Agios Nikolaos is the coastal capital of the Lasithi region of Crete, built around Voulismeni Lake on the north-western side of Mirabello Bay, the biggest bay in Crete. Agios Nikolaos takes its name from Saint Nicholas. The town sits east of Heraklion, north of Ierapetra, and west of Sitia. As a major administrative, cultural, and communications centre, it ranks among the most developed tourist areas in both Crete and Greece, and it is the administrative seat of the wider Lasithi region.
The town centre rewards a slow walk. Shops along the streets sell traditional Cretan art, copies of pieces from the local archaeological museum, jewellery, and embroidery, along with local products and delicacies. The main shopping street is Odos Roussou Kondourou, lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Coffee shops throughout the town serve local dishes and raki.
Beyond the lake, Agios Nikolaos holds the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos, the Folk Art Museum, and several churches, including Agios Nikolaos church, the Cathedral of Agia Triada, and the Panagia Vrefotrofos church. The town’s beaches are known for their small scale and their family-friendly activities. Voulismeni Lake remains the main attraction, ringed by souvenir shops and used through the year for festivals and sporting events.
After sunset the town stays lively. Bars across the centre pair a relaxed atmosphere with loud music that draws younger crowds, and venues range from boats to rooftops playing Greek and international hits.
8 beaches lie within 1.5 km of the centre of Agios Nikolaos, all of them small in scale and all reachable on foot from Voulismeni Lake. Several are organized with umbrellas, showers and sunbeds, and each one sits within a minute or two of the cafes, tavernas and shops of the town.
Agios Nikolaos is a coastal town on the Greek island of Crete. It lies east of Heraklion, north of Ierapetra, and west of Sitia.
Agios Nikolaos is worth visiting for its beaches, temperate climate, and sunny weather. The town also offers museums, churches, and a lively harbour around Voulismeni Lake to explore.
Take the bus, the most cost-effective way to travel from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos. The bus runs every two hours, and more often between May and October based on demand, for less than 10 euro one way.
Agios Nikolaos has several beaches, known for their small scale and the activities available to visitors. The most popular and most family-friendly are Ammoudi Beach and Almyros Beach.
8 beaches lie within 1.5 km of the centre of Agios Nikolaos: Kitroplatia and Europa at 300 m, Ammos and Akti Koundourou at 500 m, Kimzu Sea Lounge at 800 m, Ammoudi at 1 km, Gargadoros at 1.1 km, and Beti at 1.4 km.
Ammos beach suits young children, because its water is shallow and generally calm. It carries sunbeds, showers and umbrellas, and it begins near the marina 500 m south of Voulismeni Lake.
Agios Nikolaos means Saint Nicholas.
The main attraction in Agios Nikolaos is Voulismeni Lake. The lake is surrounded by souvenir shops and often hosts festivals and sporting events.
Visitors can walk through the shops, browse traditional Cretan art, visit the museums, and taste local products and delicacies. They can also enjoy the town’s nightlife in the many bars across the centre.
Places to visit in Agios Nikolaos include Voulismeni Lake, the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos, and the Folk Art Museum. The town’s churches include Agios Nikolaos church, the Cathedral of Agia Triada, and the Panagia Vrefotrofos church.
Visitors can shop on Odos Roussou Kondourou, the main shopping street. It is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Agios Nikolaos comes alive after sunset with cafes, bars, and nightclubs. Its venues range from boats to rooftops, playing Greek and international hits for a night of dance and music, as covered in this guide to the nightlife of Agios Nikolaos.
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.
This is a seated food tasting rather than a walking tour. Over 2 hours at the Faedra Beach restaurant at Ammoudara, just west of Agios Nikolaos, a host takes you through five Greek and Cretan dishes served as separate courses, opening with a shot of tsikoudia alongside Cretan rusks and fresh tomato. Kamaratos SA run it from €55, and vegetarian and vegan versions are available.
The evening is built around five dishes, each served and explained in turn.
First comes the welcome: tsikoudia, the Cretan grape spirit, poured with rusks and fresh tomato. Second comes the sequence of five plates drawn from the everyday Greek and Cretan repertoire, mezedes, casseroles, ladera and mageirefta, the slow-cooked dishes that Greek households actually eat. Named dishes on the list include fava, taramosalata, fasolakia and stuffed peppers, tomatoes, courgettes and aubergines. Third comes dessert, and the tasting closes there.
Wine is poured through the meal. The point of the format is breadth: five smaller plates cover more of the cuisine than one main course does, and the host explains the ingredients and the cooking method behind each.
The tasting stays in one place, on the coast west of the town.
The €55 covers the whole tasting at the table.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend this one for what it is, and we want to be exact about that, because the old page title on this site said walking tour and the experience is not one. You sit at a table by the sea for two hours and eat.
What earns it a place is the choice of dishes. Fava, taramosalata, fasolakia and stuffed vegetables are home cooking rather than taverna showpieces, the ladera and mageirefta that Greek families cook on ordinary weekdays and that most visitors never get a proper run through. Being talked through five of them in sequence, with the reasoning behind the ingredients, is a genuinely different thing from ordering mezedes off a menu.
The single review on record is a strong one. A German guest who took it in October 2023 wrote that their host Manos was great, that they learned a lot about Greek food philosophy, ingredients and culture, that the staff were very kind and that the food was very delicious.
That single review is also the caveat, and it is a real one.
One review is not evidence of consistency. Five stars from one guest tells you far less than four stars from two hundred, and this listing has no volume behind it. Treat the rating as a promising signal rather than a proven record.
The format is fixed, so check it suits you. There is no walking, no market visit and no cooking, if you want a tour of Agios Nikolaos on foot, this is not that, and if you want to cook, a cooking class is the right booking. Dietary requirements are worth flagging when you book, since the vegetarian and vegan versions are arranged rather than standing.
Confirm your dietary needs early, arrange your own transport, and pace the first shot.
The meeting point is the Faedra Beach resort at Ammoudara, west of Agios Nikolaos. The tasting runs 2 hours and seats you at the seafront restaurant for the whole of it.
Come hungry rather than after lunch, five courses plus dessert is a full meal, not a snack.
The tasting runs 2 hours, seated at one restaurant for the whole session.
No, it is a seated tasting at a seafront restaurant, with no walking element despite the older listing title.
Five Greek and Cretan dishes are served as separate courses, followed by dessert.
Both are available on request, so state your requirement at the time of booking.
Tsikoudia is the Cretan grape spirit poured as a welcome here, served alongside rusks and fresh tomato.
One review, rated five stars, from a German guest in October 2023, a small base to judge it on.
Check dates and prices for the Greek and Cretan food tasting in Agios Nikolaos.
Take a tour to Richtis beach on the far side of Mirabello Bay and trek through the forest to the stunning Richtis waterfall. After pickup from your accommodation, enjoy the beautiful scenery on the 1-hour drive to the bay of Mirabello. Leave the asphalt and travel off road down to Richtis beach, hugging the mountainside.
Park at the bottom and enter Richtis gorge to start the 30-minute walk to reach the falls. Follow a trail through the forest, listening to the sounds of birds and running water. Stop to admire the incredible waterfalls, with time to climb up the stairs to the top of the falls, take photos, or swim in the cool waters.
When you are ready to leave, head back to the beach along the same trail. During the tour you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch at a local tavern, with wine and water included. At the end of your tour, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel in the Elounda area.
This is a small family boat trip rather than a charter: four hours out of Agios Nikolaos marina with Captain Kostas aboard the Monomahos, fishing the bays of Mirabello with rods, stopping to swim, and eating a snack his wife cooks. Fishing Trips Crete run it from €90, with a 4.87 rating across 68 reviews, and reviewers keep saying the same thing, that beginners are welcome.
The four hours divide between fishing, swimming and eating, and the captain reads the weather to decide the order.
First is the marina at Agios Nikolaos, where Kostas meets you at the boat. Second is the run out into Mirabello Bay, the large sheltered gulf that gives eastern Crete its calmest water, to whichever spot is fishing that day. Third is the fishing itself, with rods and tackle provided and the captain baiting and advising as needed. Fourth is a stop in one of the bays for a swim and the snack, with beer, local wine, soft drinks, coffee and water on board.
Reviewers commonly report three different stops in a single trip, and several describe snorkelling between the fishing spots.
The boat works the gulf immediately around the town.
The €90 covers the boat, the captain, the tackle and the food.
Included:
There is nothing listed as excluded, which is unusual and worth noting, the price is the price.
We recommend this one because of who it works for: people who have never fished. That is not the usual pitch for a fishing trip, and it is the single most repeated point in the reviews.
A German guest put it directly, Kostas is attentive, helpful and patient, and that matters when you have people aboard fishing for the first time in their lives. Another German family called it recommended even for inexperienced anglers. A British couple reported their daughter Freya catching her first fish ever. If you have been put off booking because you would not know what to do with a rod, this is the trip that solves that.
The second thing is that it is genuinely a family operation. Kostas runs it with his daughter Katerina, the snack is cooked by his wife, and there is a dog on board that a French reviewer went out of their way to mention. A German visitor said it felt more like being out with friends than on a tour. Guide and transportation both score 4.9 out of 5.
Third, it is not only fishing. Reviewers describe three stops in four hours, snorkelling between them, and the captain explaining the species being caught. A Dutch family of four fished and snorkelled at three different locations. If half your group wants to swim rather than fish, they are catered for.
Two honest notes.
Value for money is the weakest dimension at 4.7 out of 5, which is still high, but €90 for four hours is a real price, and it reflects a small boat with few passengers rather than a bargain.
Weather decides the itinerary. The operator states that the captain chooses the route and the spot according to conditions on the day, so nothing about the route is fixed in advance.
Say you are a beginner, bring a towel, and come hungry.
The meeting point is Akti Nearchou 18 at the Agios Nikolaos marina. The trip runs 4 hours and the boat is the Monomahos.
Bring swimwear, a towel and sun protection. The captain has 30 years at sea and all fishing equipment is supplied, so there is nothing else to bring.
The trip runs 4 hours from the marina, covering fishing, a swim stop and a snack.
No, reviewers repeatedly describe it as suitable for complete beginners, including children catching their first fish.
All fishing equipment is included, along with a snack, water, a soft drink or coffee, and a beer or glass of local wine.
Yes, the boat stops in one of the bays for a swim, and reviewers commonly report snorkelling between fishing spots.
Into Mirabello Bay, the sheltered gulf around Agios Nikolaos, with the exact spots chosen by the captain on the day.
Captain Kostas, with 30 years at sea, working alongside his daughter Katerina, with the onboard snack cooked by his wife.
Check dates and prices for the Agios Nikolaos fishing trip.
This boat trip leaves Agios Nikolaos harbour at 12:30 and spends 4.5 hours in the Mirabello gulf, crossing to Spinalonga and stopping to swim at Kolokytha bay on the way. Spinalonga carries Venetian fortifications and the buildings of the leper colony that operated there until 1957, and the route also passes the sunken city of Olous and Barbarossa’s cave. NOSTOS CRUISES runs it from €25, with a 4.41 rating across 3,526 reviews, ranking 37th among all GetYourGuide experiences in Greece.
The boat makes a circuit of the gulf with one landing and one swim. Four things fill the 4.5 hours.
First is the cruise across Mirabello bay from the main harbour, with live commentary and views back at the coast. Second are the sights passed en route: the cave associated with the corsair Barbarossa, the submerged remains of the ancient city of Olous, and the island where the kri-kri goats live. Third is Spinalonga itself, with a guided walk covering the Venetian period and the colony years. Fourth is the swim stop at Kolokytha bay, entered straight off the boat by ladder and platform.
Live guiding runs in English and Dutch; French, German, Polish and Greek are provided by audio guide only.
The route stays within the Mirabello gulf on the north-east coast.
The €25 covers the boat and the guiding; the island fee and everything you consume are separate.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend this as the efficient way to do Spinalonga: half a day, from a town harbour you can walk to, at €25. It leaves your morning and evening free, which the full-day coach trips do not.
The swim stop is what reviewers rate highest, and it is better than it sounds. A New Zealand guest called it the highlight of the trip, jumping into the sea straight from the boat using the ladder and platform, far more convenient than wading off a beach. French and Polish reviewers describe the same thing, and one noted the swimming time is exactly right.
Guiding on the island earns specific praise. A Dutch reviewer named Dimitri for the history he gave on Spinalonga; a British reviewer described the island guide as very informative and happy to answer questions. A Greek guest said the guides were warm and attentive from the first minute to the last.
The boat itself gets good marks, clean, with a bar and restaurant, food and drink at reasonable prices, and plenty of facilities.
Two honest caveats, and one of them is the dominant complaint in this record.
The €20 island fee is not clear enough at booking. GetYourGuide’s own review summary says travellers want clearer information on the additional entry fee, and two separate German reviewers raised it directly, one saying the price should be more clearly indicated, the other spelling out that an add-on ticket of €20 each is needed for the roughly 90 minutes on the island. At €25 for the boat, the fee nearly doubles your cost.
Language coverage is uneven. Only English and Dutch get a live guide; French, German, Polish and Greek passengers listen to a recording. Guiding scores 4.3 out of 5, the weakest dimension, and this is the likeliest reason.
If you would rather have the towns of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda included with a coach and a guide for the whole day, the full-day Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga trip covers all three.
Budget €45 not €25, bring a towel, and take the ladder rather than the beach.
The boat departs from Nostos Cruises at Akti Koundourou 6, Agios Nikolaos 721 00, at 12:30. No hotel transfer is included.
French, German, Polish and Greek commentary is by audio guide rather than a live guide. Pets are allowed on board, towels are not provided, and the Spinalonga entry fee is paid separately.
The trip runs 4.5 hours, departing Agios Nikolaos harbour at 12:30.
No, the island entry fee of around €20 is separate, and it is the most common complaint in the review record.
The swim stop is at Kolokytha bay, entered directly from the boat by ladder and platform rather than from a beach.
A live guide covers English and Dutch. French, German, Polish and Greek are provided by audio guide only.
No transfer is included. The boat leaves from the main harbour in Agios Nikolaos, walkable from the town centre.
Pets are allowed on board, which is unusual among the Spinalonga boats.
Check dates and prices for the Agios Nikolaos boat trip to Spinalonga.
Board a comfortable air-conditioned semi-submarine vessel at the port of Agios Nikolaos. Discover marine life which inhabits the coastal waters of Agioi Pantes Island. Learn more about the flora and fauna you will see from the onboard audio guide.
See many different species of colorful fish as the boat crew feeds them. If you are lucky, you may spot curious sea turtles, dolphins, and seals who sometimes choose to investigate the vessel.
In the second part of the tour, take a seat on the main deck of the boat in order to admire the spectacular views of Agios Nikolaos Bay. Feel the sea breeze as you cruise through the bay before heading back to the port.
Discover the highlights of Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Plaka on this multi-stop trip from Heraklion. Take in the sights from onboard a ferry and savor a BBQ or tavern lunch. See Spinalonga Island, the Lake of Voulismeni, and more.
Meet your local guide, and make your first stop at Agios Nikolaos on the Gulf of Mirabello. This place is famous for its picturesque lake, explored by the ocean researcher Jaques Cousteau. Walk along the city on your own or relax at a cafe.
After that, drive to the harbor of Elounda where you’ll get on a ferry to visit the Island of Spinalonga. This small isle carries within the history of Ancient Greece, as it served as a natural guard for the ancient city of Olous.
Choose to join a guided tour or explore the island by yourself. If you don’t want to visit the archaeological site, you can join a 1-hour boat trip to a secret location and dive into the crystal-clear water (cost not included). After visiting Spinalonga, depart for one of the nearby bays.
Get plenty of time for swimming and enjoying BBQ served on board. The menu includes pork BBQ, greek salad, feta cheese, bread, seasonal fruit, wine, and Fanta. If your trip is on a Sunday, you’ll get to enjoy dinner in a tavern instead of having BBQ on board.
After a short drive, reach Plaka, a small fishing village. Plaka was the ferry port of the leper colony, whose history was documented in a book and a Greek television series.
The last stop of the day is the capital town of Lasithi, Agios Nikolaos. Relax in a café next to the bottomless Lake of Voulismeni or explore the local shops. Enjoy a refreshing swim before heading back to your accommodation.
10:30 Departure from Elounda with the boat
11:10 Arrival Kolokytha
12:45 Departure from Kolokytha
13:10 Arrival Spinalonga
14:45 Departure from Spinalonga to Elounda
15:00 Arrival Elounda
15:45 Olive oil tasting – Arrival Agios Nikolaos
16:45 Departure Agios Nikolaos – back to the hotels
18:30 Arrival Heraklion.
Route:128 km
Duration:app. 11 hours
Stay in Spinalonga:1 ½ hours
Stay in Kolokytha Bay-Beach:1 ½ hours
Stay in Agios Nikolaos:app.1 hour
ESSENTIALS:
•shoes for the sea
•sun protection
•hat
* Remarks:Please notify us in advance, if you are vegetarian or if you do not eat pork at all, as we have to preorder another lunch for you.
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.
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