GDM Megaronour review and getting there from Heraklion Airport
A listed 1920s building on Doukos Beaufort street, turned into a five-star hotel with a rooftop pool looking over the port and the Venetian fortress. About 5 km from Heraklion Airport.
Our verdict
The most comfortable first or last night in Heraklion: big rooms, the best rooftop view in town and a 15-minute ride to the terminal. Pricey in August, and the pool is seasonal.
GDM Megaron and Heraklion Airport: getting there
The hotel is at 9 Doukos Beaufort street, on the slope above the port. From Heraklion Airport, a taxi takes 10–20 minutes and costs about €20–25; a pre-booked transfer is a similar price and avoids the summer rank queue. On foot, the old town, the Morosini fountain and the harbour are all within 10 minutes.
What the hotel is like
The Megaron is one of the few historic buildings on the seafront that survived as a single block; inside it is a modern five-star hotel with sea-view rooms on the upper floors. The rooftop is the reason to stay: pool, bar and restaurant facing the port and the Koules fortress, which is lit at night. Ask for a sea-facing room; the views from the city side are ordinary.
Who it suits
Couples on a first night in Crete, travellers with an early flight who want comfort rather than a basic airport room, and anyone ending a trip with a proper dinner and a view. Families who want a beach should head to the resorts instead.
Getting from Heraklion Airport to GDM Megaron
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | 5 km |
| Taxi | 10–20 min · €20–25 |
| Pre-booked transfer | Fixed price per car, driver waiting in arrivals |
| Bus | City bus to Eleftherias Square (€1.30 pre-bought), then a short walk |
Approximate times and day taxi fares, October 2026.
What is near GDM Megaron
- Venetian harbour and Koules fortress: about 3 min on foot
- Lions Square (Morosini fountain): about 8 min on foot
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum: about 8 min on foot
What we like
- Rooftop pool and bar with views of the port and Koules fortress
- Historic building, quiet, well-run rooms
- Walk to the harbour, the old town and restaurants
- 15 minutes to Heraklion Airport outside rush hour
Worth knowing before you book
- Premium prices in high season
- Rooftop pool is seasonal (summer opening hours)
- Street parking is tight around the port
GDM Megaron and Heraklion Airport: frequently asked questions
How far is GDM Megaron from Heraklion Airport?
About 5 km, 10–20 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. Expect €20–25.
Does GDM Megaron have a pool?
Yes, a rooftop pool with port views. It is seasonal and has set opening hours; check with the hotel outside summer.
Is GDM Megaron good for an early flight?
Yes: reception can book a taxi for any hour and the airport is a short drive away.
How much is a taxi from Heraklion Airport to GDM Megaron?
About €20–25 by day for the whole car, 10–20 min. A pre-booked transfer costs about the same with a fixed price.
Can I get from Heraklion Airport to GDM Megaron by bus?
City bus to Eleftherias Square (€1.30 pre-bought), then a short walk.
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Staying at GDM Megaron?
Book a fixed-price transfer from Heraklion Airport to the hotel door.
Book a transfer