Pachia Ammos beach (Afratias)

Hold onto your sunhats, folks!

I’m about to introduce you to a beach that’s longer than your wildest dreams and wilder than your craziest adventures.

Welcome to Pachia Ammos, the beach that laughs in the face of typical tourist traps

Picture this: you’re standing on a beach that stretches as far as the eye can see. 

That’s Pachia Ammos for you, the longest beach in the Mesara region of Crete. 

Located between Tymbaki airport and the seaside town of Kalamaki, this beach is a true marvel. 

Now, let me tell you about my first encounter with Pachia Ammos. 

I arrived expecting your typical crowded beach scene, but boy, was I in for a surprise! 

Despite its impressive length, this beach is one of the quietest you’ll find in the area. 

The sand here is coarse, giving your feet a natural massage as you walk along the shore. 

But here’s where it gets interesting the seabed is rocky almost everywhere. 

Combined with the frequent westerly winds, it’s not exactly a swimmer’s paradise. 

But don’t let that deter you!  The rocky seabed creates these amazing natural pools between the rocks and the coast. 

It’s like having your own private jacuzzi, courtesy of Mother Nature! 

One of the coolest things about Pachia Ammos is its location in the Afrathias area. 

This used to be a massive wetland, part of a complex of swamps at the mouth of the Geropotamos River. 

While human intervention has changed the landscape, you can still feel the wild spirit of the place. 

And here’s a fun fact for all you nature lovers: this coastline is one of the most important breeding grounds for loggerhead sea turtles in Greece. 

How cool is that? 

You might be sharing the beach with some prehistoric looking neighbors! 

Just a few steps from the coast, you’ll find the Wood of Afrathias, a beautiful park with trees and palm trees. 

It’s home to the church of Saint John, adding a touch of local culture to your beach day. 

Getting to Pachia Ammos is an adventure in itself. 

You can take the asphalt road from Tymbaki to Kamilari, or if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s a coastal dirt track from Kalamaki that passes over some impressive rock formations. 

Pachia Ammos is just one of the many fascinating Heraklion Beaches you can explore in Crete.  For more information about this incredible island, check out Cretorama. 

Pachia Ammos Beach Key Information

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Pachia Ammos Beach Profile

Pachia Ammos is not your average beach.  It’s long really long stretching between Tymbaki airport and Kalamaki. 

The sand is coarse, giving it a unique texture underfoot. 

The most distinctive feature is the rocky seabed.  It extends almost along the entire length of the beach, creating an interesting landscape both above and below the water. 

While this might not be ideal for traditional swimming, it creates some incredible natural pools between the rocks and the shore. 

The beach is often subject to westerly winds, which can make the sea quite wavy. 

This adds to the wild, untamed feel of the place. 

Amenities

Pachia Ammos keeps things simple when it comes to amenities.  You’ll find the basics here, including: 

• Showers for rinsing off after a dip in the sea
• Umbrellas for shade on those sunny Cretan days
• Some food and drink options nearby

The nearby Wood of Afrathias offers additional shade and a pleasant spot for a picnic. 

Accommodations

While Pachia Ammos itself doesn’t have hotels right on the beach, you’ll find various options in the surrounding area: 

• Houses and tourist accommodations in the former wetland area of Afrathias
• More options in the nearby town of Kalamaki
• Tymbaki, a short drive away, offers additional accommodation choices

Remember, staying a bit away from the beach can offer a more authentic local experience! 

History and Significance

Pachia Ammos and the surrounding area have a rich history: 

• The Afrathias area was once part of a large wetland complex
• It was formed by the estuary of the Geropotamos River
• Human intervention, including the construction of Tymbaki airport, has altered the landscape
• Despite changes, it remains an important ecological area

The coastline here is crucial for loggerhead sea turtle breeding, making it an area of significant environmental importance. 

Activities

While Pachia Ammos might not be ideal for traditional beach activities, it offers unique experiences: 

• Natural pool swimming: Enjoy the small pools formed between rocks and the shore
• Beachcombing: The long stretch of beach is perfect for long walks and discovering interesting items washed up by the sea
• Wildlife watching: Keep an eye out for loggerhead sea turtles (from a respectful distance)
• Photography: The unique landscape and rock formations make for great photo opportunities
• Picnicking: The Wood of Afrathias is a perfect spot for a beach picnic

Dining

While Pachia Ammos itself doesn’t have many dining options directly on the beach, you’re not far from some great choices: 

• Local tavernas in nearby Kalamaki offer traditional Cretan cuisine
• Tymbaki town has a variety of restaurants and cafes
• For a truly local experience, try the fresh seafood in the coastal villages

Don’t forget to pack some snacks and water for your beach day! 

For more stunning photos of Pachia Ammos and other beautiful locations in Crete, don’t forget to follow Cretorama on Instagram and Pinterest!

Best For Travelers

Pachia Ammos is ideal for: 

• Nature lovers who appreciate unique coastal ecosystems
• Photographers looking for distinctive landscapes
• Adventurers who enjoy off-the-beaten-path experiences
• Those seeking a quiet beach away from crowds
• Eco-tourists interested in sea turtle conservation

For the most up to date information on eco-tourism and conservation efforts in Crete, you can check the Region of Crete website. 

Pachia Ammos Map – Getting There

Pachia Ammos is located between Tymbaki airport and Kalamaki. 

Here’s how to get there: 

• By car: Take the road connecting Tymbaki with Kamilari. An asphalt road leads to Afrathias.
• For the adventurous: A coastal dirt track connects Kalamaki with Afrathias, offering scenic views.

Always check local road conditions before setting out, especially if you plan to take the dirt track. 

Distances from Major Cities

• Chania: Approximately 110 km (68 miles), 1 hour 30 minutes drive
• Rethymnon: Approximately 70 km (43 miles), 1 hour drive
• Heraklion: Approximately 65 km (40 miles), 50 minutes drive
• Hersonissos: Approximately 80 km (50 miles), 1 hour 10 minutes drive
• Malia: Approximately 85 km (53 miles), 1 hour 15 minutes drive
• Agios Nikolaos: Approximately 120 km (75 miles), 1 hour 45 minutes drive
• Ierapetra: Approximately 100 km (62 miles), 1 hour 30 minutes drive

Public buses are available from Heraklion to Tymbaki, which is close to Pachia Ammos.

From there, you might need to take a local taxi or arrange other transportation to reach the beach.

Always check the latest bus schedules as they can change seasonally.

For the most up to date information on public transportation in Heraklion, you can visit the Heraklion Municipality website.

Tips

• Bring water shoes to navigate the rocky seabed comfortably
• Pack a picnic to enjoy in the Wood of Afrathias
• Bring your own umbrella if you prefer guaranteed shade
• Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strongest sun
• Respect the natural environment, especially potential sea turtle nesting areas

For information about current travel requirements and regulations in Greece, you can visit the official Greek National Tourism Organization website. 

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