- Region
- Hersonissos area, Heraklion
- Location
- East of Malia, near the palace
- Beach
- Long sand, shallow
- Facilities
- Umbrellas, lifeguard, showers
The beach
The sand is long and the water shallow, though the sea is often wavy. Sunbeds, showers and a lifeguard operate in summer, with hotels at the western end.
Freshwater springs rise in the sea here, and in winter the stream becomes a small river. The wetland behind the dunes has reeds and birds, and sea daffodils (sand lilies) flower on the dunes in late summer; don't pick them.
The Minoan palace
The Minoan palace of Malia is about 1 km away. It is quieter than Knossos and easy to combine with a morning swim at Potamos.
Getting there
Drive east from Malia towards the palace; buses along the national road stop in Malia. Agia Varvara beach is 1.6 km further east.
Questions before you go
How far is Potamos beach from Malia palace?
About 1 km.
Is Potamos quieter than Malia beach?
Yes, it is less crowded than the main Malia beach, though still busy in summer.
Is Potamos beach sandy?
Yes, long sand and shallow water.
