Pahia Ammos Beach

Guys, I am just going to put it out there.

Pahia Ammos is better in summer.

I know, that is a bold statement.

But hear me out, ok?

This village is located 20km east of Agios Nikolaos, on the road connecting Agios Nikolaos with Sitia and Ierapetra.

It is a large village, built on the north side of the narrowest part of Crete, at the exit of a fertile plain covered with olive groves.

The local beach and the sights of the surrounding area have contributed to the mild development of the village.

In the village you will find small hotels, rooms and taverns.In front of Pahia Ammos and 500m to the east, stretches a long beach with sand and pebbles, which is open to the north winds.

The sea is usually wavy, but you can stay safe at the west part of the beach, which is well protected by a pier.

This part is sandy and clean, well organized with umbrellas and sunbeds.

If you seek peace, you can stay remote in the eastern part of the beach, but it is unprotected from the waves.

Moreover, at this point currents carry garbage, mainly because Pahia Ammos is located in southern part of the Gulf of Mirabello.

There are several tamarisk trees and the beach is pebbly.

At the east end of the beach flows the stream that carries water from the impressive Gorge of Ha (in winter).

Pahia Ammos Beach Key Information

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Pahia Ammos Beach Profile

Pahia Ammos is located on the site of the ancient city Minoa, which was an old harbor.

Here is established the Institute for the Study of Prehistoric Aegean of East Crete, that conducts systematic excavations in the area and deals with the promotion and protection of antiquities.

The most famous archaeological site in the region is the Minoan cemetery and the settlement of Gournia, 2km west of the village.

Here, skeletons were found in jars and sarcophagi.

The city flourished in the 1600BC and was built on a small hill.

Gournia are located 2km east of Faneromeni Monastery, one of the most impressive monasteries in Crete built in a steep cliff.

Amenities

Pahia Ammos is located 2km east of Gournia Minoan Town.

For more information about the region, you can visit the official Region of Crete website.

Accommodations

You can find a lot of hotels, rooms and taverns in Pahia Ammos on the road connecting Agios Nikolaos with Sitia and Ierapetra.

History and Significance

Pahia Ammos is located on the site of the ancient city Minoa,

which was an old harbor.

Activities

The beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Also, you can visit the nearby Gournia Minoan Town and the Institute for the Study of Prehistoric Aegean.

Lastly, you can drive to Vasiliki Minoan settlement, which is 3km south of Pahia Ammos.

Dining

You can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine in the nearby taverns.

Best For Travelers

Pahia Ammos is one of the largest beaches in Crete.

This beach is perfect for nature lovers, swimmers, sunbathers, history enthusiasts.

If you are looking for more beaches in the Lassithi region, check out our guide to Lassithi Beaches: Lassithi Beaches.

Visit Cretorama for more information about the island.

Follow us on Instagram and Pinterest for more photos of the region.

Or visit us on Facebook for more information and tips about it.

Pahia Ammos Beach Map – Getting There

Pahia Ammos is located 20km east of Agios Nikolaos, on the road connecting Agios Nikolaos with Sitia and Ierapetra.

To get to Pahia Ammos, follow the road from Agios Nikolaos.

There are also bus services from Agios Nikolaos.

For more information about the region, you can visit the official Greek tourism website.

For local public transportation and tickets, visit the official Lassithi municipality website.

Distances from Major Cretan Cities

• From Chania, you can reach Pahia Ammos in approximately 210 km (130 miles) and with a driving time of about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• From Rethymnon, you can reach Pahia Ammos in approximately 180 km (112 miles) and with a driving time of about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
• From Heraklion, you can reach Pahia Ammos in approximately 110 km (68 miles) and with a driving time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• From Hersonissos, you can reach Pahia Ammos in approximately 100 km (62 miles) and with a driving time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
• From Malia, you can reach Pahia Ammos in approximately 90 km (56 miles) and with a driving time of about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
• From Agios Nikolaos, you can reach Pahia Ammos in approximately 20 km (12 miles) and with a driving time of about 20 minutes.
• From Ierapetra, you can reach Pahia Ammos in approximately 40 km (25 miles) and with a driving time of about 45 minutes.

You can also take public transportation (KTEL buses) from Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, and Ierapetra.

Tips

As Pahia Ammos is a long beach, ensure to carry enough water and snacks.

There are some tamarisk trees and umbrellas, providing shade.

Also, you can visit the Gournia Minoan Town and the Institute for the Study of Prehistoric Aegean.

Check the official website for more travel tips and information.

Follow us on Pinterest and Facebook for more photos and updates.

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