Ammoudara Beach
A long, sandy beach near Heraklion, Crete, offering a mix of organized beach bars and free areas, with favorable breezes for water sports.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Calmer waters and fewer crowds
Ammoudara Beach
Best Time
Calmer waters and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A long, sandy beach near Heraklion, Crete, offering a mix of organized beach bars and free areas, with favorable breezes for water sports.
"Ammoudara Beach offers a great mix of relaxation and fun, with shallow waters and lively beach bars."
☀️ Sunscreen is a Must!
Natural shade is scarce. Pack plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong Mediterranean sun.
💰 Sunbed Deals
Many beach bars offer sunbeds and umbrellas for a fee, often including drinks. Prices can range from 8-12 euros.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Sands & Gentle Waves
Ammoudara Beach
Miles of soft, golden sand meet the clear, shallow waters of the Cretan Sea, perfect for relaxation and family fun.

Vibrant Beach Bars
Along Ammoudara Beach
Enjoy a refreshing drink or a meal with your toes in the sand at lively beach bars like Heaven Beach Bar or Fysalida.

Windsurfing Haven
Ammoudara Beach
The consistent breezes make Ammoudara a fantastic spot for windsurfing enthusiasts of all levels.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Breeze
Getting There & Facilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Sunscreen is a Must!
Natural shade is scarce. Pack plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong Mediterranean sun.
💰 Sunbed Deals
Many beach bars offer sunbeds and umbrellas for a fee, often including drinks. Prices can range from 8-12 euros.
🌊 Watch for Waves
On windy days, the sea can get wavy. Be cautious if you're swimming with young children.
🚌 Easy Bus Access
The beach is easily reachable by bus from Heraklion, with a stop conveniently located nearby.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Sunscreen is a Must!
Natural shade is scarce. Pack plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong Mediterranean sun.
💰 Sunbed Deals
Many beach bars offer sunbeds and umbrellas for a fee, often including drinks. Prices can range from 8-12 euros.
🌊 Watch for Waves
On windy days, the sea can get wavy. Be cautious if you're swimming with young children.
🚌 Easy Bus Access
The beach is easily reachable by bus from Heraklion, with a stop conveniently located nearby.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Spots
Some beach bars, like Fysalida, are known to be dog-friendly, offering a great environment for your furry friends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ammoudara Beach is a long, sandy stretch near Heraklion, praised for its accessibility, shallow waters ideal for families, and vibrant beach bars. While some visitors note occasional cleanliness issues and wavy conditions on windy days, the overall experience is positive, with many appreciating the value of sunbed rentals that often include drinks.
"Ammoudara Beach is a wide, sandy beach stretching for several kilometers just outside Heraklion. It’s easy to reach, well-organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and tavernas, but also has free areas for those who prefer their own space. The sand is golden and soft, while the water is usually clear and shallow, ideal for families. On windy days, the waves get stronger, making it fun for surfers. With its mix of lively beach bars and quieter spots, Ammoudara offers a balance between relaxation and entertainment."
Astra
"A long, well-equipped beach with all the necessary facilities. For just a few euros (around 8–10, depending on the location), ⛱️ you can rent an umbrella with two sunbeds, enjoy a lemonade, and get free access to the toilets. The landscape is quite beautiful, and the bus 🚌 stop is just a few minutes away on foot.
Note: There are no trees or natural shade, 🌊 so make sure to bring sunscreen. It can get quite wavy on windy days, so be cautious if you’re visiting with children."
Stas G.
"This was the beach we enjoyed the most. Even though it’s quite simple and you won’t see much while snorkeling, it was always quiet, not crowded, and had a beautiful sunset. The beach closer to the stadium is a bit dirtier. Just stop and relax."
Tondula Puverle (BrokenXrainbow)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ammoudara Beach is easily accessible by public bus from Heraklion city center. The bus stop is conveniently located a short walk from the beach, making it a hassle-free journey.
Ammoudara Beach is located a short drive from Heraklion International Airport (HER). Taxis or pre-booked transfers are the most convenient options, taking approximately 15-20 minutes.
Yes, you can drive to Ammoudara Beach. There is usually ample parking available, especially outside of the main beach bar areas.
Given its long stretch, walking along the beach is pleasant. For exploring further afield, local buses connect Ammoudara to Heraklion and surrounding areas.
Car rental agencies are available in Heraklion city. Renting a car offers flexibility to explore Crete, but for just visiting Ammoudara, public transport is sufficient.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ammoudara Beach itself is free to access. However, if you wish to use sunbeds and umbrellas provided by beach bars, there is a rental fee, often including drinks.
Prices for sunbeds and umbrellas typically range from 8 to 12 euros per set, and sometimes include complimentary drinks like coffee or beer.
Yes, Ammoudara Beach has free areas where you can lay your own towel and enjoy the sun without paying for sunbeds.
Beach bars generally operate from morning until late evening during the summer season, catering to visitors throughout the day and into the night.
It's generally not necessary to book sunbeds in advance, as there are usually plenty available. Arriving earlier in the day can help secure your preferred spot.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Ammoudara Beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The consistent breezes also make it a great spot for windsurfing and other water sports.
Yes, the water is generally shallow and warm, making it suitable for families. However, on windy days, the waves can become stronger, so supervision is advised.
The beach features fine, golden sand, which is soft underfoot. Some areas near the main entrance might have a bit more gravel.
While Ammoudara Beach is beautiful for swimming and relaxing, snorkeling opportunities are limited due to the sandy bottom and occasional waves.
You'll find sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, tavernas, and restrooms available. Some beach bars also offer Wi-Fi.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Ammoudara Beach is lined with numerous beach bars and tavernas offering a variety of food and drinks, from snacks and coffee to full meals.
You can expect typical Greek beach fare, including fresh seafood, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and local Cretan specialties.
Most tavernas offer salads and vegetable-based dishes that can often be adapted for vegetarian or vegan diets. It's best to ask the staff for options.
Absolutely! Beach bars serve a wide range of beverages, including coffee, juices, smoothies, beers, and cocktails.
While there are many dining options, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks for a picnic, especially if you are in one of the free beach areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours, just after sunrise and before sunset, offer beautiful lighting for photography. The vibrant colors of the sea and sky are stunning during these times.
The long stretch of sand, the colorful beach umbrellas, the crashing waves, and the sunsets provide excellent photographic opportunities. Beach bars like Heaven Beach Bar also offer scenic backdrops.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone over Ammoudara Beach to ensure compliance.
Expect to capture classic beach scenes: sunbathers, swimmers, water sports action, stunning sunsets, and the general relaxed Mediterranean vibe.
While Ammoudara is more about the natural beach landscape, the distinctive umbrellas and beach bars can serve as recognizable landmarks in your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many of the beach bars offer kid-friendly snacks and drinks. The convenience of bus access from Heraklion also makes it an easy outing for families. Consider visiting in the morning for calmer waters and fewer crowds.
🏄♀️ Water Sports Enthusiasts
Even if you're not participating, watching the windsurfers can be entertaining. The waves that can be a concern for families are often a welcome challenge for experienced surfers.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own snacks and water can also help save money. For dining, explore the tavernas slightly away from the immediate beachfront for potentially more budget-friendly options.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ammoudara Experience: Beyond the Sand
The atmosphere at Ammoudara can vary. During the day, it's a hub for sun-seekers and families enjoying the shallow, warm waters. As the day progresses, the beach bars come alive, offering music, cocktails, and a more vibrant social scene. The consistent sea breezes are a defining characteristic, making it a prime location for windsurfing and other wind-powered water sports, attracting enthusiasts looking for a good challenge.
Despite its appeal, it's worth noting that Ammoudara can experience periods of being less maintained, with occasional litter reported in certain areas. However, the beach itself and the immediate vicinity of the active beach bars are generally well-kept. Visitors should also be prepared for potentially wavy conditions on windy days, which can be exhilarating for some but require caution for families with young children.
Navigating Ammoudara: Transport and Amenities
Once you're at the beach, you'll find a good range of amenities. The most prominent are the numerous beach bars and tavernas that line the shore. These establishments offer a variety of services, from renting sunbeds and umbrellas (often with included drinks for around 8-12 euros) to providing food and beverages throughout the day. While natural shade is limited, necessitating ample sunscreen, the organized facilities ensure a comfortable beach experience. Some beach bars are also noted for being pet-friendly, adding to the inclusive atmosphere.
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