Lots of little back streets to explore if you look carefully and some lovely little shops (not many but enough)
A variety of restaurants serving from lunchtime and er visited a gorgeous little cafe for brunch and smoothies.
Worth a visit when it's quiet."
Claire T
"Great stay at Chersonisos !
It’s very convenient, near from the beach and the center. People are nice and there were a lot of good and affordable restaurants
It’s very cool for young people, there are party’s all night and a lot of beach club
I really recommend this city for vacation"
Ilona Ferreira Reis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can easily reach Old Town Hersonissos from the beach area by walking (about 20 minutes, though it's a bit steep) or by taking the convenient land train, which offers hop-on/hop-off service and great views.
Yes, Old Town Hersonissos is located on the east side of Crete, less than 30 minutes from Heraklion's ferry port and airport, making it easily accessible.
Absolutely! Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore Old Town Hersonissos and nearby charming villages like Mochos at your own pace.
The land train is a popular and scenic option for traveling between Old Town Hersonissos and the port/beach area, offering flexibility with its hop-on/hop-off service.
Taxis are generally available in the Hersonissos area and can take you to Old Town Hersonissos, especially if you're coming from further afield or prefer a direct route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Old Town Hersonissos is a village and does not require an entrance ticket. You are free to wander its streets and squares.
Old Town Hersonissos is always accessible as it's a living village. However, shops and restaurants typically operate from late morning through the evening, with the most vibrant atmosphere in the evenings.
There are no general entrance fees for the village itself. Individual shops or restaurants may have their own pricing for goods and services.
Yes, you can visit during the day, and it will be quieter and more peaceful, perfect for exploring the backstreets and shops.
For a lively experience with music and dining, evenings are the best time to visit Old Town Hersonissos when the tavernas and bars are buzzing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can expect delicious traditional Cretan cuisine, with many tavernas serving authentic, home-cooked meals. Look for fresh ingredients and local specialties.
Travelers highly recommend Taverna Ta Petrina for its traditional Cretan food and atmosphere, and Myrtios Restaurant for its excellent dishes. Zachos is also noted for its charming setting.
While Old Town Hersonissos offers a charming evening atmosphere with tavernas and music, the more intense party scene is typically found in the lower Hersonissos beach area.
Yes, many of the traditional tavernas offer good and affordable restaurant options, especially if you seek out local spots away from the most crowded areas.
While traditional Cretan food often features meat and dairy, many tavernas are accommodating. It's always best to inform your server about dietary needs; some places like Julia_glutenfreeandme have found success.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the charm of the quaint streets, traditional tavernas with their colorful decor, and the lively village square, especially during the golden hour in the evening.
Yes, the sun-dappled streets and rustic architecture are beautiful during the day, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting for photography.
Evenings offer a magical ambiance with warm lighting and lively scenes, while early mornings provide a serene and less crowded photographic opportunity.
Focus on the picturesque tavernas, the main village square, and the charming narrow alleyways that give Old Town Hersonissos its authentic character.
Yes, the vibrant evening atmosphere, with illuminated tavernas and people enjoying themselves, provides excellent opportunities for capturing the nightlife.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit