Amoudara Holidays

For a Greek getaway that hits the sweet spot between "I’m never leaving this sunbed" and "let’s see some ancient stuff," Amoudara is your absolute go-to. It’s got a wham beach, vibes for days, and is basically Heraklion’s cooler, more laid-back younger sibling.

Holidays to Amoudara 2026

• 🌡️ Summers hit 28-30°C with barely a drop of rain from June to September. Winters are mild at 14-16°C — still miles better than back home. Expect around 2,800 hours of sunshine a year

• 💶 Proper good value for a Greek island — pints from around €4, a meal for two in a taverna around €35-45, and a gyros wrap for about €5-6. Your spending money goes further here than in the flashier resorts

• 🎨 The name Amoudara literally means "big sand" in Greek — and with 7km of golden beach stretching along the coast, it's not exactly false advertising

Why do people love holidays to Amoudara?

• The location is 10/10 - You’re just a stone’s throw from Heraklion, meaning city vibes and Cretan history are right at the end of your finger tips.

• Water sports central - The dreamy breeze here makes it unreal for windsurfing or just watching people fall off boards whilst you sip a Fanta Lemon.

• Foodie heaven - From swanky beach clubs to traditional tavernas serving up delish gyros, it's safe to say that

  your stomach will be very happy here.

🏨 Amoudara Hotels

Amoudara's got a cracking range of hotels right along that 7km beach strip — from big all-inclusive resorts with kids' clubs and waterslides to chilled-out adults-only spots where the most strenuous activity is reaching for your cocktail. Check our selection below or browse all our Amoudara hotels to find your perfect match.

Families

• Apollonia Beach is the big one here — a 4-star beachfront resort with 313 rooms, four pools (including a heated indoor one), a kids' mini club, and enough sports facilities to keep even the most energetic lot busy. Free windsurfing and canoe introductions are a nice bonus

• Civitel Creta Beach brings 5-star beachfront luxury with a dedicated children's club, splash park, archery, mini-golf, and seven restaurants to rotate through. Just 10 minutes from Heraklion by car

• Zeus Hotels Neptuno Beach sits right on the sand with a kids' pool, outdoor playground, and evening entertainment. The open-plan family rooms are spacious, and the buffet restaurant does daily show cooking at breakfast, lunch, and dinner

• Marilena Hotel is a solid budget-friendly pick for families — 600m from the beach with a pool, family rooms, and homemade traditional Cretan dishes at the restaurant. No-frills but proper good value

Couples

• Enorme Armonia Beach is an adults-only retreat right on the beach with a pool, tennis court, and light evening entertainment. The rooms are bright and modern with sea views from the balcony — proper chilled

• Yianna Caravel is another adults-only gem perched right by the golden sands. Stylish rooms with a nautical feel, a bar restaurant on-site, and the resort centre is a short stroll away for evening eats

• Petousis Hotel offers boutique-style accommodation near the beach with a seasonal pool and cosy restaurant — a lovely low-key option for couples who want peace without isolation

• Sun Boutique Hotel has 58 modern rooms with sea or mountain views, a compact pool with a kids' section, and local restaurants within a 10-minute wander. Small, friendly, and fuss-free

What is the best time to visit Amoudara?

Amoudara is a superstar when it comes to variety; it’s a piping hotspot in the summer and a gorge, peaceful retreat when the crowds thin out. Whether you’re looking to get your tan on in July or want a bit of spring sunshine whilst you explore the Palace of Knossos, this place serves.

• Summer - Average temperatures hit a sizzly 29°C, perfect for those well-deserved pool days and late-night cocktails under the stars.

• Autumn - Things stay toasty with an average of 23°C, offering a proper chilled vibe that’s ideal for couples seeking a bit of peace.

• Winter - Expect a mild 14°C, which is miles better than a rainy winter Tuesday in the UK. Bang on the money for hiking and history.

• Spring - A lovely warm 18°C on average, where the island starts blooming and the sights are way less crowded, so you don't have to wait for the right moment to take your holiday snaps.

What are the best beaches to visit on your Amoudara holidays

Let’s be real, you’re here for the sunny seaside vibes, and Amoudara doesn’t disappoint. You’ve got the main stretch right in front of you, but a few snazzy nearby spots are well worth the short trip for a change of scenery.

• Amoudara Main Beach - A giant sandy playground perfect for families and sun-worshippers who want everything from loungers to a cheeky cocktail within reach.

• Linoperamata - Located at the western end, this spot attracts the windsurfers and active merchants looking to catch some serious Cretan breeze.

• Florida Beach - Don't let the name confuse you; this local gem is great for those who want a quieter, more authentic vibe away from the mainstream sandy spots.

• Karteros Beach - Just a short drive away, this spot is a magnet for the younger crowd thanks to its banging beach bars. Get your dancing shoes on and head down!

Amoudara Holidays 2026 / 2027 - Travel Guide

Families

• 🏖️ The main Amoudara beach has calm, shallow waters that are brilliant for little ones — plus sunbeds, lifeguards, and ice cream within arm's reach at all times

• 🎢 Watercity Waterpark is a short drive east and has enough slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers to keep everyone buzzing for a full day

• 🐠 Cretaquarium is one of the biggest aquariums in the Mediterranean — sharks, jellyfish, and interactive exhibits that kids absolutely love. Just a 15-minute drive along the coast

• 🏛️ The Palace of Knossos is only 10km away — let the little ones run around the ancient Minoan ruins and tell them it's where the Minotaur lived. History and adventure in one

Couples

• 🍷 Spend an evening taverna-hopping along the beachfront strip — traditional meze plates, local Cretan wine, and the kind of sunset views that make you forget what day it is

• 🏛️ Grab a bus into Heraklion for a wander around the Venetian harbour, the Koules Fortress, and the Archaeological Museum — one of the finest collections of Minoan artefacts anywhere in the world

• 🧖 Book a spa day at one of the beachfront resorts — several hotels open their wellness facilities to non-guests, so you can get properly pampered without being a resident

• 🌅 Walk west along the beach towards the quieter stretches near Linoperamata — fewer sunbeds, more peace, and the kind of golden-hour light that makes everything look like a postcard

Groups

• 🏄 Amoudara is one of Crete's top spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing — the coastal breeze is consistent, and there are rental shops and schools right on the sand

• 🎶 Karteros Beach (a short drive east) has some of the liveliest beach bars around — music, cocktails, and a younger crowd that keeps things going well into the evening

• 🛵 Rent a quad or buggy and explore the surrounding countryside — olive groves, mountain villages, and some properly dramatic Cretan scenery just inland

• 🍺 Hit the bars along the main strip for an evening out — it's not Malia levels of wild, but there's plenty of buzz with beachside cocktail bars and late-night spots

Culture Seekers

• 🏺 The Palace of Knossos is an absolute must — Europe's oldest city and the heart of the Minoan civilisation. Budget a couple of hours and grab an audio guide or hire a local guide for the full story

• 🎭 The Heraklion Summer Arts Festival runs every July to September with theatre, music, dance, and film across open-air venues in the city — many events are free

• 🖼️ The Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses the world's most important collection of Minoan art and artefacts — genuinely world-class and worth a full morning

• 🏘️ Take a day trip to Fodele village, the birthplace of the painter El Greco. Wander the orange-grove-filled valley, visit the museum, and grab lunch at a traditional taverna

🏖️ Nearby Resorts

• Heraklion — Crete's buzzing capital is just 6km east with the Venetian harbour, world-class museums, brilliant restaurants, and proper nightlife. A quick bus ride or short taxi from Amoudara

• Agia Pelagia — A gorgeous former fishing village tucked into a sheltered bay about 20km west. Calmer waters, boutique hotel charm, and cracking snorkelling. Lovely for a day trip or a quieter base

• Hersonissos — The all-rounder resort about 30km east with water parks, buzzing nightlife, harbour-side dining, and family-friendly beaches. Easy to reach by bus along the north coast road

• Fodele — A peaceful village in an orange-grove valley about 25km west. Home of El Greco, with a beautiful sandy beach and a completely different pace of life. Brilliant for a half-day escape