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 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.
Some people have spread the word that Anisaras takes its name after the plant anise. However, anise never existed in the area and the name comes from a corruption of the word agisaras. Agisaros is one of the Greek names of the plant Cistus creticus (the other name is aladania) that indeed abounds in the area.
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 1km 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. Continue for about 1 km and you will come to Anissaras beach with the large hotels.
If you are looking for a specific hotel in Anissaras, drive slowly and carefully in case there’s a sign to it. If you can’t find it, ask for directions at a shop.
Anissaras Beaches
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. anissaras, sarandari area near hersonissos. 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.
East of Anissaras, in the Sarandaris area, start the beaches of Hersonissos. There are lots of tiny beaches, known as the Limanakia, along the coastal road from Anissaras to Hersonissos.
