Description
General information about the beach
Ammoudara Beach is the main city beach of Heraklion, a long sandy stretch about 6-7 km long, located just 5 km west of the city centre. It holds a Blue Flag, is well-organized, and has shallow waters, making it ideal for families with children.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
30 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
6 100 m
Frequently asked questions
Ammoudara Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high, average temperature +23.0°C, warms up to +26.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Ammoudara Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.4 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Ammoudara Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 30 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Ammoudara Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 6 100 metres.
Ammoudara Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in May. It ends in October. The best month for a holiday is July. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Ammoudara Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Ammoudara Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: jellyfish, sea urchins. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Ammoudara Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, kids playground, sports ground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Ammoudara Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Ammoudara Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Taverna Ammoudara, Peskesi, Thalassino. Cuisines available: Cretan, Seafood. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Ammoudara Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash, First aid kit.
Ammoudara Beach: when is the best time to swim?
In the morning the sea is calmer and less windy. Afternoon can be windy and crowded.
Ammoudara Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Littering on the beach is prohibited. Water sports only in designated zones.
Ammoudara Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Ammoudara Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for families with children thanks to the shallow water and gentle entry. Suitable for water sports enthusiasts and those who want to combine beach holidays with a visit to Heraklion.
Ammoudara Beach: what makes this beach unique?
The beach is named after the Greek word for "big sand" and is one of the longest in the region — 6.1 km of continuous sandy stretch.
Ammoudara Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Long sandy beach, Blue Flag, Gentle entry, Well-organised, Free zones, Water sports, Close to Heraklion. Cons: Crowded in high season, Noisy due to the nearby road, Windy in the afternoon, Deep water in some areas.
Ammoudara Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Knossos Palace, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Heraklion Old Town. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Ammoudara Beach: does the beach have a Blue Flag?
Yes, the beach holds the international "Blue Flag" certification. This means the beach meets high standards of water cleanliness, safety and infrastructure.
Ammoudara Beach: how do I get to the city of Heraklion?
The beach is located near the city of Heraklion. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Heraklion.