Ammoudi Beach is a small, picturesque beach tucked away right in the town of Agios Nikolaos. With calm, clear, warm turquoise waters and fine sand, it’s a relaxing spot to swim, sunbathe, and take in the views of the bay.
What to Do 📋
- Swim and wade – The shallow, gentle waves make Ammoudi Beach ideal for swimming and wading, especially for families with kids.
- Sunbathe – With free public access and sunbeds/umbrellas available to rent, it’s a nice spot to work on your tan.
- Snorkel – Explore the underwater world with snorkeling gear and spot colorful fish and other marine life.
- Relax with drinks and food – There’s an on-site beach bar and restaurant to enjoy refreshments right on the sand.
Where to Eat 🍽
Piato
Piato is a modern, upscale restaurant along the waterfront serving creative Greek fusion cuisine made from fresh local ingredients. Dishes like tuna tartare with pepper sorbet, sea bream with wild greens, and chocolate mousse with pistachio have earned rave reviews from diners. The sleek, contemporary space with water views matches the innovative menu.
Krikri
Krikri is an authentic family-run taverna tucked under lush trees just up from Ammoudi Beach. They serve tasty traditional Cretan specialties like moussaka, fresh grilled fish, meat dishes, and more at fair prices. The friendly staff and laidback ambiance make it a local favorite.
Where to Stay 🏨
Minos Beach Art Hotel has been called a “hidden gem” for its beautiful oceanside setting, sleek design, art installations, and abundance of amenities like multiple pools, spa, restaurants, and lounges. The modern rooms are spacious and the staff gets consistent praise for being warm, helpful, and professional.
Polydoros offers simple but comfortable rooms literally right on the water’s edge, with balconies facing the sea. Owned by a local family, its casual open-air taverna is known for its genuine hospitality, delicious Greek food, and postcard-worthy location.
Parking 🅿
There are a few small public parking lots within a 5 minute walk of Ammoudi Beach. Prices are around 3-4€ for all-day parking. The attendants are friendly and helpful.
Brief Info 🏖️
- 🏙️ City: Agios Nikolaos, Crete
- ✨ Island: Crete
- 🇬🇷 Country: Greece
- ✈️ Fly to: Heraklion Airport – 69km, 50 minutes by car
- 🏖️ Ideal for: Families, couples, swimming
Average Temperatures
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp |
|---|---|---|
| January | 11°C | 17°C |
| February | 10°C | 17°C |
| March | 14°C | 17°C |
| April | 17°C | 17°C |
| May | 24°C | 23°C |
| June | 28°C | 24°C |
| July | 27°C | 26°C |
| August | 32°C | 27°C |
| September | 25°C | 26°C |
| October | 20°C | 24°C |
| November | 17°C | 21°C |
| December | 12°C | 19°C |
