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Hotel review · Dimokratias Avenue

Galaxy Iraklioour review and getting there from Heraklion Airport

A large five-star hotel at 75 Dimokratias Avenue, about 1 km from the old town, with one of the few proper swimming pools in central Heraklion. Around 5 km and 15 minutes from Heraklion Airport.

5★Dimokratias Avenue€€€

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Koules fortress and Heraklion port, illustration of the area around Galaxy Iraklio near Heraklion Airport
Photo: JopkeB, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Our verdict

The best pick in the city if you want a pool and a resort feel without leaving Heraklion. Not in the old town itself, but a 15-minute walk from it and quick to reach from the airport.

Galaxy Iraklio and Heraklion Airport

The hotel sits on Dimokratias Avenue, south-east of the old town, on the main road towards Knossos. From Heraklion Airport a taxi takes 10–20 minutes and costs about €20–25; a pre-booked transfer costs about the same and waits if your flight is late.

What the hotel is like

Galaxy is a big, modern city hotel built around its pool and sun deck, which is the main reason to choose it over the smaller old-town hotels. There is also a Turkish steam bath, and room service runs around the clock, handy after a late landing.

Who it suits

Families and couples who want a swim after sightseeing, and travellers visiting Knossos, which is a short drive up the same road. If you want to step straight out onto the harbour, look at Lato or Marin Dream instead.

Getting from Heraklion Airport to Galaxy Iraklio

OptionDetails
Distance5 km
Taxi10–15 min · €20–25
Pre-booked transferFixed price per car, driver waiting in arrivals
BusCity bus towards the centre; stops on Dimokratias Avenue

Approximate times and day taxi fares, October 2026.

What is near Galaxy Iraklio

  • Eleftherias Square: about 15 min on foot
  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum: about 15 min on foot
  • Knossos palace: about 10 min by car

What we like

  • Real swimming pool and sun deck in the city
  • Turkish steam bath and 24-hour room service
  • Easy road access to and from Heraklion Airport
  • Guest scores among the highest in the city

Worth knowing before you book

  • 15-minute walk to the old town and harbour
  • Busy avenue outside
  • Five-star prices in summer

Galaxy Iraklio and Heraklion Airport: frequently asked questions

How far is Galaxy Iraklio from Heraklion Airport?

About 5 km, 10–20 minutes by taxi (around €20–25).

Does Galaxy Iraklio have a pool?

Yes, an outdoor pool with a sun deck, plus a Turkish steam bath.

Is Galaxy Iraklio in the old town?

No, it is on Dimokratias Avenue, about 1 km from the centre: a 15-minute walk.

How much is a taxi from Heraklion Airport to Galaxy Iraklio?

About €20–25 by day for the whole car, 10–15 min. A pre-booked transfer costs about the same with a fixed price.

Can I get from Heraklion Airport to Galaxy Iraklio by bus?

City bus towards the centre; stops on Dimokratias Avenue.

Staying at Galaxy Iraklio?

Book a fixed-price transfer from Heraklion Airport to the hotel door.

Book a transfer