Working in Hersonissos for the summer! Part 1

Murphy's Bar

Attraction | "Great Irish Music Bar"

Quote:

The location of this bar is along the famous strip along the coast of Hersonnissos, located here are many many clubs, bars, restaurants etc....Murphy's is located towards the centre of this strip near in my opinion the best locations for music and drinks and also has views of the beach and sea.This bar is only popular and good towards the evening, it is very small but the staff and management are great fun, the music is great and the atmosphere very friendly and fun...I must visit while in Hersonissos in the evening. Theres only light snacks to eat but a very long drinks menu, prices are average and acceptable and the members of staff serve u while dancing across the bar...Perfect, fun, en...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 9, 2012

Murphy's Bar
Hersonnissos
Crete, Greece

Cheer!
Flag

Knossos Palace/Bronze Age Archaeological Site

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Ancient Expedition!"

Knossos Photo - Knossos Palace/Bronze Age Archaeological Site, Crete, Greece

Quote:

I have to give this site an average mark as the site is amazing to walk around and discover ancient history, but also there was many discomforts. The location of the site is not terrible bad, it is situated near to the capital and the journey has some amazing and beautiful sites along the way. For some people it can be a long journey depending on your location. But from Hersonissos it is only approximately 30-40 minutes.You can take an organised trip like we did, this means we have a comfortable connection via coach picking us up from the hotel and tuck us directly to the site. As I mentioned the journey to Knossos has some amazing and breathtaking views of the island and sea. ...Read More

I have to give this site an average mark as the site is amazing to walk around and discover ancient history, but also there was many discomforts.
The location of the site is not terrible bad, it is situated near to the capital and the journey has some amazing and beautiful sites along the way. For some people it can be a long journey depending on your location. But from Hersonissos it is only approximately 30-40 minutes.

You can take an organised trip like we did, this means we have a comfortable connection via coach picking us up from the hotel and tuck us directly to the site. As I mentioned the journey to Knossos has some amazing and breathtaking views of the island and sea.

Once you get there, with the trip you do have a guided tour, and the lady was very good at English, very friendly and very beautiful ;) ... But we were lucky as some people did complain about certain guides.
Firstly after the journey we had a little time to visit the refreshments area before we left to journey through the ancient palaces as it is a long walk and there are no possibilities of getting refreshments along the way. So i picked up a massive bottle of water for the walk, but there was an amazing display of fresh fruit advertising refreshing juice drinks, it looked lovely especially with the heat so I bought one, but oh my god, it was warm, sour and not very good...I expected it to be ice cold!! 5 euros as well!!

The entrance to the park is not very big, but its included in the total price, if you go separately its about 9 euro entry and 10 euro for the information booklet and you walk around yourself, but the organised trip with guide and transfer is approx 24 which is better.
The only problem with the guide is that the trip was very long, they had lots of information to express, so you could not skip the boring bits and move on, and it was 40-50 degrees as well which was not comfortable at all... I wish i decided to visit this place alone using public transport as the guide just went on and on and in the end i lost concentration it was so hot and there was like a monotone voice with no excitement to keep me interested and just tuck pictures instead.

As for the site itself it was very interesting and beautiful to see... I had a great time and tuck few great shots, seeing the contrast between the old buildings (ruins) and the reconstructed parts, you really got to see a glimpse of what life use to be here, it was wonderful, the buildings if it is 100% accurate loom much nicer than greece today lol, but it is very very hot and it was the height of the season so there were many people and many large groups which ment there was a wait for certain areas as the guides needed to complete their speach, so be aware of this, if it is early or late season its ok, but if you go at the height of the season then make sure you go very early to avoid the congestion.

Overall the site is very interesting to see, and the guides are full of information, but so are the books that you can read yourself! and walk at your own pleasure, so I would recommend this in the height of the season so you can skip through certain parts. But otherwise when its not so busy the guided tour is great! The prices are great also apart from at the refreshments bar, it can be a little expensive there, so take your own if you are on a budget, also the toilets are at the beginning of the site, so make sure you squeeze out whatever you can lol, of coutrse knowing this, there can be big cues especially for the ladys. Read Less

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 8, 2012

Knossos Palace/Bronze Age Archaeological Site
Heraklion
Crete, Greece

Cheer!
Flag

Watercity Waterpark

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Best Greek Water Park"

water city Photo - Watercity Waterpark, Heraklion, Greece

Quote:

Location/Water ParkIf you are staying in the capital of Crete then it is much easier to get to this location. From Hersonissos there is a Water Park bus that picks you up from a few pick-up points throughout the resort, the main pick-up point being outside the Star Beach Hotel, which I reviewed earlier. The journey is then approx 1 hour, if you are renting a car, this is probably a cheaper option and there no waiting around as the buses never seemed to arrive or depart on time! But this is a minor problem, if you are part of a group having fun this is ok, but if you are there as a family with young children then it could be a problem! The water city park has a fantastic location in o...Read More

Location/Water Park

If you are staying in the capital of Crete then it is much easier to get to this location. From Hersonissos there is a Water Park bus that picks you up from a few pick-up points throughout the resort, the main pick-up point being outside the Star Beach Hotel, which I reviewed earlier. The journey is then approx 1 hour, if you are renting a car, this is probably a cheaper option and there no waiting around as the buses never seemed to arrive or depart on time! But this is a minor problem, if you are part of a group having fun this is ok, but if you are there as a family with young children then it could be a problem!
The water city park has a fantastic location in one of the high points of the island so there are incredible views across the whole island, it is breathtaking and very picturesk indeed. Make sure you take a camera, preferably waterproof lol. However this causes problems with the journey to the island going across many roads throughout the countryside to arrive there.

Once you arrive there, this is most definitely the best water park in Greece. If you have been to America then maybe you will think this park is small and boring, but for European style this is one of my favourite water parks, the entrance fee is not to expensive either and you have access to all rides for the day! its great. Mainly half day is better as there are not lots and lots of rides but there's enough to entertain you for 4-5 hours. Theres also plenty of sunbeds across the park for those who like to chill. The rides have a wide range from long, short, fast, slow, big, small...ect, I had fun, but at the peek of summer in the afternoon expect to wait 15 minutes for the slide, but that is not a huge wait. The park is big enough to loose people if you separate to go on different rides so arrange a time and place to meet so you do not waste time walking around the whole park looking for each other.

Food/Drink/Service/Toilets

Service was pretty good, not a huge wait, the staff worked efficiently and friendly. Theres not many Greek's who make you feel very welcome, but it's just the difference in culture they are not being arrogant. The food however was very expensive, incredibly expensive actually for what you get. I was very shocked, but hungry so I had to buy a hotdog and chips. I expected great quality with the price but yet again disappointing, very greasy, not very hot and not very tasty, there's only basic snack menu here.
The drinks were better, reasonably priced I guess considering it's is the only place you can purchase a drink in a long way. Beer was normal, but extra training in making cocktails is needed, a Mojito does not come with lemonade! a simple point....Mojito is simple lots of crushed ice, half a lime sliced up, 12 mint leaves approx, sugar and rum...thats it! not rum lemonade with a couple of leaves of mint and one slice of lime, come on...when you pay 15 euros or more you expect to have it made correctly. So my advice is to bring food with you, you can not bring your own drinks, so just stick to cola or beer or water is my advice.
As for the toilets they are very big, but also very wet which can be dangerous also, but many toilets and sinks and they are kept fully stocked most of the time, maybe there is a damp odour but it is not a huge problem.

Overall the best water park in Greece maybe even europe, lots of fun, especially for groups, children and familys, good price for entry, but stay away from the cocktails and food, unless there has been a big refurbishment with lots of additional training!!

Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 6, 2012

Watercity Waterpark
Anopoli Pediados
Heraklion, Crete, Greece
+30 2810 781317

Cheer!
Flag

Acqua Plus Water Park

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction | "An Average Water Park "

Aqua Water Park Photo - Acqua Plus Water Park, Crete, Greece

Quote:

LocationThe location actually in my opinion is not great at all! Yes they do organise a shuttle bus that picks people up from various parts of the island, but of course this comes at an extra cost! It is not possible to access this park unless you have great travel bearings and/or rent a car/bike. It seems like the park is way up into the hills travelling through steep, windy roads until finally you get there... of course this depends on the route you take or know. Hersonissos is probably the closest resort to the park but the ride is still uncomfortable. If you rent a car and know how to use a map then I recommend this instead. I do understand they need a lot of room to build a park like...Read More

Location

The location actually in my opinion is not great at all! Yes they do organise a shuttle bus that picks people up from various parts of the island, but of course this comes at an extra cost! It is not possible to access this park unless you have great travel bearings and/or rent a car/bike. It seems like the park is way up into the hills travelling through steep, windy roads until finally you get there... of course this depends on the route you take or know. Hersonissos is probably the closest resort to the park but the ride is still uncomfortable. If you rent a car and know how to use a map then I recommend this instead. I do understand they need a lot of room to build a park like this but in my opinion it should be more coastal than into the hills. There is a hotel situated by the park so I guess if you are staying here then its perfect location for you.

Water Park

The water park is basic and small, there is a better and much bigger park located in Anapolis that is much bigger called Water City, go here instead. The slides are ok, nothing great but not that bad also. These slides in my opinion are more for younger children and families.
There are to long twist slides that are good but there is a very big climb to the top lol, theres no lift im afraid. Also the height of the season the ques are very large due to the lack in attractions to go on. Theres one cool shoot where u slide from side to side until you fall down the bottom, similar to a skateboarding arena i thought. But only one person at a time so there is a long wait all the time.
Apart from that there were a slow slide where you have a rubber ring but that looked very boring so I did not go on it, and then just a few kiddy attractions there.

Food/Drink/Service

Service sometimes was quite arrogant, they did not seem to care who was next or even welcomed you, they just served whoever was next and ordering a coffee they seemed very unhappy about doing it, maybe if they worked a little bit faster then they would not have lots of people waiting! The pool staff seemed very nice but also very bored and sleepy, maybe a hangover or just plain bored. The food was basic snacks
like burger, chips, hotdog, pizza etc, it was basic, not very tasty just a waste of money. The drinks also were not good, I had a beer it was ok, but the ice drink and coffee was far from good, the coffee even had many bits init. Stay away from it, just get a beer maybe, but even that looked a little watered down.

Toilets

Well it is simple to describe really. They are not looked after very well, no toilet paper, low amounts of soap, smelly, many mosquito's in there. Overall not very pleasant, also the floor was wet which was dangerous for slipping on. Read Less

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 5, 2012

Acqua Plus Water Park
5th Km To Kasteli
Hersonissos, Crete, Greece
28970-24950

Cheer!
Flag

Star Beach Village

Best Of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Hotel and Water Park in One!!"

water park entrance, star beach hotel Photo - Star Beach Village, Crete, Greece

Quote:

LocationLocation of this hotel is perfect its just outside from the town centre which avoids most of the groups of tourists and people gathering around shops. Its in a nice location with everything near. Just outside the front of the hotel is the bus stop so you can visit any resort around the island from here. Also nearby is horse riding facilities, go carting, car/bike/scooter rentals and a mini supermarket if you dont have all inclusive. Its perfect, only a few hundred meters away is the centre with lots of bars, clubs restaurants, take away, shops, doctors, pharmacy ect. Star Beach is also a coastal location and most views are amazing, you either have a room in the main building or the...Read More

Location

Location of this hotel is perfect its just outside from the town centre which avoids most of the groups of tourists and people gathering around shops. Its in a nice location with everything near. Just outside the front of the hotel is the bus stop so you can visit any resort around the island from here. Also nearby is horse riding facilities, go carting, car/bike/scooter rentals and a mini supermarket if you dont have all inclusive. Its perfect, only a few hundred meters away is the centre with lots of bars, clubs restaurants, take away, shops, doctors, pharmacy ect. Star Beach is also a coastal location and most views are amazing, you either have a room in the main building or they have small apartments around the pool area. One thing to mention even though this is a 4 star hotel and looks fabulous, the main crowd of people here are groups of teenagers and young adults, so yes this equals drunkeness, parties, loud music ect. Especially as the hotel has its own water-park situated to th rear and here they have bumgee jump, jet ski, slides, DJ's, foam parties, the whole works....... Its a great place, but families and OAP'S beware you will probably be unhappy, there are also child facilities in the park but remember lots of very drunk people also....

Rooms

Rooms are very big and all have balconys, the rooms above reception are probably the quiter more relaxed rooms But the best location for fun is to be situated in a room near the pool. They have everything you need as far as appliances are concerned and the toilets are kept nice and clean everyday, I actually feel sorry for the cleaners as the rooms would get quite messy!! :D Balcony has great views but beware some rooms face the carting arena so there will be a lot of noise coming from here especially the height of the summer and it is open till 11pm. Beds are very comfy but a double bed is normally 2 small beds pushed together which is not the best if you are sleeping and cuddling with your partner and from the pressure your beds fall apart haha, Yes this hotel is noisy so be warned, but if you just join in its a blast! or just wear ear plugs... This hotel reminds me more of a hostel with lots of drunk backpackers, but a very big luxury one!

Food/Drinks/Service

The food was simple at the restaurant, you pay 10 euros for the buffet or its part of the all inclusive! same food for everyone, but generally the food always tasted the same or maybe I just filled my plate to full and everything was mixed hehe, but there was always good selection of hot/cold food...breakfast seemed more like a English Breakfast not greek but for me with a hangover it was perfect!!..... Near the pool was a pool bar for snacks, this was a little expensive so I never tried eating here, but it had pizza, hot dog, sandwhiches, salads, chips etc.
The staff were always friendly even though they work everyday almost in the hot summer, Manos on the pool bar was great, so as George and Vangelis the manager.. service was quick and efficient in the restaurant, staff were very smart and well dressed.. I think the staff were from Slovakia and Hungary as part of a summer work placement from school .. so everyone was kinda on the holiday (working holiday) but having a great time.
The only minor complaints is that the receptionists were very arogant and moody for some reason and also the bar in the lobby was always shut so there was big cues at the pool bar and people paying would be served before the all inclusive people. Also if you have all inclusive this is not available in the water park, everything there is at an extra cost.

Overall this hotel is a little expensive but while you are young enjoy the heat and partying, theres an extra water park which attracts all the ladies...what more could you want, theres lots of activities near by, the location is excellent and most of the staff are very welcoming and friendly, I would return every year before I become to old .... A must for groups of travellers, students etc Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 4, 2012

Star Beach Village
Themistokleous 5
Hersonissos, Crete, Greece 700 14
+30 28970 29351

Cheer!
Flag

IgoUgo

Crete Journals

Upload Photos