Agios Nikolaos, Crete is a cozy and very colorful town located at the eastern tip of the island. Thanks to the unique Mediterranean atmosphere, wonderful views and many attractions, it has become popular with tourists. We will join them by taking a short virtual tour of one of the most famous resorts in Greece.
General information
Agios Nikolaos is the administrative center of the Lassithi region, located 62 km from Heraklion in the picturesque Mirabello Bay. Due to the resort’s bustle and abundance of buildings that are not typical of Greece, it is often compared to the French Saint-Tropez. However, Agios Nikolaos has not always been a popular resort area. Its history began with an unremarkable fortress, which over the long years of its existence was destroyed several times and rebuilt again. Moreover, at a certain period, the ancient settlement that arose next to the fort finally fell into disrepair, and over time was completely abandoned by local residents. The only place that still had any life left was the seaport.
Since then, many years have passed, during which the ancient settlement was gradually restored and turned into one of the most important settlements on the island of Crete. Despite the fact that in 1881 its population was just over 90 people, by the end of the 20th century it became not only the capital of the Lassithi noma, but also a luxury resort, where life boils around the clock.
What to see in Agios Nikolaos?
Attractions of Agios Nikolaos on the island of Crete in Greece include a fairly large number of natural and architectural objects. Today we will consider only a few of them.
Vulizmeni Lake
Lake Vulizmeni, located right in the heart of the city, can be called a landmark not only of Agios Nikolaos, but also of the whole of Crete. Having a volcanic nature of origin, it has a fairly large depth and an almost perfect round shape. The immediate surroundings of the reservoir are huge rocks, fishing huts and Greek taverns offering national dishes. Seafood and fresh fish purchased from local merchants are particularly popular.
Along the entire coastline of Vulizmeni, you can see beautiful wooden boats designed for romantic walks. In the evening, numerous lights are lit on them, thanks to which the lake seems to glow from the inside. Currently, a narrow channel is laid between the sea and Vulizmeni, so the water in it mixes and remains fresh only at great depths. It is crossed by a beautiful bridge, which tourists who come here like to take pictures on.
And there are also many legends associated with this attraction. According to one of them, the supreme goddesses of Greek mythology – Athena and Aphrodite-once bathed in its waters. On the second, the reservoir does not have a bottom at all. But the truthfulness of the latter statement has to be doubted, because during the Second World War a lot of German equipment sank in its depths. They say it still lies at a depth of 64 meters.
Statue of Europa
If you look closely at the photos of Agios Nikolaos in Greece, which adorn the tourist avenues, you can see another important attraction of this resort. We are talking about the “Abduction of Europe”, an unusual sculpture that rises in the middle of the city’s embankment.
The appearance of this statue fully corresponds to a long-standing legend, telling how the supreme god Zeus turned into a white bull, kidnapped the beautiful Europa and took her to the island of Crete,where they had three sons. However, not everything is so simple! Nikos Koundouros, the famous Greek director and author of this ten-meter sculpture, claims that he gave it a completely different meaning. He not only presented one of the largest parts of the world in the form of a young woman, but also put in her hands the rod of heralds, capable of reconciling warring parties and being a kind of threshold between good and evil, light and darkness, life and death.
Spinalonga Island
No less popular attraction of Agios Nikolaos on the island of Crete is the island of Spinalonga-here most of the tourist routes lead.
The main highlight of this place is considered to be a massive defensive fortress, built in the middle of the 16th century and preserved to this day.
The Spinalonga tour takes about 10 hours. It includes not only a visit to the fort, but also a walk around the reserve. As a bonus, there are numerous myths and legends related to the history of this fortress. You can find them in this article.
Ancient settlement of Lato
A tour of Agios Nikolaos in Greece (Crete) involves visiting another memorable place — the ruins of the Dorian village of Lato, which can be found 15 km from the resort area near the village of Kritsa. It was once one of the most important island settlements. Built in the 7th century BC, Lato issued its own money and had a large trading port. Nearchus, a friend and military twin of Alexander the Great, was also born here.
Despite the fact that the settlement was almost completely destroyed in 200 BC, its harbor continued to be actively used first by the Romans,and then by the Byzantines and Venetians. As a result, the modern city of Agios Nikolaos was created in this place.
The first excavations of Lato began in 1898. Then French archaeologists managed to find the ruins of the main gate, a staircase leading to the sanctuary, and the remains of stone foundations, which scientists were able to restore the plan of the ancient city. To date, it has been possible to establish the location of residential buildings, the main temple, workshops and an ancient theater.
- The entrance to the historical site is open from 08.30 to 14.30.
- The entrance fee is about 2€.
Panageya Kera
Advertising photos of Agios Nikolaos in Crete (Greece) often adorn images of another local landmark – the church of Panageya Kera, considered the most famous monument of Byzantine architecture on the island. The three-nave Cathedral, built in the 13th century in honor of the Assumption of the Virgin and surrounded by an olive grove, is 20 km from the city.
The main value of this object is considered to be authentic frescoes of the 13th-14th centuries depicting religious scenes, and the icon of the Virgin, which can heal from a variety of ailments. It is to her that numerous pilgrims come who want to ask God for health for themselves and their loved ones.
- Panageya Kera is open from 08.30 to 15.00.
- The entrance fee is 2€.
- You can get here by bus, which runs between Agios Nikolaos and Kritsa every 2 hours. The last flight in the opposite direction is at 20.15.
Cretan butter Farm
The list of main attractions of Agios Nikolaos on the island of Crete (Greece) is completed by an olive oil farm located near the Mirabello Hotel. Here you can see an unusual press developed more than 130 years ago, learn all about the manufacturing technology of the main Greek product and buy any goods produced by the farm. In addition, the farm has a pottery workshop, where every tourist who has reached the age of five can make their own pot and take it with them.
Beaches
The resort of Agios Nikolaos in Greece has several public beaches equipped with everything necessary for a good holiday-restaurants, cafes, water rental points, as well as separate areas with playgrounds and small pools. You will not have to pay for admission – you will only be charged for renting sun loungers and umbrellas. It should also be noted that all the beaches are crowded, so if you are looking for a quieter place, go to one of the neighboring villages.
The beaches themselves are clean and mostly surrounded by hotels where you can play tennis, mini golf, basketball or soccer. In addition, some of them have tall trees that provide natural shade.
Now here is an overview of the most popular beaches of Agios Nikolaos.
Mirabello Bay
A beautiful place, characterized by a winding coastline and a picturesque landscape. The water here is clear and clear, and the sea is warm and calm. In the distance, you can see the outlines of city buildings that combine elements of ancient and modern life. And the beaches of the bay are not as crowded as others.
Almyros
Almyros Beach, located 2 km north of the city center, is a popular holiday destination not only for visitors, but also for locals. The beach is large and crowded. Due to the proximity to a cold mountain river, the water here can be quite cool, but in hot conditions this is not so bad.Next to the beach there is a tropical forest, in the shade of which you can also hide from the sun.
Another special feature of Almyros is its long coastline covered with fine sand. The entrance to the water here is gentle, and the infrastructure is quite developed. You can get here on foot or by car. To do this, follow the road that runs parallel to the rocky coast.
Voulisma
The list of the best beaches of Agios Nikolaos on the island of Crete in Greece continues Voulisma Beach, located 12 km from the city (eastern part of the resort). The azure sea, wide coastline, golden sand and the availability of basic infrastructure made it a good place for a beach holiday. Voolizma is well equipped – in addition to sun beds, umbrellas, changing rooms, toilets and showers, there is a tavern, a small bar and private parking.
Ammoudi
Ammoudi is located within the city limits in a small and quiet bay with bright green water. The beach is sandy, and the entrance to the sea is gentle, there are areas with shallow water. The infrastructure of Ammoudi Beach includes all the main elements, the most important of which is the scuba diving center. Thanks to its rocky bottom, this area is ideal for snorkeling, diving and other water sports.
Those who want to eat and hide from the hot sun of Greece will find tall Tamari trees and numerous cafes serving Mediterranean cuisine. The alley leading to the neighboring hotel leads to the most ancient attraction of Crete – the Chapel of St. John the Baptist. St. Nicholas, after whom, in fact, Agios Nikolaos is named.
Kitroplatia
Kitroplatia, whose name comes from the Greek word “citrus”, is considered the most important city beach of the resort of Agios Nikolaos on the island of Crete in Greece. It is a 10-minute walk from the main square on the site of former citrus plantations that were cut down due to low yields. Municipal Beach Kitroplatia is famous not only for its well-developed infrastructure, but also for its exciting night parties.
Kitroplatia is covered with small pebbles. The entrance to the water is convenient, but the depth increases quite quickly. On the territory there are umbrellas, sun beds, sports equipment rental, changing rooms, free showers, several cafes and bars. It’s not too big, and there are a lot of people on it, so it’s better to come here in the morning.
On a note! All the beaches of Agios Nikolaos in Greece have been awarded the Blue Flag of Europe several times for their cleanliness and high quality of services provided.
Accomodation
Being one of the most visited resorts in Greece, the city of Agios Nikolaos in Crete offers a large selection of accommodation for every taste and budget. At the same time, the most booked hotels are:
- Minos Palace Hotel & Suites-Adults Only 5* is a popular resort located 2 km from the city center. It features a saltwater pool, spa, landscaped garden, and a private beach area where guests can enjoy various sports. Rating on booking.com – 8,9. The price of a daily stay in a double room is 330€;
- Palazzo Arhontiko Apartments Crete 3* is a comfortable hotel located in the immediate vicinity of Kitroplatea. It offers spacious apartments and cozy studios with views of the Sitia Mountains and Mirabello Bay. Rating on booking.com – 9,3. The price of a daily stay in a double room is 120€;
- Minos Beach Art Hotel 5* is a luxury hotel built right at the sea’s edge. On-site facilities include free parking, a private park, an outdoor swimming pool, and a health and beauty center. But the main attraction of the hotel is the art gallery and the nearby embankment. Rating on booking.com – 9,2. The price of a daily stay in a double room is 280€.
On a note! The oldest hotels in Agios Nikolaos are located in Eleftheria Square, while the newer and more modern ones are located in the central part of the resort and along the entire coast. Almost all buildings are decorated in the Greek style (blue and white palette and low walls), so you can easily recognize them.
Weather and climate – when is the best time to arrive?
Thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate and high mountains that protect the city from northerly winds, Agios Nikolaos always has warm weather. At the same time, the hottest days (+30°C) fall in August, and the coldest (+12-15°C during the day and +9°C at night) – in the winter months.
Already in early May, the water temperature in the resort is +22°C and gradually increases to +25-28°C.
The only unfavorable period for a holiday at the resort is December. At this time, the rainy season begins here, plunging the city into a state of rest and not allowing you to enjoy sightseeing.
How to get from Heraklion Airport?
There are several ways to get to Ayios Nikolaos in Crete from Heraklion Airport. Let’s look at each of them.
On municipal transport
Comfortable, air-conditioned buses run regularly between the airport and the resort area from 13.00 to 23.15. The trip takes about 1.5 hours. A one-way ticket costs€7.7. The departure interval is from 15 minutes to half an hour.
The point of departure and a detailed bus schedule can be found on the official website of the carrier — www.ktelherlas.gr/en.
By taxi
Ordering a taxi will cost about€ 100, but some taxi drivers are willing to bargain. You can pick up a car right on the spot or book in advance via the Internet. Approximately the same amount will have to be paid for booking a transfer to the hotel.
Useful tips
If you decide to explore the sights of the resort of Agios Nikolaos in Greece, take note of the recommendations of experienced travelers:
- Many of the resort’s streets have the same name. The map or yandex. Navigator will help you understand them.
- Do not refuse the treats offered by local residents — as this will offend them.
- Accidents on the roads are quite high, so tourists who decide to rent a car should be more careful.
- The main part of boutiques, jewelry salons, as well as souvenir and antique shops is located on 28 October Street.
- Don’t delay your shopping until Sunday. Most retail outlets are closed on this day.
- When going to the store, you should take cash with you – so you can bargain and slightly reduce the price. If you pay for goods by credit card, you will not have this option.
- The best night clubs and discos in the city are located on 25 Marta and Iosif Kunduros Streets. The fun here doesn’t stop until the morning.
- On the shore of Mirabella Bay, sea urchins are often found – do not forget to bring special beach shoes.
- In summer, Agios Nikolaos hosts the Lato Festival, which attracts singers, actors and artists from all over the world.
- Never criticize Greece in the presence of the Greeks themselves – this can lead to a scandal.
- It is customary to leave tips for taxi drivers and employees of local establishments. Their size is 10-15% of the invoice amount.
- You can not enter Greek temples in beach shoes and open clothing. And women should also cover their heads with a headscarf.
Agios Nikolaos, Crete-this is a truly amazing place that can give you an unforgettable holiday. Enjoy your impressions!
