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Agios Nikolaos

3.8 /5

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Crete Greece

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23 out of 50 Places to visit in Greece

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Agios Nikolaos Travel Essentials

Rating:

3.8 /5 Rate This Destination

Weather:

Ideal duration: 1 - 2 Days

Best Time: April to May and September to October Read More

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"Land of Saint Nikolaos"

Agios Nikolaos Tourism

The exotic coastal town of Agios Nikolaos is located on the southern tip of mainland Greece, on the Crete island. This popular tourist town is also the capital of the region of Lassithi and is known for its serene beaches, mild climate with leisure and sleepy vibe. It is also famous for its breathtaking views, an islet with church and slow paced life which serves as a break from fast paced island hopping in greece. Because of its close proximity to Herakliona and Chania, Agios Nikolaos can easily be treated as a one day trip.

Agios Nikolaos is known for its sweetwater bottomless lake of Voulismeni which is connected to the sea through a narrow canal. The backdrop of red rock formation alongside sky-reaching pine trees makes this canal postcard-worthy. Several restaurants and bars sit conveniently around the lake, making it look like a harbour. Hence, the arrangement is often referred to as the inner harbour by the locals. Some of the activities to enjoy here are hiking, cycling, diving, parasailing, sailing and yachting.

The beaches around Agios Nikolaos keep busy during summer despite their standard feel compared to other sublime greek beaches. However, the wider area of Agios Nikolaos offers a few small coves, hidden bays, and long sandy beaches. The city itself offers plenty of archaeological sites, folklore, cute Byzantine churches, a marina, and museums, along with two popular sculptures, including the horn of Almathea and the abduction of Europa.

Along the northern coast of the island is Greek National Road 90 which connects Kissamos (West coast) to Sitia(East Coast). The road also passes through the main cities in Crete, like Heraklion, Rethymnon, Chania, and Agios Nikolaos.
Agios Nikolaos is tiny and can be covered on foot or by cycle whereas to travel to the outskirts of the city, buses and taxis are the best options.
Most shops open around 9:00 AM and close by 11:00 PM.
Most Restaurants and cafes open around 10:00 AM to close by 12:00 PM, with some taking a break for a siesta.
Carrying cash is recommended, as small shops do not accept credit cards.
Be careful while swimming on remote beaches due to the presence of sea urchins.
There are no direct ferries to Agios Nikolaos, but one can transfer from the ferry to a frequent bus service at the bus station near the port of Heraklion.

Things To Do In Agios Nikolaos

Voulisma Beach

Cretan Olive Oil Farm

Lake Voulismeni

Panagia Kera

Agios Nikolaos Port

Almyros Beach

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Top Hotels In Agios Nikolaos

Hotel Port 7- Boutique Collection

9.5 (1161 reviews)

$ 90 onwards

Minos Beach Art Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels

9.3 (466 reviews)

$ 273 onwards

Victoria Hotel

9.3 (337 reviews)

$ 62 onwards

Country Hotel Velani

9.3 (129 reviews)

$ 96 onwards

Minos Palace Hotel & Suites - Adults Only

9.2 (947 reviews)

$ 161 onwards

Casa Porto Boutique Hotel - Adults only

9.2 (733 reviews)

$ 88 onwards

View All Hotels In Agios Nikolaos

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More on Agios Nikolaos Travel

Shopping In Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is Eden for shopaholics. October 28 street is the main shopping street in Agios Nikolaos. It houses a plethora of custom shops popular for local delicacies, affordable souvenirs and designer clothes, as well. The street is also home to some of the elite fun salons dealing in genuine leather and fur items. There are a few popular European brands, as well, on the street that attract an elite crowd. Melissa Traditional product is a famous organic cosmetic store that sells local natural cosmetic products. It is the best place to buy gift sets, handmade soaps, olive oil, gourmets and healthy foods. There are a plethora of shops in Agios Nikolaos that sell handmade products such as vases, wooden bowls, miniature keyrings, mural paintings, decorative items and exclusive souvenirs. There are also options to buy honey, spices, and local wines.

Nightlife in Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos was once famous for its bar culture. The city has now transformed into a more cosmopolitan hub catering to couples and youth of all ages. Filled with a few touristy bars along with a few British-style pubs and sports bars, Agios Nikolaos serves as the best as a top-class harbour-side party hub. There are some quieter and calmer options in the form of cafe bars located on the south side of the harbour. Though catering to all types of nightlife lovers, Agios Nikolaos still has limited options for parties.

History Of Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos was not a significant city in ancient Minoan times. The historic town of Lato pros Kamara flourished at the same site as the modern city. Due to a lack of written information on Agios Nikolaos until the 13th century, it was only in 1206 that the fortress on the hill of Kefali Mirabello was documented to be built by the Genoese arch-pirate, Enrico Pescatore. This fortress was used to store salt by Venetians with the aim to have a Mediterranean salt monopoly. The fortress, over the years, saw several earthquakes and pirate invasions but it was always rebuilt. In the 17th century with Ottoman rule, the fortress was destroyed for good.

Suggested Itinerary for Agios Nikolaos

Start from your base at Lasithi to Lake Voulismeni, take a stroll down the roads of Agios Nikolaos to listen to street musicians and explore cafes and shops. Then, head to the seaside and enjoy the view of sculptures standing on the seafront. Afterwards, you can either have a drink in some of the seaside cafes or swim in Kitroplateia, the city beach.