Ammoudara

Travel Guide

Ammoudara showing general coastal views
Ammoudara featuring general coastal views and a beach
Ammoudara
Ammoudara
Ammoudara

Sunbathe on golden sand, swim in warm waters and enjoy leisurely dining at this vacation hub on the north coast of a Greek island.

Ammoudara is a beach resort area with many hotels and restaurants that face the sea. Lying near the warm waters of the Gulf of Heraklion, the commune is the famous home of Olympics soccer games. The town’s name is Greek for “big sand,” which is apt for the 4.4-mile (7-kilometer) shore.

Capture photos of the Mediterranean houses that are subtly nestled into the green vegetation behind the beach. Listen to the sound of the swaying trees as you relax on a sunlounge. Umbrellas for rent are dotted along the coast, offering relief from the intense sunshine and heat.

This is an ideal spot to take the kids, because the water is shallow and has few sharp rocks. Lifeguards patrol parts of the sand, which is soft and yellow. Build castles and search with the children for intriguing vestiges carried by the waves. Swim in the warm water and then dry off in the sand within minutes. Take a class at the windsurfing school at the western end. Squint to see the outlines of mountainous islands to the north.

Discover the small coves and pebble beaches that surround the main area of Ammoudara. Explore the nearby beaches of Almiros and Istron for a variety of scenery during your Crete vacation.

Dine at one of the many restaurants serving Mediterranean delicacies and international cuisine. Tables and thatched umbrellas spill out onto the sand. Enjoy alcoholic beverages from a bar. Across the road behind the beach is a grocery store and cafés. Visit the Technopolis complex, which has a cinema and an open-air theater. Summer is the main season, but some places open year-round.

On the north coast of Crete, Ammoudara is 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) west of the town of Heraklion, which has the island’s main airport. Access the beach via one of the many points of access along the stretch of sand. Explore the architectural delights of nearby Knossos and the lively clubs of Heraklion. The stunning coastal town of Agios Nikolaos is 40 miles (64.3 kilometers) east of Ammoudara.

Agapi Beach Resort - Premium All Inclusive

Agapi Beach Resort - Premium All Inclusive

4 out of 5
76, Andr. Papandreou Str, Ammoudara, Gazi Heraklion, Malevizi, Crete
The price is CA $410 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $410
CA $483 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Malevizi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (697 reviews)
"My premium double bedroom was a little smaller than I'm used to but was a fair size for one person. It was modern and had a decent sized balcony with sea view. The all inclusive food was fairly good though was disappointed with fish options. I don't eat meat so was hoping for fresh fish, but the ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 29, 2025

Agapi Beach Resort - Premium All Inclusive
Civitel Creta Beach

Civitel Creta Beach

4 out of 5
74, Andrea Papandreou str., Ammoudara, Malevizi, Crete Island
The price is CA $376 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $376
CA $444 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Malevizi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (207 reviews)
"We really enjoyed out stay in this hotel! The bets thing about it is the people - we were made to feel welcome and everyone working here was atentive and warm and made us feel super welcome! (Thanks for all those extra treats - fruit, coffee, ouzo!). The food is lovely and fresh, the pool was incredible ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 22, 2025

Civitel Creta Beach
Aquila Atlantis Hotel

Aquila Atlantis Hotel

5 out of 5
2 Ygias Street, Heraklion, Crete Island
The price is CA $200 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
CA $200
CA $252 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Heraklion. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (997 reviews)
"Proximity to shops and restaurants"

Reviewed on Jul. 27, 2025

Aquila Atlantis Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Village Heights Resort

Village Heights Resort

5 out of 5
Hersonissos, Hersonissos, Crete Island
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Hersonissos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (384 reviews)
"Rooms were spacious and had everything we needed. All the staff were so lovely and helpful. Most of all the food was amazing."

Reviewed on Jul. 29, 2025

Village Heights Resort
LAVRIS City Suites

LAVRIS City Suites

38 IKAROU AV & T. GEORGIADI, Heraklion, CRETE
Book a stay at this eco-certified apartment in Heraklion. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (156 reviews)
"Highly recommended to anyone looking for a top-tier hospitality experience."

Reviewed on Jul. 25, 2025

LAVRIS City Suites
Pela Mare Hotel

Pela Mare Hotel

2 out of 5
Agia Pelagia, Malevizi, Crete Island
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Malevizi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (210 reviews)
"We had a balcony room over looking the shores of Agia Pelagia and Ligaria beaches. The resort pool was a great place for a quiet afternoon. The poolside eatery was excellent, serving a great breakfast. I would not hesitate to book again."

Reviewed on Jul. 9, 2025

Pela Mare Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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