Heraklion Villages

Heraklion is mainly renowned for its lively seaside resorts, hosting several impressive hotels and a plethora of restaurants and bars. However, travelers can visit more traditional villages by heading to the southern part of the prefecture.

In brief, Heraklion Town, Hersonissos and Malia offer plenty of tourist facilities, while villages on the island and the southern coast are for experiencing rural life on Crete.
Most all-inclusive and modern hotels are located in the tourist resorts.

Below, you will find a list of 15 Heraklion villages sorted by popularity.
After exploring them, don't skip checking out All Things to Do in Heraklion (best sights, beaches, restaurants, and more).

Location: On the northern side of Crete
Description: Heraklion Town is the largest city in Crete and the main transportation hub of the island. It stands out for its large fortress at the entrance of the port. Many beautiful beaches surround this big town.

Location: 16 km south of Heraklion Town
Description: This is a picturesque village built on the slopes of a low hill. Many ancient sites surround Epano Archanes, which lie in proximity to Kato Arhanes.

Location: 28 km east of Heraklion Town
Description: Hersonissos is one of the most developed tourist resorts of Heraklion Crete. It has many tourist facilities, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and a lovely port where fishing boats moor. In the wider area, there are water parks and theme parks that will provide the entire family with an unforgettable holiday.

Don't miss our recommendations of the best hotels in Heraklion sorted by category, location, facilities, prices, and more. Book online now!

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Location: 75 km southwest of Heraklion Town
Description: A small seaside village on the southern side of Crete, Lentas offers a nice alternative for family vacations.

Location: 45 km south of Heraklion Town
Description: Located in the inland of southern Crete, Harakas is an authentic Cretan village, untouched by tourism.

Location: 44 km south of Heraklion Town
Description: Agioi Deka, one of the most beautiful villages in Crete, sits in the valley of Messara. In close distance, there is the site of Ancient Gortyn.

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Location: 90 km south of Heraklion Town
Description: A small village on top of Mount Sfentilia, Ethia has few inhabitants and it is untouched by tourism.

Location: 36 km southeast of Heraklion Crete
Description: This is a beautiful little town in a fertile valley with vineyards and olive trees. In the medieval times, there was a castle in the area which gave it its name.

Location: 36 km east of Heraklion Town
Description: A popular tourist resort with many facilities and a well-organized beach, Malia attracts a lot of visitors in summer. A Minoan palace is located close to Malia.

Location: 25 km south west of Heraklion Town
Description: Prinias is a tiny village in the inland of Heraklion Crete. It is constructed at an altitude of 610 m and surrounded by lush greenery.

Location: 62 km south west of Heraklion Town
Description: Sivas is a small village close to the busy resort of Matala, on the south western side of Heraklion Crete.

Location: 50 km south east of Heraklion Town
Description: Ano Viannos is a small village built on the slopes of Mount Dikti. It distinguishes for its traditional architecture and the picturesque views to the surrounding regions.

Location: 55 km southwest of Heraklion Town
Description: Moires is an administrative and commercial center in the southwestern side of Heraklion. It gets busy whenever the big bazaar of local products takes place.

Location: 40 km southwest of Heraklion Town
Description: Zaros is a small, mountainous village in the inland of Heraklion. It is known for its drinkable spring water and the lush nature.

Location: 57 km southwest of Heraklion Town
Description: Vori is a picturesque village in southern Heraklion, located less than 4 km from the Minoan Palace of Phaistos. It boasts an awarded Museum of Cretan Ethnology, as well as a number of old churches.