Holiday in Chersonissos

Beach in Greece — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇬🇷

Country

Greece

Type

Beach

Best time to travel

May to October, July/August for parties and beach life, May/June and September/October ideal for families

Budget/day

70-130 € (all-inclusive hotel, water park)

Getting there from Germany

Flight to Heraklion about 3 hours, transfer to Chersonissos only about 20 minutes - one of the shortest on Crete

What makes Chersonissos special as a destination?

Chersonissos is Crete's party capital and at the same time a family paradise - a combination that sounds contradictory at first glance, but works perfectly thanks to the smart layout of the town. The lively coastal town on the north coast of Crete, about 25 kilometers east of Heraklion, offers everything that makes for a perfect beach holiday: miles of beaches, crystal-clear water, a vibrant nightlife, and numerous attractions for the whole family. The main street of Chersonissos transforms into a bustling party mile after dark, with clubs, bars, and open-air discos that stay open until the early morning hours. German, British, and Scandinavian holidaymakers celebrate exuberant summer nights here together. However, those seeking peace during the day can find it at the numerous beaches: The small bay of Limanakia with its turquoise water is a snorkeling paradise, Stalis beach offers wide sand for families, and Star Beach combines swimming fun with water slides and pools. For families, the Acqua Plus Waterpark is an absolute highlight - one of the best water parks in Greece with slides for all ages. The Cretaquarium showcases the fascinating underwater world of the Mediterranean, and the Lychnostatis Open-Air Museum vividly conveys Cretan folk culture. Those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle can find authentic Crete with panoramic views of the coast in the nearby mountain villages of Koutouloufari and Piskopiano. From Germany, Chersonissos is reachable in just 20 minutes transfer time thanks to its proximity to Heraklion Airport - one of the fastest transfers of all Greek holiday destinations. The season runs from April to November, with the peak summer months of July and August being the liveliest and hottest. Prices are moderate, and the range of all-inclusive hotels is large.

Nightlife
85
Beach
80
Safety
80
Families
70
Food
60

What are the top highlights in Chersonissos?

The top highlights in Chersonissos include Party Mile and Nightlife, Acqua Plus Waterpark, Beaches Limanakia and Star Beach, Mountain Village Koutouloufari.

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Party Mile and Nightlife

One of the most popular party areas in Crete with clubs, bars, and open-air discos until dawn

2

Acqua Plus Waterpark

One of the best water parks in Greece with slides for all age groups and wave pools

3

Beaches Limanakia and Star Beach

Turquoise bathing bays and organized beach with water slides, pools, and beach bars

4

Mountain Village Koutouloufari

Picturesque mountain village above the coast with traditional taverns and panoramic views

Hotels in Chersonissos

Compare thousands of hotels, apartments and resorts on Expedia – with price guarantee, free cancellation and reward points.

Over 700,000 hotels
Free cancellation
Price guarantee
Compare hotels in Chersonissos

* You will be redirected to Expedia.de. Their terms of use apply.

Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

When is the best time to visit Chersonissos?

The best time to visit Chersonissos is May to October, July/August for parties and beach life, May/June and September/October ideal for families. Hot and sunny, 28-35°C, water temperature 24-27°C, little rain, Meltemi wind cools down In winter: Mild, 12-16°C, occasional rain, touristically quiet, many hotels closed

Recommended travel time

May to October, July/August for parties and beach life, May/June and September/October ideal for families

Summer

Hot and sunny, 28-35°C, water temperature 24-27°C, little rain, Meltemi wind cools down

Winter

Mild, 12-16°C, occasional rain, touristically quiet, many hotels closed

How much does a holiday in Chersonissos cost?

Budget travellers: 40-65 € (apartment, gyros, and tavern)/day, mid-range: 70-130 € (all-inclusive hotel, water park)/day, luxury: 150-280 € (luxury resort, VIP beach, boat tour)/day.

Average costs per person per day

Budget

40-65 € (apartment, gyros, and tavern)

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

Mid-range

70-130 € (all-inclusive hotel, water park)

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

Luxury

150-280 € (luxury resort, VIP beach, boat tour)

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

How do I get from Germany to Chersonissos?

Flight to Heraklion about 3 hours, transfer to Chersonissos only about 20 minutes - one of the shortest on Crete

Book a package holiday to Chersonissos

Compare thousands of package holidays to Chersonissos and find the best deals with flight & hotel.

Compare package holidays now

What travel tips are there for Chersonissos?

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

Star Beach for families with children - water slides, pools, and childcare right by the sea

In the evenings, retreat to the mountain villages of Koutouloufari or Piskopiano - authentic taverns with sea views and half prices

Visit Acqua Plus Waterpark in the morning - it gets crowded in the afternoon and the lines are long

The party mile really starts at 11 PM - go for a cozy dinner at the harbor beforehand

Snorkeling in Limanakia bay - crystal clear water and colorful fish just a few minutes walk from the center

What should you eat in Chersonissos?

Typical specialities in Chersonissos: Souvlaki - grilled meat skewers with pita, tzatziki, and fries, the Greek street food classic, Moussaka - layered casserole of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel, Greek national dish, Gyros Pita - thinly sliced pork in pita bread with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki, Greek Salad - tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and a whole piece of feta with oregano and olive oil, Loukoumades with honey - crispy dough balls in honey syrup, exquisite Greek donuts.

These specialties you must try!

Souvlaki - grilled meat skewers with pita, tzatziki, and fries, the Greek street food classic
Moussaka - layered casserole of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel, Greek national dish
Gyros Pita - thinly sliced pork in pita bread with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki
Greek Salad - tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and a whole piece of feta with oregano and olive oil
Loukoumades with honey - crispy dough balls in honey syrup, exquisite Greek donuts
Suitable for:CretePartyWaterparkBeachNightlifeAll-InclusiveFamilyGreece

Ready for Chersonissos?

Plan your Chersonissos holiday now with our free tools.

All destinations in GreeceAll destinations in Europe