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Agios Nikolaos City (GR: Αγιος Νικόλαος) is the capital of the Lasithi Region of Crete. It is built around a picturesque lake on the north-western side of Mirabello Bay, the biggest bay in Crete. Major administrative, cultural and communications centre, Agios Nikolaos is one of the most developed tourist areas, not only in Crete but in Greece in general. Thanks to the beautiful coasts, the great sights and the cosmopolitan life, this lively city hosts every year thousands of visitors without losing one bit of its tranquillity and traditional hospitality.
A peaceful walk through the shops is always a delight. One can find stores that sell traditional Cretan art, copies of local archaeological museum pieces, jewellery, and beautiful embroidery. Some stores carry local products and delicacies sure to tantalize everyone’s taste buds. The town is lined with quaint coffee shops serving up mouthwatering dishes and raki.
The town of Agios Nikolaos is a lovely place, full of hospitable people. It’s no wonder that it’s just as magical at night! The numerous bars throughout the town feature a relaxed atmosphere and loud music, making them popular among younger crowds.
In the heart of Crete, Agios Nikolaos dazzles with its unique charm and a plethora of accommodation options to suit every traveller’s needs. From beachfront hotels offering stunning sea views to cosy apartments nestled in the lively city centre, the town caters to both luxury and comfort. Whether you’re seeking the tranquillity of the shoreline or the vibrancy of urban life, you’ll find a perfect stay here.
On our site, you can find the best 275 hotels and villas for perfect holidays in Agios Nikolaos. Explore our curated list below of the Top Hotels, Villas and Apartments in Agios Nikolaos for a memorable Cretan escape.
Located in Agios Nikolaos, 400 metres from Ammos Beach and 1.1 km from Ammoudi Beach, Soho #1 Luxurious apartment in Saint Nicolas provides air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi. The property features city views and is 1.8 km from Almiros Beach and 200 metres from Lake Voulismeni.
The apartment is equipped with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with sea views.
The apartment offers a sun terrace.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 49 km from Soho #1 Luxurious apartment in Saint Nicolas, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 300 metres away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 57 km from the accommodation.
Set 500 metres from Ammos Beach and 1.2 km from Ammoudi Beach, St. Nicolas Soho Apartments in Agios Nikolaos offers air-conditioned accommodation with views of the sea and free WiFi.
All units come with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with streaming services and a private bathroom with a hair dryer and walk-in shower. A toaster, a fridge and stovetop are also featured in the kitchen, as well as a coffee machine.
The apartment offers a terrace.
Popular points of interest near St. Nicolas Soho Apartments include Almiros Beach, Lake Voulismeni and Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa). The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 59 km from the accommodation.
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
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
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.
Agios Nikolaos, a gem on Crete’s northern coast, is a city rich in charm and beauty. Key attractions include the intriguing visit to Spinalonga Island, a journey through history and culture. Further afield, adventure awaits at the Lassithi Plateau and the legendary Cave of Zeus, offering a glimpse into myth and nature.
In addition to the scenic Voulismeni Lake, Agios Nikolaos offers a wealth of cultural attractions. The Archaeological Museum boasts an extensive collection of artifacts representing Crete’s history, including ancient pottery and precious gold and bronze items. The Folklore Museum showcases traditional textiles, intricate embroidery, holy icons, wooden crafts, and manuscripts, providing insights into the island’s rich heritage. These museums, along with souvenir shops by the lake, offer visitors a diverse range of experiences to explore the cultural tapestry of Agios Nikolaos.
Explore our list below for the best things to do in Agios Nikolaos.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Kritsa Gorge, located 9.5km southwest of Agios Nikolaos, begins near the charming village of Kritsa and concludes at Tapes village. This 4 km long gorge, at some points, is only 1.5m wide. It is fairly easy to navigate, with a few areas requiring caution, where large rocks need to be climbed over. However, it is not advisable to visit the gorge following rainfall, as the resulting ponds can obstruct the paths.
The canyon’s entrance near Kritsa is striking. The mountain is split in two, creating the narrow Havgas passage (Havgas is a common term for gorges in East Crete). In addition to the main trail that begins near Kritsa’s stone bridge, there is an alternate path that starts in the village itself.
Close to the trailhead, you’ll find a large rock that can be scaled with relative ease. Beyond this point, the canyon becomes even more breathtaking, with slender passages and towering walls that block out sunlight. This natural wonder is particularly beautiful in spring when flowers are in bloom and water levels are low. The walls eventually recede, revealing a picturesque valley filled with olive groves. If you continue along the riverbed for approximately 1.5 hours, you’ll arrive at the lovely village of Tapes, where you can relax at the local coffee shop.
The Adrianos Gorge originates from the Adrianos village. There are areas within the gorge where large rocks obstruct the pathway, making navigation challenging, but achievable (it takes approximately 3 hours to traverse). In close proximity to the gorge, you can explore the Maridon and Atziganospilios caves.
The river that courses through the gorge is a segment of the Skoulikaris or Xeropotamos River. This river collects water from the Potami village valley and, after covering several kilometers, it finally drains near the Agios Nikolaos town stadium.
The Agriomandra gorge, though brief in length, leads to the charming, small beach of Agriomandra. To reach it, one must traverse the verdant meadows to the west of Kavoussi, known as the Lakos Ambelion area, via a dirt road until the gorge’s entrance is reached.
Commencing from this point, a straightforward trail leads to Agriomandra beach within a mere 10-minute walk. As you approach the beach, you’ll notice several petite caves embedded within the rocks. One of these has been constructed from stone and serves as a church, built during the Byzantine era by a hermit and dedicated to St. John the Theologian. This church is still occasionally used for baptisms.
A short walk further, approximately 650 meters from the parking area, you’ll arrive at the stunning pebble beach, graced with crystal-clear, emerald waters.
The Havgas Gorge, situated near the village of Kalamafka and just 12km north of Ierapetra city, is one of several gorges with the same name scattered across Crete. Other examples include the Havgas Gorge in the Lassithi Plateau, Plaka, and Kavoussi. The Havgas Gorge is nestled between the Megali Korfi (1103m) and Kokies (993m) peaks, and its stream, the Kapsous, serves as the primary tributary of the Kalamavkianos River that empties into the Stomio beach of Gra Ligia.
This stunning canyon boasts unique rock formations, sculpted by rare geological events. Many of these rocks are adorned with nature’s own “artwork”, etched over time by the elements. Despite its relatively short length, the gorge offers an easy and enjoyable walk along the riverbed, even for novices. The area’s altitude of around 500m provides the perfect environment for a lush pine forest. Regrettably, repeated fires have caused the forest to diminish in size. Nevertheless, the area is worth a visit, and visitors are sure to be charmed by the sight of small pine trees sprouting from the rocks, akin to bonsai trees.
The gorge’s depth extends to 300m. At one spot, two narrow rocks form the entrance to a series of caves that served as a refuge for Cretan rebels and Allies during the German Occupation. The locals refer to this area as the “Chinese Landscape”, due to the smooth rocks dotted with bonsai-like trees. Adjacent to the gorge’s exit, visitors can explore the village of Kalamafka with its inviting taverns and babbling water. Additionally, nearby attractions include an ancient olive oil mill and the churches of Saint John and Saint Anthony.
Agios Nikolaos is a picturesque coastal town, located on the stunning Greek island of Crete, situated to the east of Heraklion, north of Ierapetra, and west of Sitia.
Agios Nikolaos is definitely worth a visit! With its gorgeous beaches, temperate climate and sunny skies all year round, it’s no surprise that Agios Nikolaos is a beloved tourist destination. But the fun doesn’t end there – there are countless other attractions awaiting to be discovered!
One of the most cost-effective ways to get from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos is to get the bus. The bus runs every two hours (or more often between May-October based on demand). You can count on its dependability and low price – just less than €10 one way!
Agios Nikolaos beaches are celebrated for their quaintness and the enjoyable activities available to all who come. The most popular beaches in Agios Nikolaos are Ammoudi Beach and Almyros Beach, which are the most family-friendly beaches in Agios Nikolaos.
The name Agios Nikolaos means Saint Nicholas.
The main attraction in Agios Nikolaos City is the picturesque Voulismeni Lake, which is surrounded by souvenir shops and often hosts festivals and sporting events.
Visitors can take a peaceful walk through the shops, enjoy traditional Cretan art, visit museums, and taste local products and delicacies. They can also enjoy the nightlife in the numerous bars throughout the town.
Some places to visit in Agios Nikolaos City include Voulismeni Lake, the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos, the Folk Art Museum of Agios Nikolaos, Agios Nikolaos church, the Cathedral of Agia Triada, and the Panagia Vrefotrofos church.
Visitors can go shopping on Odos Roussou Kondourou, which is lined with various shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Agios Nikolaos bursts into vibrant life post-sunset with an array of cafes, bars, and nightclubs. Its diverse venues, ranging from boats to rooftops, pulsate with Greek and international hits, ensuring a thrilling night of dance and music.
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