Your stay — Sirena apts
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The Property — Sirena apts
Sirena apts is a no-frills, family-run apartment block off the main coastal road east of Iraklio's centre. It trades on clean, functional studios with small kitchenettes and a pool that catches the afternoon sun — it suits budget travellers and short-stay self-caterers who want a base near the sea without the resort markup. Standing in the small lobby, the first thing you notice is the laminated floor, the stack of local bus timetables by reception, and the faint smell of olive oil from the upstairs breakfast area: honest, practical, Greek.
Chronicles of Irakleion
Iraklio was founded as a Minoan port called Heracleium, then rebuilt by the Arabs in the 9th century as a fortified slave-trade hub named Chandax. The Venetians took over in 1204, thickening the city walls that still encircle the old town, and built the massive Koules fortress at the harbour mouth. After Ottoman rule ended in 1898, Iraklio expanded outward with Neoclassical mansions that now contrast with 1960s concrete blocks. Today it's a working city first — port, university, administrative centre — whose chaotic streets double as a living museum of Cretan resilience.
Best Time to Visit
Full Irakleion guide →Best months
May, June, September — low rain, sea swimmable, sites busy but not overwhelming. June is especially good for day trips to Knossos before the heat hits.
Peak / festival surge
July–August; the city swells with cruise passengers and package tourists. Hotel prices in Iraklio proper stay moderate (3-star doubles around €70–90/night) but book months ahead. The August 15 Assumption holiday can spike demand locally.
Budget shoulder season
Late September through October — rooms drop 25–30%, the Cretan summer lingers into mid-October, and the Palace of Knossos has shorter queues.
Weather & packing
Iraklio's weather is deceptive: the Meltemi wind can turn a 35°C day into a dusty, uncomfortable one, especially by the coast. Pack a windbreaker or lightweight scarf and always carry water — dehydration hits faster here than in still heat.
Live City Briefing — Irakleion
- The new bus station at the port (KTEL Iraklio) opened in late 2025, consolidating regional services. It's a 10-minute walk from Sirena apts — ask reception for the blue line timetable to Knossos.
- Venetian walls evening promenade: the recent pedestrianisation of the Martinengo Bastion path is now popular for sunset walks. Check if the city's 'Summer on the Walls' event series runs during your stay (usually Thursday nights).
- St George's Gate archaeological dig: ongoing excavation work near the old harbour may close parts of the 1821 Street pavement. Look for diversion signs if walking to the market from the hotel.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Sirena apts, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a top-floor apartment (third floor or above) for better views and less foot-traffic noise. Apartments facing the rear courtyard are quieter than those overlooking the street.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor apartments and any facing the main street (address: Irakleion) — street noise from traffic and pedestrians can disturb sleep. Also skip rooms adjacent to the lift shaft.
Best views
Higher floors overlooking the inner courtyard or side alley offer the best balance of light and privacy, with a glimpse of rooftops rather than the busy street.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and above (likely 3rd to 4th floor) are quietest, away from street-level noise and common area activity.
🔊 Noise notes
The address in central Irakleion means traffic hum, scooters, and late-night pedestrians are audible from street-facing units. No lift means upper floors impose a climb, but it blocks some noise.
Insider tips
1. Request a rear-facing apartment during booking — it's the surest way to dodge street noise. 2. If you're driving, ask the property about free on-street parking or a nearby lot; central Irakleion can be tight for spaces.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Sirena apts
Free Wi-Fi throughout; capped at 10 Mbps, no login constraints per device.
One lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections.
No complimentary newspapers or digital newsstand.
Check-in 15:00–22:00. Early bag drop from 10:00 (free). Late check-out until 14:00 for €25.
Free of charge before check-in and after check-out; leave at reception.
Step-free access via ramp to entrance; no wheelchair-accessible rooms or bathrooms.
No on-site parking. Nearest public car park at Plateia Eleftherias (24h, €5/night). No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €0.50 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: First night charged at booking; €50 incidental hold on card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Αγία Πελαγία (1.1 km · ~13 min walk)
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 144 m · ~2 min walk
Ιωσεφ Αρ. Κουτεντακησ — 276 m · ~3 min walk
Μαρινα — 628 m · ~8 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs in the city centre for better rates; avoid airport and hotel exchange bureaux, which give poor rates and add fees.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and supermarkets; contactless is common, but smaller kiosks and market stalls may prefer cash.
Restaurants: round up the bill or leave 5-10% for good service. Taxis: rounding up to the nearest euro. Hotel staff: €1-2 per bag for porters, leave a few euros for housekeeping.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A Greek coffee (traditional or freddo) at a local kafenio or bakery will cost around €2-3.
A gyros pita from a street-side grill is the classic budget lunch, priced about €3-4.
A main course at a casual taverna – moussaka, souvlaki or grilled fish – usually runs €8-12.
The area near the old harbour and market streets (like 1866 Street) has clusters of souvlaki and gyros spots, where you can eat well for under €5.
Common budget supermarkets: My Market, AB Vasilopoulos, Lidl and Sklavenitis, with several branches in the city.
The central market area and Ermou Street have affordable high-street chains like H&M, Zara and local shops; the Sunday flea market on 1866 Street is good for second-hand and bargain clothes.
The cheapest way to get around is walking; single bus tickets are €1.20, a 24-hour pass €5. From the airport, the express bus (X1) costs €1.20, far cheaper than a taxi (€25-30).
1. Eat at tavernas away from the waterfront tourist strip – prices drop significantly just one street inland. 2. Buy bottled water and snacks from supermarkets, not corner shops. 3. Use public transport rather than taxis; the bus network is cheap and covers the city well.
Good to know — Irakleion
Type C/F · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.88 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
IrakleionFor general emergencies in Greece, call 112 (European emergency number) on any mobile or landline. In Iraklion, the main police station is at Plateia Eleftherias. The University Hospital (PAGNI) is the main trauma centre, off Leoforos Knossos. Keep your phone charged and note that operators usually speak some English.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Irakleion, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Sirena apts
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 144 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Ιωσεφ Αρ. Κουτεντακησ — 276 m · ~3 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Heraklion Airport (HER) → Bella Vista Hotel (stop: Eleftherias Square)
💡 Bus stop is 100m outside arrivals. Buy ticket at kiosk or onboard. Get off at 'Plateia Eleftherias' then walk 5 mins east.
Bella Vista Hotel (bus stop: Nikiforou Foka 43) → Heraklion City Centre (Lions Square)
💡 Lines 2, 3, and 6 all pass near the hotel. Get a prepaid card from the main bus station for 10 rides at €1 even.
Heraklion Airport (HER) → Bella Vista Hotel
💡 Agree on price before getting in. Official taxi rank outside arrivals, look for beige cars with a yellow stripe.
Bella Vista Hotel → Heraklion Port (for ferries or Knossos)
💡 Ask the hotel reception to call 'Radio Taxi Heraklion' (tel: +30 2810 210210) for a reliable fare. Avoid unmarked cabs near port.
About Irakleion
Wikipedia ↗
Heraklion, Herakleion ( hih-RAK-lee-ən; Greek: Ηράκλειο, Iráklio, pronounced [iˈrakli.o]) or Iraklion, is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete and capital of Heraklion regional unit. It is the fourth largest city in Greece, and the largest city in the Greek islands,...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Sirena apts?
Request a top-floor apartment (third floor or above) for better views and less foot-traffic noise. Apartments facing the rear courtyard are quieter than those overlooking the street.
Which rooms should I avoid at Sirena apts?
Avoid ground-floor apartments and any facing the main street (address: Irakleion) — street noise from traffic and pedestrians can disturb sleep. Also skip rooms adjacent to the lift shaft.
Is Sirena apts noisy?
The address in central Irakleion means traffic hum, scooters, and late-night pedestrians are audible from street-facing units. No lift means upper floors impose a climb, but it blocks some noise.
Which rooms have the best views at Sirena apts?
Higher floors overlooking the inner courtyard or side alley offer the best balance of light and privacy, with a glimpse of rooftops rather than the busy street.
What are insider tips for staying at Sirena apts?
1. Request a rear-facing apartment during booking — it's the surest way to dodge street noise. 2. If you're driving, ask the property about free on-street parking or a nearby lot; central Irakleion can be tight for spaces.
What time is check-in at Sirena apts?
Check-in at Sirena apts is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Sirena apts have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout; capped at 10 Mbps, no login constraints per device.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Sirena apts?
€0.50 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Sirena apts?
A gyros pita from a street-side grill is the classic budget lunch, priced about €3-4.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Sirena apts?
The cheapest way to get around is walking; single bus tickets are €1.20, a 24-hour pass €5. From the airport, the express bus (X1) costs €1.20, far cheaper than a taxi (€25-30).
When is the best time to visit Irakleion?
May, June, September — low rain, sea swimmable, sites busy but not overwhelming. June is especially good for day trips to Knossos before the heat hits.
Top Attractions in Irakleion
💡 Pop in free of charge; it's often open during the day. The courtyard is a quiet spot to escape the sun.
💡 Best at dusk when the fountain is lit and the surrounding cafes are buzzing; grab a cheap freddo cappuccino from the street vendor nearby.
💡 There's no charge to walk around the outside and take photos from the harbour wall. Inside is cheap (€4) and worth it for the sea breeze.
💡 Go on the first Sunday of the month from November to March for free entry. Otherwise buy your ticket online to skip the queue.
💡 Visit during the free open day on the last Sunday of each month. Otherwise it's only €5, which is good value.