Kitroplatia, a charming spot, is just a short 200m stroll west from the scenic Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos’s city heart. This area showcases a quaint stone-paved square brimming with some of the city’s top-notch taverns.
Right in front of the square’s towering tamarisk trees, there’s a cozy beach dotted with sand and pebbles. Facilities like umbrellas and showers are available for beach-goers. Plus, you won’t be short on options for lodging, meals, and refreshments nearby. The beach is ideal for kids or anyone seeking a clean, picturesque spot close to city conveniences.
From Kitroplatia, you can start a stunning coastal walk along a stone-paved path heading south to Agios Nikolaos’s marina and onward to the beach Ammos. You won’t want to miss the breathtaking views of Mirabello Bay on this walk.
Heading in the opposite direction from Kitroplatia, the Akti Pangalou street winds along the coastline towards the commercial port and back to Lake Voulismeni. A small square along the way is home to a modern sculpture by the Soteriades brothers, depicting the Horn of Amalthea, a universal symbol of wealth and plenty. Near the port, you’ll find the quiet, pebble-strewn Europa beach, named after a nearby modern statue.
Kitroplatia, or “citron square” in Greek, is a nod to the city’s thriving citron trade in the past century. A citron market once stood on the beach, and boats would load up with citron due to the sea’s depth, especially when the city lacked a port. While the citron – often called “median apples,” a symbol of abundance and fertility – is no longer grown, the square’s name serves as a delightful reminder of bygone days.
A mere 500 meters south of Agios Nikolaos lake, you’ll find the expansive Ammos Beach. Starting near the city’s marina on Nearchou Street, it stretches all the way to the town’s stadium and extends southward until it meets the Municipal Beach.
In its vicinity are several bustling restaurants, hotels, and shops right in the heart of the city. The beach near the marina is particularly scenic and well-equipped with amenities like sunbeds, showers, and umbrellas. There are also options for water sports. The water here is shallow and generally calm, making it a perfect spot for families with young children.
A little further south, you’ll stumble upon the more secluded Municipal Beach. Despite its relative isolation and present neglect, it retains its charm with a mix of sand and pebbles, and equally shallow waters. It’s a throwback to the days when it was a bustling hub for water sports, surrounded by a lush park complete with mini-golf, a playground, swimming pool, and a bar serving food and drinks. It may be a shadow of its former glory today, but it still holds its allure for those seeking a quieter beach experience.
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.
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.
The charming Kimzu Sea Lounge isn’t just a fantastic bar, but also hosts an enchanting beach with shimmering white pebbles and sand, lapped by crystal-clear waters. The beach is located just 1 km away from Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos.
The beach offers full amenities, including an ample supply of sunbeds and umbrellas. Unique to this locale, visitors get to recline on lush, cool grass rather than hot sand, a delightful departure from typical beach experiences.
Despite its small size, the beach doesn’t usually feel crowded, offering ample space for all visitors. The water is shallow and inviting, making it particularly popular with families with young children. Strategically placed anti-wave blocks, about 120 meters off the coast, ensure the beach remains free of large waves, adding to its serene atmosphere.
Adjacent to the bar, a park provides additional recreation options, featuring a large children’s playground and a basketball court. It’s an idyllic spot for spending an entire day, from sipping on a rich Greek coffee in the morning, enjoying a delicious lunch and dinner, to toasting the day away with craft cocktails in the evening. The Kimzu Sea Lounge truly offers a comprehensive beach-bar experience.
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.
Beti beach is nestled just a kilometre away from the bustling city of Agios Nikolaos, and a mere five-minute stroll from Almyros beach. This small slice of paradise often remains undiscovered by the typical crowd, providing an idyllic retreat for those in search of tranquillity.
This diminutive yet delightful beach, embraced by the natural landscape, boasts soft, sun-kissed sand that warmly greets your feet. Thanks to its sheltered location, Beti beach is often protected from the region’s wind and waves, making it a calm oasis amidst the vibrant surroundings. A visit to Beti beach gives you an opportunity to savour the serene ambience, far removed from the usual throngs of beachgoers, adding an element of seclusion to your Cretan beach adventure.
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.
Almyros beach (Almiros) is located 2.5km south of Agios Nikolaos and 12 km from Elounda. It is shaped near the exit of Almiros River, which empties on the south part of the beach. Next to the beach, the protected wetland of Almiros hosts several rare birds, towering eucalyptus trees, reed and some palm trees.
The beach is quite long – 300 m – and very well-organized. It is sandy and the water is shallow and usually calm, making it ideal especially for young children. There are a lot of trees behind the beach, and to the east, you can see the pretty Thrypti Mount. The entrance to the water is very smooth. This beach is suitable for different categories of people, lonely travellers, relaxation getaway lovers, families with children, seniors etc. It is partially crowded during the high season. The area has a few canteens, while there are also many options for water sports. The sea water is very cold in some places due to the river that flows all year round. On the south side of the beach, there are small hotels and apartments.
To reach the beach from Agios Nikolaos city centre, if you do not have a car, you should walk the pedestrian street (5 ‘) which runs along the rocky coasts north of the beach. The pathway starts from Gargadoros beach, which is located 5 minutes south of the town’s marina.
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