Visitors heading to Ammoudara Beach should be aware of a temporary swimming restriction affecting a small section of the popular coastline west of Heraklion.
The Heraklion Regional Public Health Directorate has prohibited swimming in an area of Ammoudara following the discovery of a sewage leak caused by damage to a wastewater pipeline operated by the Malevizi Municipal Water and Sewerage Authority (DEYA Malevizi).
According to health officials, untreated wastewater entered the sea through a stormwater drainage outlet, prompting an emergency public health inspection and immediate precautionary measures.
Which Area Is Affected?
The swimming ban applies only to the section of beach located west of the former EGOH Stadium, extending approximately 150 meters on either side of the stormwater outlet on Eros Street.
For those who prefer to navigate by satellite, the epicenter of the leak is pinned at coordinates: 35.337756, 25.090882. If you see warning signs or notice the water looking suspiciously murky in this specific zone, turn around and walk a few hundred meters down the beach where the water is actually safe.
The remainder of Ammoudara Beach is not included in the current advisory.
Public Health Comes First
Swimming in water contaminated by sewage can expose bathers to bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that may cause gastrointestinal illness, skin infections, or ear and eye irritation.
Local authorities are expected to monitor water quality and lift the restriction once testing confirms that the affected area is safe for swimming again.
Visitors staying in Ammoudara should simply follow any posted notices and, if in doubt, ask their hotel or nearby beach operators which sections remain open.
For now, it’s best to give this small stretch of coastline a miss—and let nature and the cleanup crews do their work.
