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Pahia Ammos (translating to Thick Sand) beach is situated on the western flank of Paleochora, a distance of 79km to the south of the city of Chania. It serves as the primary beach of Paleochora, offering an array of amenities for tourists and is meticulously maintained. Despite its impressive length of nearly 500m, it often appears unoccupied due to its expansive size. With its gentle sandy shore and shallow waters, it’s an ideal spot for children. However, caution is advised during periods of westerly or southerly winds, as they cause substantial waves.
A variety of services are available, including umbrellas, bars, snack bars, water sports gear, showers, and a lifeguard tower. The beach’s western area offers privacy and is frequently chosen by nudists.
Get directions to Pahia Ammos beach, Paleohora
Pahia Ammos beach means “thick sand” in Greek.
Yes, Pahia Ammos beach is suitable for snorkelling as it has clear waters and a rocky seabed.
Yes, there are several nearby attractions to Pahia Ammos beach, including the Venetian Castle of Paleohora and the Agia Sophia Cave.
Unfortunately, Pahia Ammos beach is not accessible for people with disabilities due to its rocky terrain and lack of facilities.
The best time to visit Pahia Ammos beach is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and the sea is calm.
Yes, there are regular bus services from Chania to Paleohora, which is the nearest town to Pahia Ammos beach. From there, visitors can take a taxi or walk to the Pahia Ammos beach, Paleohora.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Pahia Ammos beach, offering a variety of local and international cuisine.
The water colour of the Pahia Ammos beach, Paleohora is blue.
The Pahia Ammos beach, Paleohora has sand.
The water at the Pahia Ammos beach, Paleohora is shallow.
The surface of the sea at the Pahia Ammos beach, Paleohora is usually calm.
The Pahia Ammos beach, Paleohora has normal crowds.
The Pahia Ammos beach, Paleohora has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, sports, lifeguard, showers, and a Blue Flag.
The Pahia Ammos beach, Paleohora can be accessed by bus services and a paved road.
Yes, there is tree shade available at the Pahia Ammos beach, Paleohora.
Find below list of things to do near Pahia Ammos beach, Paleohora:
Experience a very special Tour that leads you to Crete’s most southwestern part on the small island of Elafonisi.
Drive from the north coast to the southwest and enjoy a scenic ride through beautiful nature and picturesque mountain villages to one of Crete’s most beautiful beaches.
Enjoy pure relaxation on exotic beaches with white sand and turquoise water. Jump into the refreshingly cool water and admire the pink shimmering sand in some locations, which has arisen from broken shells.
The small lagoon provides an ideal place for paddling and bathing for children as well. Cross the shallow lagoon and reach the small idyllic island, where you can admire beautiful dunes and the local nature.
Towards the sea, Elafonisi shows a steep rocky ridge, which is the real core of the island. Between the ridge and the coast, the island arose from alluvial deposition over thousands of years. That’s why the island looks like a big sandy desert.
Elafonisi is the nesting site of the sea turtle Caretta Caretta and the last resting place for migratory birds on their flight from Europe to Africa.
Start your day of discovery with a pick-up service. Right after you board your comfortable, air-conditioned bus, you will journey to the southwest corner of Crete to spend a relaxing day on the pink sand beaches on the small island of Elafonisi.
Take in the lush green landscape on the way to the island as you travel through the impressive Topolia Gorge and pass This is an excursion you do not want to miss!
Up to the south-westernmost point of the island, in one of the most spectacular and unexpected locations on the
island, is where we will spend the day.
Elafonisi is a place of exceptional natural beauty, something between an island and a peninsula, as you have to
walk through the sea to reach it.
Once occupied by pirates, today it is a very popular destination for day-trippers who flood there to faraway lagoon,
whilst having a Mediterranean holiday.
Elafonisi is a paradise on earth – a heaven of unparalleled beauty. It is covered with sand dunes, low trees, bushes,
sand lilies and junipers. You can get there on foot from the beach by passing through shallow aquamarine and turquoise
waters. The white and pink sand made of thousands of broken seashells, the limpid blue-green waters, the little coves
and the secluded tiny beaches remind the travelers of a paradise lost.
Take a swim in the warm tropical waters and relax under the hot summer sun!
11:00 Arrival Elafonisi
15:30 Departure from Elafonisi
19:30 Arrival Heraklion
Route: 540 km
Duration: app. 15 hours
Stay Elafonisi: app. 4 ½ hours
Ride in a comfortable coach through small traditional villages and typical Mediterranean scenery. See the rugged landscape around the Topolia Gorge and have a stop for coffee and refreshments.
Arrive at Elafonissi beach. Here, you have four hours of free time to marvel at the different colors from the soft pink and white sand to the turquoise waters.
As well as exploring the wonders of the beach, discover the small island. This lies just off the shore and you can reach it by strolling through the water. Both the beach and the island are protected wildlife areas of rare beauty and included in the Natura 2000 Protection Programme.
A trip to this famous lagoon which is located in the south- west corner of crete , with its crystal clear water and pink coral sands is unforgettable. We start with pick up service near the hotel, at 06:30 in the morning.
Repeatedly this beach has been chosen to be among the worlds most beautiful. Elafonisi is an exotic place, a flat piece of land with sporadic vegetation and a great contrast to the stark bareness of the Cretan mountains. The pink sand is produced by the large amount of pink shells that gets ground up by the sea.
After 4 hours we arrived at Elafonissi Beach, the famous lagoon with its pink coral sands and the crystal clear water. There you will have 4,5 hours of free time to swim, have lunch and take some photos. You can have a sunbed or wade across to the island. In peak season it can be a very busy beach. There are canteens for drinks and snacks.
Around 20:30 we will have returned to Heraklion.
There will be a short stop on the way to Elafonissi and on the way back for restroom and snack – 20 minutes
Travel to the foothills of the wild mountain landscape of Crete’s White Mountains, and discover a relaxing beach in the extreme southwest of the island. Drive through the village of Topolia, and stop in the village of Elos.
Elafonisi is a Natura 2000 protected area. The island is full of sand dunes with sea daffodils and junipers. The endangered loggerhead sea turtle and several more rare animals and plants find shelter on the island. It is strickly forbidden to remove any plants, animals, shells, and sand from the area.
Before it’s overgrown by pine and juniper dunes, there is a flat and fine sandy beach that shimmers with pink in places due to the coral. On the opposite island of Kastelli, you can wade through the shallow turquoise lagoon where the water is no more than waist-high.
On our way back to Chania we will stop at Elos village, one of the most attractive old villages of the Kissamos prefecture, with green surroundings and natural water sources.
After we pick you up in the morning from various designated locations around Chania, we will follow the green north coast just before Kastelli and finally reach the village of Topolia.
Topolia Gorge is one of the most breathtaking road trips in Chania, with plenty of opportunities for photos of
the Cretan mountains.The canyon of Topolia starts near the village of Strovles and it ends in the
village of Topolia, where the rock walls are very high and steep.
A large number of birds find shelter in the crannies, cracks and caves of the
otherwise bare walls of the gorge.
After a short visit for breakfast , we will proceed to the main attraction of the tour!
Elafonisi is located on the southwestern most point of Crete and is an oblong, which often seems to be divided into two parts by water, giving the impression of it being a separate island. The protected area of Elafonisi features magnificent natural formations with arguably the most beautiful being the pinkish sand which exists in many places, taking its color from thousands of broken sea shells and corals. The endangered turtles Caretta-Caretta and several rare animals nest on the island and it is strictly forbidden to remove any flora or fauna from the area. The exotic beach with its white and pink sand and turquoise waters is reminiscent of the Caribbean. Near the breaking point of the peninsula, the water does not exceed 1m (3 feet), creating a small lagoon, which can easily be crossed.
The eastern side of the beach, in front of the lagoon, is organized, having umbrellas, showers, lifeguards, snack bars and changing rooms. In Elafonisi, you will have plenty of time to explore the area, swim in the crystal clear waters and even grab a bite to eat! Depending on conditions we may have time to visit a local village as well, before hopping back on the bus that we will take us back to Chania!
Elafonisi is considered to be one of the most famous beaches worldwide (rated each year within the 10 best beaches in Europe and one of the best all over the world). With its amazing pink coral sand and its calm crystal clear waters, Elafonissi is one of the “must do” while visiting Chania.
Solo, couple or family, Elafonissi gets you amazed from the very first moment with the unique landscape that is formed and provides you with a lifetime experience that will make you indulge in the world of relaxation and joy.
Enjoy this tour with our professional, service-minded guides and bus drivers that will waive around all the narrow streets of the cretan road network and will driver you in safety and comfort to this amazing area.
Our team will be here to accept your booking and drive you through the whole procedure with happiness and joy in order to ensure a smooth, untroubled and professional experience in such an amazing area, that is certainly worth visiting.
Find below the list of hotels near Pahia Ammos beach, Paleohora:
Set in Palaiochóra, 44 km from Chania Town, Kampos Rooms boasts a sun terrace and views of the garden. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and free private parking is available on site.
A terrace or patio are featured in certain rooms. Every room is equipped with a private bathroom.
The property offers housekeeping.
Elafonisi is 13 km from Kampos Rooms, while Kalamaki is 40 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 54 km from Kampos Rooms.
from
€43
/night
Neapolis Apartments is located in the seaside town of Paleochora just 10 metres away from the sandy Pachia Ammos Beach. It offers air-conditioned accommodation with a private balcony enjoying garden or Libyan Sea views.
Neapolis rooms and apartments feature wooden furnishings and have an en-suite bathroom with bathtub or shower. They all come with an electric kettle and mini fridge, while some also include a kitchenette with a small dining area.
In the centre of Paleochora, you will find taverns serving Cretan specialities, as well as traditional coffee houses. The town and port of Chania are around 70 km away. Free Wi-Fi and free on-site parking are provided.
from
€44
/night
Set in Palaiochóra, a few steps from Pachia Ammos, Ammos Paleochora Hotel offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. The property is around 600 metres from Halikia Beach, less than 1 km from Keratídes Beach and 46 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port. Certain units at the property feature a terrace with a sea view.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a shower. At Ammos Paleochora Hotel all rooms come with bed linen and towels.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 83 km from the accommodation.
Hotel Aghas Paleochora is located 150 metres from the centre of Palaiochora and 100 metres from the sandy Pachia Ammos Beach. It offers rooms with mountain or sea views and has a snack bar.
Agas rooms are simply furnished and they all feature a private balcony with table and chairs. They are equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV and mini fridge and have en-suite bathroom with shower.
A la carte breakfast with different options each day is offered in the morning. The on-site bar serves hot and cold drinks and light snacks until late in the evening.
The beach of Palaiochora is 180 metres away, while a super market can be found within 100 metres. The picturesque town and port of Chania is around 65 km away. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout and free parking is provided on site.
from
€56
/night
Located 200 metres from Pachia Ammos, AnDi’s Apartment’s Paleochora offers a garden, and air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi.
The units come with tiled floors and feature a fully equipped kitchen with an oven, a dining area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and a hair dryer. A microwave, a fridge and stovetop are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Halikia Beach is 400 metres from the apartment, while Keratídes Beach is 800 metres away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 83 km from AnDi’s Apartment’s Paleochora.
from
€75
/night
Aristea Apartments offers a comfortable apartment in Palaiochora, Greece. Guests enjoy a sun terrace, lush garden, and free WiFi throughout the property.
The apartment features air-conditioning, a terrace, kitchenette, balcony, washing machine, and private bathroom. Additional amenities include a dining area, work desk, and soundproofing.
Located 83 km from Chania International Airport, the property is a 6-minute walk from Pachia Ammos. Nearby attractions include Kissamos Port at 46 km and Kasteli Port at 46 km. Guests appreciate the scenic views and room cleanliness.
Find below list of beaches near Pahia Ammos beach, Paleohora:
Votsala or Halikia beaches are situated just beyond the western limit of Paleochora harbour, about 79km to the south of Chania city, adjacent to the Kakodiakianos River’s outlet and stretch approximately 1km eastward. Halikia and Pahia Ammos are the primary beaches in the town of Paleohora. Halikia, with its round pebbles, is well maintained and is primarily favored by Greeks over the sandy Pahia Ammos beach. This beach is a popular choice for those who wish to stay near the town and enjoy easy access to all facilities.
Following the Azogirianos River’s exit, the subsequent beach named Keratides beach is formed. This beach is conveniently located next to the Paleochora camping site.
Keratides beach, situated approximately 1km west of Paleochora harbour and 79km south of Chania city, is found just past the Azogirianos river and Halikia beach. Characterized by its coarse pebbles and stones, it’s a preferred spot for those seeking tranquility and solitude. Its name, Keratides, is derived from the term for locust or carob trees, ‘keratia’. Nearby, there’s a camping site which attracts most of the beach’s visitors.
While there are numerous remarkable beaches in the vicinity of Paleochora, Keratides doesn’t particularly stand out. Nonetheless, it’s a viable option for those without access to a car or motorbike.
The Paleochora Coves are a chain of miniature bays that commence 1.5 km west of Paleochora and stretch 2.5 km westward to Cape Grammenos. These beaches are a complex of adjacent coves with crystal clear waters and magnificent pebbles. The main road, which links Paleochora and Koundoura, is situated alongside the coves, making them less popular with nudists.
Kalamia is the first beach you encounter 700m west of Paleohora, named after the reeds that inhabit the area (Kalamia translates to reeds). The next bay on the east side, 1.5 km west of Paleochora, is Psilos Volakas (Tall Rock), named after a large rock that shields the beach from southern winds. With its lovely small pebbles and lack of natural shade, the rocky seabed behind the large rock is perfect for snorkelling.
Continuing 200m westward from the beach, you’ll discover the secluded cove of Trohalou, a more rugged version of Psilos Volakas with larger pebbles and stones (Trohalou translates to “stony beach”). Although it’s never crowded, it’s one of the best snorkelling spots in the broader Paleochora area.
300m west of Trochalou lies the charming beach of Karavopetra (Ship-Stone in Greek), noted for its large rock that resembles a boat in the center of the beach. Apart from the main beach, a separate little cove can be found on Karavopetra’s western edge. Open to the southern winds, Karavopetra’s coarse sand and pebbles make it an excellent choice for bathing.
Next to Karavopetra, you’ll find Plakaki, a small cove shielded by a short rocky peninsula. This unorganized beach with pebbles is a wonderful spot. With rooms and restaurants nearby, Plakaki is a great option for those not wishing to head back to Paleochora. The beautiful beaches of Grammenos start directly west of Plakaki.
Choosing among these splendid beaches can be challenging, as each one offers something unique. We suggest driving down the road that runs along the shore to see which cove catches your eye!
The Grammeno peninsula is situated at the mouth of the Pelekaniotis river, 85km southward from Chania and 5km to the east of Paleochora. It lies on the route that links Paleochora with Koundoura. The beautiful Alonaki, Votsalo or Gialos beach with its fine and coarse pebbles as well as its crystalline sea stretches from the eastern part of the peninsula, extending eastwards. The unprotected 500m-long beach is prone to waves, with umbrellas provided on its western part for shade, while the eastern part is more serene.
On the western side of the peninsula, you’ll find the stunning Chouma bay. This sandy cove is well-sheltered and faces west. The Grammeno peninsula is home to a significant colony of protected junipers. While these trees provide shade, they are incredibly fragile and hence should be treated with care. It’s strictly forbidden to break branches, given their slow growth rate of only 1cm per year. Visitors are encouraged to use the umbrellas provided on the beach and avoid any contact with the trees.
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