Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay
Region of Crete, Greece: Excellent water quality
Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay is a beach on the Greek coast with a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The official season runs from July 1 to October 15, with trained lifeguards on duty throughout.…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay?
Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay is a beach on the Greek coast with a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The official season runs from July 1 to October 15, with trained lifeguards on duty throughout. Entry is free, and there's an on-site kiosk for refreshments. April through June offer the best weather for a visit.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Region of Crete, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay faces east toward Mediterranean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Feb | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Mar | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| May | 21°C | 18°C | Low |
| Jun | 25°C | 22°C | Low |
| Jul | 27°C | 24°C | Med |
| Aug | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | 21°C | High |
| Oct | 20°C | 17°C | Med |
| Nov | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| Dec | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
The best time to visit Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 27.1°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 24.1°C in July.
How crowded does Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (01-07 – 15-10). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay
Is Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay safe to swim?Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season.
What is the water temperature at Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay?Peak water temperature at Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay reaches around 24.1°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 11.5°C.
What is the beach like at Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay?Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay is a sandy beach on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season. Parking is available nearby.
Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay sits on the Mediterranean Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Mediterranean.
Planning a trip to Greece? How Greece earns the most Blue Flags , our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay
How do I get to Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay by car?Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay is approximately 6.17 km from Heraklion. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 10.4 km away.
Can I get to Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Heraklion. The nearest recorded bus stop is 462 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Bus near Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay
- Ανδρεα Παπανδρεου Και Τριτης Σεπτεμβριου Bus stop 462 m
- Ανδρεα Παπανδρεου Και Τριτης Σεπτεμβριου Bus stop 476 m
- Ξενοδοχείο Dolphin Bay, Ξενοδοχείο Minoas Bus stop 492 m
Cafés near Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay
- Aptera beach restaurant Restaurant 115 m
- Restaurant Restaurant 137 m
- Coral Restaurant 155 m
- Heaven Restaurant 283 m
- Petoussis Restaurant 492 m
Parking near Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay
- Parking Parking 208 m
- parking πελατών 'Heaven' Parking 287 m
- Parking Parking 306 m
- Parking Parking 381 m
- Parking Parking 427 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✓ On duty during official season |
| Disabled Access | ✗ No dedicated disabled access listed |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 01 Jul – 15 Oct |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 490 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 462 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.3392°N, 25.0653°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay FAQ
Is Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay suitable for children?
Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay has a child-friendly score of 5/10. Facilities include lifeguards and parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece.
Is Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay free to access?
Access to Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Region of Crete, Greece, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay?
The best time to visit Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 24.1°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay?
Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay?
Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 6.17 km from Heraklion. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 10.4 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Is there a bus near Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 462 m from Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay (Ανδρεα Παπανδρεου Και Τριτης Σεπτεμβριου), plus 2 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay, including Aptera beach restaurant (115 m), 137 m away, Coral (155 m), and Heaven (283 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 208 m from Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay, with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Greece, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore GreeceWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Ammoudara/Dessole Dolphin Bay
- Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.