Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is a beautiful coastal town overlooking the Mirabello Bay. It is located on the northeastern part of Crete, Greece’s largest island. It is believed that a part of the town is actually built over the remains of an ancient city, Lato.

The town caters to the needs of every visitor – it has a sleepy yet vibrant vibe. Wondering how that is? Well, during the daytime, the town takes up a slower relaxed pace of life while it comes alive at night, with its lit waterfront bars and upbeat music.

Lake Voulismeni

The area around Lake Voulismeni is the heart of the town. It is bounded by numerous restaurants, cafes, bars and shops which further branch into smaller streets filled with activity. A part of the lake is ringed by rocky cliffs. From the observation deck on top,  you can enjoy mesmerising views of the town and the sea beyond.

There is a small bridge over the lake, after which it opens to the port. From here, you can watch the commercial boats which leave to the nearby islands, lined up.

As you explore this area, you will come across two impressive statues – Abduction of Europa and Horn of Amalthea, with a grand backdrop of the waters and eastern mountains. Both these statues represent stories from Greek mythology which the locals would be glad to share with you.

Beaches

Of course, the best part about every coastal town are the numerous beaches and sandy shores which are a perfect solution for both relaxation and entertainment. You can either sit back and sip your favourite drink or enjoy activities like swimming, surfing or beach volleyball.

Kitroplatia is a semicircular beach, only a short walk from the port or lake. Its pebbled shores are dotted with umbrellas and beach chairs from where you can enjoy the scenic views of the eastern mountains and azure waters.

Almyros beach is a short ten minute drive away from the town and is the largest in the area. One part of the beach is covered with pebbles and the other is very sandy, accented by tall grasses.

Voulisma beach is located fifteen minutes away from the town’s centre. This is considered one of Crete’s best beaches given its extremely soft white sand and clear turquoise waters. The waters here are very warm and perfect for a swim. There are two other beaches close by – Chartalami and Pylos.

All the beaches have great dining options which also serve you stunning views for free!

Spinalonga Island

A day trip to Spinalonga Island automatically becomes a part of every trip to Agios Nikolaos. It is located in the Gulf of Elounda, near the coastal town of Plaka. Over the years, the island has been used for several purposes. In the 16th century, the Venetians turned the island into a fortress to defend the Elounda harbour. After this, Crete was captured by the Ottomans and the island still continued to serve as a defense mechanism. In the early 20th century, the Cretans overthrew the Ottomans after which it was used as a leper colony till 1957.

Today, visitors flock here to navigate the ruins of the fort and immerse themselves in the deep history of this island. Spinalonga was also used as the setting for Victoria Hislop’s novel, ‘The Island’ and was also featured in the TV adaptation of the same.

Kritsa

Krista is a timeless Cretan village which is nestled amidst stretches of Olive groves. You can reach the village by taking a little blue train from Agios Nikolaos and watch how the scene dramatically changes from a bustling town to a serene countryside. The whitewashed brick houses set in a hilly backdrop seems straight out of a painting. You can buy local Cretan products like handicrafts or ceramics, which make perfect souvenirs.

Church of Panagia Kera

This ancient church was built in the 13th century and lies on the way between Agios Nikolaos and Krista. The church walls display medieval frescoes from the Byzantine era which depict popular scenes from the Bible like the Nativity and the Last Supper.

Why should you visit?

Agios Nikolaos is one of the most picturesque coastal towns with great beaches, a lively atmosphere and is also laden with history. It gives access to other popular locations like Elounda, a luxurious resort town, and Spinalonga island. You can also visit important archaeological sites like Lato, Vrokastro and Gournia which would help you understand the bigger picture of Crete’s history.