A Hersonissos evening plan

Where Hersonissos is

Wikipedia describes Hersonissos as a town and local government unit in northern Crete, about 25 kilometres east of Heraklion, and as a resort area. The municipality was formed in the 2011 local government reform by merging Episkopi, Gouves, Hersonissos and Malia. That matters for the Troy booking, because the pickup list covers the Heraklion, Hersonissos and Gouves area. The theatre itself stands in the centre of Hersonissos, at the corner of Eleftherias and Aristotelous streets, as the production's own site gives the address. Wikipedia also notes that the municipality's seat is the village of Gournes.

Getting there from Heraklion

Wikipedia gives Hersonissos as about 25 kilometres from Heraklion airport and 27 kilometres from Heraklion port. This guide gives no timetables, because they change; the sensible plan is to choose a way in before you land. The production's site says transfers from farther away can be requested through its booking form, and the Viator booking offers pickup from listed hotels in the area. Anyone staying outside those places should check the hotel list before choosing a ticket.

Pickup or your own way

There are two ways to reach the show on the Viator ticket: pickup from listed hotels, or meeting at the venue. Anyone staying in Hersonissos itself should note that the production's site says the venue is within walking distance or a short taxi ride from much of the town. Walking is fine in daylight, but a walk back after a three-hour dinner with children is a different matter, so decide your return before you leave. Your confirmation spells out the option you picked.

Read next: Troy show tickets: how to book

The old port

The seaside of Hersonissos has a longer history than the resort suggests. Wikipedia says the ancient town of Chersonesos was an important seaport from Classical Greece through Byzantine times, serving the city of Lyttos. The modern pleasure port was built over the remains of a Roman port, and some submerged traces are still visible. A pyramidal Roman fountain with fishing-scene mosaics stands on the seaside street, and the ruins of an early Christian basilica with floor mosaics stand on the rocky hill behind the port.

Beaches and family attractions

Wikipedia says several beaches in the area have Blue Flag status, and the same article lists the Hersonissos aquarium, the Labyrinth theme park and Dinosauria park among its attractions. Opening hours and prices change, so confirm each one before setting out. A day with a beach morning and a quiet afternoon fits an evening show well, because the show asks for three hours of attention after dark.

A loose family plan

Keep the day light. A morning on the sand or at one of the family attractions, a rest at the hotel in the afternoon, and an early dinner snack for the smallest guests if they are used to eating early. Then leave for the theatre with time to spare, because finding your table and your QR code is easier before the room fills. Nothing here is a fixed schedule; the calendar sets your start time.

After the show

Plan the return before the evening begins. If you booked pickup, your confirmation gives the arrangements, and it is worth reading them the day before. If you are walking or taking a taxi from the centre of Hersonissos, remember that a three-hour evening finishes late and that children may be tired. Agree in advance who carries what, and keep the accommodation address to hand in case a taxi driver needs it.

Who this isn't for

Hersonissos is a busy resort. If you want a quiet village evening, a taverna in a smaller place along the coast will suit better than a dinner show in the centre of a resort town. And if you are staying a long way from Hersonissos, the evening means a transfer both ways, which is worth weighing before you book.