AKS Minoa Palaceour review and getting there from Heraklion Airport
A resort-style hotel in Amnissos, just east of Heraklion Airport, with an outdoor pool and a restaurant, about a 16-minute walk from Karteros beach. Not to be confused with the Minoa Palace in Chania.
Our verdict
A pool, a beach nearby and the airport minutes away: a good first or last night on Crete if you prefer the coast to the city.
AKS Minoa Palace and Heraklion Airport
Amnissos lies a few kilometres east of the runway. A taxi from Heraklion Airport takes around 5–10 minutes. Check the name when booking: the similarly named Minoa Palace Resort is in Platanias, near Chania, two hours away.
What the hotel is like
A hotel built around its outdoor pool, with an on-site restaurant. Karteros beach is about 16 minutes away on foot; Amnissos beach, with the Minoan site of the Villa of the Lilies above it, is close too.
Who it suits
Families and couples on a short stay or between flights. For a beachfront resort, compare Knossos Beach or Arina Beach a bit further east.
Getting from Heraklion Airport to AKS Minoa Palace
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 5 km |
| Taxi | 5–10 min · €15–20 |
| Pre-booked transfer | Fixed price per car, driver waiting in arrivals |
| Bus | Few buses: a taxi or transfer is the practical choice |
Approximate times and day taxi fares, October 2026.
What is near AKS Minoa Palace
- Karteros beach: about 16 min on foot
- Villa of the Lilies (Amnissos): about 5 min by car
- Knossos palace: about 20 min by car
What we like
- Minutes from Heraklion Airport
- Outdoor pool and restaurant
- Walk to Karteros beach (about 16 minutes)
- Quieter than the city centre at night
Worth knowing before you book
- Aircraft noise during the day
- Beach is a walk, not on the doorstep
- Car or taxi needed for Heraklion and Knossos
Sources and official links
AKS Minoa Palace and Heraklion Airport: frequently asked questions
How far is AKS Minoa Palace from Heraklion Airport?
A few kilometres, roughly 5–10 minutes by car.
Is AKS Minoa Palace on the beach?
No, Karteros beach is about a 16-minute walk.
Is it the same as Minoa Palace in Chania?
No, Minoa Palace Resort is in Platanias, western Crete.
How much is a taxi from Heraklion Airport to AKS Minoa Palace?
About €15–20 by day for the whole car, 5–10 min. A pre-booked transfer costs about the same with a fixed price.
Can I get from Heraklion Airport to AKS Minoa Palace by bus?
Few buses: a taxi or transfer is the practical choice.
More hotels near Heraklion Airport
Knossos Beach Bungalows
Read our review
Arina Beach Resort
Read our review
Lyttos Beach
Read our review
Sofia Hotel
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Staying at AKS Minoa Palace?
Book a fixed-price transfer from Heraklion Airport to the hotel door.
Book a transfer