Just a stone’s throw away from Agios Nikolaos city centre, nestling in a secure and expansive bay, you’ll discover the charming Ammoudi beach. This idyllic sandy stretch is a favourite among both locals and visitors, offering shallow, clear waters perfect for a refreshing dip.
Tucked between towering tamarisk trees and quaint buildings, Ammoudi offers a plethora of options for food and accommodation, ensuring you’re well-catered to during your beach day. Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, the family-run Ammoudi Water Sports, established since 1985, adds a dash of thrill to your tranquil beach experience.
Just a short stroll northward from Ammoudi, a pathway leads to an adjoining hotel and then to the iconic St. Nicholas Chapel. Named after the patron saint of Greek sailors, the chapel has left its mark on the city of Agios Nikolaos itself. This ancient edifice, perched on the edge of Cape Nissi near Katholiko beach, dates back to the 7th century, making it one of Crete’s oldest chapels. From here, be prepared to be captivated by the breathtaking view of the city and Mirabello Bay.
Get directions to Ammoudi beach
Ammoudi beach is just a 1km away from Agios Nikolaos city centre, making it easily accessible.
Ammoudi is a sandy beach with shallow, clear waters. It is ideal for both locals and visitors who wish to enjoy a refreshing dip.
Ammoudi beach offers a range of amenities including food and accommodation options, ensuring visitors are well-catered to.
Yes, Ammoudi Water Sports, a family-run business established in 1985, offers a variety of water sports activities for adventurous visitors.
Just a short stroll northward from Ammoudi, visitors can find an adjoining hotel and the iconic St. Nicholas Chapel, one of the oldest chapels in Crete.
The water colour of the Ammoudi beach is turquoise and blue.
The Ammoudi beach has white sand.
The water at the Ammoudi beach is shallow.
The sea surface at the Ammoudi beach is usually calm.
Yes, the Ammoudi beach is a crowded place.
Find below list of things to do near Ammoudi beach:
Discover the beauty of the island of Santorini on a bus and catamaran tour from Heraklion or Agios Nikolaos. Capture pictures of the classic blue and white houses in Oia and have some free time to explore Fira in the shadow of the Santorini volcano.
Enjoy the convenience of being picked up directly from your accommodation. Sit back and relax on the air-conditioned bus transfer to the high-speed catamaran in Heraklion harbor.
Sail across the Mediterranean to the island of Santorini. Hop off the boat to take a tour of the beautiful island in a comfortable and climate-controlled bus. Listen to live commentary about the history of one of the most romantic destinations in Greece.
Travel to the village of Oia at the northernmost tip for magnificent views of the typical blue and white houses across the hillside and stunning views of rolling hills meeting the sea.
Continue to the capital at Fira and have some free time to browse the shops or enjoy a drink at a bar with views of the volcano and the returning boat in the evening. Cruise back to Heraklion and transfer back to your hotel.
Spinalonga, the last leper colony in Europe, is located in Elounda from where we take the boat for Spinalonga island. Originally, Venetians fortified the islet in 1579, by building a fortress with 40 cannons and they are actually the best preserved walls in Europe.
It used to be a leper colony from 1903 until 1957, where epers could have a better life, medical help and economical support. The ruins of the market street with the shops, the hospital and many small houses in which lepers lived isolated, can be explored individually.
Leaving Spinalonga Island, we have free time to explore the unique Elounda village or go for swimming in the crystal clear waters of Elounda Bay your pita gyros take away.
Before we take the road back to Heraklion, we will visit Ag. Nikolaos, a town with 14.000 inhabitants which is built on the side of the Gulf Mirabello. In the center of Agios Nikolaos is the lake Voulismeni, probably created by an earthquake. Where, we can have a coffee break or a walk around the lake, which gives you a great view from above, over the center and the harbor of Agios Nikolaos. Next to the lovely harbor are shady thee-lined streets filled with shops give you the opportunity to do some “serious shopping”.
Our last stop is at the olive factory in Malia and taste the famous Cretan olive oil.
This full-day tour combines a visit to one of the most beautiful parts of Crete, the bay of Merabelo and the attractive town of Agios Nikolaos, and one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, the island of Spina Longa.
At the same time you will get to know the customs and traditions of Crete through your visit to an authentic olive oil production factory and you will enjoy a delicious and traditional Cretan meal
Our journey into Cretan culture begins with our introduction to “liquid gold” in the traditional, four-generation, olive oil production factory.
You will learn about the history of the olive, the way of harvesting from ancient times until today and you will also have the opportunity to taste excellent quality olive oil, an experience that will elevate your senses!
Next spot is Agios Nikolaos,an international cosmopolitan resort ,built on three hills, it will enchant you with its character and its small, winding streets. The lake Voulismeni is the most beautiful jewel of the city, with thousands of legends to make it even more impressive. Later we will be greeted by the emblematic bay of Merabelo with the clear blue waters.
We will visit the traditional fishing villages of Elounda and Plaka where one of the most unique authentic corners of Cretan beauty is revealed in an area that hides within it all the beauty and essence of the Cretan landscape.
From the port of Plaka we will board a boat that will take us to the historical island of Spinalonga where we will admire the fortress and the former settlement of lepers.
Αlternatively you can browse the picturesque alleys of Plaka, enjoying the view of the Cretan sea or swim in the deep blue waters of Merabelos bay.
We end up in the traditional village of Fourni where under the plane tree we will enjoy a meal of pure products of the blessed Cretan land.(Optional)
On this excursion you will see and experience Crete through the eyes of a local
Visit Santorini on this full day-trip from the island of Crete. After pick-up from your hotel, head to the harbor and begin your sightseeing boat tour on the Cretan Sea.
Upon arrival, see the white houses of Fira that lie high above the edge of the crater, and decide whether you would like to spend more time on this volcanic island. Wander the small town of Fira or visit the picturesque town of Oia.
Enjoy the leisurely Greek lifestyle and visit a taverna or two. Relax on the beach, enjoy the day by the sea, and simply leave your cares behind.
The ideal way to discover the island of Crete is with a private tour. Share a car and enjoy a full day with your group. Embark on an incredible island adventure with your friends or family, after planning the tour together with your professional guide. Beginning with pickup at your accommodation in Elounda, Agios Niklaos, Ierapetra, Malia, Crete, Hersonissos, or Ammoudara, the world is your oyster.
Settle into a comfy and luxurious Land Rover Discovery equipped with 6 seats and air conditioning. Discover local sites, hit the beach, or simply drive around taking in panoramic views. Perfect for a wedding trip or a birthday, relish in total privacy and the utmost luxury. Included in the tour is a fresh, high-quality dinner at a local taverna.
In this interactive Walking tour & Cretan food tasting, we will walk the coastline of Agios Nikolaos passing through Taurus Zeus with Europe and the horn of Amalthea telling the Greek myths, beaches and sightseeing continuing inside the town showing you local spots, telling information about area(shared also via email & maps) and we will enjoy a meal with 4 different meze(like tapas) talking about everyday living, general facts about Crete’s culture and traditions, sightseeing’s and myths.
Walking is about 40 minutes easy walking, about 2klm.
After we will visit the most famous restaurant in lake of Agios Nikolaos having a meal with 4 different meze(each person) that you can choose between fish or meat menu.
Water & one drink is included, wine, raki, beer or a soft drink.
Vegetarian or vegan menu can be arranged.
Changes in menu can be adjusted upon request.
Feel free to contact me for more information.
Find below the list of hotels near Ammoudi beach:
Set in Agios Nikolaos, a few steps from Ammoudi Beach, Ammos Lux Apartments Crete offers accommodation with free WiFi, a terrace or a balcony and access to a garden and a year-round outdoor pool.
The apartment provides guests with a patio, sea views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and bathrobes. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Popular points of interest near Ammos Lux Apartments Crete include Ammos Beach, Lake Voulismeni and Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa). The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 57 km from the accommodation.
from
€184
/night
Situated in Agios Nikolaos, just 5 metres from the beach, offering close proximity to local amenities, Polydoros Appartments features traditionally furnished studios and apartments with free Wi-Fi.
The simply appointed studios and apartments at Polydoros Appartments are air-conditioned. Guests have access to free on-site parking. Some have balcony with sea views.
Guests can head down to the sandy beach for a morning of swimming and lounging in the sun. Later in the day, the hotel snack bar (open during the summer season) serves refreshing drinks.
Bars and restaurants and a mini-market can be found just 20 metres away. The centre of Agios Nikolaos is 1.5km away.
from
€62
/night
Situated in Agios Nikolaos, 1.7 km from Ammos Beach and 2 km from Havania Beach, House of Life offers a terrace and air conditioning. The accommodation is 100 metres from the Ammoudi Beach and features free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment with a balcony and garden views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a bath. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
Popular points of interest near the apartment include Lake Voulismeni, Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) and Agios Nikolaos Port. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 56 km from House of Life, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Located in Agios Nikolaos, 1.4 km from Ammos Beach and 2.2 km from Havania Beach, Thalassa offers air conditioning. The accommodation is 200 metres from the Ammoudi Beach and has free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment with a balcony and sea views features 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 1 bathroom with a bath. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment.
Popular points of interest near the apartment include Lake Voulismeni, Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) and Agios Nikolaos Port. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 58 km from Thalassa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Featuring mountain views, Eleni’s Cozy House offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 500 metres from Ammoudi Beach. It features a garden, a terrace, sea views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home is located on the ground floor and is fitted with 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with an oven, a toaster, a washing machine, a fridge and a kitchenware. Towels and bed linen are featured in the holiday home.
Popular points of interest near the holiday home include Ammos Beach, Lake Voulismeni and Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa). The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 56 km from Eleni’s Cozy House, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Just 60 metres away from the Blue Flag Ammoudi beach, the value for money Hotel Victoria offers easy access to water sports and taverns. Free Wi-Fi is available in public hotel areas and rooms.
The en suite rooms at Hotel Victoria are comfortably furnished and include a TV, a small fridge and air conditioning. Some have balcony with views of Agios Nikolaos Bay.
Hotel Victoria is located on the eastern side of Crete, 60 km from Heraklion airport, in the cosmopolitan town of Agios Nikolaos of Lasithi prefecture.
from
€51
/night
Find below list of beaches near Ammoudi beach:
Just a short stroll south from Ammoudi beach in Agios Nikolaos, nestled alongside the scenic coastal stretch of Akti Koundourou Street leading to the enchanting Lake Voulismeni, you’ll discover a charming, pebbled artificial beach. Cradled between two sturdy concrete piers, the allure of Akti Koundourou Street beach unfolds.
This well-organized haven offers a spectrum of amenities, from shaded umbrellas to thrilling water sports, ensuring a perfect day at the beach. It also boasts a diving school, inviting all thrill-seekers to explore the underwater world.
But the real magic happens beneath the surface. Snorkelling here reveals a hidden treasure – a sunken car resting under the crystal-clear waters. An unexpected sight that only adds to the beach’s unique charm, it’s a captivating detail that will make your visit unforgettable.
If you’re journeying from Agios Nikolaos, you’ll find the quaint Ormos beach just beyond the Ammoudi beach. This tucked-away cove, nestled between the majestic Minos Palace Hotel and Cape Nissi, is a hidden treasure. Its shoreline, speckled with pebbles and sand, primarily serves as a dock for boats, which makes it less popular for swimming. However, it offers a well-equipped playground that the little ones will love.
At the nearby Cape Nissi, there’s the historic Saint Nicholas Byzantine church, which lends its name to the town of Agios Nikolaos. A scenic coastal road starts from Katholiko and takes you all the way to Cape Nissi’s rocky end, home to World War II pillboxes. And from here, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the nearby islands of Agii Pantes (All Saints) and Mikronissi.
Inside the Minos Palace Hotel premises, there’s a beautiful sandy beach. Well-maintained by the hotel and open to everyone, this beach is a sun-seeker paradise. But remember, it might be a little hard to spot from the main road!
Right beside Agios Nikolaos’ main port, you can discover a small, charming pebble beach, nestled next to an art piece named ‘The Abduction of Europe’. This sculpture, created by Nikos Koundouros, is a point of interest right at the water’s edge. The beach itself, with its smooth pebbles, offers a refreshing spot for a quick dip in town.
From this beach, you get stunning views of the petite Agii Pantes Island across the town and the striking cliffs of Kavoussi.
The sculpture, a creation of Nikos Koundouros and the Sotiriadis brothers, Pantelis and Nikos, combines glass, bronze, and steel into a unique piece. A similar sculpture by the Sotiriadis brothers, also showcasing the Abduction of Europe, holds a prominent place at the entrance of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
Kitroplatia, a charming spot, is just a short 200m stroll west from the scenic Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos’s city heart. This area showcases a quaint stone-paved square brimming with some of the city’s top-notch taverns.
Right in front of the square’s towering tamarisk trees, there’s a cozy beach dotted with sand and pebbles. Facilities like umbrellas and showers are available for beach-goers. Plus, you won’t be short on options for lodging, meals, and refreshments nearby. The beach is ideal for kids or anyone seeking a clean, picturesque spot close to city conveniences.
From Kitroplatia, you can start a stunning coastal walk along a stone-paved path heading south to Agios Nikolaos’s marina and onward to the beach Ammos. You won’t want to miss the breathtaking views of Mirabello Bay on this walk.
Heading in the opposite direction from Kitroplatia, the Akti Pangalou street winds along the coastline towards the commercial port and back to Lake Voulismeni. A small square along the way is home to a modern sculpture by the Soteriades brothers, depicting the Horn of Amalthea, a universal symbol of wealth and plenty. Near the port, you’ll find the quiet, pebble-strewn Europa beach, named after a nearby modern statue.
Kitroplatia, or “citron square” in Greek, is a nod to the city’s thriving citron trade in the past century. A citron market once stood on the beach, and boats would load up with citron due to the sea’s depth, especially when the city lacked a port. While the citron – often called “median apples,” a symbol of abundance and fertility – is no longer grown, the square’s name serves as a delightful reminder of bygone days.
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