Your stay — Thania Studios
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The Property — Thania Studios
Thania Studios is a straightforward, family-run set of apartments a few blocks back from the beach in Ammoudara, Iraklio’s long coastal strip. The vibe is no-frills and honest: clean white walls, pale tiles, a small pool and basic kitchenettes. It suits budget-conscious travellers who want to be near the sea and don’t need hotel extras, and feels more like borrowing a local’s summer flat than checking into a resort.
Chronicles of Irakleion
Iraklio grew around the Venetian port fortress, the Rocca a Mare, built in the 16th century to defend Crete’s trade routes. The old city’s Venetian walls, still largely intact, curve around cramped alleys and Ottoman fountains. After Crete united with Greece in 1913, the city expanded west and south with concrete apartment blocks. Today it’s a working port and transport hub, with a lively café culture and a strong archaeological museum housing Minoan treasures from Knossos, just south of town.
Best Time to Visit
Full Irakleion guide →Best months
May, June and September for reliably warm 25–30°C days, cooler evenings, and fewer package tourists from July–August.
Peak / festival surge
July and August are peak: temperatures hit 30–35°C, beaches fill, and hotel prices roughly double. The main driver is northern European summer holidays (British, German, Scandinavian school breaks) plus local festivals around August’s Dormition of the Virgin (15 August).
Budget shoulder season
April and October offer 20°C average highs, low-season rates 40–60% below July, and quieter streets; be prepared for occasional rain in October.
Weather & packing
Northerly meltemi winds can whip up the coast in July, so evenings feel cooler than the afternoon furnace. Pack a light windbreaker or long-sleeved cotton top for nights, plus sunblock (SPF 50) and a hat – shade is scarce.
Live City Briefing — Irakleion
- The new pedestrianisation of Iraklio’s old market street (Odos 1866) completed in early 2026, making it easier to walk between the Venetian harbour and central square without traffic.
- A new fast-ferry service from Piraeus to Iraklio, operated by Seajets, started in May 2026, cutting the crossing to under 6 hours – book ahead as it sells out.
- The Knossos palace site has introduced timed-entry e-tickets to manage summer queues; buy at least a week in advance for July visits.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Thania Studios, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request upper-floor studios on the rear side of the building. The top two floors typically have less street noise and better ventilation, and being away from the main road reduces traffic hum.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms or those directly facing the main street—the bar and pavement noise from Irakleion's central area can carry. Also avoid rooms near the stairwell or lift shaft, as footfall and mechanical noise can be disruptive.
Best views
Rear-facing studios offer a quieter outlook onto neighbouring rooftops or a courtyard. Front-facing ones give a view of the busy street and local life—lively but noisy. No sea view at this address in central Irakleion.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and above, assuming the building has at least 4 floors. These are farthest from street-level bustle.
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel sits on a main road in Irakleion city centre. Expect traffic noise during peak hours, and some spillover from nearby cafés and bars in the evening. Early morning deliveries and rubbish collection add to the din on the street side.
Insider tips
1. Parking is scarce in central Irakleion; ask the hotel for the nearest secure garage or public lot and book a spot in advance. 2. Check-in can be rushed during summer, so confirm your arrival time by phone a day prior and request a quiet room at the same time.
- 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 — Thania Studios
Free WiFi throughout, typical speed 10 Mbps download; no login needed, just select network
No lift; all studios are on ground or first floor accessed by stairs only
No complimentary newspapers or digital newsstand; lobby has a small book-exchange shelf
Check-in from 14:00; early bag drop allowed from 10:00; late check-out until 12:00 costs €20 (subject to availability)
Free, available at reception during opening hours (07:00-23:00)
No step-free access; main entrance has two steps, no ramp; no accessible rooms or adapted bathrooms
Free on-site unmarked parking for about 10 cars; nearest public car park is at Karteros Beach (€5/day, 400m away); no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €1.50 per room per night for 3-star hotels, charged at check-in
Deposit & card hold: No advance deposit required for standard bookings; a €50 incidental hold on credit 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 inside banks for best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at the airport and tourist spots near the port, which charge high fees.
Major cards (Visa, Mastercard) widely accepted in shops and restaurants; contactless is common. Keep cash for small tavernas, market stalls, and street vendors.
Restaurants: round up or leave 5-10% if service was good. Taxis: round up to nearest euro. Hotel staff: €1-2 per bag for porters, €1-2 per day for housekeeping.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A frappé (iced instant coffee) at a local kafeneio or bakery costs around €3–4.
A gyros pita or souvlaki from a street stand or taverna — about €4–6.
A main course at a neighbourhood taverna (moussaka, grilled fish) runs €8–12.
Around the central market (Agora) and the streets off 25th August Street, you'll find cheap souvlaki, bougatsa, and baked goods.
Supermarkets like Sklavenitis, AB Vasilopoulos, and My Market are common and reasonably priced.
The central market (Agora) and streets off Dedalou have affordable clothing shops and local boutiques; avoid the tourist-trap souvenir touts on 25th August Street.
The cheapest way is walking — most sights are walkable. For longer trips, a single bus ticket costs €1.20; airport bus 1 runs into town for €1.50; taxis from airport are about €15–20.
Eat where locals queue for lunch (often near the market) and avoid restaurants with English menus on the main square. Buy bottled water and snacks at supermarkets, not kiosks. Use ATM at bank branches, not standalone machines.
Good to know — Irakleion
Type C/F · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.87 · 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 Thania Studios
🕒 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Thania Studios?
Request upper-floor studios on the rear side of the building. The top two floors typically have less street noise and better ventilation, and being away from the main road reduces traffic hum.
Which rooms should I avoid at Thania Studios?
Avoid ground-floor rooms or those directly facing the main street—the bar and pavement noise from Irakleion's central area can carry. Also avoid rooms near the stairwell or lift shaft, as footfall and mechanical noise can be disruptive.
Is Thania Studios noisy?
The hotel sits on a main road in Irakleion city centre. Expect traffic noise during peak hours, and some spillover from nearby cafés and bars in the evening. Early morning deliveries and rubbish collection add to the din on the street side.
Which rooms have the best views at Thania Studios?
Rear-facing studios offer a quieter outlook onto neighbouring rooftops or a courtyard. Front-facing ones give a view of the busy street and local life—lively but noisy. No sea view at this address in central Irakleion.
What are insider tips for staying at Thania Studios?
1. Parking is scarce in central Irakleion; ask the hotel for the nearest secure garage or public lot and book a spot in advance. 2. Check-in can be rushed during summer, so confirm your arrival time by phone a day prior and request a quiet room at the same time.
What time is check-in at Thania Studios?
Check-in at Thania Studios is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Thania Studios have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi throughout, typical speed 10 Mbps download; no login needed, just select network
Is there a city or tourist tax at Thania Studios?
€1.50 per room per night for 3-star hotels, charged at check-in
Where can I eat cheaply near Thania Studios?
A gyros pita or souvlaki from a street stand or taverna — about €4–6.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Thania Studios?
The cheapest way is walking — most sights are walkable. For longer trips, a single bus ticket costs €1.20; airport bus 1 runs into town for €1.50; taxis from airport are about €15–20.
When is the best time to visit Irakleion?
May, June and September for reliably warm 25–30°C days, cooler evenings, and fewer package tourists from July–August.
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.