Quick answer: Pachia Ammos is a village 20 km east of Agios Nikolaos where the road to Ierapetra leaves the north coast, at the narrowest point of Crete. Its western beach is sandy and sheltered by a pier; the eastern part is pebbly and more exposed.
- Region
- Mirabello Gulf, Lasithi
- Distance
- 20 km from Agios Nikolaos
- Beach
- Sandy west, pebbly east
- Nearby
- Gournia, Vasiliki, Ha gorge
The beach
The western section has sand, umbrellas and protection from a pier. The eastern section has pebbles and tamarisks. The bay is open to north winds, and currents can bring rubbish to the eastern end.
Minoan neighbours
The Minoan town of Gournia, with its streets and houses well preserved, is about 1.5–2 km away. The Early Minoan settlement of Vasiliki is about 3 km away. The Faneromeni monastery stands on the mountain above Gournia.
Nearby
The dramatic Ha gorge cuts into the mountain about 4 km away. Ierapetra is about 14 km south, across the isthmus. Konida islet lies offshore.
Questions before you go
Why is Pachia Ammos called the narrowest point of Crete?
From here to Ierapetra on the south coast is only about 14 km.
Is Pachia Ammos beach sandy?
The western part is sandy; the eastern part is pebbly.
How far is Gournia from Pachia Ammos?
About 1.5–2 km.
