Entertainment in Agios Nikolaos. Agios Nikolaos. The most atypical city in Crete. Promenade and sea pier
Built in the 13th century by the Venetians, today greek city Agios Nikolas – popular resort, one of the most beautiful in Greece.
In 1870, the Cretans themselves began to actively revive the city, Agios Nikolas began to develop rapidly, its population increased, and the appearance that was formed at that time has been preserved to this day.
It is located in the picturesque Mirabello Bay, 64 km from the Cretan capital Heraklion. A walk along the Koundourou embankment will bring a lot of pleasure and will lead to the city center, where you can see its main attraction - Lake Vulismeni.
According to legend, she loved to swim in it. It's nice to admire the famous lake from one of the many street cafes while enjoying the taste of aromatic pastries.
Agios Nikolas has a special atmosphere; it is not for nothing that the city is known as the “Greek St. Tropez”. With the arrival of night, the life of the city smoothly turns into nightclubs, bars and discos.
How to get to Agios Nikolas?
Agios Nikolas does not have its own airport, so most often the route to the city is from (65 km).
An individual transfer to the hotel costs no less than 100 euros, a taxi - the same, and sometimes less if you can negotiate. Therefore, a taxi in this case is a more convenient form of transport.
The cheapest way to get from the airport of the island’s capital is by bus, to bus station “A” in the city of Heraklion (the distance from Nikos Kazantzakis Airport is 5 km, the fare will cost 1.8 euros), and then to regular bus KTEL to Agios Nikolas, travel time - 90 minutes, ticket price - 7.10 euros.
Public buses here are green, so they can be easily distinguished from buses travel companies and operators.
Comfortable and air-conditioned, they run every 30 – 45 minutes. Fares vary depending on the distance: to Elounda - 1.70 euros, to Plaka - 2.10, to Ierapetra - 3.80, to Sitia and Heraklion - more than 7 euros.
Agios Nikolas Hotels
Numerous hotels in the city are famous for their hospitality. Suitable accommodation for a holiday in Agios Nikolas will be chosen by both a person who is accustomed to not denying himself anything, and a budget tourist, for whom the main thing is to feel the atmosphere of the city, see the sights and sunbathe on the shores of the Cretan Sea.
Here are several hotels in different price categories that you can choose from, according to reviews from guests who have stayed there.
Daios Cove Luxury Resort; Villas 5*
Luxury complex built on a hill on the shores of Mirabello Bay.
Modern stylish design in light pastel colors, opened in 2010.
The daily price range for its rooms is from 350 euros for a standard double room, to 800 euros for a two-story villa. However, even relatively inexpensive rooms in this hotel leave the most best impressions. Spacious, with large balconies, each with sea views.
The hotel consists of several streets; you can move around the territory by electric vehicles.
There is delicious and varied cuisine, a children's menu, an excellent spa center, heated swimming pools and sea water, high speed WI-FI.
Aparthotel Faedra Beach 4*
A new, elegant complex 3 km from Agios Nikolas, with studios, suites and apartments, prices from 60 euros per night for a standard double room, during peak season the price reaches 130 euros. Address: Ammoudara, 72100, Agios Nikolas.
The hotel is located on the first line of Amoudara beach, awarded the Blue Flag. The rooms offer views of the bay and banana trees. They have everything you need, including a safe, a mini kitchen with a refrigerator, air conditioning and comfortable modern furniture.
The hotel pool meets the latest cleaning technologies and safety measures.
The restaurant offers Greek and international cuisine.
The hotel is located in a quiet and picturesque place, but at the same time close to the city, which allows you to relax peacefully, and if you want to have fun, get to more noisy places won't be difficult.
Mirabella Apartment 3*
Located on the western coast of Mirabello Bay, surrounded by picturesque gardens, 3 km from the center of Agios Nikolas and 60 km from Heraklion airport, address: Road To Elounda, Agios Nikolas, 72100.
Prices for studios and apartments – from 75 euros per day (per Double Room). The rooms are not very large, cozy, equipped with a kitchenette with everything you need and balconies overlooking the sea.
Friendly staff and good service, cleanliness is constantly maintained, both in the rooms and throughout the hotel.
Free of charge: wireless Internet, bicycle rental, air conditioning, accommodation for children under 2 years old, as well as (upon prior request) pets.
Mirabella Apartment's garden has a swimming pool with hydromassage and a bar offering drinks, snacks and a variety of beers at affordable prices.
The restaurant prepares dishes only from fresh local products. There is a grocery store on site.
You can also rent surfboards here. The beach is a short walk away, across a small road. Sunbeds are paid - 3 euros.
A comfortable hotel for both families and youth.
Hotel Lato Hotel 2*
Cozy, 50-room hotel in the city center – a good choice For budget holiday, address: Agios Nikolas, Ammoudi 72100.
Simple but elegant, surrounded by palm trees, small and quiet. Bright, spacious rooms in pastel colors, priced from 45 euros for a double room. Each room has air conditioning (5 euros per day), mini-fridge, kettle, TV, free WI-FI and cable Internet in public areas (4 euros – hour).
In the garden by the pool there is a barbecue, children's playground, restaurant, snack bar, court.
Breakfast includes fresh homemade cakes, among other things.
Not far from the hotel (just over 300 m) there are two sandy beaches with good developed infrastructure. Sun loungers and umbrellas are paid (3 euros).
The ideal location allows you to reach the many taverns, shops and restaurants in the surrounding area within minutes. Great for a well-organized holiday at a low price.
Du Lac hotel 1*
A simple hotel with rooms decorated in light beige tones. Prices – from 34 euros for a simple room for two (breakfast is paid – 8-9 euros).
Stunning views of the lake are, of course, its main advantage. The rooms have free WI-FI, refrigerator, TV. There are many restaurants and cafes around the hotel, the nearest beach is 400 meters away.
The downside is that the furniture hasn’t been updated for a long time; No toiletries, swimming pool and gym; There is no private parking, there are private paid ones (4 euros per day), the nearest free one is next to the city port.
In general, the hotel is very clean, calm, with friendly staff, always ready to help.
Beaches in Agios Nikolas
The beaches of Agios Nikolas delight with cleanliness and clear water; on many of them you can relax in the shade of trees, in picturesque bays, where snow-white yachts sway on quiet emerald waves.
There are many well-equipped beaches around the resort, but some of the best are:
Ammoudara
Just 1 km north of Agios Nikolas. An excellent sandy beach, with developed infrastructure, protected from the wind, but due to its easy accessibility (Ammudara is located on the main road from the city towards the town of Ierapetra), the beach is almost always crowded.
Ammos
Sandy, 0.5 km south of the city center, starts at the Marina port and extends south to the municipal beach.
Well equipped, there are showers, sun loungers with umbrellas (6 euros per couple), within walking distance a large number of shops, taverns and hotels.
The entrance is gentle, the sea is usually calm.
Agos Nikolasa Municipal Beach
Paid entrance. The beach is pebble, but most of– grassy lawn with trees and sun loungers, there is a swimming pool (adults and children).
Almiros
The beach is long and sandy, the water is shallow, the entrance is easy, cold currents can be encountered in the water due to the fact that the beach is located at the outlet of the river of the same name.
Well equipped with snack bars and water sports facilities.
A pair of sun loungers and an umbrella cost 7 euros.
From Agios Nikolas to Almiros beach is 2.5 km, you can reach it by car or on foot along the road running north from the beach parallel to the rocky coast.
Akti Koundourou
Along the coastal street Akti Koundourou, which leads to the lake, there is a well-organized beach where you can visit a diving school and buy several dives (on average 40 euros per dive with equipment).
What to see in Agios Nikolas?
The city, despite its history going back centuries, is more famous for its natural attractions.
Vulizmeni
The main attraction is the freshwater lake Vulizmeni.
According to myths, Athena bathed in it. It was believed that the waters of the lake have a healing and rejuvenating effect.
It looks almost round, with a diameter of about 140 meters and a depth of almost 70 meters. Previously it was believed that the lake had no bottom, and even today the exact depth of its silt at the bottom is unknown.
The view of the lake is mesmerizing. Swimming is not allowed.
Church of St. Nicholas
In the northern part of the city, on a small hill, there is the Church of St. Nicholas, after whom the city is named. The church was built in the 8th century, and to this day you can see unique frescoes and paintings of that time.
Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolas
The city's archaeological museum is one of Crete's most visited sites, with thousands of artifacts on display in chronological order, from Neolithic times to the rise of the Roman Empire.
The museum tells the history of Crete from the time of the Minoan civilization to the Middle Ages. A variety of vessels, bronze and gold items are collected here, some of the most ancient on the island (third millennium BC).
The museum is located on Odos Paleologou street 74, near the city center. Entrance ticket – 3 euros. Open every day from 8.30 to 15.00, except Monday. Currently may be closed due to renovations.
Excursion to the island of Spinalonga
From the city's port, small boats will take you to the island of Spinalonga.
Tickets are sold both at the port and at the bus station (15 euros for a 4-hour trip).
This interesting and relaxing excursion will introduce you to the remains of an ancient settlement, which was built to defend against enemies on this island, and then was used as a leper colony.
The remains of stone houses and defensive structures, thanks to which the islanders were at one time largely protected from pirate raids, will immerse you in the atmosphere of the 16th century. And the tragic story of people gathered from all over Europe and left here to die from a terrible disease will touch the heart.
City observation deck
To enjoy stunning views of the city from above, climb observation deck above Lake Vulizmeni, (the road “to the sky” from the KTEL bus station). The impressions will be unforgettable.
Prices in cafes and taverns of Agios Nikolas
Most of the taverns in Agios Nikolas are concentrated around the lake. You will find a more authentic establishment on the outskirts or on the outskirts, since almost everything here is designed for tourists.
The food is delicious and varied everywhere. Approximate prices The dishes that you definitely need to try while relaxing in Agios Nikolas look like this (in euros): Cretan wine (0.7 ml) - 12 euros;
The vast majority of them are concentrated around the lake; clay crafts, textiles with hand embroideries in Cretan motifs, and small copies of famous museum exhibits. Here you can buy magnets, postcards and books telling about the history of the island and its cities, in memory of your vacation in Crete.
Fashionable shops and boutiques can be found on the Koundourou promenade and on 28th October Street. This pedestrian street is beautiful in itself, where the local elite gathers, and restaurants offer the best food. It goes from the port to central square, where the Church of St. Toritsa rises. There are many clothing stores, world-class brands, numerous jewelry stores, as well as fur workshops where you can choose fur products at affordable prices.
Don't miss a trip to the Sunday market, where you can buy a lot of interesting things at low prices on the last day of the week.
The most interesting as souvenirs:
- local knitwear, T-shirts with characteristic Cretan designs (6–9 euros);
- crafts, silver jewelry (earrings, rings, bracelets, pendants) – from 10 euros;
- Greek style leather sandals – from 20 euros;
- funny figured clay paintings and decorative plates with local species - from 20 euros;
- gift sets (small bottle of olive oil and various seasonings around) – 5 euros;
- lamp in the shape of a Cretan house – 15–20 euros;
- magnets – from 2 euros;
- crafts made from olive wood – 20-50 euros.
On the northern coast of eastern Crete, 65 km east of Heraklion, lies the town of Agios Nikolaos. It is located on the slopes of the Gulf of Mirabello, not far from the small village in which there are most popular luxury hotels in Crete. Beautiful beaches surround the city, but the most impressive in the region is the palm-fringed Vai Beach, on an isolated east coast. The nearby traditional villages of the Lassithi Valley add a certain flavor to this city and will not leave any traveler indifferent.
Top 7 attractions in Agios Nikolaos
There is a lake in the heart of Agios Nikolaos Vulizmeni- a small round lake surrounded by a hillside on one side and busy cafeterias and fish restaurants on the other. You can also see small fishing boats moored here and ducks calmly swimming on the lake. It is especially beautiful at night when the neon lights, lanterns and flickering candles reflect off the water. According to local legend, the goddess Athena bathed here, and for a long time the lake was considered bottomless (although its depth is 64 meters). In fact, this lake was originally freshwater until a canal was dug in 1870 to connect it to the sea. The canal is crossed by a fairly low bridge, meaning that only small boats can enter the lake.
The rich and famous from the worlds of cinema, sports and politics choose to holiday in Elounda hotels thanks to the excellent service provided in its exclusive modern hotel complexes located in landscaped grounds with villas and apartments. Some of them offer comfortable extras such as private swimming pools, Jacuzzis, saunas, GYM's and personal chef services. Situated eight kilometers north of Agios Nikolaos, Elounda stretches along the coast between Sisma and Plaka, offering stunning views of the serene blue waters of Mirabello Bay and the island of Spinalonga. Even if you are unable to stay at one of the hotels, some of them have wellness centers that non-residents can visit for massages and beauty treatments.
Spinalonga Island
After this you will cross Mirabello Bay and make another stop. Depending on the wind, you can swim in the sea at Voulisma Beach in Kalo Chorio or visit the islands of Kolokita and Spinalonga, as well as the isolated Krio Bay.
Residents of Crete express their feelings and emotions not only with words, but also with dance movements and, of course, songs. The most compelling way for Cretans to express themselves is through music and dancing, which were prohibited during the island's long occupation.
This evening you will see how good local residents dance and get acquainted with traditional Cretan music. The extraordinary melody with its oriental elements, the precise steps of the dancers, acrobatic movements, the colorful costumes of women and the strict national clothes of men - all this belongs to the traditional Cretan holidays.
Let yourself experience the celebration of life as a resident of Crete. Try some of the dance steps. This evening of fun and dancing includes as much food and local wine as you'd like.
Boat trip on the ship Black Rose
Every day the ship “Black Rose” sets off on a sea voyage from the port of Hersonissos to the clear waters of the Cretan Sea. A trip on this mighty vessel gives you the opportunity to explore magnificent sea caves, swim in the refreshing sea, and enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch.
Arrive at the port of Hersonissos and board the Black Rose where you will be greeted by a friendly and experienced captain and crew. Drift peacefully through the sparkling waters of the Cretan Sea to your first stop, St. George's Bay. Admire sea caves filled with blue light reflecting off the water, and take a dip in the invigorating waters with your snorkel gear. Return to the boat and enjoy a BBQ lunch, carefully prepared by your crew.
Continue to Sissi, Malia and Stalis to see a different side of Crete. Keep an eye out for majestic dolphins and sea turtles, common visitors to the area. Unforgettable views of the coastal part of the island await you, as well as a stop in Stalis Bay for swimming and getting a dose of vitamins from fresh water. fruit juice. The walk ends with a return back to the port of Hersonissos.
Try spending a day exploring the secluded island of Chrissi. A 45-minute boat ride from the port of Ierapetra will take you to the island, enjoying its mesmerizing natural and exotic beauty, sunbathing on the long golden sand beach, swimming in the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea or taking a walk through the cedar forest.
Preserving its pristine natural beauty for many years, the island Chrissi is protected nature reserve and has an impressive collection of untouched landscapes. Once you disembark, follow the path through Europe's largest natural forest of Lebanese cedars to a golden beach lined with purple shells and fossils. Spend some time in the forest, then take a dip in the crystal clear sea or just breathe in the fresh air.
Agios Nikolaos is located in Greece on the island of Crete. This Greek city is the capital of Lasithi. It is washed by the waters of Mirabello, a bay of the Aegean Sea.
Location of Agios Nikolaos on map Krita.
Crete Nicholas short history
Agios Nikolaos arose on the site of 2 settlements - Lato and Kritsa in the 3rd century. BC. The resort received its current name in the 9th century, when the Church of St. Nicholas was built there.
In the 12th century the city began to "wither". Its revival began in the 18th century, and since the 60s of the 20th century, the resort of St. Nicholas Greece began to actively develop as a popular tourist destination.
Agios Nikolaos on the map of Crete
Today in Agios Nikolaos you can stay in apartments or hotels with different numbers of stars awarded to them.
Climate of Agios Nikolaos
Thanks to its location, between the mountains, Agios Nikolaos is protected from the north winds.
The climate in Agios Nikolaos on Crete is Mediterranean: the weather in this place is always warm. Even on winter nights the thermometer does not drop below +10°C.
On a note! Increased cloudiness and the rainy season begins in December.
August is considered the hottest month: average temperature air this month is +30°C, and water +26°C.
Note! The ideal time to visit the resort is May-June - late September-early October.
How to get there?
It is easier to get to Agios Nikolaos from Heraklion airport (60 km between them). The journey by car/taxi will take about an hour (the trip will cost 68 euros*), and by KTEL bus it will take 1.5-2 hours (the fare will be 7.70 euros).
Agios Nikolaos Crete attractions
Agios Nikolaos in Greece is famous for the following attractions:
- Church of St. Nicholas (built in the 8th century): its location is a small hill in the north of the city. Visitors to the church will be able to admire ancient icons and frescoes dating back to the 14th century;
- Panagias Keras Church: The 3-nave church, which can be visited every day except Mondays from 9am to 2pm, features Byzantine frescoes. Entrance fee - 2 euros;
- Archaeological Museum: the main exhibits housed in 8 halls of the museum are finds from all over Eastern Crete.
Note! Anyone who decides to include a visit to the Archaeological Museum in their vacation itinerary will see a large collection of coins.
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 8:30 to 19:30 (in winter - until 15:00).
Entrance fee - 4 euros.*
- Ethnographic Museum: there you can see embroidery, textiles, old photographs, pictures, costumes, a model of a traditional Cretan house. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entrance - 3 euros.*
- Lake Vulismeni: the depth of it freshwater lake- 64 m. According to ancient Greek myth, the goddess Athena bathed in Lake Vulismeni. Today the lake is of interest to tourists due to the walking areas, boat piers, and numerous cafes located along its shores. And also the places around the lake are points for creating beautiful photographs;
- Kunduru Embankment: The embankment, which stretches for several hundred meters, is lined with cafes and shops.
Lake Vulismeni
Note! From the Kundur embankment everyone will be able to admire beautiful panorama Mirabello Bay.
Beaches of Agios Nikolaos
Tourists will be able to relax on the following beaches of St. Nicholas in Crete:
- Municipal Beach Kitroplatia (550 m): is a sand and pebble beach with a gentle entry into the water, equipped with umbrellas, sun loungers, cafes, showers, and a rescue point;
- Ammos Beach (400 m): on this beach you can rent the necessary equipment for diving, as well as ride a jet ski, banana boat, and water ski;
- Almyros Beach (2.2 km): This beach is famous for its fine sandy shore, making it ideal for children to spend time. On Almyros Beach you can hide from the sun in the shade of eucalyptus trees or beach umbrellas, and satisfy your hunger in the snack bars;
- Ammoudi Beach (1.2 km): is small sandy beach with a smooth entry into the water, where lovers flock aquatic species sports Ammoudi Beach is equipped with umbrellas, changing rooms, a lifeguard tower, sun loungers, a cafe;
- Havania Beach (3.2 km): This place is mainly aimed at lovers of snorkeling, diving and other water sports. There are quite a few people here. The water is clean. There are no strong waves because Havania Beach is located in a small bay.
Ammoudi Beach
Note! The pebble Havania Beach is well equipped: there are sun loungers, umbrellas, lifeguards, food establishments, a toilet, a shower, a changing cabin, and parking. It is worth noting that renting a set of beach equipment (umbrella + 2 sun loungers) will cost 7 euros/day.
Shopping
The town of St. Nicholas on Crete is able to please shopaholics with the presence of a variety of shops. Their main locations are the city center and the Embankment area. In local retail outlets you will be able to purchase leather and fur products, jewelry, clothing from international brands, clay crafts, national embroidery, small copies of exhibits from Cretan museums, and ancient books.
One of the display cases at Art on Olive Wood
Note! For original costume jewelry and jewelry, it is advisable to go to DES Handmade Jewelry by Despina Kornelaki, for all kinds of souvenirs - to Creta Natura, and for exclusive handmade products - to Art on Olive Wood.
- Take a look at the Pelagos restaurant: there you can enjoy delicious seafood dishes;
- Visit the Melissa Traditional Products store to purchase locally produced natural cosmetics;
- Wander around the Sunday market, which is a kind of huge second-hand store.
It is best to go on a tour to Agios Nikolaos in the summer, when ideal weather for swimming. And besides, during this period, the resort becomes a venue for various festivals and holidays.
People go to Agios Nikolaos for different purposes: there is something to do for beachgoers, shopaholics, lovers of excursions, water and night entertainment.
* Prices are valid for summer 2018
Agios Nikolaos town located 2 kilometers from the hotel Mirabello Beach & Village 5. Previously the city was called Mandraki. The day after arriving at Crete we went to this beautiful town. Our path lay along the embankment Mirabello Bay. Extraordinary beautiful landscapes pleasing to the eye. There are shops and taverns all along the embankment, and if you go there you will definitely be persuaded to buy something.
Tavern where you can eat fresh fish
Ficuses grow on the embankment
On the streets of Agios Nikolaos there are many flowers of unusual beauty.
All sellers more or less speak Russian. It turns out that many attend Russian language courses in the winter.
The main attraction is Lake Vulizmeni, located in the city center. This lake is mentioned in many myths because people allegedly swam in it two goddesses Athena and Artemis.
Myths say that the lake was formed after a volcanic eruption on Santorini island and connected to it by an underwater current.
Church on the shore of Lake Vulizmeni
The lake has the shape of a circle with a diameter of about 137 meters. The lake is connected to the sea by a canal built in the 19th century. The lake is salty only to a depth of 30-35 meters, and below that the water is fresh. They say that at the bottom of the lake there is military equipment German troops who left the island after World War 2. I don’t know how everything really is, but the lake is very beautiful.
Along the coast there are cafes, restaurants, and taverns. You can eat deliciously, each client is dear, and is invited individually. Such hospitality is sometimes burdensome.
Cafe on the shore of Lake Vulizmeni
They sell handicrafts here and make a living here. I paid 1 euro for this grandmother’s photo, my grandmother politely hinted to me.
There are many small pleasure boats moored here. There are many travel agencies here that offer excursions at very reasonable prices.
Pleasure boat on the pier
The city is located on hills, so there are a lot of stairs in the city. Many of them are of architectural value, as they were built by famous architects.
The city is a network of narrow streets where the best souvenir shops and fur coat boutiques, bars, clubs and dance floors are located.
These funny advertisements are posted on the streets of the city, inviting tourists to fur shops.
The city is called Cretan Saint-Tropez. In this city you can meet a celebrity walking along the embankment.
The city has a small beach located on a square called Kitroplatia.
City Beach awarded blue flag, which is a quality certificate established by the European Commission. The flag is awarded based on analyzes of the cleanliness of the water and the shore.
From Kitroplatia Square a long path lined with stone begins. The path ends at the Marina of Agios Nikolaos. In the last century, a brisk trade in citrus fruits took place in this area, which were supplied by merchant ships from other countries.
The city has Archaeological Museum And Ethnographical museum. The museums have a lot of ancient Greek exhibits found during archaeological excavations.
In the center of the city there is a monument to those who fell during various wars.
The famous sculpture of the city is the sculpture "Cornucopia".
Sculpture "Cornucopia"
“Cornucopia” - a sculpture created by sculptors brothers Sotiriadis. The statue resembles a large horn made of green glass and metal.
The history of sculpture is also taken from myth. The monument is dedicated goat Amalthea, who fed god Zeus, whom the mother goddess hid on the island of Crete from her husband god Kron who ate his children. The myth says that when a goat died, Zeus' mother kept its horn as a sign of respect and gratitude.
There is also a sculpture on the embankment "The Rape of Europa".
Sculpture “The Rape of Europa”
The author of the project for this sculpture is the Greek director Nikos Koundouros. He imagined Europe as a young woman sitting on a large bull. The animal personifies the god Zeus. In the woman's hands is a herald's staff. This attribute has the property of trying on warring parties. Also, it is considered the key between light and darkness, death and life, evil and good.
Located in the central square Church of Elfetherios Venizelos, painted in Byzantine style in 1980. The facade of the church is painted with mosaics. Anyone can come into the church and pray.
Not far from the city, on the territory of one hotel, there is another famous landmark of the city, this Church of St. Nicholas, built in the 8th century.
The church enjoys increased attention from local residents. It is named after this church.
Iconostasis in the Church of St. Nicholas
Anyone can visit the church. To do this, at the hotel reception you need to take the key to the church and open the church yourself. This church is the oldest on the island. It is one of the first buildings in this area of Crete. In Agios Nikolaos, the houses amaze with their original architecture and layout.
Ordinary Greeks live in very simple houses.
We visited more than once and each time we learned something new about this city. Here we bought a lot of souvenirs and gifts. I want to return to this city again, but that’s for another time.
There is a lot of interesting things ahead about holidays on the island of Crete. Do not miss! Subscribe to blog news.
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Agios Nikolaos- the administrative center of the Cretan nome of Lasithi, conveniently located in picturesque bay Mirabello. This city can be given the status of the most “non-Cretan” due to the bustle of the resort and the dominance of modern buildings in the architecture. But despite the apparent shortcomings, Agios Nikolaos has its own special charm. Just look at the embankment of the freshwater lake Vulismeni, along which there are numerous cafes and restaurants, where life never stops day or night.
The city of Agios Nikolaos owes its name to the Christian saint - Saint Nicholas, in whose honor a church in the Byzantine style was built in the 9th century. It was in this city that the first tourists appeared in the 60s of the last century. Modern city St. Nicholas is often called the Cretan Saint-Tropez and today it is considered one of the most comfortable Greek resorts.
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Attractions of Agios Nikolaos
Mirabello Bay
Finding yourself in Agios Nikolaos and not visiting Mirabello Bay is a big mistake. For many centuries this place has been untouched natural beauty pleases the eyes of every traveler, tourist and local resident. From the shore of the bay you can endlessly admire the picturesque combination of sea and city landscapes.
Lake Vulismeni
It is around this circular lake that the city is built. As legend has it, the supreme deities of Greek mythology, Athena and Artemis, often liked to swim in the lake.
Interesting Facts about Lake Vulismeni:
- Until 1867, the lake was isolated from the sea. And only during the Turkish rule of Crete, by order of Adosid Pasha, the lake was connected to the sea by a small canal. But despite the fact that sea water fell into the lake, many underground springs prevent the water from becoming completely salty.
- After Crete was liberated from the Nazi invaders, local population drowned a large amount of enemy equipment in the waters of the lake, which still rests at the bottom.
- The depth of the lake is 64 meters, diameter is 137 meters.
- Prices in cafes and restaurants on the lake shore are on average 30% higher than in the old city.
Archaeological Museum
IN Archaeological Museum Agios Nikolaos contains the second largest exhibition of objects from the Minoan period in Crete.
- Museum address: Paleologou Konstantinou 74
- Entrance ticket price: 4 euros
- Opening hours: Tue.-Sun., 8:30-15:00
Ethnographical museum
The collection of the Ethnographic Museum contains unique works cultural heritage Krita.
- Museum address: Paleologou Konstantinou 4
- Entrance ticket price: 3 euros
- Opening hours: Tue.-Sun., 10:00-14:00
Church of St. Nicholas
The church is located on a small hill in the northern part of the city. In the church you can see unique ancient icons and frescoes.
Elounda
12 kilometers from Agios Nikolaos there is a small resort town– Elounda, which is a cluster of luxury hotels located in numerous bays. At one time, Bono from U2, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Lady Gaga stayed here.
Spinaloga Island
Village Kritsa
The mountain village of Kritsa, located 11 kilometers from Agios Nikolaos, is notable for the fact that local residents have preserved the life and traditions of “old” Crete. Unfortunately, Kritsa is very popular among tourists. As a result, the streets of the village turn into souvenir shopping arcades from early morning.
Beaches of Agios Nikolaos
As already mentioned, this resort is very popular among tourists. Therefore in summer season The city and nearby beaches are always crowded. We recommend driving further away from the city and finding secluded small beaches and coves.
If we talk about the city beaches of Agios Nikolaos, then it is worth noting the excellent organization of recreation and entertainment areas for both adults and children. Unfortunately, the main municipal beach city has paid entrance.
- Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 5*
- Nicholas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas
- Minos Beach Art hotel 5*
- Sensimar Minos Palace 5*
- Candia Park Village 4*
- Dessole Mirabello Beach & Village 5*
- Dessole Hermes 4*
- Blue Marine Resort & Spa 5*
- Miramare Resort & Spa 4*
- Santa Marina Hotel 3*