Anissaras & Analipsi Renthub Guide
Towns & Villages
The village of Analipsi is located 20km east of Heraklion shortly after Gouves and before Anissaras and takes its name after the church of the Ascension of Christ. It is located in a fertile valley, cultivated mainly with olive groves. It is also known as Analipsis Hersonissou, as it is very close to the seaside resort of Hersonissos.
Analipsi is less developed touristically than the other resorts of the surrounding area and is a favorite destination for families, since the place is peaceful and quiet. This gives you the impression, on entering Analipsis, that you are in a verdant Cretan village with houses and pretty gardens alternating with fields and olive groves.
15 locals recommend
Analipsi
The village of Analipsi is located 20km east of Heraklion shortly after Gouves and before Anissaras and takes its name after the church of the Ascension of Christ. It is located in a fertile valley, cultivated mainly with olive groves. It is also known as Analipsis Hersonissou, as it is very close to the seaside resort of Hersonissos.
Analipsi is less developed touristically than the other resorts of the surrounding area and is a favorite destination for families, since the place is peaceful and quiet. This gives you the impression, on entering Analipsis, that you are in a verdant Cretan village with houses and pretty gardens alternating with fields and olive groves.
The peaceful resort of Anissaras is located 21 km east of Heraklion, west to the Cape Sarandaris and 1 km west of Hersonissos. In the area you can find small sandy beaches and most of them are well-organized with umbrellas and sunbeds.
7 locals recommend
Anissaras
The peaceful resort of Anissaras is located 21 km east of Heraklion, west to the Cape Sarandaris and 1 km west of Hersonissos. In the area you can find small sandy beaches and most of them are well-organized with umbrellas and sunbeds.
Hersonissos is one of the most popular tourist resorts in Crete, just 28km east of Heraklion. The main growth driver of the area is the beaches and the calm sea, which is rare in the northern coast of Crete due to regular north winds. The calmer beaches are located west of the port and are protected by Cape Sarandaris. East of the port there are the most popular beaches of the area, about which we discuss here.
78 locals recommend
Chersonissos
51 Ελ. ΒενιζέλουHersonissos is one of the most popular tourist resorts in Crete, just 28km east of Heraklion. The main growth driver of the area is the beaches and the calm sea, which is rare in the northern coast of Crete due to regular north winds. The calmer beaches are located west of the port and are protected by Cape Sarandaris. East of the port there are the most popular beaches of the area, about which we discuss here.
In the Megali Vryssi square in village Krasi, province Pediada, near Malia, there are three plane trees, the trademarks of the village. The most important of them is the great platan in the center of the square, which is considered to be the oldest and most majestic of the plane trees in Crete and one of the oldest in Greece.
The perimeter of the trunk is about 24 meters and its age is estimated at 2400 years, as it is said that each meter of the perimeter represents 100 years of growth. It is bulky, has huge branches and dense foliage covering the entire square. Next to the tree there are two springs that have crystal clear water throughout the year.
The plane tree over its long history has witnessed countless events. It was the center of the social and intellectual life of the area. It is known that Nikos Kazantzakis, the most famous Greek writer, spent several summers of the decade 1910-1920 with his friends in Krasi, the birthplace of his wife Galatia Alexiou.
16 locals recommend
Krasi
In the Megali Vryssi square in village Krasi, province Pediada, near Malia, there are three plane trees, the trademarks of the village. The most important of them is the great platan in the center of the square, which is considered to be the oldest and most majestic of the plane trees in Crete and one of the oldest in Greece.
The perimeter of the trunk is about 24 meters and its age is estimated at 2400 years, as it is said that each meter of the perimeter represents 100 years of growth. It is bulky, has huge branches and dense foliage covering the entire square. Next to the tree there are two springs that have crystal clear water throughout the year.
The plane tree over its long history has witnessed countless events. It was the center of the social and intellectual life of the area. It is known that Nikos Kazantzakis, the most famous Greek writer, spent several summers of the decade 1910-1920 with his friends in Krasi, the birthplace of his wife Galatia Alexiou.
Koutouloufari is a village of roughly 600 inhabitants on the slope of Mt Pyrgias at an altitude of 100 metres. It is 29 kilometres east of Heraklion and less than 1,000 metres from coastal Hersonissos.
Koutouloufari with its narrow paved streets and old Cretan houses attracts those who want to spend their holidays in the busiest tourist area in Crete - which stretches from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos, offering many beaches, attractions, sights and activities and is near archaeological sites such as Knossos and Malia - but who prefer to stay in a quiet environment with a traditional flavour and a lovely view of the Sea of Crete.
In Koutouloufari you will find old stone houses with arches, arched doorways and inner courtyards roofed with vines offering shade and grapes in summer. You can stroll through the paved streets or take the road down to Hersonissos through the hills covered with olive trees. You can even see Cretans in traditional costume on the Cretan Nights held in the nearby village of Ano Hersonissos every Monday.
36 locals recommend
Koutouloufari
Koutouloufari is a village of roughly 600 inhabitants on the slope of Mt Pyrgias at an altitude of 100 metres. It is 29 kilometres east of Heraklion and less than 1,000 metres from coastal Hersonissos.
Koutouloufari with its narrow paved streets and old Cretan houses attracts those who want to spend their holidays in the busiest tourist area in Crete - which stretches from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos, offering many beaches, attractions, sights and activities and is near archaeological sites such as Knossos and Malia - but who prefer to stay in a quiet environment with a traditional flavour and a lovely view of the Sea of Crete.
In Koutouloufari you will find old stone houses with arches, arched doorways and inner courtyards roofed with vines offering shade and grapes in summer. You can stroll through the paved streets or take the road down to Hersonissos through the hills covered with olive trees. You can even see Cretans in traditional costume on the Cretan Nights held in the nearby village of Ano Hersonissos every Monday.
Attractions
The impressive cave of Zeus, the Diktaean Cave, is located above the village Psychro in Lassithi Plateau at an altitude of 1025m. In Psychro there is plenty of parking space, with plenty of restaurants nearby. Two paths leading to the cave start from the parking area. Many objects have been found here from Neolithic, Minoan, Subminoan, Geometric, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman times have been extracted, indicating the long-term use of the cave. The cave seems to have been used for residence and burials since 2800 BC. It seems that in around 2000BC, the Diktaean Cave became a place of worship for the Minoans.
63 locals recommend
Cave of Zeus
The impressive cave of Zeus, the Diktaean Cave, is located above the village Psychro in Lassithi Plateau at an altitude of 1025m. In Psychro there is plenty of parking space, with plenty of restaurants nearby. Two paths leading to the cave start from the parking area. Many objects have been found here from Neolithic, Minoan, Subminoan, Geometric, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman times have been extracted, indicating the long-term use of the cave. The cave seems to have been used for residence and burials since 2800 BC. It seems that in around 2000BC, the Diktaean Cave became a place of worship for the Minoans.
The wonderful Lassithi Plateau is located about 25km south of Malia and 70km west of Heraklion city. Located in a peaceful and fertile region, it is surrounded by the wild peaks of Dikti and several smaller plateaus. The altitude ranges from 800 to 850m, making Lassithi one of the few residential insular areas in the Mediterranean at such high altitude. Indeed, every year the plateau is covered by snow and then thousands of Cretans arrive to admire the white landscape. In most years, snow remains in the mountain peaks till mid-spring.
59 locals recommend
Lasithi Plateau
The wonderful Lassithi Plateau is located about 25km south of Malia and 70km west of Heraklion city. Located in a peaceful and fertile region, it is surrounded by the wild peaks of Dikti and several smaller plateaus. The altitude ranges from 800 to 850m, making Lassithi one of the few residential insular areas in the Mediterranean at such high altitude. Indeed, every year the plateau is covered by snow and then thousands of Cretans arrive to admire the white landscape. In most years, snow remains in the mountain peaks till mid-spring.
The Minoan Palace and the archaeological site of Malia are located 3 km East of the town of Malia. From the architectural point of view the Palace of Malia, is the third- largest of the Minoan Palaces and is considered the most "provincial" of them. It covered an area of 7,500 sq.m. and according to tradition the third son of Zeus and Europa, Sarpedon, brother of the legendary king Minos, ruled here.
The Palace had two floors and its entrance is from the western paved Court, through a procession passage. It is a building with a central court, loggia, theatre, sanctuaries, Royal quarters, workshops and magazines. North of the western court is the hypostyle crypt, discovered recently, and protected from the weather conditions by a modern roof. The large underground room, whose ceiling was supported by columns, is considered as a council chamber for the political deliberations of the local lords, separated from the dwelling quarters and the official buildings. Its a forebear of the classical Greek Pritaneion, which had a similar function.
94 locals recommend
Malia Palace Archaeological Site
The Minoan Palace and the archaeological site of Malia are located 3 km East of the town of Malia. From the architectural point of view the Palace of Malia, is the third- largest of the Minoan Palaces and is considered the most "provincial" of them. It covered an area of 7,500 sq.m. and according to tradition the third son of Zeus and Europa, Sarpedon, brother of the legendary king Minos, ruled here.
The Palace had two floors and its entrance is from the western paved Court, through a procession passage. It is a building with a central court, loggia, theatre, sanctuaries, Royal quarters, workshops and magazines. North of the western court is the hypostyle crypt, discovered recently, and protected from the weather conditions by a modern roof. The large underground room, whose ceiling was supported by columns, is considered as a council chamber for the political deliberations of the local lords, separated from the dwelling quarters and the official buildings. Its a forebear of the classical Greek Pritaneion, which had a similar function.
Theme Parks
The magic of the sea floor and the diving experience into such a familiar yet unknown world -the sea world of the Mediterranean - cannot be described in just a few words.
This is the reason why we present some of the most interesting species to you during your tour at CretAquarium, as they are preserved in their particular ecosystems. A small virtual tour that follows the sequence of the section along the route path of the aquarium and that we hope it will inspire and alert you!
445 locals recommend
Cretaquarium - Thalassocosmos
The magic of the sea floor and the diving experience into such a familiar yet unknown world -the sea world of the Mediterranean - cannot be described in just a few words.
This is the reason why we present some of the most interesting species to you during your tour at CretAquarium, as they are preserved in their particular ecosystems. A small virtual tour that follows the sequence of the section along the route path of the aquarium and that we hope it will inspire and alert you!
At Watercity Waterpark the enjoyment of the water element is fully maximized! Experience the wide range of watergames and feel like a kid again! Play without fear, feel the coolness and experience unforgettable moments of relaxation!
168 locals recommend
Watercity Waterpark Crete
AnopolisAt Watercity Waterpark the enjoyment of the water element is fully maximized! Experience the wide range of watergames and feel like a kid again! Play without fear, feel the coolness and experience unforgettable moments of relaxation!
ACQUA PLUS is by far the most popular water park on the island of Crete, for twenty years now it offers great fun and good service to more than 100000 satisfied clients per year, is situated 5km from Hersonissos and only 30km from the city of Heraklion. It’s next to the Crete Golf Club. The advantage of this park is that it is on a hill, so you can look around and glimpse different corners of beauty and fun without getting tired. Top technical equipment, automated control systems and water purification systems are currently in use. Acqua Plus is proud of its reputation for cleanliness, hospitality and most importantly, FUN.
The water park offers from than 50 different slides, games and facilities. The stuff is very friendly and very helpful. The Park has received the Certificate of Excellence from the popular website Trip Advisor.
129 locals recommend
Acqua Plus
ACQUA PLUS is by far the most popular water park on the island of Crete, for twenty years now it offers great fun and good service to more than 100000 satisfied clients per year, is situated 5km from Hersonissos and only 30km from the city of Heraklion. It’s next to the Crete Golf Club. The advantage of this park is that it is on a hill, so you can look around and glimpse different corners of beauty and fun without getting tired. Top technical equipment, automated control systems and water purification systems are currently in use. Acqua Plus is proud of its reputation for cleanliness, hospitality and most importantly, FUN.
The water park offers from than 50 different slides, games and facilities. The stuff is very friendly and very helpful. The Park has received the Certificate of Excellence from the popular website Trip Advisor.
The Labyrinth Theme Park is a family destination park with numerous interactive activities and attractions. It is nestled in the scenic hills above the town of Hersonissos in an area of 15 hectares.
57 locals recommend
Labyrinth Theme Park
The Labyrinth Theme Park is a family destination park with numerous interactive activities and attractions. It is nestled in the scenic hills above the town of Hersonissos in an area of 15 hectares.
Dinosauria Park is located in GOURNES on the Old American Base. The park’s facilities house more than 50 different species of dinosaurs, statues and robotic exhibits, on a route that travels the visitor from the present to the prehistory and the imposing world of dinosaurs. During the walk in the park the visitor will pass by the museum of fossils, the time machine, the dinosaur hospital and the special excavation sites. In addition, the visitor has the opportunity to watch augmented reality movies in the specially designed 5D Cinema but also in the simulators with VR masks. Also in the area there is a large, outdoor certified (TUV) playground for more carefree hours and a well-organized snack / bar – restaurant. Finally, the young visitors of the park can buy all kinds of educational toys that they will find in the shop before going out. So every visitor has the opportunity to spend an interactive and fun day for him and his whole family!
92 locals recommend
Dinosauria Park
Dinosauria Park is located in GOURNES on the Old American Base. The park’s facilities house more than 50 different species of dinosaurs, statues and robotic exhibits, on a route that travels the visitor from the present to the prehistory and the imposing world of dinosaurs. During the walk in the park the visitor will pass by the museum of fossils, the time machine, the dinosaur hospital and the special excavation sites. In addition, the visitor has the opportunity to watch augmented reality movies in the specially designed 5D Cinema but also in the simulators with VR masks. Also in the area there is a large, outdoor certified (TUV) playground for more carefree hours and a well-organized snack / bar – restaurant. Finally, the young visitors of the park can buy all kinds of educational toys that they will find in the shop before going out. So every visitor has the opportunity to spend an interactive and fun day for him and his whole family!
Beaches
The beaches are beautiful and very popular to snorkelers. The one close to Analipsi is the longest in the area and "sandier" than the other ones.
Anissaras Main Beach
The beaches are beautiful and very popular to snorkelers. The one close to Analipsi is the longest in the area and "sandier" than the other ones.
Sarantaris beach belongs to the famous ” bays of the peninsula” (Limanakia), located 27km east of Heraklion. Limanakia is beautiful and usually not windy, but we highly recommend the Sarandaris beach for your family due to its fine sand and shallow waters.
There are umbrellas and sunbeds on one part of the beach. If you prefer the natural shade, the “rock” along the beach will offer you generous amounts for several hours at no cost. Near the beach you will find a small canteen and many restaurants, a cafe and beach bars in the nearby area. If you want to stay close to Limanakia, there are several accommodation options for all tastes and budgets.
18 locals recommend
Sarantaris beach
Sarantaris beach belongs to the famous ” bays of the peninsula” (Limanakia), located 27km east of Heraklion. Limanakia is beautiful and usually not windy, but we highly recommend the Sarandaris beach for your family due to its fine sand and shallow waters.
There are umbrellas and sunbeds on one part of the beach. If you prefer the natural shade, the “rock” along the beach will offer you generous amounts for several hours at no cost. Near the beach you will find a small canteen and many restaurants, a cafe and beach bars in the nearby area. If you want to stay close to Limanakia, there are several accommodation options for all tastes and budgets.
Παραλία Χερσόνησος
The main sand beach in cosmopolitan Chersonissos
Food & Beverage
Sirtaki Taverna Restaurant
Don't miss to come and taste original greek food!
Ρούκουνας
Cuisines :
Greek, Mediterranean
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options
Cuisines :
Bar, Mediterranean, European, Greek
Special Diets :
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
ATHINA cafe-snack-bar
Cuisines :
Bar, Mediterranean, European, Greek
Special Diets :
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch