Hersonissos, otherwise known as Limenas Hersonissou, is found twenty four kilometers east of Heraklion and attracts thousands of tourists every year.

Nowadays, Hersonissos is synonymous to the most popular Cretan resort with the reasons being more than its famous cosmopolitan life, the mass number of tourist establishments and the high levels of tourist services.

The plain natural beauty, the traditional villages, the historical and archaeological sites, the monasteries, the churches in and all around it, and of course the crystal clear sea of Crete are some other representative pictures.

One could say that Hersonissos is a mixture of tradition and modern living, an amalgam of today and yesterday and most of all a unique match that inspires and fascinates...

In the evening, after your have finished with swimming and sunbathing, you could visit the three neighbouring upland villages of Piskopiano, Koutouloufari and Ano Hersonissos.

There, among the alley-ways and the stonebuilt houses with limy yards,in traditionally coffee and restaurants of old settlements, you will find a serene and romantic atmosphere that will carry away you.

In the limits of Municipality, it deserves also you even visit with car or with bicycle for those who worship the movement in the nature, the hamlets that are found behind the mountain Charakas, Potamies, Abdoy, Gonies and Kera wait for!

Piskopiano is a traditional settlement at the foot of Mount Harakas and is located between Hersonissos and Koutouloufari. Piskopiano is set in an amazing location with panoramic view of the cosmopolitan beach of Hersonissos and of course the sea and sky that spread forward. Piskopiano is 26 km east of Heraklion and 2 km south of Hersonissos Harbor, and is a village of 450 inhabitants. Its inhabitants are mainly engaged on livestock farming, olive growing and tourism. Piskopiano seems to have been developed during the Middle Ages when pirate raids on the coast forced the residents of the region to seek safety away from the sea. So, in this way, the first mention of the existence of the village was made in 1379, during the period of which it belonged to the bishopric of Hersonissos (Casale Piscopiano de Chersonisso). Some years later, in 1583, the village was mentioned as a small village with 111 inhabitants. In Piskopiano, the tradition is revived through the picturesque narrow streets that cross the traditional neighborhoods, with the beautiful stone-built houses where simplicity and Cretan architecture prevail. The area is an ideal place for those looking for relaxing and tranquil holidays. Food and drink can be found in the taverns and the traditional cafes of the village. You can visit the church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos (Saint John the Baptist), which was built in the 16th century, with some additions made in the following years and the ruins of a basilica of the 6th century. Part of the sculptural decoration, capitals and column bases are exhibited at the Museum of Heraklion. In addition, the visitor can visit the Menelaos Parlamas Museum of Rural Life & Theano Metaxa-Kanakaki Weaving Collection which is a lively museum of local tradition. It is a museum with exhibits and collections from the Cretan countryside and the folk farmhouse, from the late 19th century until the middle of the 20th century which offers the chance to visitors to see and experience the everyday life of the Cretans.

Koutouloufari is located near Hersonissos and is built on the slope of Mount Pyrgia at an altitude of 100 meters and is 29 km east of Heraklion. Koutouloufari is a beautiful and traditional settlement. It is an ideal destination for those who want relaxation while staying in a quiet and picturesque environment close to the beautiful beaches of Hersonissos providing lots of fun, sightseeing and activities since Hersonissos is less than one kilometer away. Koutouloufari is referred in the list of the villages of Crete by Fr.Barozzi in 1577 as “Calafari Metochio” and in the catalog of Basilicata as Cutrufari. The village is famous for its Cretan architecture, so the visitors can walk through its picturesque cobblestone streets, admiring the stone-built houses with arches and the internal blooming yards that are covered with the traditional vines or descend the road that passes through the hills full of olives towards Hersonissos. The houses are built amphitheatrically with a wonderful view of Hersonissos bay. In the area, one can find restaurants and traditional taverns with Cretan cuisine and various café’s and bars. On the one hand the view of Hersonissos Harbor overlooking the Cretan Sea and on the other hand the view of Koutouloufari village, combine beautifully the mountain and sea, which are characteristics of Crete Island. The main temple of the village is that of Agios Vasileios (Saint Vasileios) built on the ruins of a 14th century temple. Its expansion dates back to 1840 and is decorated with a wood-carved iconostasis with images of the Old Testament at the bottom and images of Christ and Panagia (Holy Mary) on the top of it. During its restoration in 2002, tombs were found on the floor of the newer temple and, due to these findings, it was concluded that the first temple might have been a cemetery. Every summer, Cretan Nights and various Cultural Events are organized that attract many visitors.