Agios Nicolaos Crete

Agios Nikolaos is the capital of the regional unit of Lasithi. Located on the south coastline of Crete, it is built on the western side of the gulf of Mirabello. This small town of Crete has a long history, and is a tourist resort thanks to its picturesque area and its beautiful beaches.

In the area of the modern Agios Nikolaos city was the minoan city of 'Lato pros Kamara'. During the Byzantine era the city was renamed Episkopi Kamaras (Diocese of Arch). During the Venetian domination, the conquerors gave no particular importance to the city and did not fortify it. At the beginning of the 20th century, the capital of Lasithi prefecture was transferred to Agios Nikolaos and then began the development of the city. Until today, the town remains a picturesque tourist resort, which attracts many visitors annually.

Agios Nikolaos has many attractions both in the city and in the wider area. To begin with, the lake Voulismeni is perhaps the most famous attraction of the city. Located in the centre of the city, it gives a picturesque tone of beauty in the city. According to mythology, here was the place that the goddess Athena and the goddess Artemis Vritomartis showered. It is the ideal place to enjoy your coffee in one of the many caffees and restaurants that you will find around the lake. To learn more about the history of Eastern Crete and its ancient civilization, you must visit the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos, which is located in the city center. Just opposite the city is the island of Spinalonga. The island of Spinalonga is interconnected with the rest of Crete with boats that make frequent routes. There you will discover the venetian walls and the remains of the leper hospital. Near the village of Kritsa is located the church of Panagia Kera, where you can admire monumental byzantine frescoes of the 14th century. In a short distance from the town of Agios Nikolaos is located the city of Ierapetra, which is the southernmost town of Europe, while, north of Agios Nikolaos is Elounda, the cosmopolitan tourist resort.

Agios Nikolaos combines the crystal blue waters of the Cretan sea with golden sandy beaches. Here you will find both organized beaches with all the amenities, as well as secluded beaches for relaxing moments. The bay of Mirabello is actually the coast of the city. The most famous beaches are the Ammoudi, the Istros, the Kitroplatia, the Havania and the Ammoudara. In addition, don't forget to visit the Voulisma beach for a swim in its turquoise waters.

In the town of Agios Nikolaos you will find many taverns to enjoy traditional cretan cuisine, but also restaurants specializing in international cuisines. Moreover, street food is the ideal solution for those who want a quick meal during the day. Crete is famous for its cuisine and its particular tastes. Try Hohlioi, which is snails, the stathamnagki tsigaristo, the skaltsounia and the skioufihta. In addition, don't forget to try the antikristo, which is usually lamb or goat that is cooked around the fire. Finally, the perfect accompaniment to every meal is undoubtedly the raki.

The nightlife of Agios Nikolaos is located in the area around the port. There you will find a lot of nightclubs and bars, which offer refreshing cocktails and louge music, as well as intense fun until the early hours. There are several musical options from foreign mainstream music and latin to Greek folk music. The decision is yours.

The dialing code of the area of Agios Nikolaos is 28410. The nearest airport is that of Heraklion "Nikos Kazantzakis" (HER), which is just 50 minutes from the town of Agios Nikolaos. For transport within the city there are buses, which interconnect many areas of the city and are within walking distance from the port.