Amoudara is a resort on the island of Crete, which has gained well-deserved popularity due to its proximity to Heraklion and a long sandy beach. There are no historically important sights in Amoudara. But nearby there are many villas for rent and space for independent travelers. What to see in Amoudara on Crete?
The main attraction of Amoudara is its magnificent beach with all the necessary infrastructure: taverns, hotels, shops, bars. On the one side of the beach there are views of the mountains, on the other - the outlines of Heraklion. There is nothing to see in Amoudara itself, but a lot of interesting things await in the surroundings: this area has an ancient history and preserves the architectural heritage.
Heraklion
Heraklion can be reached from Amoudara in just 15 minutes by bus. And this is one of the reasons why many people choose Amoudara for their holidays in Crete. Monuments of culture and architecture of different eras await in the capital of the island:
- Koules Fortress - the main symbol of Heraklion, located in the old harbor;
- The Venetian Lodge is one of the most elegant buildings in Heraklion;
- The Cathedrals of Saint Mina and Saint Titus are the main religious sights of the Cretan capital;
- Lion Square with a Venetian fountain decorated with statues of lions;
- The Archaeological Museum is one of the largest museums in Greece. It contains finds from all over Crete, including from the Palace of Knossos.
An interesting fact: the Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses the mysterious Phaistos Disc, a unique monument of writing. For many years, scientists have not been able to decipher it.
Location: between Heraklion and Amoudara. You can get there by taxi or by regular bus, which runs 2-3 times an hour.
Tylissos
Archaeological excavations of ancient Tylisos are located 10 km from Amoudara. These are the ruins of three Minoan villas built at the same time as the Palace of Knossos. Findings made by archaeologists confirm that Tylissos was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. Therefore, fragments of different eras can be seen on the excavation site. In addition to the villas in Tylissos, the Altar Square, a paved courtyard, the remains of houses, an aqueduct, a cistern and a colonnade were discovered. Exploration of the ruins continued throughout the 20th century, and the ancient houses were fortified in the 60s and then in the early 90s.
Opening hours: from 8:30 to 15:00 (except Monday). During the low season, Tylissos is open daily from 9:00 to 16:00
Paleokastro
7 km from Amoudara is the coastal town of Paleokastro. Here, the fortress built on a high rock by the Genoese became a place of attraction. When the Venetians came to Crete, they kept the building to protect the island from pirates, and later from Turkish invaders. Today, the fortress of Paleokastro attracts with breathtaking views that open from a height. And it looks quite impressive against the backdrop of the endless sea. Walking through the ruins of the fortress, you can see the small church of Agios Markos (built from fragments of the fortress), warehouses, the recognizable emblem of the Venetians with the image of a lion, the ancient sanctuary of Zeus.
An interesting fact: before the fortress, an ancient acropolis was located on this site.
Please note: Paleokastro Fortress can be visited free of charge at any time. It is better to get to it by a rented car - the building is located next to the highway
Kato Kalesiya
8 km from Amoudara is the village of Kato Kalesiya. This is the historical part of the modern village of Ano Kalesiya - the distance between them is 300 m. In a small settlement whose inhabitants are engaged in agriculture, there is something for history buffs to do. Kato Kalesiya has preserved old stone houses and authentic streets, ideal for leisurely strolls.
The main attraction of Kato Kalesiya is its churches. You can stop near the picturesque Church of the Annunciation of the Mother of God - this is a typical example of the architecture of the Venetian period. No less valuable is the Church of St. George, built in 1300. Surrounding the village of Kato Kalesiya are landscapes of amazing beauty. You can take a walk to see the caves, known since the Minoan era, vineyards and olive groves.
Location: Kato Kalesiya is located west of Amoudara. It is better to get to it by taxi or by car, moving inland, past the village of Gazi
How to get to Amudara
Amoudara is located on the northern coast of Crete, 7 km west of the center of Heraklion and 70 km from Rethymnon. To get to Amoudara from Nikos Kazantzakis airport, it is best to book a transfer in advance. You can also go by bus: you must first take the bus to the Heraklion bus station, and then transfer to the regular bus to the resort.
