Mades beach (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Mades beach?
What makes it 61% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 can swim or snorkel in fairly calm water and ride pillion on quad tours, but sharp pebbles, quick depth drop, no listed lifeguard and no play area lower comfort and safety.
Positives:
- Calm sheltered bay: Water stays waist-high and gentle near the shore, ideal for young swimmers.
- Free access and parking: No entry fee and free parking close to the beach make arrival easy.
- On-site amenities: Basic toilets, showers and a beach bar provide snacks and refreshments.
Challenges:
- Pebbly shore: The beach is covered in pebbles; bring sturdy water shoes for comfort.
- Limited shade: Few natural shadows; rent an umbrella early or bring a pop-up tent.
- No lifeguard: There is no official lifeguard on duty; supervise children closely.
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 with kids?
- Calm, shallow bay perfect for 3–12 yr old swimmers
- Easy snorkeling zones teeming with fish near islets
- Mini rock-slab hike adds light adventure
- Family-friendly quad safari and local tours
- Free parking and on-site beach bar for quick snacks
Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours
Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to swim, snorkel and explore without tiring young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Mades beach
Swim in the sheltered bay:
Wade into calm, shallow water ideal for kids.
Tip: Bring sturdy water shoes to protect feet from pebbles.
Snorkel around the islets:
Explore shallow areas near two small islets full of fish.
Tip: Pack child-sized masks and flotation vests for safety.
Explore the rock-slab path:
Walk a 100m path of flat rocks to reach the islets.
Tip: Go at low tide and have kids wear non-slip shoes.
Take a family quad safari:
Enjoy a 2-hour guided ride along Cretan hills and coast.
Tip: Book ahead and confirm children 4+ can ride; helmets included.
Book a fishing trip & BBQ:
Set off from Agia Pelagia for a boat fishing tour with onboard barbecue.
Tip: Bring sunscreen and a change of clothes for kids.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Mades beach
- Arrive early: Get a shaded spot and easy parking before crowds arrive.
- Pack essentials: Bring snacks, water shoes and snorkel gear to save on rentals.
- Check tide times: Low tide makes the rock-slab path and islets easier to explore.
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)?
Visit from late May to early September. Swim in morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat. Umbrellas fill up midday; rent early.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Sunbed & umbrella rental | EUR 6 |
| Family quad safari | EUR 85 |
| Fishing trip & BBQ | EUR 75 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 166 |
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, with kids
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids
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