Ammoudara

Travel Guide

Ammoudara showing general coastal views
Ammoudara which includes general coastal views and a beach
Ammoudara
Ammoudara
Ammoudara

Sunbathe on golden sand, swim in warm waters and enjoy leisurely dining at this holiday 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$505 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
S$505
28 Jul - 29 Jul
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! (671 reviews)
"nice hotel food is good and staff was attentive and friendly Beach is great for relaxing The pools are basic and there was literally no where to sit if you didn’t get out there and save a spot by 8 am"

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 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 S$344 per night from 4 Jul to 5 Jul
S$344
4 Jul - 5 Jul
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! (205 reviews)
"Great place to stay, clean, good amenities, lovely pool area and beach, terrace overlooking the beach for meal times. Good location lots of shops and a few bars."

Reviewed on 10 Jun, 2025

Civitel Creta Beach
Sun Boutique Hotel - Adults Only
Sun Boutique Hotel - Adults Only
Andrea Papandreou 123, Amoudara, Malevizi, Crete Island
Stay at this hotel in Malevizi. Enjoy an outdoor pool, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Heraklion Port and Heraklion Archaeological ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4 reviews)
"Warm welcoming, kind-hearted, caring host, clean, comfortable room at a beautiful location. Thank you! 💜"

Reviewed on 3 Oct, 2024

Sun Boutique Hotel - Adults Only
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! (372 reviews)
"For me this was a near perfect set up if you want to relax and unwind, having a collection of villa's rather than a single building means it doesn't feel cramped, likewise being spread out over a big site meant you rarely felt you had to worry about getting a space by the pool like you can at other ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jun, 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! (147 reviews)
"From a warm greeting, to a personalized orientation of our room, to providing guidance with restaurants and sights, Mary C was amazing! Great communication prior to trip as well. Location was perfect for us - we took KTEL bus from Chania to Heraklion; hotel was ~3 mins walk from bus station and about ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jun, 2025

LAVRIS City Suites
Koutouloufari Village Holiday Club
Koutouloufari Village Holiday Club
3 out of 5
4, Alexi Minoti Street, Koutouloufari, Hersonissos, Crete Island
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Hersonissos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Stalis Beach and Star Beach Water Park ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (112 reviews)
"A beautiful hotel in the heart of Koutouloufari. Rooms are spacious with everything you could possiby need during your holiday, plus a bottle of wine to welcome you. The pool area isn’t huge but very pretty and never so busy you can’t find a seat or sunbed. So many brilliant places to eat and drink ..."

Reviewed on 26 Sep, 2024

Koutouloufari Village Holiday Club
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Ammoudara

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
5
5 - Excellent 45%
4 - Good
6
4 - Good 55%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great shops,transport. We actually just traveled to Heraklion and Santorini