09/08/2016
Contents
On the north of the Greek island of Crete is 25 kilometers east of Heraklion’s official capital is the generally recognized center of turbulent tourist life – Chersonissos.
The population of this town is only about 9 thousand people, but it all year round is filled with guests from all over the world – mostly English, Irish, Germans and Dutch.
Hersonissos – the capital of Cretan tourism
Infrastructure, beaches, attractions and, most importantly, the atmosphere of the town will leave no doubt that it is every day there is a holiday holiday of life.
Vivid features of the resort Hersonissos are:
- The abundance of young people and those who are always young in spirit.
- Round-the-clock “active leisure mode”.
- Incredible variety provided by tourists entertainment.
- The beaches are filled only by two o’clock in the afternoon, due to the night the lifestyle of most vacationers.
History of Hersonissos
About 1500 BC, the ancient Minoans came to these places and turned a cozy bay into a thriving port. Minoan goddess Britaomartis became the official patroness of the around the port of the city, which was then called Limen. In antique times Hersonissos released his coin depicting a goddess and Hero of Hercules. Chersonissos was a thriving trading center the existence of the Roman Empire.
The surviving majestic ruins of buildings of the Roman era, theater, the aqueduct flooded by the sea port still delight guests cities. In the Byzantine era in Chersonissos, then called Port Tiganis, Christianity has taken root, which is well confirmed preserved basilicas of that period. But even then the pirates raids did not they gave rest to the inhabitants of a rich city. And they in the end preferred to move away from the dangerous coast, where founded Old Hersonissos, practically abandoning the port, gradually turned into a small fishing village.
In the middle of the last century, climatic, natural and the cultural advantages of this heavenly place to create resort, and the construction of hotels and accompanying infrastructure.
Geography and climate of Hersonissos
Chersonissos is located on a small peninsula forming calm bay surrounded by the picturesque rocks of Lasithi. Palm and cypress groves, olive gardens and oleander and bougainvillea bushes complement the idyllic landscape.
The classic Mediterranean climate provides the year-round tourist season, although the high season lasts from April to November. In summer, the air temperature is about + 28 ° С, in winter not lower than + 15 ° С. The water temperature in summer is about + 25 ° С.
Beaches
The resort has both pebble and sandy beaches. Urban the beaches are small and crowded, the infrastructure is concentrated here entertainment. The huge West Beach is always crowded and therefore not for all cozy. Star Beach is famous for its magnificent water park and rich entertainment infrastructure. In the northwest of the resort There is a nudist beach. Many have their own cozy beaches. hotels For a relaxing holiday on the shore you need to drive off a kilometer two from the city.
Hotels
Accommodation in Hersonissos can be chosen for every taste and budget. Most hotels belong to the middle class.
Entertainment
The best water parks in Crete are in Hersonissos: Star Beach Waterpark, Aqua Splash, etc. Golf, tennis, horse riding, karting, diving and a wide selection water sports await outdoor enthusiasts. And seekers relaxation can take a course of thalassotherapy or do yoga.
The nightlife of Hersonissos has long become a legend. At night the city is not asleep Up to 2 nights taverns and shops are popular, from 2 to 6 – night clubs, which are many. Most Popular – Matrix, Amnezia, Sallon Kafe. Admission to most is free. Music varied. Many fall asleep right on the beach loungers and on them meet the dawn.
Chersonissos Attractions
Interesting museum of Cretan culture in the open Lychnostatis, a historical museum with paintings by El Greco, ancient Roman ruins, well-preserved ancient theaters, flooded port, Minoan caves, Paleo-Christian basilica and other From Hersonissos it is convenient to go on excursions around Crete. Popular equestrian survey excursion.
Shopping
Standard souvenirs are tableware, vases and figurines in ancient greek style as well as arts and crafts with painted in the ancient style. More inventive tourists take with them small olive trees.
Inexpensive and high-quality fur coats from fur – one of popular “serious” purchases. Jewelry original models can have real artistic value.
How to get there
In forty minutes a comfortable bus arrives to Hersonissos. from Heraklion or Agios Nikolaos (25 km). Ticket price – about 4 euros. The same way by taxi will cost 50 euros. Airplanes from major cities of Russia land at the international airport Heraklion.
Active, versatile, never ending rest It has long been a lifestyle of Hersonissos. Plunge into it at least for a while – it means to have 100% rest!
