Anissaras is located 24 km east of Heraklion and 1 km west of Hersonissos. The area of Anissaras is part of the unique stretch of Cretan coastline from Kokkini Hani to Malia.
Anissaras is neither a village nor a town – it’s a place – a large, hilly area which springs up just outside of Hersonissos, a stone’s throw away. But the difference between the two is like night and day. Actually, some people refer to it as Hersonissos’ high-class suburb.
There are no bars, no nightlife – outside of the hotels in Anissaras, which are mostly upscale and self-contained. However, there are a few smaller hotels and several tourist apartments in the area. All in all, it is a place for a quieter vacation, yet close to the raucous Hersonissos hot spots.
How to get to Anissaras
From Heraklion to Anissaras by bus:
To get to Anissaras from Heraklion, you can take the bus to Hersonissos. Buses are frequent but they will drop you off at the junction on the old National Road, and your hotel will be about a one-kilometre walk away.
From Heraklion to Anissaras by car:
If you have your own or a rented car, however, take the new National Road in the direction of Hersonissos. Take the Kastelli exit, turn left and at the end of the road go straight across the old National Road into the road directly opposite (I don’t think there’s a sign). Continue for about 1 kilometre and you will come to Anissaras beach with the large hotels.
Useful Information on Anissaras
In Anissaras you will find large hotels offering all-inclusive holidays. Guests have everything laid on for them inside the hotel and some never even leave it.
This is why there are very few tavernas in Anissaras. There are, however, some minimarkets, car rental bureaux and shops.
Everything else you can possibly think of is available in neighbouring Hersonissos, which is within walking distance along the beach, and which is equivalent to a small town.
There is no bus service within the area of Anissaras, and, most of the time, you must telephone for taxi service.
Worth a visit
There is a very pretty walk to the Sarandaris area and the little church at the tip of the peninsula. There are two ways to get there:
* At the end of the Anissaras coastal road starts the beach of a big hotel. Walk along the whole beach and continue over the rocks to the little church with the island opposite. There’s an impressive view of Hersonissos and its beaches.
Go on from here to reach the road from Anissaras which runs along the coast and the Limanakia beaches to Hersonissos.
** The second way is by car. Drive towards the Royal Mare Hotel and park on the beach road just after the hotel entrance. A footpath on the east side of the hotel leads to the church.
While most of the shoreline in Anissaras is rocky, there are some excellent man-made sandy beaches, especially in front of the large hotels and Club Blu, an Italian resort.
Remember, there is no such thing as a private beach on Crete – all of them, including the ones in front of hotels and beach clubs, are open to the public.
So take advantage of man’s ingenuity in carving out a sandy oasis from among the rocks – you'll love it here. These beaches feature protected swimming, loungers and umbrellas, and some have snack bars and beach cafes for seaside service. Several offer excellent facilities for various water sports and other aquatic activities, including scuba diving and snorkelling.
