Sofia Hotel

Sofia Hotel sits on Stadiou Street in the eastern part of Heraklion, a mid-range property offering a seasonal outdoor pool, restaurant, bar/lounge, and poolside terrace that make it a comfortable base for longer stays. Breakfast is available each morning, and the multilingual staff can assist with tours and excursions across the island. The hotel's position provides easy access to Heraklion city centre in one direction and the beaches of Karteros and Amoudara in the other. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum with its celebrated Minoan frescoes — including the famous bull-leaping fresco from Knossos — is reachable by car or city bus. Knossos Palace itself, Europe's oldest city site excavated by Sir Arthur Evans and a 4,000-year-old monument to Minoan civilisation, lies a short drive to the south. For longer excursions, the Lassithi Plateau and Minoan sites at Malia are accessible as day trips from Heraklion.