Why we love it
The setting
Aquila Atlantis sits a short walk from Heraklion's old harbour, with the Venetian fortress and the working port in view from its rooftop pool. The city centre is about five minutes on foot, so the cafes, markets and ferry quays of Crete's capital are all within reach. This is a city-break base rather than a beach resort, which suits a December trip when the focus is sightseeing and food over sunbathing.
What to expect
The hotel is a five-star property with a rooftop pool that looks out over the sea, plus an indoor pool for cooler months. There is an on-site restaurant and a bar, and rooms come without meals by default, so you can add breakfast at booking or eat your way around the old town. Expect a calm, grown-up feel with a checkerboard-floored lobby and a quiet wine cellar.
Things to do nearby
The old port and its Venetian fortress are roughly 550 metres away, an easy stroll along the waterfront. The city centre, with its squares, the morning market and the cathedral, is about 350 metres from the door. Heraklion airport is only 3.3 km out, which makes arrivals and departures simple. The hotel works well as a launch point for day trips further across Crete.
Best for
Couples after a winter city break with sea views and good food close by, who want sightseeing and a rooftop pool over a packed beach-resort schedule.
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Aquila Atlantis Hotel
Five-star Heraklion city hotel with a rooftop sea-view pool, near the old harbour.
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A week, loosely planned
Suggestions, not orders. Tour ideas to mix and match for your trip.
Old harbour and fortress
Drop your bags and head straight for the old harbour, about ten minutes on foot. Walk out to the Venetian fortress at the water's edge before finding a taverna for your first Cretan dinner.
Museum and market
Spend the morning at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, then wander the central market and squares. Come back to the hotel for a swim with a sea view on the rooftop.
Knossos day trip
Take a day trip to the Palace of Knossos, the Minoan site just outside the city. Allow a few hours, then return for a quiet evening at the hotel bar.
Indoor pool and backstreets
Slow the pace with a morning by the indoor pool. In the afternoon, explore the backstreets for ceramics and local olive oil, and stop for coffee on a sunny square.
Last harbour walk
Pack up and use the short hop to the airport, only a few kilometres away. If your flight is late, squeeze in one last harbour walk before you go.
Where you'll be
Crete, Greece
FAQ
Is Aquila Atlantis close to the Koules Fortress and old harbour?
The old Venetian harbour and its fortress are about 550 metres from Aquila Atlantis, roughly a ten-minute walk along the seafront.
What is the best area to stay in Heraklion?
The hotel sits beside the old port and the city centre, which is the handiest base for a Heraklion city break. You are within a few minutes' walk of the harbour, the market and the main squares.
Does Aquila Atlantis Hotel have a pool?
Yes. The hotel has a rooftop pool with sea views and an indoor pool, so you can swim whatever the season.
How far is Aquila Atlantis from Heraklion airport?
Heraklion International Airport is about 3.3 km from the hotel, a short taxi ride of roughly ten minutes.
Does the Aquila Atlantis room rate include breakfast?
Rooms are booked on a room-only basis by default, but you can add breakfast when you book. The hotel also has its own restaurant and bar on site.
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