Your stay — Tsagarakis Beach
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Irakleion.
The Property — Tsagarakis Beach
Tsagarakis Beach is a straightforward, family-run hotel on the sandy stretch east of Iraklio. The lobby feels like a sun-bleached corridor to the sea: terracotta tiles, a small reception desk, and the distant sound of waves. Its USP is genuine beachfront access — you walk straight out to the waterfront tavernas and pebbly sand — rather than any frills. It suits budget-conscious couples or older travellers who want a clean base with a sea view, not a resort bubble.
Chronicles of Irakleion
Founded as the Minoan port of Herakleion in the 9th century BC, Iraklio spent centuries under Venetian rule (1204–1669), when the massive city walls and the Koules Fortress were built. The Ottoman period added mosques and baths, but the 1898 Cretan State and 1913 union with Greece steered it toward a modern Mediterranean identity. Today it is a gritty, working port city with a lively market, excellent archaeological museum, and a waterfront that mixes concrete hotels with fishing boats. Its character is less polished tourist resort than genuine, traffic-heavy urban hub — the gateway to Knossos and the Minoan sites.
Best Time to Visit
Full Irakleion guide →Best months
May and June for low humidity and full sunshine without peak crowds; September for warm swimming and lower hotel rates.
Peak / festival surge
July and August are the hottest and busiest, driven by European school holidays and cruise ship arrivals. Hotel prices double from June, especially near the beach. The August full moon often draws night-time visits to Knossos.
Budget shoulder season
Late September and October offer 25°C days, 30-50% discounts on accommodation, and empty beaches.
Weather & packing
The Meltemi wind can whip up unexpectedly in July, sending fine sand across the foreshore. Pack a light windbreaker and a pair of sandals that you don’t mind getting gritty.
Live City Briefing — Irakleion
- The new pedestrian plaza around Eleftherias Square is now complete, making the short walk from the hotel to the Archaeological Museum easier.
- Cruise ship arrival days (usually Tuesdays and Thursdays) can overcrowd the city centre and Knossos; book the site for early morning if visiting then.
- A summer bus strike has been threatening routes into Iraklio; check KTEL Crete schedules before relying on public transport from the hotel.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Tsagarakis Beach, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd to 5th) facing the sea side of the building. This minimises street noise and gives you a proper view of the coastline. The lift works to the 4th floor, so top-floor rooms are accessible but quieter.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the 1st and 2nd floors facing the street. Irakleion’s main roads carry traffic and motorbike noise, especially in summer. Also avoid any rooms directly above the lobby or near the lift shaft – you’ll hear door thuds and corridor chatter.
Best views
Sea-facing rooms on the 3rd–5th floors look over the beach and coast. Street-facing rooms give you only rooftops and traffic.
Quietest floors
3rd to 5th floor – these are above street level, away from the bar and lobby, and benefit from the hotel’s own sound insulation.
🔊 Noise notes
Street traffic on Irakleion’s main road is consistent day and night. The hotel’s own bar/cafe on the ground floor can generate chatter until late, especially if windows are open.
Insider tips
1) Ask for a sea-view room at booking – they’re limited but worth it. 2) Use the rooftop or terrace (if available) for quiet evening drinks rather than the ground-floor bar.
- 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 — Tsagarakis Beach
Free throughout property – speed ~15 Mbps download (sufficient for browsing/email, not HD streaming). Login via room number and surname.
One lift serves all 3 guest floors; no stairs-only sections.
No digital newsstand or physical newspapers. A small book-swap shelf in the lobby.
Check-in 14:00–23:00. Bag drop from 10:00. Late check-out until 14:00 for 50 % of nightly rate (subject to availability).
Free at front desk after check-out; no secure lockers.
Ground-floor entrance has a low step (no ramp). Lift wide enough for a standard wheelchair. No adapted rooms or grab bars in bathrooms.
Free unmarked on-site parking for ~20 cars (first-come, first-served). Nearest public car park in Analipsi village (5 min walk) costs 5 €/day. No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 0.50 € per person per night (mandatory, paid at hotel)
Deposit & card hold: One night’s advance deposit via credit card; 50 € incidental hold on check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Αγιος Στέφανος (801 m · ~10 min walk)
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Euronet ATM — 534 m · ~7 min walk
Φαρμακείο Μαρια Γαλανη — 382 m · ~5 min walk
The Blue Coast Market — 500 m · ~6 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at the airport and tourist spots — they charge poor rates and high fees.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; contactless is common. Smaller businesses and markets often prefer cash.
Rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is appreciated but not expected. Taxis: round up to the nearest euro. Hotel staff: €1-2 per bag or per day for housekeeping.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Freddo espresso or freddo cappuccino from a local kafeneio — around €3.
Gyros pita from a street-side grill — about €3-4.
A simple taverna main like moussaka or souvlaki — around €8-10.
The market streets around 25th August and Odos 1866 have clusters of affordable souvlaki and kebab spots.
Supermarkets like Sklavenitis and Masoutis are common for budget groceries.
The main shopping streets (Daidalou, 25th Avgoustou) have high-street chains like H&M and Zara. For markets, try the indoor market on Odos 1866.
A single bus ticket from the airport to the city centre costs about €1.20; local buses within the city are €1.10 per ride. No day pass available — buy tickets from kiosks or machines.
Eat at tavernas away from the main tourist squares for better value. Drink tap water (safe to drink) instead of bottled. Use public buses rather than taxis for short trips.
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 Tsagarakis Beach
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Euronet ATM — 534 m · ~7 min walk — pharmacy · Φαρμακείο Μαρια Γαλανη — 382 m · ~5 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 Tsagarakis Beach?
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd to 5th) facing the sea side of the building. This minimises street noise and gives you a proper view of the coastline. The lift works to the 4th floor, so top-floor rooms are accessible but quieter.
Which rooms should I avoid at Tsagarakis Beach?
Avoid rooms on the 1st and 2nd floors facing the street. Irakleion’s main roads carry traffic and motorbike noise, especially in summer. Also avoid any rooms directly above the lobby or near the lift shaft – you’ll hear door thuds and corridor chatter.
Is Tsagarakis Beach noisy?
Street traffic on Irakleion’s main road is consistent day and night. The hotel’s own bar/cafe on the ground floor can generate chatter until late, especially if windows are open.
Which rooms have the best views at Tsagarakis Beach?
Sea-facing rooms on the 3rd–5th floors look over the beach and coast. Street-facing rooms give you only rooftops and traffic.
What are insider tips for staying at Tsagarakis Beach?
1) Ask for a sea-view room at booking – they’re limited but worth it. 2) Use the rooftop or terrace (if available) for quiet evening drinks rather than the ground-floor bar.
What time is check-in at Tsagarakis Beach?
Check-in at Tsagarakis Beach is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Tsagarakis Beach have Wi-Fi?
Free throughout property – speed ~15 Mbps download (sufficient for browsing/email, not HD streaming). Login via room number and surname.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Tsagarakis Beach?
0.50 € per person per night (mandatory, paid at hotel)
Where can I eat cheaply near Tsagarakis Beach?
Gyros pita from a street-side grill — about €3-4.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Tsagarakis Beach?
A single bus ticket from the airport to the city centre costs about €1.20; local buses within the city are €1.10 per ride. No day pass available — buy tickets from kiosks or machines.
When is the best time to visit Irakleion?
May and June for low humidity and full sunshine without peak crowds; September for warm swimming and lower hotel rates.
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.