AMOUDARA (near Heraklion)
Area: Crete
Country: Greece


Location:
On N coast, on W outskirts of capital Heraklion; 5 miles from airport.

Telephone code from UK:
30 2810

Position:
Sandwiched between old national road and Gulf of Heraklion, its westward growth stopped by a power station and picturesque mountains.

Description:
An overspill from Heraklion, Amoudara was developed strictly for tourism and is popular with Greek, German and Belgian tourists. Essentially just a main road around a mile long, the resort contains enough shops, bars and restaurants to satisfy most tastes, plus a couple of clubs, although those in search of something more hectic might find it a bit tame. Because of its central location and proximity to Heraklion's extensive public transport services, it is often used as a base from which to explore other parts of the island. There is a congregation of touristy shops around the larger hotels but no matter where you stay, you are never more than a stone's throw from some type of shop. Tucked behind the main strip, there is an interesting church named after 62 Cretans who were executed by the Nazis during the Second World War. The resort is still developing with new places opening all the time.

Suitability:
There's a place here for all ages and purse sizes. Singles, couples and families will find something to fit their particular needs.

Accommodation:
Everything from high-category luxury hotels to plain unadorned rooms and plenty of both.

Shopping:
Fashionable shops in the larger hotels; good range of minimarkets plus jewellery, leather goods, T-shirt and speciality shops. There's even a hypermarket with a Marks & Spencer for those who get a bit homesick.

Beach:
One of the main attractions of the area is the long stretch of sandy beach. All types of water sports available with the windsurfing especially good in July and August. Sunbeds and sun umbrellas for hire everywhere. No lifeguards.

Entertainments:
Daytime: the beach is the big draw but there's also plenty of shopping, excursions and easy walking. Nightlife: abundance of bars and a couple of discos; Greek evenings at some hotels and bouzouki nightclubs for the insomniacs.

Eating:
Dozens of tavernas to satisfy everyone's palate, from traditional Greek cuisine to more expensive fish dishes. Fast-food and pizza places abound.

Public-transport:
Frequent buses to Heraklion (every 30 minutes) where connections can be made for island-wide sightseeing. Plenty of local taxis along with car- and bike-rental places.

Local-excursions:
Half day: archaeological museum in Heraklion; Minoan Palace of Knossos. Full day: Spinalonga island; Lassithi Plateau; Phaestos; Chania with its magnificent Venetian architecture; Ottoman-influenced Rethymnon; Souda Bay, an Allied war cemetery; various Minoan sites. One/two days: Samaria Gorge. Week-long trips to many of the Greek Islands can be made.