Hersonissos is an extremely attractive resort, especially for those who want plenty of activities, great tourist facilities and a lively nightlife. The sandy beaches are complemented by the Aqua Splash Water Park, which has slides, pools and waterfalls, a perfect place for adults to cool off and great fun for kids. Boat trips from the harbour run to the beaches at Sissi and Dia, excellent ways to spend a day out.
To discover the area's history you should head to the two museums in nearby Hersonissos. The Museum of Rural Life is built in a former olive oil mill and explains traditional farming. The Cretan Open-Air Museum, 'Lychnostatis', is one of the island's more unusual attractions, a recreation of village life with a windmill, stone house, gallery and functioning bar that gives you a glimpse back into the past.
To the east of the town is the Crete Golf Club, the island's first club, with 18 holes and great vistas. Inland from Hersonissos, away from the bustle of the resort, is remarkably different, with three traditional villages to explore: 'Old' Hersonissos, Koutouloufari and Piskopiano. These villages are now becoming rather developed, but are still attractive and offer an intriguing glimpse into Crete's more hidden history.
As one of Crete's most developed and popular resorts, it will come as no surprise that the landscape of Hersonissos is dominated by sun, sea, and stunning beaches with a series of sandy stretches lie to the west of the resort's centre. Most of beaches are served with good swimming and sunbathing facilities, and several of the more sheltered bays offer water sports. Some of these spots get very busy at peak times, but for a quieter time visit Stalis, a smaller, family-orientated resort just down the coast to the east.
At Hersonissos' waterfront you can still see remains of the Roman harbour, which is now mostly submerged. The headland above the present-day harbour is a popular spot to watch romantic sunsets over the Cretan Sea.