Amoudara is one of Crete’s most popular resorts, mainly due to its enormous stretch of sandy beach. As you explore the area you will find several traditional taverns, souvenir shops and bars, but if you venture a little further there are even more exciting attractions and opportunities available. Adventurous families will love the areas surrounding Amoudara – read on to discover the spots that are a must for your holiday itinerary.
But First, Amoudara
Before you get carried away with your explorer map and compass, you should first be sure to make the most of Amoudara. As well as its superb blue-flag beach, this beautiful resort is home to several water sports opportunities such as windsurfing. If you have older children (or if you’re feeling adventurous yourself) you should definitely give this thrilling sport a try.
There is also an excellent range of eateries lining the beachfront, allowing you to dine in style with the waves lapping onto the shore just metres from your dinner table. The restaurants and cafes vary in price, so you’ll have no trouble finding one that suits your budget.
Head to Heraklion
There’s plenty for your family to see and do around Heraklion, and it’s conveniently situated just 6km from Amoudara. There’s so much family entertainment to choose from, but I have narrowed my recommendations down to my two absolute favourites.
Archanes
The village of Archanes is home to the mountain of Giouchtas and makes a fantastic outing if your family are nature lovers. Put on your comfortable walking shoes and hike to the summit of this beautiful mountain – it’s definitely worth the climb as you are rewarded with an outstanding view of Heraklion. This is without a doubt one of the best ways to discover the beauty of Cretan nature. Once you’re back on level ground in the village, enjoy a well-earned feast at one of the many taverns.
Cretaquarium
If your children are Finding Nemo fans, or just love sea life, this wonderful aquarium in Gournes is a great way to spend a day of your holiday. Admire the collection of vibrant aquatic creatures from right across the Mediterranean Sea. The impressive building is home to over 200 species of marine animal – it’s no wonder Cretaquarium is such a popular attraction!
There’s More in Malia
This stunning coastal town is a firm favourite for history buffs and nature lovers, so be sure to bring your family here if you’re looking to add a little culture to your holiday. It’s a 40-minute drive from Amoudara, but I can promise you it is worth the journey.
The Old Town
If you’re keen to discover what remains of Cretan history, you are sure to love Malia’s Old Town. The quaint streets and rustic building give the town a wonderfully authentic atmosphere, and visitors can explore the central church of Agios Nektarios which boasts a stunning interior completely covered with paintings.
Safari Tours
There are some companies in Malia offering fantastic safari experiences that the children are bound to adore. Travel around rocky areas of central Crete and wind your way towards some of the highest points on the island. As well as the exceptional views, you’ll be greeted by an array of wildlife including the Kri-kri, a Cretan wild goat.
Top Tip: Explore more of Greece with a fun-filled visit to Agios Nikolaos.
Where to Stay
Civitel Creta Beach – This resort is an ideal option for families as it is situated right on the beach. Guests can choose to stay in either standard rooms or bungalows for a little more privacy. There is a large children’s pool, evening entertainment and a children’s club to keep the little ones occupied during the day. The surrounding area is equipped with everything you could wish for – bars, shops and several taverns, all within walking distance.
Vanisko Hotel – The fantastic location of this hotel means you can walk straight to the beach in just four minutes. Special family rooms are available as well as a children’s pool, and the hotel offers wonderful traditional cuisine at the onsite restaurant. The rooms are simply decorated yet perfectly spacious for guests travelling with young children. This accommodation is just 1.6 miles from Heraklion International Airport.
Georgia Hotel – The luxurious, airy rooms in this hotel provide guests with all the facilities they could wish for, including excellent views of the sandy beach of Amoudara, which is a matter of steps away. The hotel’s pool is surrounded by verdant gardens, and there are sun loungers provided so you can chill out while keeping an eye on your youngsters in the pool. The nearby bus station means travelling to any of Amoudara’s surrounding towns for your day trips will be a piece of cake.
How to Get There
Firstly, you need to fly into Heraklion International Airport. Flying here from the UK usually takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes, but you should be able to choose a flight time to suit your needs since there are around 22 flights scheduled every week and five direct airlines. Remember to take a few toys and games for the children to play with on the plane.
Once you have landed, make your way to Amoudara resort. A Shuttle Direct transfer to your destination will take just 15 minutes, and if you pre-book you can avoid any hassle at the airport.
About Shuttle Direct
At Shuttle Direct, we strive to provide our customers with safe and reliable airport transfers to get them to their holiday destination without any hassle. Book online today via our easy-to-navigate website and you too can experience a stress-free start to your next travel adventure.
