Ammoudara Beach

Ammoudara Beach - Αμμουδάρα of Iraklio is very close to the west of the capital. As such it is a very developed beach with resorts and hotels all along it. There are unsightly factories in the west so if you are concerned about peace and quiet and privacy, don't choose this beach.

There are a couple of points of access to the beach, plenty of accommodation, rooms, a few domatia and lots of restaurants. The Candia Maris five star resort is on this beach (a very nice affordable spa with massages). The large Carrefour supermarket is here in Ammoudara.

Ammoudara means 'big sand' in Greek and it is a 7 km long sandy beach. It is easily accessed by local bus services from the city. Some of the most exciting soccer matches of the 2004 Olympics were played here as Iraklion was an Olympic city, and the soccer stadium is here at Ammoudara.

The resorts manage to protect the growth of the beautiful Lily of the Beach, which some say is the flower depicted in the reliefs at Knossos, however this is in dispute.

Locals visit Ammoudara for a drink, to get out of the city rush and in winter you can still find a restaurant or two open for locals.

We love 'Petousis' for its traditional stone Cretan architecture, complete with windmill, and choice of restaurant or café. The terrarium attracts visitors to see the huge crocodile!

We have selected some self-catering apartments here, simple and ideal for families...Yannis Apartments...within walking distance from the beach.

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