Just 25 km east of the Iraklion is the most cosmopolitan place of Crete, Hersonissos. A city with many late 20th century buildings and hotels. It keeps the name of the ancient city that was located in the place that the harbour of Hersonisos is today. The village of Old Hersonisos, located within a small distance to the south was built due to the fear of the pirates, that forced the inhabitants of the village to move in the inland. Near Old Hersonisos there are two picturesque small villages, Piskopiano and Koutouloufari, overlooking the busy resort of Limin Hersonissos.  The harbour of Hersonisos is famous for its night life as there are many bars, restaurants and tavernas next to the beach.

Hersonisos boasts to have a number of sandy beaches all along the coast, while a number of lovely small coves can be found both to the west at the area of Anissaras as well as to the east near Stalis (Stalida). There are several more smaller pebbly beaches past the Lichnostatis Museum, east of Hersonissos. People who like to rest and sunbathe on their holidays can have a good time at Hersonissos, for it not only has beautiful beaches for swimming and snorkeling but a range of watersports too. There is a variety of modern hotel installations and apartments providing every comfort and suitability range to satisfy every taste.

The harbor of Hersonissos is famous for its night life as there are many bars, restaurants and taverns next to the beach. At the neighboring villages a number of small hotels and apartments offer quiet and peaceful environment for family vacation. The visitor to the area of Hersonissos will find a large number of shops with jewels, furs, clothing etc. and of course many places to rent cars or bikes. Daily cruises are also organized to the neighboring island of Dia and many other small islets and beaches in the area but of course excursions to other places on the island can be made from here as well, or even to other islands