Parking In Hersonissos Blue is paid in Hersonissos but resident-only in Heraklion — and that distinction can cost you a license-plate confiscation. The main coastal road, Eleftheriou Venizelou, is the epicentre of the Hersonissos main street parking blue zone. In the summer season, parking is typically paid during daytime hours, usually from around 8:00 to 20:00. Expect to pay around €1–€2 per hour at a municipal kiosk or via a mobile app. However, a huge supply of free parking in Hersonissos, Crete sits just a few steps away, completely missed by most tourists who fixate on the seafront. 💡 Local Tip: Drive one block inland from the sea to the streets running parallel to the main promenade, such as Eleftherias or Kornarou Street. The residential roads behind this area are lined with free, white-marked spaces. The same applies to the western edge of town toward the Anissaras boundary. A 2-to-5-minute walk is all it takes to reach the beach, bars, and nightlife, saving you money and stress. This is one of the most important rules for any tourist driving in Crete: the blue-line system in Heraklion city centre is different from Hersonissos. ⚠️ Warning: In Heraklion's city centre, blue-lined parking spaces are often reserved for permanent residents with a valid municipal permit. They are not standard pay-and-display spots for visitors. Parking here as a tourist can result in a fine and, in some cases, plate removal. The rental agency may pass any administrative burden to you. This can mean time lost dealing with the police and retrieving documents or plates if a serious violation occurs. To park safely in Heraklion, use the large pay-and-display lots near the port or the multi-storey car park on Plastira Street. For a complete overview, see our guide on full Cretan driving rules and where police enforce. Most major resorts in the Hersonissos area provide complimentary parking for guests. However, the quality and security of these lots vary, especially during the peak season of July and August when they become densely packed. Open-air lots can also be more vulnerable to minor scuffs and door dings from other cars. Pro Tip: Always take a quick smartphone video of your rental car's condition “before” entering and after leaving the hotel lot each day. Without this proof, any third-party damage discovered upon return may be harder to dispute. Resort Property Parking Type Cost Notes Nana Princess Underground Secure Free Valet service available; best protection from sun and damage. Creta Maris Beach Resort Open-Air Surface Free Very large but can be extremely crowded. High door-strike risk. Aldemar Knossos Royal Open-Air Surface Free Ample space, but offers moderate exposure to sun and elements. Mitsis Royal Mare Outdoor Area Free Designated outdoor lot, standard for large Cretan resorts. Parking for the Minoan palace of Knossos is surprisingly straightforward and affordable. The site is located approximately 30 km from Hersonissos, about a 30-minute drive in light traffic. The official primary car park is located directly adjacent to the main entrance and is free to use. During July and August, this lot can fill quickly, especially later in the morning. If you arrive after the main car park is full, a private overflow lot may operate nearby for a small daily fee. Arriving early gives you the best chance of parking close to the entrance. For a day trip to the famous Spinalonga island, your destination is the village of Plaka, not Elounda. From Hersonissos, the drive to Elounda is about 44 km and typically takes around 46 minutes. Do not attempt to park in Elounda's town centre; it is small, busy, and can be difficult to navigate. Instead, continue driving another 7 km north along the coast to the small fishing village of Plaka. Plaka is the primary departure point for Spinalonga ferries. Here, you will find several large informal parking areas right by the waterfront. Parking is often free and just a short walk from the ferry pier. The boat to Spinalonga costs about €12 per person for a round trip, with departures every 20-30 minutes during high season. Boats typically complete their final return trips by 18:00. License plate removal is a standard enforcement tool used by Greek traffic police for specific, serious violations. It is not random. According to the Greek Road Traffic Code (ΚΟΚ), you should expect possible plate confiscation for parking in a way that endangers or severely obstructs others. The recovery process can be a bureaucratic hassle. The police notify the rental agency, who then informs you. You may need to visit the relevant police station, pay the fine, and arrange for the plates to be returned or reattached to the car. This can easily consume part of a holiday day. Be aware that some rental agencies may also add their own administrative fees on top of the police fine; learn how to avoid the worst rental scams that follow a parking fine. Violation Fine (Approx.) Additional Penalty Blocking a disabled access ramp €1,000 Immediate plate confiscation Obstructing pedestrian/vehicle traffic €350 Possible plate removal Parking next to a fire hydrant €80 Plate removal may apply Parking in a resident-only (blue) zone €40-€80 Plate removal is possible Compare Car Rental Deals