Mades beach (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Mades beach?
What makes it 84% Couple-Friendly: Couples enjoy tranquil cove swims, sunset views, seaside tavern dinners and two-person quad safaris, yet a small pebbly strip and lack of nightlife mean romance here is quiet rather than lively.
Positives:
- Quiet setting: Small public beach draws fewer visitors than larger Crete shores.
- Free entry: No fee to access the beach, path or snorkeling spots.
- Varied activities: Combine swim, snorkel, cliff walk and adventure on one visit.
Challenges:
- Pebbly shore: The beach is rocky—water shoes or sandals help prevent discomfort.
- Limited shade: Bring sunscreen or rent an umbrella for protection from strong sun.
- No lifeguard: Swim with care; deeper spots drop off quickly beyond the rocks.
What is Mades beach?
- A narrow pebbled bay on Crete’s northern shore, framed by limestone cliffs and two small offshore islets.
- A public beach along the Malevizi coast near Ligaria, featuring basic facilities such as paid sunbeds, umbrellas and a beach bar.
- A gently inclined pebble shore where the Aegean deposits stones, with the Athina Palace Resort & Spa rising directly behind the beach.
What is so special about Mades beach for couple trip?
- Protected bay offers calm swimming together
- Rocky cliff path leads to private islets
- Vibrant underwater life ideal for couples
- Sunset quad safari adds an adventurous twist
- Seaside tavernas serve fresh local dishes
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Enough time to swim, snorkel, walk to islets and enjoy a seaside meal.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Mades beach
Swim in the sheltered bay:
Enter the water from the pebbly shore into calm, clear water protected by rocks.
Tip: Bring water shoes for comfort on the pebbles.
Walk the cliff-path to islets:
Follow the 100 m fallen-rock path on the bay’s left to two small islets.
Tip: Go at low tide for easier footing and quiet photo spots.
Snorkel around the islets:
Explore a rocky seabed teeming with fish just off the shore.
Tip: Bring your own mask and fins to avoid rental lines.
Take a sunset quad safari:
Enjoy a 2-hour guided ride at dusk through Cretan hills and coastlines.
Tip: Book ahead online to secure your preferred time slot.
Dine at a beachfront taverna:
Taste fresh seafood, Greek salad, moussaka and local wine with sea views.
Tip: Ask for the catch of the day and reserve a table at sunset.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Mades beach
- Arrive early: Secure a prime umbrella and quiet snorkeling spot before crowds.
- Pack snorkel gear: Avoid rental charges and use your own mask and fins.
- Carpool to Fodele: Combine a beach day with a short drive to El Greco’s village museum.
Reviews of Mades beach
Pascal Larin
Perfect beach for September. Best snorkelling to date (better than Dia paid excursion).
K O
Nice small beach, not to crowded :) Clean and nice water in the morning for snorkling and driving.
Day Dortmans
Beautiful beach but really busy due to the big hotel on the cliff. The water is absolutely beautiful. Great beach, but there are less busy beaches near which are just as beautiful. The umbrellas and seats cost €6 per day
Vasi Planet
Cool beach. but very often strong wind
Bororo Pardubsky
Pictoresque blue flag 2021 beach. Enjoy umbrella and seats for 6 eur a day. Swim to rocks and enjoy beautifull view. Scuba Diving center near by. Restairant also.
When is the best time to visit Mades beach (Heraklion, Greece)?
June–August brings high sun and crowds by noon. Visit in May or September for mild weather, fewer people and still-warm water.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Sunbed & umbrella rental | EUR 6 |
| Sunset quad safari (one quad) | EUR 80 |
| Dinner for two at taverna | EUR 50 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 136 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Mades beach
Address: Μαδέ Αχλάδας, Mades 715 00, Greece
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Mades beach (Heraklion)?
About Mades beach
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, couple trip
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, couple trip
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities