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By Katia Luz
Cheap Hotels in Heraklion - see Knossos Palace and the Archaeological Museum, the highlights of a visit to Crete - on a budget.
Heraklion is a transport hub, located in the centre of the island, so odds are that you will arrive via Heraklion Airport or into the port from Santorini or Pireaus.
Knossos Minoan Palace archaeological site is just 5 km out of town.
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Highlights of Heraklion town:
Kastro Hotel - just north of the Liondaria fountain, near Theotokopoulos Park. The beauty of this spot is that it is close to everything yet quiet.
Get an air conditioned room with breakfast included for a budget rate, this is a modern, clean hotel with friendly staff and good wifi.
"Excellent staff, beautifully clean and very quiet, comfortable room. Great location, very nice, comfortable, quiet room. Incredibly helpful reception staff."
Lena Hotel is just around the corner, again close to cafes, bars, the Liondaria, Chandakos and Dedalou shopping streets and close to the bus stop for Knossos. This hotel is 1.5 km from the port and within walking distance of the local markets on 1866 Street and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Get a standard, clean room for a budget price, friendly staff,comfortable beds in a central location.
"Very comfortable and very helpful in a great location. It’s a fantastic location just 100m away from the pedestrian Main Street, it’s very comfortable and clean and much better than a 2 star rating might make you think."
The So Young Hostel - a good budget hostel near to the Liondaria fountain and pedestrianised central streets of Heraklion, and the 1866 Markets.
“I liked the location near the centre of Heraklion town, the rooftop terrace and bar. Very clean and friendly staff. Good chilled vibe”
Located just 8 km west of Heraklion town, on the wide long sandy beach of Ammoudara, are the budget Yannis Apartments perfect for self-catering and good for families. There is a short walk of about 500 m to the beach. This is a busy beach with some unsightly factories in the west, so if you are concerned about peace and quiet and privacy, don't choose this beach.
"Very nice, quiet and cosy place. 2 minutes walk from the beach, shops, restaurants nearby, parking available in front of the house, friendly and helpful personnel. Well equipped kitchen with all necessary dishes for cooking, coffee machine, microwave, fridge. Comfortable bed."
Andy's Plaza Apartments are close to the water, not too far up the steep hill, and close to Almyra Cafe - Bar - Restaurant, one of our favourite places to sit next to the sea for an evening drink in Agia Pelagia. One street back from the water, no water views, good for self-catering, clean and modern.
"Exceptional. Everything was great! it's an incredibly wonderful hotel with wonderful people. They helped with everything and took care of us like family. There are 3 wonderful beaches near the hotel (5 minutes walk along the street with shops and taverns)."
Hotel Nikos is located in the village of Matala in the south of Crete, just a block back from the stunning Matala Beach (pictured above). A friendly budget place which is good for families, you will get great service at this cheap hotel.
“Good location just off the main centre, so quiet but close to everything. Nice rooms, very clean with friendly staff. Free parking close by. Very pleased with this choice in Matala.”
In Pitsidia is Pension Aretoussa within the village which is back away from the coastal hubbub of Matala Beach. Here the Spinthakis Family – Angelos and Kerstin - will look after you, in a small village hub known for its community feel. This is a budget price which will mean you are located 1.5 km from Kommos Beach, and 4 km from Matala Beach.
This is a very friendly and family-like place in a pleasant little village. Only 5 km from Phaistos, and close to many beaches. Enjoy the leafy, relaxing garden and good home-made breakfasts. Enjoy local tavernas in the village with fresh seafood, local wine, olive oil and raki.
"Everything was nice. We loved the welcoming communication from the host, the room, the backyard, free parking. Everything was perfect."
70 km from Heraklion town and 54 km from Ierapetra, there are plenty of other beaches to explore around here, and inland gorges and mountains to hike. Or just relax in the quiet garden and enjoy the peace and tranquility. Easily stretch out your summer budget here, one of the cheap hotels in Heraklion.
The affordable, simple Chouzourakis Studios are less than 50 metres from the beach. This out-of-the-way location is excellent for a long summer of exploring the beach, swimming, snorkelling, lazing and dozing.
Located just across the small road from the sand and pebble beach, the studios are very comfortable and suitable for self-catering. There are a few tavernas and a small convenience store in this small seaside village. This beach is low in development and open to the elements, just a natural, fresh, open beach with very little pretension.
"Very nice location, clean, good bed, owner very nice and attentive. The kitchenette was enough for some light meals. We really enjoyed our stay here. The south part of the island is less touristy, exactly what we wanted."
Take a 1 hour flight from Athens to Heraklion with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air, with many flights available per day.
Or take a 9.5 hour overnight ferry from Pireaus port of Athens to Heraklion port.
More on flights and ferries below.
Car hire in Crete is a really good idea as it is a large island 60 km by 260 km. There is so much to explore.
When you book with our car rental partners - Rental Centre Crete - you are supporting a local company with excellent service and easy online booking. We are sure you will be well looked after by the team. Choose from hybrid, electric or regular vehicles.
We trust you have enjoyed these tips from the We Love Crete team. Evíva!
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us Contact Us Kaló taxídi!
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the
We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us