Agia Nikolaos Crete. What are the must-see attractions in Agios Nikolaos? Rent a car in Agios Nikolaos

Like, it’s difficult to find a more comfortable resort in Crete than Agios Nikolaos. During the day, the town sleeps peacefully, dipping its feet into Lake Vulizmeni. And in the late afternoon he wakes up to the lights of cafes and restaurants, nightclubs, where people constantly meet and part.

Strange, but this city was built as a place of salvation - the Cretans defended themselves from Turkish persecution. It turns out that initially an atmosphere of fear reigned in him. But the Greeks are such a people - they cannot remain in a gloomy mood for long. They love to have fun. That's why the whole world adores them.

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How to get there

The easiest way to get to Agios Nikolaos is from Heraklion. You can arrive in Heraklion by plane (there are flights from Russia) or by ship, and from there go to the resort by car or bus. The journey will take about an hour - the journey is just over 60 kilometers.

You can also get there by ferry from Piraeus - regular flights, so you won’t have to wait long for departure.

Beaches of Agios Nikolaos

The beaches of the Cretan city delight with clear water and fresh sea wind. There are snow-white yachts in beautiful bays. Tanned boys and girls are playing volleyball on the shore.

Agios Nikolaos has quite a variety of beaches. Most of them are surrounded by hotels, so near the tourist rookery you can play mini-golf, tennis, football, and basketball. The beaches are quiet, calm, there is no struggle for sun loungers and a place in the sun. There are always bars and cafes nearby, you can go for a couple of cocktails.

Maps of Agios Nikolaos

Weather in Agios Nikolaos

Cuisine, restaurants

Restaurants and cafes in Agios Nikolaos come alive every evening. The local bar area is located on the pier, and this is where suffering tourists flock. The town has two of the funniest streets - 25 March and Joseph Koundouros. On the first one they drink all the time, on the second one they dance. Fortunately, they are located close to each other.

In general, local restaurants attract not only excellent cuisine, but also views of the city and the opening lake. Usually this is a small establishment near the port, where guests sit under the canopy of trees. The menu usually includes seafood, vegetable and meat dishes. Early in the morning, to cheer up, you can stop by a cafe and try coffee with croissants and cheese buns.

The shops

Local shops are literally filled with souvenirs. Sellers for the most part emphasize the history and beauty of Crete. You can buy postcards, books, copies of exhibits from the archaeological museum, jewelry and much more.

One of the tasty attractions of the town is olive oil. When purchasing, you need to make sure that it is Extra Virgin Olive Oil - a very pure oil produced on the island by cold pressing. The healthiest product is Organic Product. If you find an oil with this name, take it without hesitation.

Agios Nikolaos is full of jewelry shops that attract wealthy tourists. Mainly from Russia. Here you can buy products from both local craftsmen and famous brands. No fakes were noticed.

And another attraction for guests of the island is fur coats. Fur coats and leather goods from famous designers are sold in special atelier stores. It also seems like everything is real.

3 things to do in Agios Nikolaos

1. Visit the area of ​​pedestrian streets - the local elite gather here, the shops sell only brands, and the cafes serve the best food. In addition, such streets are beautiful in themselves.
2. Wandering through the Sunday market is such a huge second-hand store where you can find “branded” items at bargain prices.
3. Go diving - during your stay in Crete you need to explore not only the world of the locals, but also the underwater universe. Simply because it is very beautiful.

Hotels in Agios Nikolaos

There are no and cannot be problems with hotels in Agios Nikolaos. Otherwise, the city would immediately lose its status as one of the most tourist destinations. Here you can stay in a hotel of any class. The oldest ones are located in Eleftheria Square. Modern ones stretch along the coast and are scattered in the city center.

The cost of accommodation is approximately the following: a standard three-star room will cost from 1,500 rubles per night, 4 “stars” - from 2,500 rubles, luxury lovers will pay 5-6 thousand rubles every day.

Service and service in local hotels are at a good level. The rooms are equipped with everything you need. Almost every room has a beautiful view of either the city or the lake and beaches.

Entertainment and attractions of Agios Nikolaos

The visiting card of the city is the previously mentioned lake Vulizmeni. Let's start with it.

Lake Vulizmeni

The city is located around this lake. Its diameter is more than 130 meters. The lake is connected to the sea by a narrow canal, but - amazing! - water does not mix. According to legend, the goddess Athena bathed in Vulizmeni. True, there are no witnesses to this event.

The embankment is lined with many cafes and restaurants, and ships leave the harbor for the fortress on Spinalonga.

Archaeological Museum

This museum is the second best archaeological museum in Crete. Gold jewelry, stone vases, and various vessels are collected here. A unique and funny exhibit is a male skull with a laurel wreath and a silver coin. The Greeks believed that transportation to the other world had to be paid for.

gios Nikolaos

Spinalonga Island

One of the most popular excursion routes is to the island of Spinalonga. There is an ancient fort here, which has been perfectly preserved and has conveyed to modern residents the atmosphere of past centuries. The excursion lasts a long time - about 10 hours. During this time you can climb the entire fort, walk along the beach, see the reserve and eat in a cafe. There will be enough impressions for the rest of the trip.

Sunken City

They say that the sunken city of Olus can be seen at the bottom of the sea during a calm - it is located opposite the crossing leading to Elounda. The city went under water after the earthquake. Olus was an independent city with its own minted coins.

During excavations, the main temple of Olus was found - the temple of Aphrodite and Ares. His items are kept in the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos.

An island that is equally hospitable to tourists with different needs. Both lovers of a leisurely beach holiday and those who cannot sit still feel quite comfortable here. Each region (nome) of the island has its own face.

There are four nomes in Crete, one of which, Lassithi, is distinguished by beautiful landscapes, fertile valleys and an abundance of attractions. The capital of the area is Agios Nikolaos, which in summer transforms from a quiet town into a bustling resort.

History of Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is located 63 km from Heraklion, on the northern coast of the island. Today it is called the Greek Saint-Tropez, but the modern city has a rich and eventful history. In ancient times, in its place was the city of Lato, a major economic center of Crete.

Starting from the Byzantine period and ending with the period of the presence of the Venetians, on the site of the future Agios Nikolaos, the fortress was rebuilt and destroyed several times. Under the Turks, the city and fortifications finally fell into disrepair, and over time the settlement was abandoned by local residents. Only the port was used for the export of goods.

Modern Agios Nikolaos arose after the island gained independence. It is interesting that residents of other regions of Crete who moved here used materials from the ancient fortress to build houses. By 1881, the population of the town was no more than 90 people, and the city was named Agios Nikolaos in honor of a small Byzantine church. It became a popular tourist destination in the early 80s.

Attractions of Agios Nikolaos

The most striking attraction of the city can be called Lake Vulismeni. Without it it is already difficult to imagine the appearance of the city. Along the shores of the lake, cafes and taverns are located in an orderly row - during lunch or dinner you can enjoy the views of Vulismeni.

At the end of the 19th century, it was decided to dig a canal, and since then the lake has been connected to the sea. Vulismeni has historical value and is covered in legends. According to myths, Athena herself bathed in its waters. There is also an opinion among people that the lake has no bottom: despite its small diameter (130 m), it is distinguished by its impressive depth (more than 65 m). It should be noted that Lake Vulismeni was studied by the team of the famous researcher Jacques Cousteau, who found German military equipment in its waters.

The pride of Agios Nikolaos is his marina. It is perfectly protected from adverse weather conditions, built to European standards and can accommodate up to 255 vessels at any time of the year. Marina Agios Nikolaos is located in the heart of the city. Arriving here by boat or yacht, you can get quick access to the city's main attractions and nearby archaeological sites.

Deserves special attention museums of Agios Nikolaos. The archaeological department houses hundreds of artifacts from excavation sites, including from the necropolis in Sitia, a large collection of coins and statues. And the folklore museum presents authentic items from the everyday life of Cretans, weapons of famous military figures of Crete and a collection of lace products from private collections.

If you drive 25 km from the city, you can get to Milatos Cave. The road leads through a picturesque path. The cave is not lit, but your eyes quickly get used to the darkness. At the entrance there is a small church - a tribute to the memory of the Cretans who died during the occupation of the island by the Turks. Through the entrance you can go to the central part of the cave to look at the stalagmites.

Beaches of Agios Nikolaos

The beaches of Crete are clean and clean, and the coast of Agios Nikolaos is no exception. 12 km from the city center is Istro Beach with crystal clear water and white sand. All around are slopes covered with lush vegetation, which create a feeling of unity with nature. But Istro is not isolated from civilization. It is equipped with sun loungers and is famous for its many tavernas serving Cretan cuisine.

Just 1 km separates Agios Nikolaos from Gavania beach. Despite its proximity to the city, its shores are clean and rarely crowded with tourists. Excellent conditions have been created here for lovers of water activities.

Just 5 km from Agios Nikolaos is the popular resort of Ammoudara. Its clean beach is protected from strong winds, making it an alternative when the rest of the coast of Crete is stormy. Ammoudara is one of the most visited beaches in Lasithi, so it is well equipped with sun loungers, taverns and numerous hotels. And Almiros Beach (2 km from the city) is popular among families. It will delight you with a clean sea and good infrastructure.

A couple of minutes walk from the center of Agios Nikolaos is the city beach. Due to its proximity to the city, it is crowded and well equipped. There are taverns here, parties are often held at night, and any water activities are available.

Where to stay in Agios Nikolaos: best hotels

As befits a popular Greek resort, Agios Nikolaos has no shortage of hotels to suit any budget. Minos Beach is located in the city center (only 800 m). It will appeal to those who value comfort and who value a wide range of services. Minos Beach will delight you with picturesque views, a beautiful park and several swimming pools. The highlight of the hotel is a gallery where works of foreign and Greek artists are exhibited.

Du Lac is a hotel with beautiful views of Lake Voulismeni, 4 minutes from the beach. Within walking distance are shops, taverns, excursion bureaus. Restaurant Du Lac offers you to enjoy seafood and the best Greek dishes. The hotel is suitable for those looking for value for money.

If the location by the sea is important, you can choose the Mirabella apartments. All rooms offer views of Mirabello Bay. Services include surf equipment rental, a swimming pool with hydromassage in the garden, a kitchenette and a shop. The center of Agios Nikolaos is just 3 km away.

Holidays in Agios Nikolaos combine different possibilities. Here you can easily find quiet coves or have fun in a club after sunset. You should also definitely visit neighboring Elounda, look into the charming village of Kritsa or rent a car to continue exploring the equally interesting cities of Crete.

Special offers in hotels of Agiom Nikolaos

All about Crete - more than 100 articles about attractions, transport, hotels, trips around Crete by car and much more.

Among the many popular attractions of Crete, Agios Nikolaos deserves special mention - a small cozy and very colorful town in the eastern part of the island, loved by tourists from all over the world, thanks to its beautiful views and the amazing atmosphere of a real Mediterranean resort.

The name of the city reflects the name of its patron Saint Nicholas, the protector of sailors and all of Greece.

In this former fishing village, the fresh and salt waters of two bodies of water merge - Lake Vulismeni and the sea bay with the beautiful Italian name Mirabello.

History and legends of the Greek pearl of Agios Nikolaos

In this city of Crete, not only are two bodies of water connected, its entire history serves as a symbol of the unification - first of the two Greek villages of Lato Pros Kamara and Lato Getera in the distant 3rd century, and then of two cultures - Greek and Italian.

After all, it was the Byzantines who laid the foundation for the rapid development of Agios Nikolaos, building their strategic fortress here in 1206 and giving the city its current name.

The fortress was later destroyed by Turkish conquerors and earthquakes, but the town continued to grow and flourish, becoming a favorite holiday destination in Crete.

The island of Crete is associated with many legends and myths of Ancient Greece, and it is the area in the area of ​​​​Agios Nikolaos that is most interesting for enthusiastic tourists, since every pebble here breathes mythology.

It is worth mentioning at least the Lassithi plateau located near the city, where you can still visit the cave in which, according to legend, the supreme ancient Greek God Zeus was born.

And the goddess of hunting Artemis and the formidable Athena loved to take a bath in the crystal clear waters of Lake Vulismeni.

How to get to Agios Nikolaos

There are two ways to get to the island of Crete - by plane or ferry.

In any case, you will most likely end up in the capital city of Heraklion, which has the main international airport and a major seaport.

Agios Nikolaos is only about 60 km from here; the journey will take a little over an hour.

You can get there by regular bus, which leaves from the Heraklion bus station located very close to the port, and also makes a stop at Nikos Kazantzakis airport.

Buses in Crete are comfortable and air-conditioned, they run on schedule and quite often, but along the way they call at all small villages and towns.

On the one hand, such a road can be a little tiring, but it will provide an excellent opportunity to see the northeastern coast of Crete and even get acquainted with its serpentines.

Often rental companies will not even require any guarantees or additional insurance - after all, you are on an island, where will you go from there?

Traveling by car, you can not only quickly get to Agios Nikolaos, but also drive throughout Crete from east to west and back. After all, the main roads here are in very good condition and the only thing to be wary of is the winding mountain serpentines and hot Greek drivers flying around corners at top speed.

You can rent a car right at the airport from large network rental companies or pay attention to small local rent-a-cars, saving significantly on rental costs.

On the way from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos, you will have the opportunity to see such nice famous tourist towns as Malia and Hersonissos, as well as stop by a picturesque village in the mountains with the Italian name Neapoli.

What to see in Agios Nikolaos: main attractions

Panorama of the city and Mirabello Bay



Arriving in Agios Nikolaos along the main road from Heraklion, you find yourself in the upper part of the city, located on high hills.

These are residential areas with small, standard for Greece, cubes of private cottages. Here you won’t see any tourist attractions, but you can fully immerse yourself in the local flavor by taking a short walk from the bus station to the old town.

It’s worth leaving your rented car in the parking lot here, because driving along the narrow and steep ups and downs of Agios Nikolaos, and even more so, parking close to the walls of houses at an angle of 45 degrees will be an unforgettable experience for an untrained driver.

There is another reason why it is worth approaching the old town on foot - the colorful panorama, familiar from many postcards from Crete, which can be seen from the observation deck from a high point in the city.

A picturesque lake with many colorful fishing boats, surrounded by traditional Greek houses with colorful window frames and roofs, and on the horizon, as far as the eye can see, is the endless seascape of Mirabello Bay, even the name of which translates as "beautiful view".

This amazing picture will remain in your photographs, reminding you of an extraordinary ancient town on the Cretan coast.

Lake Vulismeni



This freshwater lake with water of an amazing bright blue color is a real calling card of Agios Nikolaos and the entire island of Crete.

It is believed that it is of volcanic origin and was formed as a result of the subsidence of the crater bottom to great depths. Almost perfectly round in shape, it is surrounded by high cliffs on one side and cute colorful fishermen's houses on the other. The lake was once considered bottomless and, according to legend, served as a font for Greek goddesses.

Now the lake is connected to the sea by a narrow channel, so the water in it mixes, remaining fresh only at very great depths, where the bottom of the lake forms something like a funnel.

There is a picturesque bridge across the canal, and around Lake Voulismeni there are many cozy Greek taverns where you can taste excellent dishes of authentic Greek cuisine while enjoying the beautiful view.

Moreover, taverns buy fresh fish and seafood right before your eyes from fishing boats mooring to the shores of the lake.

Promenade and sea pier





From the sea side, the town's embankment is no less interesting.

A well-maintained promenade has been built here, where it is so pleasant to stroll under the cry of seagulls and sit under the shade of tropical trees on a hot day, enjoying the smells of many flowers.

On the embankment there are also popular restaurants with traditional Greek and European cuisine and cozy terraces overlooking the sea and the port.

The sea pier of Agios Nikolaos is also a separate attraction, as both the latest luxury yachts and fishing boats, the age of which is simply impossible to imagine, come here.

It is always interesting to watch how fishermen from arriving ships throw small fish into the sea, gathering whole flocks of greedy screaming seagulls around them.

Church of St. Nicholas



A tiny church is dedicated to the city's patron Saint Nicholas in Agios Nikolaos, which can be found in the upper part of the city, in the main square, named after the Greek politician Eleftherios Venizelos.

But don’t let its unremarkable appearance deceive you - this particular church was one of the most important in Crete, and it was in its honor that the whole city was named.

In addition, according to historians, this church, built back in the 8th century, is one of the best preserved churches of the Byzantine period and serves as a worthy example of ancient architecture. Over the years, it has not been rebuilt or modified, and frescoes dating back to the 8th, 9th and 10th centuries have been preserved inside.

The church's painting was partially renewed in 1980, but the painters strictly adhered to the Byzantine style and preserved its originality.

Archaeological Museum



For tourists interested in ancient Greek culture and history, you should definitely visit the archaeological museum of Agios Nikolaos, which contains unique exhibits from all over the eastern part of Crete. The collection is presented in 6 halls and contains more than 6 thousand exhibits.

Beaches in the city and surroundings



In the town of Agios Nikolaos itself there are beaches, but they are not of particular interest, since on them you will not be able to see the combination of sky-blue water and white sea sand or pebbles, famous for Greece.

Although these beaches are suitable for a quick swim or, for example, water sports.

In the very center of the city, away from the embankment, the cozy Kitroplatya beach is hidden, and a little further away are the well-maintained city beaches of Amoudi and Ammos.

However, if you want to appreciate the quality of Greek beaches by visiting the best of them, awarded the Blue Flag, go to the area around Agios Nikolaos.

Just 2 km from the city are the famous beaches with crystal water - Almiros and Havanya, and a little further in the village of Ammoudara there is a small beach of the same name of incredible beauty.

The most popular hotels in Agios Nikolaos





The central coastal part of the city resembles an old fishing village with characteristic low, simple houses, so you won’t find luxury hotel complexes here.

However, if you still want to stay in the old town and experience its unique romantic atmosphere, small cozy guest houses or 3-star hotels are at your disposal.

For example, such as Pergola hotel, Mantraki Hotel Apartments, Palazzo apart-hotel. Most often, these small hotels are run by local families, so you will find yourself in a homely atmosphere of comfort and care.

For discerning tourists, Agios Nikolaos also has something to offer. Just a couple of kilometers from the city center, or further afield if you are looking for peace and serenity, you can find stunning luxury hotels with full luxury services, the most popular of which are:

• St. Nikolas Bay Resort and Villas– a luxurious luxury complex 1.5 km from the city center, with a private beach, 6 swimming pools and a huge range of spa services and thalassotherapy.

• Iberostar Mirabello beach hotel&villas– a large hotel complex popular among Russian tourists with all the services and entertainment of excellent 5-star service.

• Blue Marine Resort and Spa Hotel– a cozy spa hotel on Ammoudara beach, 6 km from Agios Nikolaos, offering magical views of Mirabello Bay, luxury accommodation and an excellent spa complex.

In addition, in the immediate vicinity of the city you can also stay in good 4-star hotels, including, for example, Iberostar Hermes, Miramare, Faedra beach and others.

Agios Nikolaos. Crete

At the end of the 19th century. From a miniature fishing village has grown the charming seaside town of Agios Nikolaos. It is the capital of the easternmost region of Crete - the Lasithi region and is located in the most beautiful bay - Mirabello.

A walk along the embankment will bring true pleasure to connoisseurs beautiful sea views, a particularly stunning sight appears at sunset. And lovers of sea travel will find boats and yachts that will take you around the picturesque bay, nearby towns and to the famous Spinalonga fortress.

Attractions of Agios Nikolaos

In prehistoric times of the legendary Minoan civilization, there was a port on the site of Agios Nikolaos ancient settlement of Lato. Lato, located nearby, is one of the most interesting ancient cities of Crete.

There are not so many architectural and historical attractions in Agios Nikolaos itself, but there is something here that which is not found in any of the cities of Crete...an amazingly beautiful lake...

Situated on the shores of a stunning Lake Vulismeni, Agios Nikolaos is famous for its picturesque views. On one side the lake is surrounded by steep reddish rocks, and on the other there are taverns and restaurants, from where all its amazing beauty is visible.

Like all the sights of Crete, Voulismeni is surrounded by ancient legends. According to them, Aphrodite herself bathed in it. Either she shared her beauty with the lake, or the lake with her. In a word, the lake is credited with healing and rejuvenating properties.

And the ancient people considered it bottomless. Indeed, the depth of Vulismeni is 68 m with a diameter of only 140 m.

The most beautiful view of the lake opens from the cliff adjacent to the west. A cool bottomless pit, toy houses, and a bridge spanning a canal connecting the lake to the sea. This canal was dug by the Turks in the 19th century, pursuing some defensive purposes. Despite this, it is believed that the fresh water of Vulismeni does not mix with sea water.

One of the advantages of Crete is its relatively small size, so while relaxing in any city, you can easily visit any of the attractions of Crete.

Entertainment Agios Nikolaos. Crete

During the day the town sleeps peacefully, enjoying the coolness of the bottomless lake, and in the evening it comes to life, flashing with colorful lights, turning into one of nightlife centers of Crete.

Everything is here! Clubs, discos, bars, restaurants and traditional taverns. Lights, music and an intoxicating feeling of never-ending celebration! The city is seething until the morning, leaving no chance to get bored...

Traditionally, Crete is famous for its unique cuisine, which has kept its traditions unchanged for hundreds of years. Agios Nikolaos is no exception. Chic restaurants and cozy taverns are always open for gourmets, read more about the cuisine of Crete...

Holidays in Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Crete. Therefore, at the height of the season there is nothing to even dream about spending time alone.

Hotels in the city a great variety, from luxury hotels and villas to cozy houses and private guesthouses.

For a more relaxing holiday you can choose one of the nearby villages, which, like Agios Nikolaos, belong to the province of Lasithi. This area is famous for its large selection of hotels, great beaches and amazing sights.

Beaches of Agios Nikolaos

The beaches of Agios Nikolaos are mostly sandy with a gently sloping bottom and excellent equipment. There are excellent beach areas for relaxing with little tourists, where playgrounds and children's pools are equipped. Children's holidays in Crete are always given special attention.

Situated in the beautiful Gulf of Mriabello, many of the beaches are very picturesque. Surrounded by tall trees, reed and reed thickets, they are wonderful secluded corners for a relaxing holiday. The central beaches of the city are quite crowded.

The surrounding villages also have excellent beach areas, very comfortable and beautiful. And very close to Agios Nikolaos is one of the best beaches in Crete.

Where is it located?

Agios Nikolaos is the capital of the easternmost district of Crete, Lassithi. It is located on the northern coast of the island 60 km from the airport of the capital - the city of Heraklion.

Small, even by Greek standards, the town of Agios Nikolaos, the administrative center of the Lasithi region, is comfortably located in the northwestern part of Mirabello Bay in Crete. Officially, only about 8.5 thousand permanent residents live in Agios Nikolaos on Crete, but with the onset of the beach season the city literally transforms. After all, far from the poorest tourists from all over Europe come here to relax. For what? To relax and hang out.

Agios Nikolaos (or Agios Nikolaos, as the Greeks say) in Crete is the local St. Tropez. And just like its French “twin,” it was little known until the middle of the last century, when tourists began actively exploring the island of Crete, previously popular only among lovers of antiquities.

Agios Nikolaos on Crete takes its name from the small church of St. Nicholas, located on the Limenas peninsula.

Agios Nikolaos had a certain strategic importance only during the years of the rule of the Venetians, who first built an impressive fortress on this coast, protecting copper and salt mines, and subsequently, retreating before the power of the Ottomans, blew it up.

The pearl of Agios Nikolaos is Lake Voulismeni, with a diameter of 137 m and a depth of 64 m

Agios Nikolaos owes its rebirth to refugees from mainland Greece who settled here in the second half of the 19th century. But only by the 60s. XX century it has become popular among tourists who prefer leisurely relaxation during the day and unbridled fun at night.

It is believed that it was from Agios Nikolaos on Crete that a new page was opened in the history of Crete as an island of fun beach parties.

The pearl of Agios Nikolaos is Lake Voulismeni, with a diameter of 137 m and a depth of 64 m, connected to Mirabello Bay by a canal. Agios Nikolaos has three accesses to the sea - from the lake, from the municipal beach of Kitroplatia and from the port on the bay, where yachts and cruise ships moor.

Nearby are the ruins of one of the most famous ancient cities on Crete - Lato, which flourished in the 6th-3rd centuries. BC.

How to get to Agios Nikolaos in Crete

Agios Nikolaos is located 63 km east of the capital of Crete - Heraklion. The closest international airport to the city is also Nikos Kazantzakis. The trip from the airport to the capital of Crete by car or taxi usually takes 45-60 minutes (details about all the ways to get from the airport -).

10 km from the city there is one of the most fashionable resorts - Elounda

In addition, it is also possible to get to Agios Nikolaos by sea. In previous years there was a route connecting Agios Nikolaos with both Athens and the island of Rhodes. Whether it will continue to exist in the 2018 season is unknown.

As for the possibilities of getting to Agios Nikolaos from other cities of Crete, there are 3 alternatives: by taxi, regular bus routes or by rented car.

The first option, however, can be quite expensive. But there are no problems with buses in Crete: they run regularly and quite often. The newly built bus station is located just 1.5 km from the city center.

The beaches of Crete are diverse

Finally, you can get to Agios Nikolaos by rented car, which is relatively inexpensive on the island.

If this option is closer to you, then it is better to book a car online in advance through an international car rental price comparison service - it usually turns out much more profitable.

Hotels

There are definitely no problems with hotels in Agios Nikolaos on Crete: over the course of half a century, its hotel infrastructure has only been improved.

What to see and do in Agios Nikolaos

Those who have already visited Agios Nikolaos are advised to immediately upon arrival in the city climb the stone steps to the observation deck on the western side of Lake Voulismeni. From the observation deck you can see those same “postcard” views of the city streets running down to the lake and Mirabello Bay, and of the turquoise waters of the bay itself.

Holy Trinity Cathedral - the main temple of the city

It is noteworthy that in Agios Nikolaos itself there are almost no interesting monuments, with the exception of several churches in the Byzantine style: first of all, Panagia Vrethotrophou of the 12th century, and the main temple of the city - the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, built in the second half of the last century.

But this does not mean that there is absolutely nothing to do here, except relax on the beaches, walk along the embankments along the bay and lake, and visit numerous cafes and restaurants.

The main arteries of Agios Nikolaos are the pedestrian street 28 October, where the best souvenir shops and fur coat boutiques are located, and the streets 25 March and Koundouros, famous for their bars, clubs and dance floors.

From Agios Nikolaos, tourists often go on excursions to the island of Spinalonga

If you don’t want to explore the assortment of souvenir shops and then have fun until you drop, then it’s worth visiting the exhibitions of the archaeological and ethnographic museums (open all days except Monday) or visiting the excavation site of the city of Lato.

Or you can go on an excursion to an olive farm, where you can combine business with pleasure: learn about the history of oil production and buy its best modern samples to try.

In the vicinity of Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is the ideal starting point for. Just 10 km north of the city is perhaps the most fashionable resort of the island - interesting because the now sunken city of Olus was once located in its place.

Opposite Elounda, in Mirabello Bay, where many tourists come who want to explore the fairly well-preserved ruins of a Venetian fortress and become immersed in the dark history of these places.

Those interested in mythology should visit the Lasithi plateau, which gives its name to the whole nomu, about 20 km from Agios Nikolaos. Here, near the village of Psychro, is the entrance to the Dicteon Andron, the cave where, according to legend, Zeus himself was born.

Thanks to the skillful multi-colored lighting, the cave looks like a huge hall of a fabulous underground palace, decorated with countless stalactites.