Anissaras

Overview & Appeal

Just west of Hersonissos lies Anissaras, an area that swaps the latter's frenzy for a more tranquil, upmarket beach escape. Not exactly a village, Anissaras is a coastal stretch known for its string of high-quality resorts and its rocky, scenic shoreline dotted with sandy coves. If Malia and Hersonissos cater to the party crowd, Anissaras appeals to those seeking peace and a touch of luxury while still being near the action. The coastline here is ruggedly beautiful – flat rocks interspersed with carved-out sandy patches by hotels, and the sea a crystalline blue. Stroll the waterfront path at dusk and you'll encounter couples hand-in-hand and the sound of quiet waves, with the neon of Hersonissos glimmering in the distance. I stayed in Anissaras to be close to Hersonissos's amenities but welcomed returning to its serenity each evening. It truly feels like a best of both location.

Beaches & Outdoor Activities

Anissaras's main beach stretches along the front of the resorts – a mix of soft sand and smooth pebbles, fully organised with sun loungers and thatch umbrellas provided by the hotels. The water here is clear and typically gentle, one morning I snorkeled around some rocks and was thrilled to spot colourful fish and even a moray eel hiding in a crevice. Several smaller coves (“Limanakia”) are nestled eastward, these tend to be narrower and a bit rocky but offer privacy if you want to lay your towel away from any crowds. Anissaras is also great for scuba diving, a dive centre at one of the resorts took me on an underwater excursion to a nearby reef. For a land-based adventure, the coastal footpath to Cape Sarandaris is a must-do. It's an easy walk and at the cape you'll find the Chapel of St. George perched above the sea, a charming little white and blue chapel where I sat and watched a spectacular sunset with Hersonissos bay stretched out before me. Inland, just a 5-minute drive, is the Crete Golf Club (if you fancy a swing) and the Labyrinth Park for a fun family outing (a maze and mini-golf).

Upscale Leisure & Dining

Anissaras, being home to several 5-star resorts, naturally offers more upscale leisure. Many resorts have world-class spas open to outside guests, I treated myself to a thalassotherapy massage at the Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa's wellness centre, and emerged blissfully relaxed, ready to enjoy a cocktail by their lagoon pool. Dining in Anissaras can be an elevated affair: the resorts boast gourmet restaurants (from Italian to pan-Asian), and though they tend to be all-inclusive, some do allow reservations from non-guests. I dined one night at Mitsis Laguna's Greek taverna, feasting on perfectly grilled octopus and sipping local wine as if I were a resort guest, they were very welcoming. Outside the hotels, independent tavernas are scarce within Anissaras, but fear not: a short walk or taxi ride brings you to Hersonissos or the lovely village of Analipsi to the west, which has several charming eateries. In fact, I often walked 20 minutes along the beach road to Analipsi to enjoy dinner at a local taverna (fresh calamari at Taverna Marina, for example) and then strolled back under the stars, a great way to walk off the meal! Nightlife in Anissaras itself is low-key, mostly hotel bar entertainment. But with Hersonissos so close, you have the option to dive into vibrant bars and clubs and easily retreat to Anissaras' calm when you wish. I found that ideal, one lively night out, followed by the next night sipping wine on a quiet Anissaras balcony listening to cicadas.

Where to Stay

Accommodation in Anissaras is dominated by luxury and boutique resorts, with a few apartments and villas tucked in. The Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa and Mitsis Royal Mare are two prominent five-star complexes, each with gorgeous pool areas, multiple restaurants, and the beach a stone's throw away. These cater to those wanting an all-inclusive holiday with pampering. I stayed at Anna Maria Village, a smaller apartment-hotel with kitchenettes, set in lush gardens. It was tranquil and budget-friendly, and I could still wander over to the adjacent resort's café for my morning freddo coffee by the sea. Paralos Kosta Alímia is another lovely four-star option, newly renovated with chic bohemian décor and known for attentive service. If you prefer self-catering or have a group, look into renting a villa in the nearby hills, you'll get space and possibly a pool, while being a short drive to the beach. One thing to note: Anissaras isn't a traditional village, so you won't find grocery stores and bakeries on every corner (though resorts have mini-markets). If you're self-catering, stock up in Hersonissos or Analipsi where there are larger shops.

Tips & Local Insights

Reaching Anissaras is easy, it's roughly 23 km from Heraklion, about a 20-30 minute drive. Buses from Heraklion will drop you on the main road at “Sunshine” stop, from where it's a downhill walk into Anissaras (with a bit of a slope on the way back). Many visitors use the convenient little road train tours that connect Analipsi, Anissaras, and Hersonissos. I hopped on one afternoon for a fun, breezy ride that gave a nice overview of the area (kids on board were delighted, and truth be told the adults were too). Because Anissaras's coastline has sections of rock, bring water shoes, useful for clambering in and out for swims at certain spots. Also, the St. George chapel by the cape I mentioned is a local favourite for watching the sunset. You might see a few couples or even a small wedding party there. I struck up a conversation with a local man who goes fishing off the rocks by the chapel every weekend, he shared that Anissaras's waters are known for good fish and less so for crowds, and that's how the locals like it. In Anissaras, life is polished yet unhurried. My days there felt long in the best way, filled with sun salutations in the morning, lazy beach reading midday, perhaps a jaunt to town in late afternoon, and then gourmet dining and stargazing at night. If you seek a peaceful base on Crete with a dash of luxury and easy access to sights, Anissaras may just steal your heart.

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