As you head north from Agios Nikolaos towards Elounda, the final beach you’ll find is Katsikia Beach also called Candia beach. This spot gets its name (Katsikia means “goats”) from the numerous goat pens that used to dot the area in the past. The town of Agios Nikolaos also has a similar history, as it was once called Mandraki, meaning “goat pen.”
Katsikia (Candia) is a lovely beach, featuring a mix of sand and some scattered stones. It’s tucked away in front of the Candia Park Village hotel, making it a sort of hidden gem. If you’re planning to visit, you can either walk through the hotel or follow the road around it to reach the beach. It’s a peaceful, charming spot that’s definitely worth exploring when you’re in the area.
Havania Beach, a picturesque bay located near Agios Nikolaos on the route to Elounda, exudes an irresistible charm. With its fully-equipped municipal beach offering ample parking, a food canteen, and lifeguard facilities, it’s an ideal spot for family outings and peaceful vacations. The proximity to the city guarantees easy access to all necessary amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay. Moreover, it’s conveniently reachable from Heraklion, whether you’re arriving by air or sea.
With its pristine, tranquil waters and a mix of sandy and pebbled shoreline, Havania beach stands out as a haven for both locals and tourists. The bay area houses a range of hotel complexes and other lodging options, with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mirabello. Unlike other local beaches blocked by waterfront hotels, Chavania’s accessibility is a major plus. The nearby Mirabello and Candia beaches provide alternative locations to set up base.
The area surrounding Havania Beach is rich in attractions, guaranteeing a delightful variety for all. Just 10 km away lies the village of Plaka, from where you can ferry to the historically significant Spinaloga Island. Recently popularized by Victoria Hislop’s novel, “The Island”, Spinaloga was a leper colony from 1909 to 1957, but its history stretches back to ancient times. A journey inland leads to the villages surrounding Mount Dikti, offering a challenging but rewarding road trip. Discover meat tavernas, fresh air, lush plateaus, and numerous archaeological sites. For those preferring the east, the quiet coastal villages towards Sitia offer secluded beaches and serenity.
Just a short 2km journey north of Agios Nikolaos, you’ll find the inviting Hotel Mirabello. Sitting right across from the hotel, you’ll be delighted by the sight of two gorgeous sandy beaches nestled in the Mirabello bays.
The first beach boasts a safe harbour with docks and a quaint little marina, while both are decked out with everything you need for a great day under the sun – umbrellas, comfy sunbeds, refreshing showers and a lively bar.
Between the beaches, there’s a tiny man-made peninsula sprinkled with tamarisk trees. It’s a perfect spot to catch a break from the sun or enjoy a peaceful stroll. No matter where you are in this coastal paradise, you’re bound to have a good time!
If you’re journeying from Agios Nikolaos, you’ll find the quaint Ormos beach just beyond the Ammoudi beach. This tucked-away cove, nestled between the majestic Minos Palace Hotel and Cape Nissi, is a hidden treasure. Its shoreline, speckled with pebbles and sand, primarily serves as a dock for boats, which makes it less popular for swimming. However, it offers a well-equipped playground that the little ones will love.
At the nearby Cape Nissi, there’s the historic Saint Nicholas Byzantine church, which lends its name to the town of Agios Nikolaos. A scenic coastal road starts from Katholiko and takes you all the way to Cape Nissi’s rocky end, home to World War II pillboxes. And from here, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the nearby islands of Agii Pantes (All Saints) and Mikronissi.
Inside the Minos Palace Hotel premises, there’s a beautiful sandy beach. Well-maintained by the hotel and open to everyone, this beach is a sun-seeker paradise. But remember, it might be a little hard to spot from the main road!
On the southwestern tip of Mikronissi islet, where the Agii Pantes lighthouse stands across from the city of Agios Nikolaos, there is a tiny dock for boats. It’s here that you’ll find the island’s sole beach, tucked away in an ancient, carved bay. Access to this hidden gem is gained via a stone staircase.
Agii Pantes island is home to a quaint sandy beach situated just across the port of Agios Nikolaos. The beach, as well as the whole island, is accessible only by boat or via kayak or SUP departing from Ammoudi beach. It stands adjacent to the little islet Mikronisi, both acting as natural barriers safeguarding Agios Nikolaos. Moreover, the island serves as a habitat for several hybrid species of the endangered Cretan ibex.
Just a stone’s throw away from Agios Nikolaos city centre, nestling in a secure and expansive bay, you’ll discover the charming Ammoudi beach. This idyllic sandy stretch is a favourite among both locals and visitors, offering shallow, clear waters perfect for a refreshing dip.
Tucked between towering tamarisk trees and quaint buildings, Ammoudi offers a plethora of options for food and accommodation, ensuring you’re well-catered to during your beach day. Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, the family-run Ammoudi Water Sports, established since 1985, adds a dash of thrill to your tranquil beach experience.
Just a short stroll northward from Ammoudi, a pathway leads to an adjoining hotel and then to the iconic St. Nicholas Chapel. Named after the patron saint of Greek sailors, the chapel has left its mark on the city of Agios Nikolaos itself. This ancient edifice, perched on the edge of Cape Nissi near Katholiko beach, dates back to the 7th century, making it one of Crete’s oldest chapels. From here, be prepared to be captivated by the breathtaking view of the city and Mirabello Bay.
Just a short stroll south from Ammoudi beach in Agios Nikolaos, nestled alongside the scenic coastal stretch of Akti Koundourou Street leading to the enchanting Lake Voulismeni, you’ll discover a charming, pebbled artificial beach. Cradled between two sturdy concrete piers, the allure of Akti Koundourou Street beach unfolds.
This well-organized haven offers a spectrum of amenities, from shaded umbrellas to thrilling water sports, ensuring a perfect day at the beach. It also boasts a diving school, inviting all thrill-seekers to explore the underwater world.
But the real magic happens beneath the surface. Snorkelling here reveals a hidden treasure – a sunken car resting under the crystal-clear waters. An unexpected sight that only adds to the beach’s unique charm, it’s a captivating detail that will make your visit unforgettable.
Elounda’s Skisma Beach is a picturesque sandy enclave, perfect for families. Its cleanliness and organization make it especially welcoming.
Little ones delight in its flat sandy terrain and the playground, while older kids gravitate towards the available water sports. Occasional winds result in bigger waves, offering simple surfing opportunities.
With convenient facilities like restrooms and showers, coupled with an array of nearby taverns, it’s an ideal spot for families with children.
Right beside Agios Nikolaos’ main port, you can discover a small, charming pebble beach, nestled next to an art piece named ‘The Abduction of Europe’. This sculpture, created by Nikos Koundouros, is a point of interest right at the water’s edge. The beach itself, with its smooth pebbles, offers a refreshing spot for a quick dip in town.
From this beach, you get stunning views of the petite Agii Pantes Island across the town and the striking cliffs of Kavoussi.
The sculpture, a creation of Nikos Koundouros and the Sotiriadis brothers, Pantelis and Nikos, combines glass, bronze, and steel into a unique piece. A similar sculpture by the Sotiriadis brothers, also showcasing the Abduction of Europe, holds a prominent place at the entrance of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
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