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.
Get directions to Katsikia (Candia) beach
Katsikia beach is located less than 4 km from Agios Nikolaos City centre.
Yes, Katsikia beach is suitable for families with children as the water is shallow and calm.
Yes, Katsikia beach is accessible by public transportation, with a bus stop located nearby.
Yes, there is a small parking area available at Katsikia beach, but it can fill up quickly during peak season.
The water colour of the Katsikia (Candia) beach is blue.
The Katsikia (Candia) beach has sand.
The water at the Katsikia (Candia) beach is shallow.
The surface of the sea at the Katsikia (Candia) beach is usually calm.
The Katsikia (Candia) beach has normal crowds.
The Katsikia (Candia) beach has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, sports and showers.
The Katsikia (Candia) beach can be accessed through bus services and a paved road.
Yes, there is tree shade available at the Katsikia (Candia) beach.
Find below list of things to do near Katsikia (Candia) beach:
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.
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.
Find below the list of hotels near Katsikia (Candia) beach:
Boasting a waterfront location, Candia Park Village features 4-star accommodation overlooking the Mirabello Bay. It has 3 pools, 2 private beaches with sun beds and umbrellas, and a children’s club.
The air-conditioned rooms of Candia Park are spacious and decorated with a traditional touch. They all include a well-equipped kitchenette with dining area, and have a satellite TV and hairdryer. Their furnished balcony enjoys sea or garden views.
Guests can relax by the 3 pools, set on 2 levels, including a children’s pool and a hot tub. The more active guests can engage in a variety of sports, such as tennis, basketball, diving or windsurfing. A range of rejuvenating massage treatments can be also enjoyed.
Agapi restaurant serves local and international dishes by the pool, while the outdoor Fili tavern offers Cretan cuisine right by the sea. Candia also includes 2 bars and a traditional Greek coffee house.
The hotel is a 5-minute drive from the neighbouring towns of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. Free private parking is available on site.
from
€99
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, garden view and a balcony, La Dolce Vita is situated in Agios Nikolaos. There is an in-house restaurant, plus free private parking and free WiFi are available.
The villa with a terrace and pool views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
The villa offers a barbecue. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at La Dolce Vita.
Havania Beach is 600 metres from the accommodation, while Ammoudi Beach is 2.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 58 km from La Dolce Vita, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Located in Chavania and only 600 metres from Havania Beach, Comfortable Apartment with Garden – Casa con Vista provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This apartment features air-conditioned accommodation with a patio.
The apartment with a terrace and sea views features 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment.
The apartment offers a picnic area. Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Ammoudi Beach is 2.6 km from Comfortable Apartment with Garden – Casa con Vista, while Lake Voulismeni is 3.8 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 58 km from the accommodation.
from
€75
/night
Set in Agios Nikolaos and only 600 metres from Havania Beach, Casa con vista Apartment offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. The property was built in 2001 and has air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The apartment is fitted with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the apartment.
Ammoudi Beach is 2.6 km from Casa con vista Apartment, while Lake Voulismeni is 4.1 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 58 km from the accommodation.
from
€75
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, pool view and a terrace, Villa Bellelen is situated in Agios Nikolaos. There is an in-house restaurant, plus free private parking and free WiFi are available.
The villa features 5 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher, an oven, a washing machine, a microwave and a toaster. Towels and bed linen are available in the villa.
The villa offers a sauna. A car rental service is available at Villa Bellelen.
Havania Beach is 600 metres from the accommodation, while Ammoudi Beach is 2.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 58 km from Villa Bellelen, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Mirabella Hills features mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Agios Nikolaos, 700 metres from Havania Beach.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchenette with an oven and a microwave, 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.
Mirabella Hills offers a seasonal outdoor pool.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the accommodation.
Ammoudi Beach is 2.7 km from Mirabella Hills, while Lake Voulismeni is 4.2 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 58 km from the villa.
from
€276
/night
Find below list of beaches near Katsikia (Candia) beach:
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!
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.
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