img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}When you dream of vacationing in Greece, chances are Santorini is the first place that comes to mind.
Instantly recognizable by its striking blue and gleaming white townscape sitting high and mighty above the Aegean Sea, it’s one of the most beautiful towns on Earth I’ve ever had the chance to visit.
As for a favorite? I preferred Crete. Less touristy, blissfully tranquil, and still stamped in my mind’s eye is what seems to be a photograph stolen from a postcard, yet I experienced it in real life.
But travelers are flocking to a different island…
Though my favorite city was the gorgeous town of Chania, my lone trip to Greece was pre-pandemic, so trends and travel patterns have changed so much since then.
As such, Santorini remains just as iconic, but it has certainly had a down year, with high prices and natural disaster risks plaguing tourism numbers. That’s where Crete has stepped in to save the day.
Chania may be my favorite Greek getaway, but the people have spoken — Greece’s most popular beach destination is none other than Heraklion, an under-hyped coastal city oozing Athens vibes in terms of history and boasting stunning shores that have captured tourists’ need for sun and sand.
Discover Athens Vibes Without The Grit
Athens is a phenomenal city to visit. Home to timeless marvels, vibrant culture, incredible arts and eats, there’s an underlying edginess surrounding the city with dirty back alleys and graffiti-lined streets.
Of course, the eyesores and sketchiness after sundown aren’t stopping anyone from visiting, welcoming a smidge under 5 million arrivals in the first half of 2025.
As for Heraklion, they’re seeing a hefty amount of visitors too for a place many people couldn’t point out on a map.
2.1 million travelers have visited Heraklion from January to July this year, the most for any beach destination in Greece.
Crete’s largest city is equal parts stunning coastline and a time capsule of historic attractions with far fewer crowds than Athens and not nearly as edgy.
Heraklion (pronounced hih-RAK-lee-ən) boasts a vibrant waterfront and numerous sites to hop around the city, marveling at architectural treasures spanning civilizations.
The following sites are absolute must-visits and will have you wondering why people act like Athens is the only wondrous city to take deep dive into history:
Of course, there’s no comparing Athens’ Acropolis once you see it, but Heraklion is a fantastic alternative and one that shouldn’t be overlooked on your next European adventure.
Santorini Who? Heraklion Is Teeming With Dreamy Villages
As a whole, Crete is an astounding island; you could stay for weeks and feel you’re just scratching the surface.
With so many elements to uncover, whether it be postcard marinas, scenic vineyards, gorgeous Mediterranean shores, and all the aforementioned landmarks, your head will be left spinning.
But if there’s one aspect of Heraklion you must know about, it’s the surrounding villages on the outskirts of the city, where the most prominent beaches worth visiting lie.
First up is Archanes, lined with rows of colorful homes, quaint churches, a maze of alleyways, and traditional Cretan cuisine and exquisite local wine.
Second is Alagni. You gotta pay a visit to Lyrarakis Winery, one of Crete’s prettiest wineries. This town is also home to Alagni Cretan Resort, the perfect base to unwind in a luxe villa away from the city noise.
Gortyna rounds out the top 3. It’s best for history buffs who want even more than what the city of Heraklion offers as you’ll find serene, storied streets, tranquil lakes, and even more ancient ruins.
But let’s not forget the beaches, as they’re a delight to visit even in fall, as temps hover in the 70s until mid-November.
According to TripAdvisor’s latest rankings, these are visitors’ top 5 favorite Heraklion beaches right now:
- Potamos Beach
- Stalis Beach
- Komos Beach
- Ligaria Beach
- Kokkino Ammos Beach
You’ve come all this way, so why not splurge? 5-star Lyttos Beach Hotel is an all-inclusive hideaway in the small coastal town of Hersonissos with free transport to and from the airport.
How To Reach Heraklion
Unlike myself, who taps his heels 3 times yelling “Opa!” and pretending to magically transport to Chania when I attend San Diego Greek Festival each year, unfortunately, it takes a bit more effort to turn dreams into reality.
Athens is globally connected. Heraklion? Not so much, but it’s easy to conquer with just one layover (the same as I did when visiting Chania).
Heraklion’s airport is well connected all across Europe, but if it were me, I’d opt for a ferry ride, which has become something of a bucket-list item for Greece tourists.
Since Athens is the obvious choice to fly into, maybe spend a couple of days there seeing the sights before enjoying lesser crowds and more inviting aesthetics by hopping aboard a ferry ride with stunning sea views.
Or plan to stay a while — Heraklion is one of Greece’s top digital nomad destinations after all…
Sam SearsSam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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