Hersonissos (Greek: Χερσόνησος, meaning “peninsula”, Chersónisos, pronounced [xerˈsonisos]), also transliterated as Chersonissos and Hersónisos, is a town and a local government unit in the north of Crete, bordering the Mediterranean / Aegean Sea. The town is about 25 kilometers east of Heraklion and west of Agios Nikolaos. What is usually called Hersonissos is in fact its peninsula and harbour. It is part of the Heraklion regional unit. It is situated 25 km from the Heraklion airport and 27 km from the Heraklion port. The seat of the local government unit is the village of Gournes.
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In this Dossier
Hersonissos in the context of Malia, Crete
Malia (Greek: Μάλια) is a coastal town and municipal unit situated in the northeast corner of the Heraklion region of Crete, Greece. It is part of the municipality of Hersonissos and is located approximately 34 kilometers (21 miles) east of Heraklion. As of 2021, the population of the municipal unit was 5,501. The area also encompasses the villages of Mochos (Greek: Μοχός), Krasi (Greek: Κράσι), and Stalida (Greek: Σταλίδα), covering a total area of 60.720 square kilometers (23.444 sq mi). Malia is renowned as a tourist destination, particularly famous for its vibrant nightlife. Additionally, the town is home to Minoan ruins located three kilometers to the east, spanning an area of approximately 1 square kilometer (0.4 sq mi).
Hersonissos in the context of Heraklion International Airport
Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" (IATA: HER, ICAO: LGIR) is the primary airport on the island of Crete, Greece, and the country's second busiest airport after Athens International Airport. It is located about 5 km (3.1 mi) east of the main city centre of Heraklion, near the municipality of Nea Alikarnassos. It is a shared civil/military facility. The airport is named after Heraklion native Nikos Kazantzakis, a Greek writer and philosopher. Nikos Kazantzakis Airport is Crete's main and busiest airport, serving Heraklion (Ηράκλειο), Aghios Nikolaos (Άγιος Νικόλαος), Malia (Mάλλια), Hersonissos (Χερσόνησος), Stalida (Σταλίδα), Sisi (Σίσι) Elounda (Ελούντα) and other resorts.
A new airport for Heraklion, located 39 km (24 mi) to the south-east of the city at Kasteli, is under construction and due to open by 2027. Once completed, the new Kasteli International Airport will replace the current Heraklion International Airport as the hub for central Crete, but also providing international links for all of Crete.
Hersonissos in the context of Stalida
Stalida (Greek: Σταλίδα, older form Stalis) is a village that lies between Malia and Hersonissos on the north coast of Crete, Greece. The name derives from the Greek verb stalizo, which means 'stop for a rest' as this was a location where shepherds and farms rested in between villages. It is a lively resort, attracting tourists from many European countries. It has a long, sandy beach and a variety of shops, bars and tavernas. From Stalis, the Bulgarian trail leads to Mochos village, built by the captive Bulgarians during WWII. In the village's main square, one finds the Byzantine church of St. Ioannis (St. John) dating back to 1600. Popular with families, it is 30 km from Nikos Kazantsakis airport in Heraklion.