Watercity is Crete‘s most visited water park, built into a hillside at Anopolis, a short drive east of Heraklion.
This guide was updated in July 2026. One page on the official site still lists adult admission at €29.50, but the current ticket page confirms €32.50, or €27.62 with the online discount. You can book through Viator to secure your entry in advance.
Quick facts: Watercity
| Address | Anopolis, Hersonissos, 700 08, Crete, Greece |
| Opening hours | Daily, 10am–6pm, early May to October (weather dependent) |
| Admission (online) | Adult from €27.62; Kids (under 140cm) from €19.12; under-90cm free |
| Nearest transit | Best reached by car or a hotel bus transfer |
| Typical visit | A full day |
Opening hours for Watercity
Watercity opens for the season from early May until October, depending on weather conditions. The park is open on weekends and public holidays throughout this window. Daily hours run from 10am to 6pm. Since the exact closing date and any non-operating days are announced on the park’s website and social media closer to the time, it’s worth checking before you travel, especially towards the start or end of the season.
Ticket prices for Watercity
All prices are in euros. Two ticket types are available: a refundable “Flexy” ticket for same-day flexibility, and a cheaper, non-refundable discounted ticket.
| Ticket | Flexy (refundable) | Discounted (non-refundable) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (full access) | €32.50, plus €3.25 credit to spend inside | €27.62 |
| Kids (under 140cm, Toddler and Advanced games only) | €22.50, plus €2.25 credit to spend inside | €19.12 |
| Toddler (under 90cm) | Free | Free |
Paying by card online generally comes with an additional discount compared to the standard price. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult responsible for their safety throughout the visit. Booking ahead is worthwhile, and you can book tickets in advance through Viator to guarantee your visit.
Why book Watercity tickets?
- 🏛️ 44 thrilling slides: Crete’s most visited water park, spread out to help avoid long queues.
- 🎟️ Free entry for toddlers: Children under 90cm play the Toddler games at no charge.
- 🌿 Free sunbeds and umbrellas: No hidden fees for a shaded spot to relax.
- 📜 Infinite free parking: Vast parking space directly in front of the main entrance.
- 💰 A cashless wristband system: Pay for food and drink inside the park without carrying cash.
How to get to Watercity
By car, Watercity sits above the village of Anopolis, reached via Kokkini Hani, just off the main road between Heraklion and Hersonissos. Routes converge here from Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos, all following signposts through Gouves and Kokkini Hani before turning up the hill to the park. By bus, Watercity offers a two-way bus service from several hotels around the island, bookable through the park’s ticket shop. By taxi, a taxi stand is available on site for the return journey.
Parking at Watercity
Free parking is available directly in front of the main entrance, with ample space for any size of vehicle.
How long to spend at Watercity
Plan for a full day. Budget an additional amount for food and drink, since outside food isn’t allowed inside the park; visitors typically spend around €15 per person on meals and snacks, charged to a cashless wristband and settled at the exit.
Accessibility at Watercity
The official site doesn’t publish detailed information on accessibility for visitors with disabilities. If you have specific mobility needs, it’s worth contacting the park directly before your visit to check what support is available.
What to see at Watercity
The 44 slides are spread across the park to help avoid long queues, ranging from gentle family rides to some of the most thrilling slides on the island.
The Toddler, Advanced, and Extreme categories divide the park’s watergames by height. Under-90cm visitors play free in the Toddler area; over-90cm visitors can access Advanced games; and Extreme slides require a height of 1.40m and an Adult ticket.
Free sunbeds and umbrellas are available throughout the park, so there’s no need to bring or rent your own for a comfortable day out.
The restaurant, souvenir shop, and boutique cover food, drink, and shopping needs without leaving the park, alongside a spa and beauty facility and an on-site park photographer.
Practical visitor tips for Watercity
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Book online to save | Paying by card online typically comes with a further discount compared to the standard price. |
| Check the season dates | The park runs from early May to October, weather permitting, so confirm dates near the start or end of the season. |
| Mind the height restrictions | Extreme slides need a height of 1.40m and an Adult ticket. |
| Budget for food | A cashless wristband covers meals and drinks, averaging around €15 per person. |
| Book ahead for a smooth visit | Advance booking is recommended; book through Viator to secure your visit. |
FAQ: Watercity
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the current ticket prices? | Adults from €27.62 online (or €32.50 for a refundable Flexy ticket); kids under 140cm from €19.12 (or €22.50 Flexy). |
| Is parking free? | Yes, ample free parking is available for any size of vehicle. |
| Can toddlers use all the slides? | No, children under 90cm can only use the Toddler games, though they enter free. |
| How do I pay for food and drinks inside? | A cashless wristband is issued at entry and settled with an itemised bill at the exit. |
| Do I need to book in advance? | Advance booking is recommended, and you can book through Viator to secure your visit. |
Things to do near Watercity
Hersonissos town and harbour offer restaurants, shops, and a lively promenade a short drive away. The Malia Palace archaeological site, one of Crete’s major Minoan ruins, is a short drive further east. CretAquarium, in nearby Gournes, houses a large collection of Mediterranean marine life. Lychnostatis Open Air Museum, in Hersonissos, showcases traditional Cretan life and crafts. Heraklion’s Old Town and Venetian Harbour are around 30 minutes away, with the city’s Archaeological Museum among its highlights.
What to visit tomorrow: more Crete water parks
Acqua Plus Water Park, in Anissaras, is around 10 minutes away and considered the largest water park on the island. Star Beach Water Park, in Hersonissos, is roughly 15 minutes away and combines a water park with a beachfront entertainment complex. Limnoupolis Water Park, near Chania, is about 1.5 to 2 hours away and offers a scenic, garden-set alternative on the other side of the island.
More Crete travel
Other Crete travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Practical guide to visiting the Ancient Theatre of Aptera.
- Plan your visit to the Archaeological Museum of Chania in Crete.
- Fully-researched guide to visiting the Palace of Knossos near Heraklion.
- What to expect at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
- Learn Crete’s food and drink history on a wine and olives tour from Chania.
