Crete | H2O Water Sports Crete | Heraklion - Ammoudara - Greece

Ammoudara

Ammoudara is a seven kilometer long sandy beach that stretches from the west end of Heraklion to Linoperamata near the village of Gazi. It is easily accessed by local bus services from the city. The sand is fine and blond and extends several meters to the land and the sea is clear and safe. The predominant winds during the summertime are N, N-W usually "meltemi" that get more fresh at the western end of the beach, where a windsurf school and water sports center is located. Along the shore there are hotels, some of them very large complexes, taverns, restaurants, bars, cafes that offer umbrellas and sun-beds on the beach. There are also lifeguards in some spots. The area in general is touristic and offers a full range of facilities, among them the modern multiplex "Technopolis" with cinema and an open-air theater.

Heraklion

Heraklion is the capital of Crete and one of the Mediterranean region's most fascinating and vibrant cities. It is full of places to discover. The city is also the commercial and technological centre of the island. It has a strategic geopolitical position in the south-eastern Mediterranean Sea connecting three continents and many different cultures. It offers a wealth of museums, a summer-long arts festival, historical sightseeing, amazing nightlife and events throughout the year. Whatever the purpose of your visit, your stay in Heraklion will be one to remember. You can enjoy walking in one of the most historically and socially fascinating cities facing the Mediterranean, on streets free from traffic noise and rush.

Minoan Palace of Knossos

Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and is considered Europe's oldest city. The palace of Knossos was undoubtedly the ceremonial and political centre of the Minoan civilization and culture. It appears as a maze of workrooms, living spaces, and storerooms close to a central square. An approximate graphic view of some aspects of Cretan life in the Bronze Age is provided by restorations of the palace's indoor and outdoor murals, as it is also by the decorative motifs of the pottery and the insignia on the seals and sealings.

Minoan Palace of Phaistos

Phaistos was one of the most important centers of Minoan civilization and the greatest rich and powerful city in southern Crete. It is built on a hill on the western edge of the longest and richest plain of Messara. Archeology Phaistos is the second most important city after Minoan Knossos.

Minoan Palace of Malia

Malia Crete is one of the ancient Minoan palaces which testify to the magnificent civilization which grew up on the island. The site is situated about two miles (3 km) to the east of the modern resort of Malia. It has been excavated mainly by the French School of Archaeology since the early 1920's. Because the site was abandoned at the end of the 2nd millennium BC and no one else every used it, there are no other building or other remains to cause confusion.

Nikos Kazantzakis Museum

The Nikos Kazantzakis Museum pays tribute to the important intellectual, author, thinker, philosopher, politician and traveller Nikos Kazantzakis. The Museum is made up of a cluster of buildings in the central square of the historical village of Varvari, now known as Myrtia. The Museum holds manuscripts and notes by the author; samples of his correspondence with major thinkers, politicians and authors of his time; first editions of his works in Greek and other languages; rare photographic material etc.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece, and among the most important museums in Europe. It houses representative artefacts from all the periods of Cretan prehistory and history, covering a chronological span of over 5,500 years from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The singularly important Minoan collection contains unique examples of Minoan art, many of them true masterpieces.

Natural History Museum of Crete

Natural History Museum of Crete has been functioning and operates under the framework of the University of Crete, covering all the activities of a comprehensive, modern museum. Maintains and develops collections, conduct research into the natural environment, contribute to teaching at all levels of education and shows the visitors the specificity of the Crete and Mediterranean.

Koules Fortress

Koules is the name of the sea fortress built by the Venetians in Heraklion. It is located at the entrance of the Venetian harbour, in order to protect the port of Heraklion. The present fortress was built between 1523 and 1540 on the site of an earlier tower, which was deemed inadequate. However, despite the high maintenance costs, it played a minor role in the siege of Chandax by the Ottomans. In Ottoman times it served as a prison and a small lighthouse was built on it. Today it is open to the public.

Lassithi Plateau

Lassithi Plateau is a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains and is known for its picturesque windmills. During 50s and 60s the plateau was one of the first wind farms in Europe. There were thousands of windmills that pumped groundwater, to which irrigated their crops by inhabitants. The 18 villages of the plateau is built at the foot of the surrounding mountains, leaving the plain free for cultivation, and connected by a circular road of length 23km.

CretAquarium Thalassokosmos

This is where your experience exploring the Mediterranean sea world begins. Come face to face with hundreds of species and thousands of living organisms. Be fascinated by their behaviour as they reveal the wide variety of shapes, colors, habits and needs of their own world. Learn about them and reflect on what our common future may be.

Watercity Waterpark

Watercity Waterpark gives young and old the opportunity to enjoy a holiday full of play, activities, sun & fun, drinks, relaxation and adrenaline. At Watercity Waterpark the enjoyment of the water element is fully maximized! Experience the wide range of watergames and feel like a kid again! Play without fear, feel the coolness and experience unforgettable moments of relaxation!