Suitability

Young singles, couples, families - all fun/sun seekers who want a full-on party town at a value price. In high season it appeals mainly to rowdy British youngsters - anyone over 26 is likely to feel old.

 Accommodation

Across the range from small, simple taverna rooms to studio blocks, with most categories of hotel represented.

 Beach

Long, sandy but uninspiring beach packed with sun umbrellas and loungers, and lined with hotels and bars, many playing loud music. Swimming in the sea is safe but there is a strong undertow during windy weather. Choice of water sports from jet-skiing, water-skiing, paragliding, parascending and pedalloes. No private beaches - all open to the public.

 Shopping

Unlimited choice from cheap and cheerful souvenirs to expensive ceramics and Cretan weaving. Range covers boutiques, jewellery shops, more than enough minimarkets, food and liquor stores, and ice-cream parlours.

 Entertainment

Daytime: beach, beach, beach.
Nightlife: seemingly endless supply of pubs, bars and discos along the "strip".

 Eating

Numerous tavernas, bars and fast-food joints, including McDonalds, as well as a handful of more upmarket restaurants; there's even a couple of curry houses. The old village boasts a number of quaint, attractive restaurants serving traditional Greek food.

 Public Transport

Frequent bus services to Heraklion, Aghios Nikolaos and other destinations. Local taxis are plentiful, as are car and bike-hire.

 Excursions

Half day: ancient site of Palace of Malia; horse riding. Full day: Minoan Palace of Knossos; Heraklion Archaeological Museum; Plateau of Lassithi; Aghios Nikolaos; Spinalonga island; Sitia and Vai, a palm beach; water park at Anopolis; boat trips (from Heraklion). 1 or 2 days: Samaria Gorge.

 Location

On the N coast. 4 mls E of Hersonissos. 5 mls W of Sissi. 20 mls E of Heraklion airport.

 Position

On the coast with the main road running through it; part of a sprawling holiday area that has grown to incorporate the neighbouring resorts of Stalis and Hersonissos. Some patches of undeveloped scrubland dotted around. Overlooked by the impressive Dikti mountain range to the S.

 Contact Information

Telephone Area Code: 28970

 Serving Airports

Airport : Heraklion
Airport Code: HER
Flight time from ther U.K.: 4 hrs