Made/Athina Palace
Region of Crete, Greece: Excellent water quality
Made/Athina Palace is a beach in Crete, Greece, located 11.28 km from Heraklion. It holds a Blue Flag award, which means the water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety meet strict annual criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Made/Athina Palace
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Made/Athina Palace?
Made/Athina Palace is a beach in Crete, Greece, located 11.28 km from Heraklion. It holds a Blue Flag award, which means the water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety meet strict annual criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
The best time to visit is April through June, when crowds are lighter. July and August are peak season and significantly busier. Check local water safety conditions before swimming.
The beach welcomes visitors throughout the season and works well for families and swimmers looking for a certified clean-water destination.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Region of Crete, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Made/Athina Palace faces east toward Aegean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 11°C | 17°C | Low |
| Feb | 12°C | 16°C | Low |
| Mar | 13°C | 16°C | Low |
| Apr | 16°C | 17°C | Med |
| May | 20°C | 19°C | Med |
| Jun | 24°C | 22°C | Med |
| Jul | 26°C | 25°C | High |
| Aug | 26°C | 26°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | 25°C | Med |
| Oct | 20°C | 23°C | Low |
| Nov | 17°C | 21°C | Low |
| Dec | 13°C | 18°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit Made/Athina Palace?
The best time to visit Made/Athina Palace is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 26.1°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 24.5°C in July.
How crowded does Made/Athina Palace get?
Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Made/Athina Palace sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Made/Athina Palace open year-round?
The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Made/Athina Palace
Is Made/Athina Palace safe to swim?
Made/Athina Palace is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent.
What is the water temperature at Made/Athina Palace?
Peak water temperature at Made/Athina Palace reaches around 24.5°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 11.3°C.
What is the beach like at Made/Athina Palace?
Made/Athina Palace on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. The best time to visit is April through June, when crowds are lighter. July and August are peak season and significantly busier. Check local water safety conditions before swimming.
Made/Athina Palace sits on the Aegean Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Aegean.
Planning a trip to Greece? Read Why Greece has 607 Blue Flag beaches.
Transport
Getting to Made/Athina Palace
How do I get to Made/Athina Palace by car?
Made/Athina Palace is approximately 11.28 km from Heraklion. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Made/Athina Palace?
The nearest airport is Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (HER), approximately 14.9 km away.
Can I get to Made/Athina Palace by public transport?
Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Heraklion. The nearest recorded bus stop is 390 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Made/Athina Palace
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Made/Athina Palace. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Made/Athina Palace
- Public toilets Public toilets 74 m
Bus near Made/Athina Palace
- Bus stop Bus stop 390 m
Cafés near Made/Athina Palace
- Restaurant Restaurant 197 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
On the beach
Facilities at Made/Athina Palace
- Toilets
- No
- Showers
- Yes
- Parking
- No parking listed nearby
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | May – December |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Nearest supermarket | 750 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 390 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.4002°N, 25.0340°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Made/Athina Palace FAQ
Is Made/Athina Palace suitable for children?
Made/Athina Palace has a child-friendly score of 1/10. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece. Families should still check what is open on the day.
Is Made/Athina Palace free to access?
An entry fee is not listed for Made/Athina Palace. Check with the beach operator before you travel. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Region of Crete, Greece, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Made/Athina Palace?
The best time to visit Made/Athina Palace is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best.
Peak water temperature reaches around 24.5°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Made/Athina Palace?
Made/Athina Palace is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent.
Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Made/Athina Palace?
Made/Athina Palace is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 11.28 km from Heraklion. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (HER), 14.9 km away.
By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Made/Athina Palace?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps toilets near Made/Athina Palace, including 74 m away.
Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a bus near Made/Athina Palace?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 390 m from Made/Athina Palace (Bus stop). Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Made/Athina Palace?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists a café or restaurant near Made/Athina Palace, including 197 m away.
Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Greece, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
What the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Made/Athina Palace
- Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.