Amnissos is located 9 kilometers east of Heraklion, adjacent to the village of Amnissos. It’s a lovely, sandy beach with clear, pure water. Because it is well-organized with water sports equipment, sun loungers, umbrellas, showers, and coastal fish taverns, this beach gets highly popular in the summer.
While the beach is frequently impacted by northern winds, there is also a lifeguard for the safety of the swimmers. Near Amnissos beach, there are numerous hotels and rooms for rent. In addition some archaeological excavations have revealed some Neolithic settlements in the surrounding area and a villa that dates back from 1600 B.C. and whose beautiful frescoes are displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
Furthermore, in Minoan times, Amnissos was the harbor of Knossos, from where the Cretan ships that fought in the Trojan War sailed.
The beach looks out over the islet of Dia, which was formerly a major Minoan religious center. Another ancient religious site close to Amnissos beach is the Cave of Eileithya, where, according to the myth, Hera gave birth to Eileithya, the goddess of childbirth. The cave is long and small, however it is accessible to the general public.
