Capsis Astoria stands on Eleftherias Square in the centre of Heraklion, and it is the most convenient large hotel in the city for sightseeing on foot. The Archaeological Museum is about a one-minute walk away, the Historical Museum of Crete about seven minutes, and the harbour about twelve, so a first visit to Heraklion can be done almost without a taxi. With 131 rooms, three restaurants, two cafes and a poolside bar, it is a full-service city hotel rather than a boutique, with a rooftop terrace, a gym, a seasonal outdoor pool and valet parking for a surcharge. It is a practical, comfortable base that suits both leisure and business travellers.
Location and getting around
Eleftherias Square is on the edge of the historic centre, with cafes and the museum on its doorstep. The walk to the old Venetian harbour and the Koules Fortress takes about a quarter of an hour, and buses to Knossos leave from stops in the city, so the hotel works well as a base for the main Minoan sights. The airport and ferry port are both a short taxi ride away.
The rooms and facilities
Rooms have air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, and the hotel provides a concierge, laundry, luggage storage and car rental assistance. The outdoor pool is seasonal, with access during the daytime, so do not count on it in winter. Three on-site restaurants and a poolside bar mean you can eat in without leaving the building, though the surrounding streets have many tavernas. Valet parking is offered for a surcharge, which helps if you have a hire car.
Who it suits
First-time visitors to Heraklion who want to be next to the museum, families who value a restaurant and a pool in season, and anyone who prefers the facilities of a four-star city hotel to a small guesthouse. The square can be busy and noisy at night, so ask for a room away from the street if you want a quiet sleep. It also pairs well with a stay in Chania, as the two cities are the standard split for a week on the island.
Good to know
Heraklion is a working city, and the streets around the square are busy with traffic and cafes, so it feels lively rather than resort-like. Many travellers use the hotel as a base for the first or last nights of a trip, since the airport and ferry port are close, and then move on to Chania or the coast. Ask whether the rooftop terrace and pool are open on your dates, and confirm the breakfast arrangements on your rate, because they can differ between offers.
Why stay here
- ✓One minute from the Archaeological Museum
- ✓Three on-site restaurants
- ✓Rooftop terrace
- ✓Seasonal outdoor pool
- ✓Poolside bar
- ✓Gym
- ✓Valet parking (surcharge)
- ✓Concierge
Good questions
How close is Capsis Astoria to the Archaeological Museum?+
About a one-minute walk, and the Historical Museum of Crete is about seven minutes away.
Does the hotel have a pool?+
It has a seasonal outdoor pool with daytime access, so it may not be available in winter.
Is there parking?+
Valet parking is available for a surcharge.
