Piskopiano is one of three villages on the hillside above Hersonissos town and beaches. Along with neighbours Old Hersonissos and Koutouloufari, it’s a popular village to while away a few hours away from the party town and its summer crowds.
The small traditional village is quite touristed, with plenty of tavernas, cafes and bars, and some great food to enjoy.
In this short guide to Piskopiano village I’ll show you what there is to do, where to stay and eat, and how to get there.
Things To Do In Piskopiano
Most people visit Piskopiano to eat out, with several restaurants and tavernas along its main road and side streets.
A few people I spoke with considered it to be ‘the real Crete’, and a retreat from Hersonissos and its busy nightlife. It’s a lot quieter than the resort down the hill, and a great place to rest up for a few hours.
There are also a few picturesque corners around the village. The most prominent sight is the church, which is set on a large open square with a view over the coastline. It was closed when I visited (surprising on a Saturday afternoon) but it’s worth checking the door if you’re passing.
There is also a small Museum of Rural Life just up the hill from the church. It’s worth a half hour or so of your time – if you enjoy the nearby Lychnostatis Open Air Museum (like I did) then you’ll enjoy this lovely little Museum too.
Where Is Piskopiano Village Crete
Piskopiano is around 2 km (1.2 miles) south of the resort town of Hersonissos (Limenas Hersonissou). It’s also adjacent to the villages of Old Hersonissos (immediately to the west) and Koutouloufari, just to the east.
How To Get To Piskopiano
No buses run to Piskopiano (and the same goes for Koutouloufari and Old Hersonissos). So you need to drive, take a taxi or walk there from Hersonissos.
If you’re driving, there is a signposted exit for Hersonissos (Limenas Chersonissou) off the main E75 / A90 road around a mile from the village. If you’re travelling from the Heraklion direction, turn left off the exit road, continue under the bridge and take the first right. This road leads directly to Piskopiano.
If you’re driving up from Hersonissos town, head up Eleftherias past the post office – it’s only about a mile this way. This street is just after bus stop 20.
Taxis from Hersonissos to Piskopiano cost a flat €9 one way. Bars and restaurants are happy to call you a taxi on request.
If you’re walking up the mountain to Piskopiano, you’re likely to be doing so in hot temperatures well into the 80s Fahrenheit (30 Centigrade). If you’re just heading to Piskopiano, walk up Eleftherias past the post office. It’s about a mile up the hill.
Piskopiano Restaurants
There is a wide choice of restaurants in Piskopiano. Most of the food served is Greek, with a few other options on some menus including pizza.
The best of the Piskopiano restaurants seem to be within a short walk of the church, and include Aposperida, Gevsi Taverna, and Antami.
Nostos Bar was closed when I visited Piskopiano, opening latr in the day. It has a bar menu, and is the most popular place in the village to stop by for a few drinks, or to watch the football.
Places To Stay In Piskopiano
Piskopiano has plenty of great places to stay. Most places are apartment-style accommodation with a small kitchen,similar to what you get in Hersonissos, Malia or elsewhere in Crete. Add in the relatively quiet village atmosphere, and it’s easy to see why people gravitate back there year after year.
Kalimera Village is a great option if you’re planning to stay in Piskopiano. It has apartments with a swimming pool, a bar and superb views over the Hersonissos coastline.
Eleni Villas also have a range of apartments, from studios to large families. They also have a similar set-up, with private swimming pool and great views over Hersonissos and the Mediterranean Sea.
Asterias Village Resort offers a little bit more – an on-site restaurant and the option of breakfast. They also have a hot tub next to the swimming pool!
Best Tours From Piskopiano and Hersonissos
When visiting Crete, bear in mind that you need to drive to many places or visit them on a tour. The public transport – the KTEL-Herlas bus company – runs regular services along the main roads, connecting the main cities. But bus services into the mountains, and even many coastal villages like Sissi – are patchy or even non-existent. We’ve found that taking some tours in Crete makes a lot of sense.
One of the best combinations is this tour of the stunning Lassithi Plateau and Knossos Palace in Heraklion. It also takes in the fascinating Kera Kardiotissa Convent, the legendary Cave of Zeus above the Plateau, and lunch overlooking the Plateau and mountains.
Tours to the island of Spinalonga and Agios Nikolaos are also very popular, and we loved ours. The island, at the northern end of Mirabello Bay, was originally a Venetian fortress, and was later used to confine sufferers of leprosy. This tour includes a cruise to Spinalonga and trip to the scenic city of Agios Nikolaos.
Piskopiano Village Crete – Final Words
Piskopiano is a pleasant village with a few picturesque corners. It might not be as beautiful as Kritsa, near Agios Nikolaos, but if you’re staying in Hersonissos or Malia I’d definitely recommend a trip there for a few hours.
It doesn’t take long to see Piskopiano – you could walk through it, including its side streets, in little more than an hour. I recommend making a half day or more of it, also taking in neighbouring Old Hersonissos and Koutouloufari.
Piskopiano is right next to Crete’s Holiday Central – the strip of coastline between Hersonissos and Malia is the most touristed part of Crete. If you’re staying in the area – or just passing through – check out my guides to the best Hersonissos beaches and Malia beaches.
It’s also well worth taking a look at my guides to specific beaches around Hersonissos and Malia. Sarantari Beach and Gefyri Beach, just to the north of Hersonissos, are stunning small beaches. Stalis Beach, between Hersonissos and Malia, is a favourite with families, as is Potamos Beach, just to the east of Malia and close to the Malia Minoan Palace site.
If you’re venturing to the east of Crete, check out my guides to the best things to do in Agios Nikolaos, and Sissi Crete, a gorgeous harbour village with breathtaking mountain views.
And finally, Piskopiano is only an hour away from the capital of Crete – check out my guide to the best things to do in Heraklion. The city is home to the Knossos palace site and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, once of the best museums covering the ancient Mediterranean world.
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