The harbor of Hersonissos is famous for its night life as there are many bars, restaurants and taverns next to the beach. The visitor to the area of Hersonissos will find a large number of shops with jewels, furs, clothing etc. and of course many places to rent cars or bikes. Daily cruises are also organized by various travel agents, to the neighboring island of DIA and many other small islets and beaches in the area, also you can find not so far, many swimming pools and water parks, ones from the biggest in Europe. The village of Old Hersonisos, located within a small distance to the south was built due to the fear of the pirates, that forced the inhabitants of the village to move in the inland.
Near Old Hersonissos there are two picturesque small villages, Piskopiano and Koutouloufari, overlooking the busy resort of Limin Hersonissos. Last population count counted 4050 citizens. It shows not the magnitude of the city because of many not residents,not locals, living and working here. There are some strong European communities through mixed marriages that provide the needed divercity for a growing community.(Dutch,English,etc.)
Many economical refugees seek and find work especially on tourist season,(Mart till November). Heraklion residents are most of seasonal workers on this popular vacation destination. On high season circulating people reach the 50.000 persons! Is an opportunity investment area for well planned ,well executed hotel,travel,restaurant plans. Thats why registered buisnesses reach high above the 500. Land is fertile,though rocky mountainwards. Water to the city is provided from the famous Mallia springs.
There is a new biological treatment plant which is not yet fully operational since the disposed water nets are not fully installed. Emergency care and treatment is handled through the adequate network of private owned medical centers , and the net of public Hospitals 28 km away in Heraklion.(PE.PA.G.N.I.,Venizelion,etc). Transport is fully operational through a new intercity road,with TAXIs and buses. History & Sight In the site that the harbour of Hersonissos is built today, there was the city of ancient Hersonissos.
The Roman Hersonissos had wonderful marble waterfalls.The city was first built during the Minoan times but experienced great prosperity during Roman and early Byzantine period. Remnants of this period can be seen today in the area of Kastri, on a promontory where excavations have revealed an early Christian basilica. The ancient city of Hersonissos was irrigated by an aqueduct, ruins of which can be found today at Xerokamares, at the village of Potamies. Many more archaeological sites are on neighbouring Malia and Heraklion.