Ammoudi beach

Ammoudi is the small sandy town beach of Agios Nikolaos, about 1 kilometre from the town centre on a sheltered corner of Mirabello Bay. Ammoudi has shallow, clear water that stays calm on most days, so it suits families and an easy swim close to town. The beach is organised with sunbeds and umbrellas, and tavernas and cafés sit right behind the sand.

Where Ammoudi beach is

Ammoudi beach lies just north of the centre of Agios Nikolaos, on the east coast of Crete in the Lasithi region. The beach sits in a secure, sheltered bay on Mirabello Bay, framed by tamarisk trees and low buildings set into the hillside. Because it is only about 1 kilometre from the town, Ammoudi is one of the easiest beaches to reach on foot from the centre of Agios Nikolaos.

The beach and its water

Ammoudi has a small strip of soft sand and shallow, clear water that gives an easy, safe entry into the sea. The bay is sheltered, so the surface usually stays calm, which makes the water comfortable for swimming and for children to paddle. The turquoise water and the shade from the tamarisk trees behind the sand make it a practical spot for a beach day close to town rather than a long, wide stretch of coast.

Facilities and food

Ammoudi is an organised beach, with sunbeds and umbrellas to hire on the sand. Tavernas, cafés and a beach bar sit right around the beach, so food, drinks and a shaded table are a few steps away. The family-run Ammoudi Water Sports, in business since 1985, runs water sports for anyone who wants a more active day on the water.

How to get to Ammoudi beach

Reach Ammoudi beach from the centre of Agios Nikolaos in a few easy ways:

1. Walk from the town centre, since the beach is only about 1 kilometre away along the coast.
2. Take a local bus, as the beach is served by the town bus route.
3. Drive or take a taxi, using the paved road that runs down to the beach.

Parking near a busy town beach fills up quickly in summer, so arriving early or on foot is the simplest option in peak season.

Around Ammoudi beach

A short walk north from Ammoudi follows a path past an adjoining hotel to the chapel of St. Nicholas, which stands on Cape Nissi near Katholiko beach. The chapel dates back to the 7th century, which makes it one of the oldest in Crete, and it gives the town of Agios Nikolaos its name. From the cape you look out over the town and across Mirabello Bay.

Best time to visit Ammoudi beach

Visit Ammoudi beach in the morning or the late afternoon in summer, when the sun is softer and the sand is less busy. The beach is popular with both locals and visitors and gets crowded around midday in July and August, so an early start gives you more space and calmer water. Spring and early autumn are quieter and still warm enough for a swim.

Getting to Ammoudi beach by car

A day at Ammoudi beach is easy to combine with Agios Nikolaos town and the villages around Mirabello Bay when you drive yourself, because town parking and bus times fill up fast in summer. Having your own car lets you reach the beach early, carry beach gear for the family, and move on to Elounda or the coast road whenever you are ready. For the most flexible timing around Agios Nikolaos, book a car rental in Crete.

FAQ

Which Ammoudi beach is this, and where is it?

This is Ammoudi beach at Agios Nikolaos, on the east coast of Crete in the Lasithi region, about 1 kilometre from the town centre. It sits in a sheltered bay on Mirabello Bay and should not be confused with the Ammoudi near Plakias in Rethymno.

Can you swim at Ammoudi beach?

Yes, Ammoudi beach is good for swimming, with shallow, clear water that stays calm on most days. The sheltered bay and the gentle entry make it comfortable for a swim close to town.

Is Ammoudi beach good for families with children?

Yes, Ammoudi beach suits families, because the water is shallow and calm and the beach is small and easy to supervise. Sunbeds, umbrellas and tavernas around the sand make a full beach day simple with children.

What facilities does Ammoudi beach have?

Ammoudi beach is organised, with sunbeds and umbrellas to hire and tavernas, cafés and a beach bar around the sand. The family-run Ammoudi Water Sports, open since 1985, offers water sports on the beach.

How do you get to Ammoudi beach from Agios Nikolaos?

Reach Ammoudi beach on foot in about 1 kilometre from the town centre, by local bus, or by car and taxi on the paved road. Parking is limited in peak season, so walking is often the easiest choice.

Are there restaurants near Ammoudi beach?

Yes, tavernas, cafés and a beach bar sit right around Ammoudi beach. You can eat, drink and find a shaded table a few steps from the sand.

What is there to see near Ammoudi beach?

A short walk north leads to the 7th-century chapel of St. Nicholas on Cape Nissi, one of the oldest chapels in Crete. From the cape you get a wide view over Agios Nikolaos and Mirabello Bay.