Potamos Beach: All You Need To Know By Locals!

Potamos Beach is located 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) east of Malia on Crete’s northern coast, and provides a quieter alternative to Malia Beach. The beach’s golden sands allow for sunbathing and walking, while the gentle, see-through waters are excellent for swimming and aquatic adventures.

Potamos Beach has amenities including sun beds, umbrellas, showers, and nearby tavernas. This coastal attraction is near ecological and historical sites including the Malia wetlands and nearby beaches like Malia Beach, Stalis Beach, and Sissi Beach. Activities on the beach include swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and snorkeling in rocky areas. Nature walks, and the Minoan Palace provide additional cultural and historical experiences.

The best time to visit Potamos Beach is from June to September, with mild temperatures and fewer visitors in spring and fall, while peak summer brings warmer weather and an increased number of beachgoers. Tourists can reach Potamos Beach by foot, car, or bus from Malia or Heraklion.

Nearby accommodations on Potamos Beach range from budget-friendly hotels to bungalows. Tavernas serve Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, featuring sumptuous seafood and traditional dishes.

Find below a table with the main features of Potamos Beach.

What is Potamos Beach?

Potamos Beach is a coastal attraction near Malia on Crete’s northern coast, offering a quieter alternative to the more touristy main Malia Beach. The beach stretches 700 meters (0.4 miles) and has powdery golden shores perfect for sunbathing and strolling. The translucent, glistening ocean makes it suitable for swimming and family activities.

Beach amenities include sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and nearby tavernas for convenience. Potamos Beach’s proximity to the Minoan Palace of Malia allows visitors to combine beach relaxation with historical exploration. The beach’s lower crowds makes it a peaceful retreat, ideal for tourists seeking a less commercialized experience while still enjoying necessary facilities.

Where is Potamos Beach located?

Potamos Beach is located on Crete’s northern coast, 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) east of Malia’s town proper and 41 kilometers (25.5 miles) east of Heraklion, a 30-minute drive by car. The beach is close to the Minoan Palace of Malia, an important cultural site, as well as the Malia wetlands, which are ecologically valuable for their diversified flora and fauna.

Potamos is also located near other coastal attractions including Malia Beach which is 2.5 kilometers (1.55 miles) away and offers a livelier atmosphere, Stalis Beach, 5.3 kilometers (2.67 miles west), and Sissi Beach (7 kilometers (4 miles) east, giving tourists more options for a variety of coastal experiences.

Potamos Beach is a quieter spot than the bustling Malia Beach and offers golden sands, a crystalline ocean and a relaxing vibe.

What does the Potamos beach map look like?

Find below an image describing Potamos Beach.

What are the activities at Potamos Beach?

Potamos Beach provides activities for relaxation and exploration such as swimming, basking in the sun, beach volleyball, nature walks, and historical exploration. The calm, lucid ocean is excellent for swimming, especially for families, due to the shallow seabed. Getting a tan is also a popular pastime, with golden sand and rented sunbeds and umbrellas available. Beach volleyball areas offer recreational sports while snorkeling in rocky coves allows visitors to explorers to witness marine life in their natural habitat. Relaxing walks along the beach and into the Malia wetlands let tourists marvel at diverse flora and fauna.

The small sand dunes display blossoming white sand lilies in autumn. Proximity to the Minoan Palace of Malia enables historical exploration alongside beach visits. Amenities include lifeguards, showers, and nearby tavernas. Surfing and camping are not available, preserving the beach’s quiet atmosphere.

When is the best time to visit Potamos Beach?

The best time to visit Potamos Beach based on sea water temperature is from June to September. During this period, the water temperature ranges between 20.2 ℃ (68.36 ℉) and 27.5 ℃ (81.5 ℉) on average, with highs reaching up to 28.3 ℃ (82.94 ℉) in July. This makes the water warm and comfortable for swimming and water activities.

For the warmest sea conditions, July and August are the peak months with the highest temperatures, making them ideal for beachgoers. June and September are also excellent choices, If visitors prefer slightly cooler but still warm waters.

Find below a table explaining the water temperature in Nea Chora Beach.

What are the nearby beach attractions in Potamos Beach?

Find below a list of attractions near Potamos Beach:

• Malia Beach. Malia Beach is located 2.5 kilometers (1.55 miles) west of Potamos Beach. It serves as the main beach of Malia, stretching along a 6-kilometer (3.73 miles) bay. The beach features fine golden sand, shallow waters, and extensive amenities, including sun beds, umbrellas, showers, and beachfront bars. It attracts tourists looking for water sports, such as jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and paddleboarding. The beach has clubs, restaurants, and shops, making it ideal for visitors who delight in a bustling seaside experience.
• Stalida Beach (Stalis). Stalida Beach is located 5.3 kilometers (2.67 miles) west of Potamos Beach. This coastal destination offers a more relaxed setting with a crescent-shaped bay, soft golden sand, and calm, shallow waters. The beach is favored by families and couples seeking a quieter environment while still enjoying amenities such as sun loungers, umbrellas, showers, and beachside restaurants. Water sports, including jet skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, and snorkeling, provide activities for adventure seekers, while rocky coves along the shore create excellent spots for marine exploration. The village of Stalida surrounds the beach and provides a selection of traditional tavernas and modern resorts, making it a well-rounded destination for visitors.
• Sissi Beaches. Sissi Beaches are made up of several coastlines, located 5 kilometers (3.11 miles) east of Potamos Beach. This tourist destination lies near the fishing village of Sissi, which is known for its natural beauty and historical significance. These stretches of shorelines combine sandy stretches and rocky coves, with Boufos Beach standing out for its translucent waters, rugged surroundings, and moderate waves, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Kalimera Kriti Beach offers a more structured experience with sun beds, umbrellas, and shallow waters ideal for families. Limani Beach (Harbor Beach) is protected by wave-breakers, providing a calm swimming area. The village of Sissi features traditional Cretan seafood tavernas, adding a cultural and culinary dimension to the beach experience.
• Agia Varvara Beach. Agia Varvara Beach is located 3.2 kilometers (1.99 miles) west of Potamos Beach near the Minoan Palace of Malia. This coastal attraction is a small, secluded shoreline named after Saint Barbara. The beach is less crowded than Malia Beach, offering a setting for sunbathing and swimming in clear, shallow waters. It attracts visitors interested in combining beach relaxation with cultural exploration. The beach also features coastal trails for short hikes, allowing visitors to appreciate the surrounding natural beauty and historical significance.

How do you get to Potamos Beach?

Visitors can get to Potamos Beach by foot, car rental, taxi, bus, or bicycle. Tourists staying in Malia can walk to the beach which takes about 30–45 minutes via Machis Kritis or Grammatiki streets. This route offers a chance to explore the town while heading toward the shore.

Driving to Potamos is a quicker option, whether by personal car or taxi, with a travel time of just 5–10 minutes from Malia. Visitors can follow the signs leading to Potamos Beach, where parking is available nearby.

Travelers coming from Heraklion, located 41.5 kilometers (25.7 miles) west, can take a bus from the central station to Malia. A short walk leads to the beach from there. Tourists driving from Heraklion can follow the national road toward Malia, reaching Potamos Beach in 30–35 minutes.

Cycling may opt to rent a bike for the 35-kilometer (21.75-mile) journey from Heraklion to Malia. This route takes about two hours and requires caution due to traffic. Visitors can follow local signage to reach Potamos Beach.

Can someone rent a car in Crete and drive to Potamos Beach?

Yes, tourists can rent a car and drive to Potamos Beach. Renting a car is strongly advised for tourists who want to explore other sights in Crete on their own timeline.

Car rental services are accessible in Ierapetra, at the airport, and in major cities such as Heraklion. The Rental Center Crete car hire rates vary according to the kind of vehicle and rental term, and prices could be more expensive during peak tourist season. An economy car will start from 25 € ($27.00, £21.50) – 30 € ($32.40, £25.80) on average, while compact cars start from 14 € ($15.12, £12.04) per day. Most car rental companies offer the convenience of booking online on their website. Visitors are encouraged to check the rental policies and restrictions before making a booking.

How far is Potamos Beach from Malia?

Potamos Beach is located 3 kilometers (2 miles) eastward from Malia’s central district. The beach proximity to town renders it easily reachable, whether by private transportation, taxi, or even on foot. A taxi ride from Malia to Potamos Beach normally costs €8 ($9, £7) to €10 ($11, £8) and takes 5–7 minutes. Traversing by foot from Malia’s town center takes approximately 30–45 minutes, depending on your pace.

Where to stay near Potamos Beach?

Find below a list of places to stay near Potamos Beach:

• Malia Bay Beach Hotel & Bungalows. Malia Bay Beach Hotel & Bungalows is located just 500 meters (0.31 miles) from Potamos Beach, making it an excellent choice for beachfront accommodation. Guests can enjoy various amenities, including a saltwater pool, private beach access with sun loungers, tennis courts, a gym, and recreational activities such as table tennis and billiards. Families will find a dedicated children’s play area, a kids’ pool, and buffet-style dining options. The restaurant serves Greek and international cuisine, complemented by a poolside snack bar. Visitors often highlight the peaceful surroundings and welcoming staff, though some mention that certain facilities could benefit from updates.
• Allsun Hotel Carolina Mare. Allsun Hotel Carolina Mare is located only 600 meters (0.37 miles) from Potamos Beach. The hotel offers modern conveniences, including two spacious swimming pools, a private beach section with loungers and umbrellas, and a kids’ club for family-friendly entertainment. The on-site restaurant serves Mediterranean and international cuisine, featuring themed nights and a buffet breakfast. Guests appreciate the clean rooms, friendly staff, and prime beachfront setting, though some note that the pools can become crowded. This hotel is well-suited for families and couples looking for an all-inclusive stay close to the beach.
• Grecotel Meli Palace. Grecotel Meli Palace is located 2.1 kilometers (1.30 miles) from Potamos Beach, reachable through a short 10-minute drive. This 4-star hotel provides a range of amenities, including direct beach access, an outdoor swimming pool, a full-service spa with a sauna and hot tub, tennis courts, and a fitness center. Guests can take part in activities such as snorkeling, diving, and horseback riding. The on-site restaurant, Melissa, offers American buffet breakfasts and a selection of local and international dishes for lunch and dinner. Additional dining options include a poolside bar and snack bar. Visitors frequently highlight the hotel’s high service standards, well-maintained and spacious rooms with modern decor, and diverse food choices.
• Sirens Beach & Village. Sirens Beach & Village is located 2.4 kilometers (1.49 miles) away from Potamos Beach. This all-inclusive resort features three outdoor pools, private beach access with complimentary sunbeds and umbrellas, and multiple dining options offering Greek, Cretan, and international cuisine, including themed dinners. Guests can access a fitness center, spa services such as massages and facials, kids’ clubs, playgrounds, mini-golf, tennis courts, and evening entertainment programs. Reviews frequently highlight the family-friendly environment, clean rooms with sea or garden views, and engaging entertainment.
• Enorme Ammos Beach Hotel. Enorme Ammos Beach Hotel is located 2.9 kilometers (1.80 miles) away from Potamos Beach. This adults-only boutique hotel offers a refined experience with features such as an outdoor pool, a spa providing massage services, yoga classes, and beachfront access with private sunbeds. Dining options include the Bikini Beach Bar, serving light snacks and cocktails, and a main restaurant offering Greek and international cuisine with themed dinner nights. Reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of the property and the high-quality dining experience, making it a preferred choice for couples seeking an upscale and relaxing seaside retreat.

Where to eat near Potamos Beach?

Find below a list of places to eat near Potamos Beach:

• Malia Star Restaurant. Malia Star Restaurant is located 1.8 kilometers (1.12 miles) from Potamos Beach. This casual and welcoming dining spot is well-suited for families and groups looking for an enjoyable meal in a relaxed setting. The menu focuses on Greek cuisine, featuring fresh Cretan meats, seafood, and traditional specialties. Popular choices include handmade pork souvlaki, gyros, and grilled chicken, with fresh beef sourced daily from the neighboring butcher shop. Visitors frequently highlight the excellent food quality and reasonable pricing, making it a highly recommended restaurant in Malia.
• Potamos Beach Restaurant. Potamos Beach Restaurant is located only a 0.38-kilometer (0.24 miles) walk from the shoreline. The restaurant specializes in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Popular dishes include sardines, prawns, Greek salads, and a selection of beverages such as beer, wine, and smoothies. Guests often praise the friendly service, fresh flavors, and affordable pricing, making it a favored spot for those looking to enjoy a meal by the sea.
• Thalassa. Thalassa is located 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) from Potamos Beach at the end of Beach Road in Malia. This upscale restaurant provides a refined yet relaxed setting with sea views. The menu emphasizes Greek and Mediterranean flavors and remarkably fresh seafood. Signature dishes such as grilled octopus, sea bass, and lamb shank are highly rated for their quality and presentation. Many visitors appreciate the attentive service and elegant ambiance, making Thalassa a popular choice for romantic dinners or special occasions.
• Avli in Malia. Avli in Malia is located 4 kilometers (2.49 miles) away from Potamos Beach. This establishment provides a welcoming atmosphere with options for outdoor seating, rooftop dining, and a fireplace for cooler evenings. The menu highlights Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, emphasizing fresh, health-conscious dishes, including vegan and vegetarian options. Recommended choices include Chicken Souvlaki and organic small plates. Visitors consistently praise the exceptional service, cleanliness, and family-friendly environment.
• Elia Restaurant. Elia Restaurant is 4.1 kilometers (2.55 miles) away from Potamos Beach. The menu focuses on modern Cretan and Greek flavors, featuring fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes include grilled octopus, seafood paella, and slow-braised lamb shank (Kokkinisto). Guests frequently commend the attentive service, elegant ambiance, and high-quality cuisine, making it an ideal choice for romantic dinners or special occasions.
• Dolphin Beach Bar. Dolphin Beach Bar is located 2.9 kilometers (1.80 miles) from Potamos Beach. The menu combines Greek and international options alongside cocktails, smoothies, and coffee. Popular selections include fresh seafood platters and lighter salads and sandwiches. Visitors appreciate the beachfront location, friendly service, and atmosphere, though some mention it becomes busy during peak hours. This spot is well-suited for casual dining with scenic sea views.

Is Potamos Beach worth visiting?

Yes, Potamos Beach is definitely worth visiting. The gradually descending seafloor and gentle seas provide the perfect setting for dipping in, while conveniences including sun loungers, umbrellas, restrooms, and nearby tavernas enhance the overall experience. Activities like observing marine life, kayaking, and beach volleyball add to the appeal, making it a suitable option for a peaceful coastal vacation and outdoor enjoyment.

Is Potamos Beach safe?

Yes, Potamos Beach is completely safe for visitors. Lifeguards are there throughout the day to watch swimmers and ensure the safety of all vacationers. The sloping seabed eliminates dangers, creating a safe setting for everyone who wants to get into the waters regardless of age. Adhering to safety requirements, such as staying inside designated swimming zones and avoiding the sea during inclement weather ensures a worry-free experience. The beach is well-kept, with clear signage and easily accessible facilities that ensure a safe and organized environment.

Is Potamos Beach free to enter?

Yes, Potamos Beach is free to enter. It is a public beach with no admission fee, making it a welcoming attraction for all tourists. The beach contains beach bars and snack shops where food and drinks can be purchased. Certain amenities such as sun loungers, parasols, and nearby parking incur additional fees.

Visitors do not need to book to visit Potamos Beach in advance, but securing accommodation or transportation early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Are children and pets allowed to visit Potamos Beach?

Yes, children and pets are allowed to visit Potamos Beach. The coastal waters are translucent and shallow in depth which makes it a beach in Crete suitable for kids, complemented by soft sands where little ones can play and build sandcastles.

Pet owners are welcome to bring their beloved companions but should adhere to local regulations, clean up after them, and make sure they do not cause a disturbance to other tourists. It is likewise recommended to inquire about the available amenities, such as restrooms, changing areas, and nearby cafes before the trip, so families can have a more comfortable visit to Potamos Beach.

Last updated on March 29th, 2025