Anissaras Holidays

The beautiful hills of Anissaras spread north of the large and lively resort of Hersonissos. There are several hotels, mostly luxurious, all-inclusive options, spread across the hills, and the area is ideal if you want to enjoy plenty of peace and quiet yet enjoy all the nightlife and amenities of a big resort. This rugged stretch of coast is dramatically beautiful, and you’ll find lots of beaches and little coves. Anissaras makes a great base for exploring the region, whether you want to visit the tiny little hamlets of the Lassithi Plateau, where time seems to have stood still, or go sightseeing in the vibrant modern capital of Heraklion.

Anissaras is not a resort in the classic sense, but rather an area that has lots of hotels, apartments and tourist facilities. As a result, you won’t find the usual selection of places to eat and drink that you would in a town. The hotels offer a range of eating options, whether you want something simple and home-cooked or are looking for some gourmet dining. The nearby resort of Hersonissos is the largest on Crete and has a huge choice of restaurants, cafés, bars and taverns. Cretans are proud of their abundant fresh produce, and their excellent cheeses, and you’ll be able to try them in delicious Greek salads of tomatoes, olives, cucumber and fresh mizithra cheese. Or in the dakos, a barley rusk topped with finely chopped tomatoes and herbs, sprinkled with cheese.

Anissaras is a fantastic option for families if you want plenty of peace and quiet, but still want all the convenience of a big resort on the doorstep. The hills are scattered with hotels and apartment complexes, many of which are luxurious all-inclusive retreats. Several offer family packages, and have a range of amenties and special services for kids, from paddling pools to baby sitting. There are several enchanting little coves around the headland, but the best for families is the Sarandaris Beach. This, like all the beaches here, is small, but is easier to access than many of the others, and its clean, shallow waters are great for kids of all ages. Kids might enjoy a visit to the aquarium and reptile rescue centre in Hersonissos, while teens will appreciate the shopping and nightlife. There’s a labyrinth theme park, which is based on the myth of the minotaur, or you could head to see the real thing in Knossos, one of the most archaeological sites on Crete.

You’ll find scores of things to do in beautiful Anissaras, whether you’re into water sports or want to escape the hubbub of the coast and head for the hills. There are all kinds of aquatic activities for you to try, whether you fancy a bit of mellow paddle-boarding or kayaking around the breathtaking, rugged coastline or want to get an adrenaline rush with some parasailing or water-skiing in Hersonissos. Crete is famous for its excellent hikes, and there are several in the area, including the Aposelemis Canyon, and a host of amazing trails around the Lassithi Plateau, which sits at an altitude of about 800 metres.

Anissaras is a rugged cape, which is pocked with lots of charming little coves and beaches. Many of the hotels enjoy blissful waterfront settings, and boast their own private beaches. One of the loveliest beaches is Sarandaris Cape beach, which is accessed via a steep staircase down the cliff, and has lots of facilities, including sun loungers and parasols for rent. Beyond it is a naturist beach, one of few to be found on the north coast of Crete. The best beach for families is Sarandaris, which has golden sand, shallow waters, sun beds for rent and a small beach bar. Giofyri is one of the most popular beaches with locals, thanks to its white sands and good facilities.

The nightlife options in Anissaras are limited to the hotels and the beach bars, but you’ll find a heady array of nightlife in nearby Hersonissos, which is the largest resort on Crete. This has everything from pubs and sports bars to jazz venues and mega clubs – and the atmosphere is electric on hot summer nights. Malia, one of the biggest party resorts on the island, is a short drive east if you want even more choice. If you prefer to simply kick back and watch the sun set over a drink, then you’ll find plenty of options along the coast.

Anissaras is a beautiful, hilly headland dotted with breathtaking little coves and beaches – the perfect backdrop for romance! You’ll have all the shopping, nightlife and facilities of a big resort in Hersonissos, which is right on the doorstep, but can escape the crowds in the hills. Many of the hotels in this area are luxurious, often all-inclusive, options, and some of them are adults only. Explore the miniature coves that dot the coastline, or head up to the beautiful Lassithi Plateau to see the enchanting little villages and windmills. If you’re in the mood for some bright lights, head to Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete, and if you’re looking for some of the best nightlife on the island, you could grab a taxi to the party hotspot of Malia.

Anissaras is a fantastic base for exploring some of the most fascinating cultural sights on the island of Crete. You could drive up the steep, winding road to the beautiful Lassithi Plateau, where a string of some of the highest villages in Europe have been beautifully preserved. There are also dozens of restored, whitewashed windmills dotted among the almond trees and orchards. Near the village of Psychro, you can visit the legendary birthplace of Zeus, the Dikteon Cave. Votive offerings dating back to the 2^nd millennium BC have been discovered here, and some are on display in the archaeological museum in the Cretan capital of Heraklion. Heraklion is home to several other fascinating museums, and a sprinkling of historic monuments, including a Venetian fortress.