CalmBeach Greece

Potamos Malias Beach, Heraklion

Potamos Malias beach, Heraklion, Greece
Potamos Malias — rene boulay, CC BY-SA 3.0

See practical info for Potamos Malias in Heraklion, including location, beach type, wind exposure, map and tips to help you decide when to visit.

The wetland sands beside the Minoan palace

Potamos lies east of Malia town, on the north coast of Heraklion prefecture, a long stretch of fine sand beside the Malia wetland. Its name, meaning river in Greek, comes from the small stream that meets the sea at its eastern end, a torrent fed by the waters of Mount Selena that carries water mainly in the winter months.

Behind the shore spreads the Malia wetland, a stopover for many bird species and a refuge for rare coastal vegetation, while low sand dunes fringe the beach and bloom with sand lilies in late summer. Less than a kilometre further east stands the Minoan palace of Malia, one of Crete's great palatial centres, and thanks to the archaeological site the eastern part of the coast remains almost free of building. It is even said that fresh water rises from springs beneath the sea.

The beach is organized, with sunbeds, umbrellas, a cafe and parking, holds a Blue Flag award, and is reached by a paved road that comes close to the sand.

Region
Heraklion, Greece
Beach type
Sandy
Access
Easy road access
Coordinates
35.2962023, 25.4863639

About this beach

Potamos Malias is exposed in the meltemi — often choppy on summer N/NE days. That comes from the measured shape of the coastline around it and our curated wind records — a seasonal picture, not a live forecast, so check live wind and waves before you go.

The bay at Potamos Malias opens to the north, so it usually has natural cover from southerly, south-easterly and south-westerly winds.

Potamos Malias has sand underfoot with shallow, gently shelving water — handy for families with young children.

For amenities, Potamos Malias has an organised beach, sunbeds and parking nearby. It has a Seatrac assisted-access unit for accessibility — confirm it is in service before travelling. There is a campsite nearby (Camping Sissi, ~2166 m).

Good to know

Does Potamos Malias beach get windy?

Potamos Malias is exposed in the meltemi — often choppy on summer N/NE days. That is based on the measured shape of its coastline against the meltemi; check live wind and waves before you go.

How do you get to Potamos Malias beach?

Access is easy road access. See the coordinates and map on CalmBeach.

What is Potamos Malias beach like?

A sandy beach with shallow water.

What facilities does Potamos Malias beach have?

It has an organised beach, sunbeds and parking nearby.

Is Potamos Malias beach wheelchair accessible?

It has a Seatrac assisted-access unit for reaching the water. Confirm it is in service before visiting.

Open the app for live recommendation score, wind exposure, waves, best time of day and nearby alternatives.

View this beach in CalmBeach Greece

Heraklion beach guides

Beach guides across Greece

Nearby beaches oriented away from the Meltemi

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