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.
Get directions to Europa beach
Europa beach is known for its crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Yes, Europa beach is suitable for families with children as the water is shallow and calm, making it safe for kids to swim and play.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes located near Europa beach, offering a variety of food and drinks.
Yes, there is a parking area available near Europa beach, but it can get crowded during peak season. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot.
The water colour of the Europa beach is blue.
The Europa beach has fine pebbles as sand.
The water depth of the Europa beach is normal.
The surface of the sea at the Europa beach is usually calm.
The Europa beach is usually quiet with fewer crowds.
The Europa beach has accommodation options and food/water nearby.
The Europa beach can be accessed through bus services and a paved road.
Find below list of things to do near Europa beach:
Spinalonga, the last leper colony in Europe, is located in Elounda from where we take the boat for Spinalonga island. Originally, Venetians fortified the islet in 1579, by building a fortress with 40 cannons and they are actually the best preserved walls in Europe.
It used to be a leper colony from 1903 until 1957, where epers could have a better life, medical help and economical support. The ruins of the market street with the shops, the hospital and many small houses in which lepers lived isolated, can be explored individually.
Leaving Spinalonga Island, we have free time to explore the unique Elounda village or go for swimming in the crystal clear waters of Elounda Bay your pita gyros take away.
Before we take the road back to Heraklion, we will visit Ag. Nikolaos, a town with 14.000 inhabitants which is built on the side of the Gulf Mirabello. In the center of Agios Nikolaos is the lake Voulismeni, probably created by an earthquake. Where, we can have a coffee break or a walk around the lake, which gives you a great view from above, over the center and the harbor of Agios Nikolaos. Next to the lovely harbor are shady thee-lined streets filled with shops give you the opportunity to do some “serious shopping”.
Our last stop is at the olive factory in Malia and taste the famous Cretan olive oil.
This full-day tour combines a visit to one of the most beautiful parts of Crete, the bay of Merabelo and the attractive town of Agios Nikolaos, and one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, the island of Spina Longa.
At the same time you will get to know the customs and traditions of Crete through your visit to an authentic olive oil production factory and you will enjoy a delicious and traditional Cretan meal
Our journey into Cretan culture begins with our introduction to “liquid gold” in the traditional, four-generation, olive oil production factory.
You will learn about the history of the olive, the way of harvesting from ancient times until today and you will also have the opportunity to taste excellent quality olive oil, an experience that will elevate your senses!
Next spot is Agios Nikolaos,an international cosmopolitan resort ,built on three hills, it will enchant you with its character and its small, winding streets. The lake Voulismeni is the most beautiful jewel of the city, with thousands of legends to make it even more impressive. Later we will be greeted by the emblematic bay of Merabelo with the clear blue waters.
We will visit the traditional fishing villages of Elounda and Plaka where one of the most unique authentic corners of Cretan beauty is revealed in an area that hides within it all the beauty and essence of the Cretan landscape.
From the port of Plaka we will board a boat that will take us to the historical island of Spinalonga where we will admire the fortress and the former settlement of lepers.
Αlternatively you can browse the picturesque alleys of Plaka, enjoying the view of the Cretan sea or swim in the deep blue waters of Merabelos bay.
We end up in the traditional village of Fourni where under the plane tree we will enjoy a meal of pure products of the blessed Cretan land.(Optional)
On this excursion you will see and experience Crete through the eyes of a local
Visit Santorini on this full day-trip from the island of Crete. After pick-up from your hotel, head to the harbor and begin your sightseeing boat tour on the Cretan Sea.
Upon arrival, see the white houses of Fira that lie high above the edge of the crater, and decide whether you would like to spend more time on this volcanic island. Wander the small town of Fira or visit the picturesque town of Oia.
Enjoy the leisurely Greek lifestyle and visit a taverna or two. Relax on the beach, enjoy the day by the sea, and simply leave your cares behind.
The ideal way to discover the island of Crete is with a private tour. Share a car and enjoy a full day with your group. Embark on an incredible island adventure with your friends or family, after planning the tour together with your professional guide. Beginning with pickup at your accommodation in Elounda, Agios Niklaos, Ierapetra, Malia, Crete, Hersonissos, or Ammoudara, the world is your oyster.
Settle into a comfy and luxurious Land Rover Discovery equipped with 6 seats and air conditioning. Discover local sites, hit the beach, or simply drive around taking in panoramic views. Perfect for a wedding trip or a birthday, relish in total privacy and the utmost luxury. Included in the tour is a fresh, high-quality dinner at a local taverna.
In this interactive Walking tour & Cretan food tasting, we will walk the coastline of Agios Nikolaos passing through Taurus Zeus with Europe and the horn of Amalthea telling the Greek myths, beaches and sightseeing continuing inside the town showing you local spots, telling information about area(shared also via email & maps) and we will enjoy a meal with 4 different meze(like tapas) talking about everyday living, general facts about Crete’s culture and traditions, sightseeing’s and myths.
Walking is about 40 minutes easy walking, about 2klm.
After we will visit the most famous restaurant in lake of Agios Nikolaos having a meal with 4 different meze(each person) that you can choose between fish or meat menu.
Water & one drink is included, wine, raki, beer or a soft drink.
Vegetarian or vegan menu can be arranged.
Changes in menu can be adjusted upon request.
Feel free to contact me for more information.
Discover the beauty of the island of Santorini on a bus and catamaran tour from Heraklion or Agios Nikolaos. Capture pictures of the classic blue and white houses in Oia and have some free time to explore Fira in the shadow of the Santorini volcano.
Enjoy the convenience of being picked up directly from your accommodation. Sit back and relax on the air-conditioned bus transfer to the high-speed catamaran in Heraklion harbor.
Sail across the Mediterranean to the island of Santorini. Hop off the boat to take a tour of the beautiful island in a comfortable and climate-controlled bus. Listen to live commentary about the history of one of the most romantic destinations in Greece.
Travel to the village of Oia at the northernmost tip for magnificent views of the typical blue and white houses across the hillside and stunning views of rolling hills meeting the sea.
Continue to the capital at Fira and have some free time to browse the shops or enjoy a drink at a bar with views of the volcano and the returning boat in the evening. Cruise back to Heraklion and transfer back to your hotel.
Find below the list of hotels near Europa beach:
Located right at the entrance of Agios Nikolaos’ port and 100 meters from Kitroplatia Beach, close to bars, restaurants, tavernas and shops, Hotel Port 7- Boutique Collection offers rooms with direct views of the Mirabello bay and Voulismeni lake.
All rooms feature air conditioning, a smart TV, minibar and kettle. Some are fitted with fully equipped kitchenettes or an outdoor hot tub.
Guests can start their day with breakfast while taking in views of the harbor in our outside terrace. The on-site bar serves snack dishes, hot/cold drinks and cocktails.
Hotel Port 7- Boutique Collection features a small seating area where guests can relax and read a book.
Hotel Port 7- Boutique Collection is 69 km from Heraklion International Airport. Free public parking area is available 100 meters from the hotel in the Port.
from
€88
/night
Set in Agios Nikolaos, within 600 metres of Ammos Beach and 1.2 km of Ammoudi Beach, Luxury suite by Lato3 offers accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning and a terrace. The property features lake and city views, and is 1.9 km from Almiros Beach.
The apartment with a balcony and sea views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
Popular points of interest near the apartment include Lake Voulismeni, Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) and Agios Nikolaos Port. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 58 km from Luxury suite by Lato3.
from
€114
/night
Set 600 metres from Ammos Beach and 1.2 km from Ammoudi Beach, Luxury Suites by Lato in Agios Nikolaos offers air-conditioned accommodation with views of the mountain and free WiFi.
The apartment provides guests with a balcony, sea views, a seating area, cable flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Guests at Luxury Suites by Lato can enjoy tennis on site, or go fishing or hiking in the surroundings.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Almiros Beach, Lake Voulismeni and Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa). The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 58 km from Luxury Suites by Lato.
from
€114
/night
Boasting inner courtyard views, Beachfront Salty Sea Luxury Suite 1 offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 800 metres from Ammos Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony and free WiFi.
The apartment has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Popular points of interest near the apartment include Ammoudi Beach, Lake Voulismeni and Agios Nikolaos Port. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 58 km from Beachfront Salty Sea Luxury Suite 1.
from
€122
/night
Boasting lake views, Luxury Studio Apartment in the City Center offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 500 metres from Ammos Beach. It has mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment is fitted with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
A a baby safety gate is also available for guests at the apartment.
Popular points of interest near Luxury Studio Apartment in the City Center include Ammoudi Beach, Almiros Beach and Lake Voulismeni. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 59 km from the accommodation.
Boasting lake views, Maria Central Cozy House features accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 500 metres from Ammos Beach. It has a garden, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
A a baby safety gate is also available for guests at the apartment.
Popular points of interest near Maria Central Cozy House include Ammoudi Beach, Almiros Beach and Lake Voulismeni. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 59 km from the accommodation.
Find below list of beaches near Europa beach:
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.
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.
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.
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.
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
