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Make a holiday rental villa or accommodation in Heraklion, Crete your home away from home

Heraklion is one of the four prefectures of Crete, Greece. Heraklion is famous for many things, but unfortunately, many will know of the area having taken flights to Heraklion Airport, and not because of the stunning beaches, laid back way of life, amazing archaeological discoveries and hugely picturesque scenery. There is so much to uncover on holiday to Heraklion that you would be hard pushed to do any more than scratch the surface during a holiday in Heraklion accommodation.

Things to do on holiday to Heraklion, Crete

Crete is famous for its summer beach holidays, and you will certainly not be disappointed with the range of beaches at your disposal from Heraklion accommodation. Every Heraklion resort guide is filled with pictures of idyllic, sweeping sand beaches, backed by undulating, unspoilt countryside, and this is exactly what you can expect when you arrive at your self catering Heraklion villa, apartment or holiday home. The beaches of Agia Pelagia, Amoudara, Hersonisos, Kalamaki and Malia are especially worth finding, and although many of them draw plaudits from Heraklion resort guides, they still remain remarkably empty for the majority of the year.

The countryside of Heraklion makes it an ideal destination for a huge range of sports. The warm, calm waters and reliable sea breezes make Heraklion a magnificent spot for sailing, windsurfing and kite-surfing, allowing you to explore the rugged coastline under your own steam, following any whims or urges to explore you might discover! There are also many other water sports to try, from water skiing to scuba diving, which is absolutely magnificent in the region, allowing you to explore the amazing under water geology and marine species which call Heraklion home. If you would prefer to stay a little dryer during your stay in Heraklion accommodation, the region is among the finest for horse riding holidays. Galloping along deserted beaches and into the vast, open countryside of Crete gives you an unrivalled feeling of freedom and adventure, and there are some magnificent trails of discovery to be found.

There are some excellent cultural attractions available on a holiday to Heraklion. There are a range of world-class restaurants in the area, especially in the prefecture’s capital, which is also called Heraklion. The Archaeological Museum, Open-Air Lychnostatis Museum and the Minos Winery Museum are excellent places to start any cultural discovery of the region. The Aquarium in Hersonissos is also well worth investigating from Heraklion accommodation too. There is also a calendar absolutely full of festivals and events where the Cretan lifestyles and traditions still thrive.

Places to visit on holiday to Heraklion, Crete

Kamilari is a top destination, with the best of coast and countryside, providing perfectly peaceful, timeless holidays in the sun.

Pitsidia is the oldest village in Heraklion, boasting the warmest welcome on the island. The surrounding countryside is stunning, and if you are hoping to throw yourself into true Cretan culture, a Heraklion property here is ideal.

Kalamaki is one of the most peaceful villages in Heraklion, with sand so soft that the beach feels like powder beneath your feet.

Weather in Heraklion, Crete

Conditions in Heraklion are exceptional. During the long summer months, temperatures average around 27°C most years, easily hot enough to spend a day lazing on the soft sands of the coastline, yet not so hot that you cannot head out into the countryside on foot or on horseback, or enjoy the festivities of a Cretan festival.

Travel to Heraklion, Crete

There are a huge range of flights to Heraklion Airport (HER) from the UK. First Choice Airways have the lion’s share of flights to Heraklion Airport, providing services from nine airports across the UK. Upon arrival, you will find plenty of transfer options as Heraklion Airport is just 5km outside of the prefecture’s capital.