Crete, Greece

Amnissos Beach

Amnissos Beach is a sandy stretch located near Heraklion, Crete. It is known for its clear waters and sunny weather, making it one of the best beaches in Crete. The beach is also known for its historical significance as it was once the port of the Minoans and was the site of several impressive Minoan buildings. Today, visitors can enjoy sun tanning, swimming, and gazing out at what must have been an impressive port thousands of years ago.

The beach is not as crowded as other beaches, making it a great place to escape the crowds. However, it is also a popular hangout for the youth. The beach is equipped with a good infrastructure, including beach bars and sunbeds for hire. The staff at the beach are known to be friendly and provide table service.

One unique characteristic of Amnissos Beach is its proximity to the airport. Visitors can enjoy the view of planes landing in Heraklion Airport, which is located just in front of the beach. However, this also means that the beach is susceptible to impressive waves. The waves are not quite big enough to surf on, but not quite small enough to enjoy either. Despite this, the beach is still highly recommended by visitors.

Discover the ideal place to stay near Amnissos Beach and soak up its historical charm by browsing accommodation options.

Please note that the beach can be windy at times. It is also worth noting that the beach's natural characteristics have been altered over time, with the sand being placed so far out that the breakers crash pretty far out.

What to do at Amnissos Beach?

Amenities

Amnissos Beach amenities include loungers.

Bars

You can enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the bars situated on the beach.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the unique experience of watching planes land at the nearby airport and the historical significance of the area, particularly the former Minoan port, as key attractions of the beach. The clear waters and the sandy stretch, which is not crowded, are also appreciated by the visitors. However, some visitors express dissatisfaction with the beach's susceptibility to large waves and the close proximity of the airport.

Where to Stay near Amnissos Beach?

Visitors to Amnissos Beach often stay in Heraklion, which is just a short drive away, offering a mix of historical attractions and modern amenities. For those who prefer a quieter setting, the nearby village of Kokkini Hani is an excellent choice, providing proximity to the beach while still being close enough to explore the vibrant city life of Heraklion.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Amnissos Beach?

Latitude: 35.3323828 / Longitude: 25.2065382

Amnissos Beach is located in Crete. The following map of Amnissos Beach shows the exact location.

Amnissos Beach: Weather Today

📅 Friday, September 4, 2026
Today at Amnissos Beach offers a fairly good beach day for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere, though you should be prepared for some active conditions. With air temperatures reaching 28.6 °C and a pleasant sea temperature of 27.3 °C, swimming is enjoyable and refreshing. The sky will be mostly bright and clear, making it a great time to work on a tan, but the UV index of 7.3 is quite high, so remember to apply plenty of sunscreen. You will notice a steady breeze throughout the day, and at times, the wind can pick up significantly, which may create some choppier waves reaching over a meter in height. Keep an eye on your belongings in the wind, but otherwise, it is a lovely day to relax by the water.
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Air

Low / High24.8°C/28.6°C
Feels Like (High)28.8°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature27.3 °C
Wave Height1.2 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:53/19:42
Sunshine Hours12.1 hrs
UV Index7.3
Cloud Cover15%
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Wind

Speed26.2 km/h
Gusts52.9 km/h
DirectionNW

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