Ammoudara (Nr Heraklion) Holidays

Park yourself on Amoudara’s famously long beach and you’ll feel miles away from city life. Yet just 20 minutes in a taxi later you could be sampling Heraklion’s famous nightlife, or exploring the ruins of mythical King Minos’ Bronze Age palace. It’s safe to say holidays in Amoudara have got the blend of rest and relaxation just right.

A popular but laid-back beach destination on the island’s northern shores, Amoudara boasts a five-kilometre swathe of uninterrupted sand. It’s the longest beach in the region and the place to be if you’re after a little fun in the sun. From kitesurfing to stand-up paddle boarding and excursions by boat, you can try out just about any water-based activity imaginable. But it’s not the only natural delight that the area has in store. The vast Almirou Potamou-Keris national park – with its stunning lake, gorge, and hundreds of spectacular mountain trails – is also right on your doorstep.